1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM Owners Manual

‘system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
‘ /d CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid
will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
BRAKE
United States Canada
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will
come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.
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What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid
-- such as Delco Supreme 11 @ (GM Part
No. 12377967). Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
I A CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:
0 Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts.
For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
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Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake
pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you
are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
A
a CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake
wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
See “CaliperKnuckle Maintenance Inspection’’
in
Section 7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for
wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately.
Also, the rear
brake drums should
be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced
as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
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Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel.
This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear.
If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then -- very carefully -- make a
few moderate brake stops about every
1,OOO miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system -- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change
in many
other ways
if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
6-35

Battery
Every new Pontiac has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You
never have to add water to one of these. When it’s time
for
a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
I /I CAUTION:
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Jump Starting
For jump starting instructions, see “Jump Starting” in
the Index.
Bulb Replacement
This section describes bulb changing procedures for
some of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in the
Index. For any bulbs not
listed in
this section, contact your service department.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer
to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Halogen Bulbs
I
I A CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst
if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
6-36

Headlamp Bulb Replacement 1. On the driver’s side only, unscrew the butterfly
fastener. Then lift the plate.
When replacing the headlamp bulb,
do not touch the
glass portion of the new halogen bulb. The oil from your
fingers will shorten the life of your new halogen bulb.
For the type of bulb, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index.
2. Remove the attachment bolts of the headlamp
support strap.
3. Remove the two headlamp assembly attachment bolts.
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I
I
4. Lift the headlamp assembly out of the mounting
bracket.
5. Twist the bulb assembly to the left one-sixth of a
turn and pull out the bulb assembly.
6. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
7. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to replace the bulb
assembly and headlamp housing.
6-38

Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
1. Use a flat screwdriver to gently release the tabs on
the trim cover.
2. Using a flat screwdriver, remove the screws holding
3. Use a flat screwdriver to release the tabs holding the
the bulb assembly.
socket
in place.
4. Gently remove and replace the bulbs.
5. Reverse this procedure to reassemble the lamp.
Rear Exterior Lamps
A. Stopflaillamp
B. Turn Signal Lamp
C. Back-up Lamp
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