1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM Owners Manual

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to
give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to
be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need
to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts and
wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks
air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer if
any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each
new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only
with new GM original
equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your Pontiac
model.
I A CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling
of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control.
You could have a collision in which
you or others could
be iqjured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for replacement.
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NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a
Flat Tire” in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
f
A CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new
GM original equipment wheel.
I
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P195/65R15 or P205/55R16
size tires, don’t use tire chains. They can
damage your vehicle because there’s
not
enough clearance.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for
use on your
vehicle and
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions.
To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust
or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
NOTICE: (Continued)
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NOTICE: (Continued)
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If you have other tires, use tire chains only where
legal and only when you must.
Use only SAE
Class “S” type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and
tighten them
as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop
and retighten them,
If the contact continues,
slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or
spinning the wheels with chains on will damage
your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flame if you strike a
match or get them
on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous
if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
And always open your doors or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
0 Benzene
0 Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
0 Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They can
all be hazardous -- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
Don’t use any of these unless
this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
0 Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
6-50

Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe
vinyl or leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent Dry Spot and Soil
Remover. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well. You can get GM-approved cleaning products from
your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in
the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often.
A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately or it will set.
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner
on Fabric
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask
surrounding
trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on
the container label to form thick suds.
Use suds
only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t
saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
As soon
as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
Wipe cleaned area with
a clean, damp towel or cloth.
Wipe with a clean cloth and let
dry.

Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black), egg,
hit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood
can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
soiled area with cool water.
2. If a stain remains, follow the multi-purpose interior
cleaner instructions described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with a waterhaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. Let dry.
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. First, clean with cool water and allow to
dry completely.
Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner.
3. If a stain remains, follow instructions for
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have
to do it more than once.
0 Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain
if you don’t get them
off quickly. Use a clean
cloth and a vinyVleather cleaner. See
your dealer
for
this product.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather
dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
0 For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
0 Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
dealer for this product.
cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.
0 Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately.
If dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.
6-52

Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films
on
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
interior glass.
under certain conditions.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
I- -
A CAUTIf'N:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals
on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped
off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window,
an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
1 If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on
the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of
the windshield with GM 1 might not be able to provide adequate protection. Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
Clean safety belts only with mild soap and
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse lukewarm water.
glass cleaning powder), GM Part No. 105001 1. The
it
with water.
6-53

Grime &om the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may
be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids
and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is
to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays
of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning
agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches
and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior LampsLenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean
exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under
“Washing Your Vehicle.”
6-54

Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to
remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)
Your vehicle has a “basecoatlclearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to
the colored
basecoat. Always
use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatlclearcoat
paint
finish.
I NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoaticlearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar,
tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as -possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a period
of years.
You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged
or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry
with a soft clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface
of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage
the surface.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These brushes can also damage
the surface of these wheels.
6-55