1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM instrument panel

2.
3.
4.
5.
Open the fuse panel on the driver’s side of the
instrument panel. Remove the fuse labeled
PWL. This will keep your battery from draining
while towing.
Turn the ignition key to OFF to unlock the
steering wheel.
Shift your manual transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
Release the parking brake.
.. -
NOTICE:
Make sure that the towing speed does not exceed
65 mph (110 km/h), or your vehicle could be
badly damaged.
Towing your Vehicle from the Rear
b
m 8
c1
5
NOTICE:
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your
vehicle could
be badly damaged and the costly
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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Making Turns
NOTICE:
~ ~~______
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle.
Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
’Ibm Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different
turn signal flasher andor extra wiring. Check
with your Pontiac dealer. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you signal
a turn
or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also flash, telling other drivers you’re about to
turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing
a trailer, the green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signal when they are not.
It’s important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are
still working.
4-40

Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a low
cooIant warning light
on your vehicle’s instrument
panel. See “Engine Coolant Temperature Gage”
and
“Low Coolant Warning Light” in the Index.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
A CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even
if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it
cools down. Wait until
there
is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the
hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop your engine
if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine
is cool.
I NOTICE: I
If your engine catches fire because you keep
driving
with no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered
by your warranty.
5-14

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label),
it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications.
If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle
will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle
may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return
to your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure.
In the event it is
determined that the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT);
ask your service station operator whether or not his fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines.
If fuels containing MMT are used,
spark plug life may be reduced and your emission
control system performance may be aEected. The
malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your authorized
Pontiac dealer
for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming
in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have
to add
anything to the fuel.
In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such
as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available
in your area to
help clean the
air. General Motors recommends that you
use these gasolines
if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't
use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered
under your warranty.
6-4

Engine Oil
If your vehicle is equipped
with the
3 100 engine,
there is a CHECK
OIL CHECK
OIL
light in your instrument
panel cluster.
If the CHECK
OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on, it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For more information,
see “Check Oil
Light”
in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is an added reminder.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be
warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
2.4L Engine
6-13

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

Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER SIZE
994954 23 in. x 25 in.
1050172 16
oz. (0.473 L) 1050173 16
oz. (0.473 L)
DESCRIPTION
Exterior polishing cloth
Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated
USAGE
- - -
Tar and Road
Oil Remover
Use on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper
and brass Chrome Cleaner and Polish Removes
tar, road oil and asphalt
I 1050174 I 16 oz. (0.473 L) I White Sidewall Tire Cleaner I Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls
I 1050214 I 32 oz. (0.946 L) I Vinyl Cleaner I Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
1050427
1052925 8
oz. (0.237 L) 1052918**
16
oz. (0.473 L) 1052870
23
oz. (0.680 L)
16
oz. (0.473 L)
1052929 16 oz. (0.473 L)
1052930 8 oz. (0.237 L)
12345002 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Glass Cleaner Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
Wash Wax Concentrate Cleans and lightly waxes
Armor
All” Protectant Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas ” , plastic,
rubber and vinyl
w
Multi-Purpose Interior Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
Cleaner and floor mats
Wheel Cleaner Spray on and rinse with water
Capture
Dry Spot Remover Attracts, absorbs and removes soils
Armor All”” Cleaner Cleans and shines a variety
of surface types
12345721
Removes contaminants, blemishes
and swir1 marks Surface Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L) 12377984 Removes light scratches and oxidation and protects finish Cleane\
r Wax 16
oz. (0.473 L) 12377966 Removes dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
Finish Enhancer
16
oz. (0.473 L) 12377964 Spray on tire shine
Silicone Tire Shine
12
oz. (0.354 L) 12345725 Shines vehicle without scratching
Synthetic Chamois
2.5
sq. ft.
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. **\
Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See “Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
6-57

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- =I II 11111111 1111 111 111111 111 11111111 111111111111 111111111 IIm 0
SAMPLE4UXWM072675 bl I
ENGINE A98 1 ASSEMBLY
CODE - MODEL YEAR PLANT
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side.
You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service
Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
0 your VIN,
0 the model designation,
paint information and
0 a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that
this label is not removed from the vehicle.
6-58