1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM power steering

LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is in
LOCK. It’s also the only
position in which you can remove the key. This locks
your steering wheel, ignition and transaxle (on automatic models).
OFF (C): This position unlocks the steering wheel and
ignition, but does not send electrical power to any
accessories.
Use this position if your vehicle must be
pushed or towed, but never
try to push-start your
vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if you open the
driver’s door when the ignition is
off and the key is in
the ignition.
RUN @): This position is where the key returns after
you
start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays
in the RUN position when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can use
RUN to operate your electrical power accessories, and
to display some instrument panel warning lights.
START (E): This position starts your engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will
return to RUN for normal driving.
Note that even if the engine is not running, the positions
ACCESSORY and RUN are on positions that allow you
to operate your electrical accessories, such as the radio.
On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to
LOCK will lock the steering column and result
in
a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could
cause a collision.
If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only
to OFF. Don’t press the key release button while
the vehicle is moving.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can’t
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch.
If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
2-15

Windows
On a vehicle with manual windows, use the window
crank located on the inside of each door to open and
close each window.
Power Windows (If Equipped)
The power window switches are located on the door armrests; the driver’s door armrest has controls for all
of
the windows, These switches will only work when the
ignition is on.
Auto-Down Window
The driver’s window switch has an auto-down feature.
This switch is labeled
AUTO. Tap the switch back, and
the driver’s window will open a small amount. When the
switch is moved all the way back, the window will go
down all the way.
To stop the window while it is lowering, move the
switch forward.
To raise the window, move and hold the
switch forward.
On four-door models, the driver’s power window
controls
also include a lock-out switch. Press LOCK to
stop front
and rear passengers from using their window
switches.
The driver can still control all the windows
with the lock on. Press the other side of the LOCK
button for normal window operation.
Horn
Press the center of your steering wheel to sound
the
horn.
2-33

NOTICE:
Accessory Power Outlet
You have an accessory power outlet, you can plug in an
electrical accessory. The outlet is located on the
instrument panel to the right
of the steering wheel. Be Don’t put papers and other things that burn into
your ashtrays.
If you do, cigarettes or other
accessory power outlet is protected by a fuse and has a causing damage.
included with any electrical equipment you install. The smoking materials could set them on fire,
sure to follow the proper installation instructions that are
maximum current level.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors. You
can also swing them to the side.
Your vehicle may also have a plastic extension which
pulls out of the main visor to increase protection
from glare.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Open the cover to expose the vanity mirror.
Litter Bag Hook
There is a litter bag hook located on the front passenger
side of the center console storage area.
2-50

Your instrument panel is designed to let you know at a glance how \
your vehicle is running. You’ll know how fast
you’re going, how much
fuel you’re using, and many other things you’ll need to drive \
safely and economically.
The main components of your instrument panel are:
A. Fuse Panel
B. Vent
C. Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
D. Horn
E. Hazard Warning Flashers Switch F. Instrument Cluster
G. Windshield WipersNasher Stalk
H. Audio System
I. Side Window Defogger Vent
J. Glove Box
K. Climate Control System L. Gear Shift Lever
M. CupholdedAshtray (If Equipped)
N. Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Switch
0. Accessory Power
Outlenighter (If Equipped)
(If Equipped)
P. Ignition Switch
Q. Tilt Steering Wheel Lever (If Equipped)
R. Fog Lamp Switch
S. Hood
Release Handle
T. Instrument Panel Intensity ControlDnterior
Lamps Switch
2-53

To unlock a secured radio, see “Unlocking the
Theft-Deterrent Feature After
a Power Loss” earlier in
this section.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(If Equipped)
SEEK: Press the up arrow to tune to the next radio
station and
the down arrow to tune to the previous radio
station.
If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, the
player
will advance with the up arrow and rewind with
the down arrow.
AM-FM: Press this button to choose AM, FM1 or FM2.
If a cassette tape or compact disc is playing, it will stop
and the radio will play.
PRESET: Press this button to play a station you have
programmed
on the radio preset buttons.
PLAY: Press this button to play a cassette tape or
compact
disc when the radio is playing.
MUTE: Press this button to silence the system. Press it
again, or any other radio button, to turn on the sound.
I VOL: Press the up or down arrow to increase or
decrease volume.
If your vehicle has
this feature, you can control certain
radio functions using the buttons
on your steering wheel.
3-22

To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Enhanced
Traction System
on. But you can turn the system off if
you ever need to. (You should turn the system off if your
vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice
or snow. See
“Rocking Your Vehicle” in
the Index.)
To turn the system on or off,
press the button on the shift
lever knob.
When
you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction
System warning light will come on
and stay on. If the
Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button to
turn the system off, the warning
light will come on
-- but the system won’t turn off right
away. It
will wait until there’s no longer a current need
to limit wheel spin. You
can turn the system
back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The Enhanced Traction System
warning light should go off.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the
very best braking.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops
or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)
This steering system provides lighter steering effort for
parking and at low vehicle speeds. Steering effort will
increase at higher speeds for improved road feel.
4-10

7 Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There \
is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-5
6-8
6-8
6-13
6-19
6-20
6-23 6-24
6-25
6-29
6-29 6-30
6-31
Service
Fuel
Fuels
in Foreign Countries
Filling
Your Tank
Filling a Portable Fuel Container Checking Things Under the Hood
Engine Oil
Air Cleaner
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Manual Transaxle Fluid
Hydraulic Clutch
Engine Coolant
Thermostat Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Brakes
6-36
6-36
6-42 6-50
6-5
1
6-53
6-54
6-56
6-57
6-58
6-59
6-64
6-65
6-65
6-66 6-66
Battery
Bulb Replacement
Tires
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside
of Your Vehicle
Care
of Safety Belts
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
Finish Damage
Appearance Care Materials Chart
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Electrical System
Replacement Bulbs
Capacities and Specifications Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Vehicle Dimensions
6-1

2.4L (CODE T) Engine
When you open the hood, you'll see:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
H.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
F. Brake Fluid Reservoir Reservoir (If Equipped)
C. Engine
Oil Dipstick G. Windshield Washer I. Air Cleaner
D. Automatic Transaxle Dipstick Fluid Reservoir
J. Battery
(If Equipped)
6-11