1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM trunk

v
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional featur\
es on your vehicle, and information on starting, shifting and braking.
Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everythmg is
working properly -- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-7
2-11
2- 12
2- 13
2- 14
2- 14
2-
16
2- 19
2-2 1
2-25
2-27
2-28
2-30
Keys
Door
Locks
Keyless Entry System
TrUnk
Theft
Passlock@
New Vehicle “Break-In’’
Ignition Positions Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
(If Equipped)
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Manual Transaxle Operation
Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK
(P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
Shifting Out of PARK(P)
(Automatic Transaxle Models
Only)
2-30
2-3
1
2-3 1
2-32
2-33
2-34 2-34
2-42
2-44
2-47 2-48
2-50
2-5 1
2-52
2-56
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Only)
Parking Over Things That
Burn
Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You’re Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
Windows
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Accessory Power Outlet
Sunroof
(If Equipped)
The Instrument Panel --Your
Information System
Warning Lights, Gages
and Indicators
2-1

Keyless Entry System
If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your
trunk from about 3 feet (1 m)
up to
30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
In addition, the system illuminates the interior lamps for
a set period of time. The keyless entry system consists
of a receiver, which is located
in the vehicle, and two
hand-held transmitters.
Your keyless entry system
operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal
Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry Canada. This
device complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to
this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-7

This system has a range of about 3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range.
This is normal for any keyless entry system. If
the transmitter does not work or if you have to stand
closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to work,
try this:
0
0
0
0
Check to determine if battery replacement or
synchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand
closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Operation
The following functions are available with the keyless
entry system:
LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the
LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. The interior
lamps stay on for a few seconds after all of the doors
are closed.
UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically
when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within
five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior
lamps will stay on for
40 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
Trunk Release: The
trunk will unlock anytime the
vehicle symbol on the transmitter is pressed and the
ignition is
OFF. If the ignition is on, the trunk will
unlock if the parking brake is set (manual transaxle)
or
the gear selector is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
(automatic transaxle). The interior lamps will come on
for
40 seconds or until the ignition switch is turned to
the
ON position.
2-8

Trunk Remote Trunk Release
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the key and
turn the trunk lock cylinder.
1 A CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide
(CO) gas can
come into your vehicle.
You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and the
trunk lid:
Make sure all windows are shut.
lbrn the fan on your heating or cooling
system
to its highest speed with the setting on
VENT. That will force outside air into your
vehicle. See “Comfort Controls” in the Index.
instrument panel, open them all the way.
0 If you have air outlets on or under the
See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index.
a
The remote trunk release handle is located on the floor
near the
left side of the driver’s seat in front of the fuel
door release. Pull up on the remote release handle
to
release the trunk lid. Make sure the override feature is
not activated.
2-11

Trunk Security Override
The remote trunk release is
equipped with
an override
feature
to help prevent
unauthorized
entry into the
trunk when leaving the
vehicle unattended. The
switch
is located on the
inside
of the trunk lid,
mounted to the
trunk
lid latch.
To turn the override feature on, slide the switch all the
way to the right.
To turn the override feature off, slide
the switch all the way to the left.
When the override is on, the mechanical remote
trunk
release will not release the trunk lid. However, the trunk
lid can still be opened with the key.
This
lockout feature is only available on vehicles that do
not have the keyless entry system.
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although
your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features,
we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you
can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it’s an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves -- so
don’t do it.
When
you park your vehicle and open the driver’s door,
you’ll hear a chime reminding you to remove your key
from the ignition and take it with
you. Always do this.
Your steering wheel will be locked, and
so will your
ignition. If you have an automatic transaxle, taking your
key out also locks your transaxle. And remember to lock
the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with
you.
2-12

Parking Lots
If you park in a lot where someone will be watching
your vehicle, it’s best to lock it up and take your keys.
But what if
you have to leave your key?
0
0
0
a
0
0
If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
Put your valuables in a storage area, like your
trunk or glove box. Be sure to close and lock the
storage area.
Close all windows.
Slide the remote trunk release lockout switch all the
way to the right.
Lock the glove box.
Lock all the doors except the driver’s.
Passlock@
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system
is armed once the key is removed from the ignition.
Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder
is
turned with a valid key. If a correct key is not used, fuel
is disabled. During normal operation, the THEFT
SYS light will go
off after the engine is started.
If the engine stalls and the THEFT SYS light flashes,
wait until the light stops flashing before trying to restart
the engine. Remember to release the key from the START position as soon as the engine starts.
If
you are driving and the THEFT SYS light comes on,
you will be able to restart the engine if you turn the
engine
off. However, your Passlock system is not
working properly and must
be serviced by your dealer.
Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock at this time.
You may also want to check the fuse (see “Fuses and
Circuit Breakers” in the Index).
See your dealer
for service.
If the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is
running,
a problem has been detected and the system
may need service. See your dealer for service.
In an emergency, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance
Center at 1 -800-ROADSIDE or 1-800-762-3743.
(In Canada, call 1-800-268-6800).
2-13

Rear Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
These overhead lamps and the interior courtesy lamps
will come on when you open the doors.
To turn
on a reading lamp when the doors are closed,
press the button. Press
it again to turn off the lamp.
Trunk Lamp
This lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Battery Saver
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed
to protect your vehicle's battery.
When any interior lamp
(trunk, reading, footwell or
glove box) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp
off
after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery.
To reactivate
the interior lamps, either:
0 The ignition must be turned on,
The activated lamp switch must be turned off and
then
on or
0 A front door must be opened.
The battery saver feature will also
be activated when
any door
of your vehicle is left open.
2-46

Sunglasses Storage
Place your sunglasses in the open area located above
you in the overhead console, or front compartment in
the center console.
Center Console Cupholder
The console provides space for holding cups or soft
drinks.
Rear Seat Cupholder
There are cupholders on the underside of the front
storage armrest lid for the
rear passengers to use. Open
the lid completely to use the cupholders.
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You’ll see it
just inside the back wall of the
trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net. It can
help keep them from falling over during sharp
turns or
quick starts and stops.
The net isn’t for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie flat when
you’re not using it.
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
(If Equipped)
To use the lighter, just push it in all the way and let go.
When it’s ready, it
will pop back out by itself.
NOTICE:
Don’t hold a cigarette lighter in with your hand
while it is heating.
If you do, it won’t be able to
back away from the heating element when it’s ready. That can make it overheat, damaging the
lighter and the heating element.
To clean the center console ashtray, remove the ashtray
and empty it. The ashtray can be placed in the rear
cupholder for
the rear passengers to use. The ashtray can
also be placed inside the center console for storage.
When the ashtray
is removed, you can also use this tray
as a cupholder.
2-49