1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM wiper blades

Windshield Wipers Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely.
To avoid
damage, be sure to clear
ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they’re frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them.
If your
blades do become damaged, get new blades or
blade inserts.
Heavy snow or
ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or
ice to prevent an overload.
Controlled Cycle Wipers (If Equipped)
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay
between wipes.
This can be very useful in light rain
or snow.
You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up
or down.
For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to
MIST, then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk
down longer.
For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
(1) position. For high-speed wiping, move the stalk up
further, to
(2). To stop the wipers, move the stalk
to OFF.
Move the stalk to DELAY, then rotate the inner band
and choose the delay you want. Rotate the inner band
up
for shorter delay times between wiper cycles.
Rotate the band down for
a longer delay time between
wiper cycles.
With
controlled cycle wipers, you can also use MIST for
a single wiper cycle.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can’t stop, accelerate or
turn as well because
your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to
go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes
are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield
wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder
to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in good shape and keep
your windshield washer tank filled
with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing
areas
on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
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The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must
start when you’re not fresh -- such as after a day’s
work
-- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to
go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out.
Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it. Here are some things
you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a &~rt
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
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6. Reverse Steps 1 through 5 to reassemble
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
To change your dome lamp bulb, grasp the center front
and center rear portion
of the housing and squeeze
firmly but gently. The housing should pop off.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a small
flat-head screwdriver under the side of the housing to
help pry it
off.
the taillamp.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
type with a release clip:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Lift the release clip with a screwdriver and pull the
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the wiper arm.
For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications”
in the Index.
blade assembly
off the wiper arm.
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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.
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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.”
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Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cfeaner Element
2.4L ...................... AC Type A-1233C
31 OO............----- ..... AC me A- 1233C
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L ....................... AC Type PF-44
3100 ......................... AC Type PF-47
Spark Plugs
2.4L .......... AC npe 041-942 (Platinum Plug)
Gap:
0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
3 100 .......... AC Type 04 1-940 (Platinum Plug)
Windshield Wiper Blades (Pin Type)
Length ..................... 19 inches (48 cm)
Vehicle Dimensions
Length
Coupe
................ 186.9 inches (474.7 cm)
Sedan
................. 186.9 inches (474.7 cm)
Coupe
....... ... 74.1 inches (188.2 cm)
Width
Sedan
.................. 74.1 inches (188.2 cm)
Coupe
.................. .53 inches (136.0 cm)
Sedan
................... .53 inches (136.0 cm)
Coupe
................ 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Sedan ................. 103.4 inches (262.7 cm)
Coupe
................. 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Sedan
.................. 55.8 inches (141.7 cm)
Coupe ................ .55.3 inches (140.4 cm)
Sedan
................. .55.3 inches (140.4 cm)
Height
Wheelbase
Front Tread Rear Tread
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At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
wwking properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anythng that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The
air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak
or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning” in the Index.
Manual Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Manual Transaxle” in the Index. Check for
leaks.
A fluid loss may indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle” in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
“Hydraulic Clutch Fluid” in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in
Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges. Also lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the hood,
trunk lid,
glove box door and console door. Part
D tells you what
to use. More frequent lubrication may
be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
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