1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Owners Manual

5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or
missing insulation.
If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
I
CAUTION: 4
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should
know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) and negative (-) will go to negative (-)
or a metal engine part. Don’t connect positive (+) to
negative
(-), or you’ll get a short that would damage
the battery and maybe other
parts, too.
1
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep
your hands away from moving parts
once the engine
is running.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the vehicle with the dead battery. Use a
remote positive
(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

7. Don't let the other end
touch metal.
Connect it
to the positive
(+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive
(+) terminal if
ihe vehicle- has one.
1 8. Now connect the black
negative
(-) cable to
the good battery's
negative
(-) terminal.
Don't let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end
of the negative (-) cable
doesn 'Z go to the
dead battery.
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It goes to a heavy, unpainted, metal part on the engine of
the vehicle with the dead battery.
9. Attach the cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away
from the dead battery, but
not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection
is just as good
there, but the chance of sparks getting back to the
battery is much less.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run
11. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery.
the engine for a while.
If it won't start after a
few tries, it probably
needs service.
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12. Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent
electrical shorting. Take care that they don’t touch
each
other or any other metal.
nlo I
A. Heavy Metal Engine Part
B. Good Battery
C. Dead Battery
Towing Your Vehicle
Try to have a GM dealer or a professional towing
service tow your vehicle.
See “Roadside Assistance” in
the Index.
If your vehicle has been changed or modified since it
was factory-new by adding aftermarket items like fog
lamps, aero skirting,
or special tires and wheels, these
instructions and illustrations may not be correct.
Before you do anything, turn on the hazard
warning flashers.
When you call, tell the towing service:
0 That your vehicle cannot be towed from the front
0 That your vehicle has front-wheel drive.
The make, model and year of your vehicle.
0 Whether you can still move the shift lever.
0 If there was an accident, what was damaged.
with sling-type equipment.
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When the towing service arrives, let the tow operator
know that this manual contains detailed towing
instructions and illustrations. The operator may want to see them. A CAUTION:
To help avoid injury to you or others:
Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.
Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.
Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted
by the tow truck.
Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing
it.
Never use J-hooks. Use T-hooks instead. being towed.
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A CAUTION:
A vehicle can fall from a car carrier if it isn’t
adequately secured. This can cause a collision,
serious personal injury and vehicle damage. The
vehicle should be tightly secured with chains
or
steel cables before it is transported.
Don’t use substitutes (ropes, leather straps,
canvas webbing, etc.) that can be cut by sharp
edges underneath
the towed vehicle. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the T-hook slots. Never use
J-hooks. They will damage drivetrain and
suspension components.
When your vehicle is being towed, have the ignition
turned
to the OFF position. The steering wheel should
be clamped
in a straight-ahead position, with a clamping
device designed for towing service.
Do not use the
vehicle’s steering column lock for this. The transaxle
should be
in PARK (P) and the parking
brake released.
Don’t have
your vehicle towed on the front wheels,
unless you must. If the vehicle must be towed on the
front wheels, be sure to follow the speed and distance
restrictions later
in this section or your transaxle will be
damaged. If these limitations must be exceeded, then the
front wheels have to be supported on a dolly.
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Front Towing -1 These slots are to be used
I NOTICE:
When attaching T-hooks to the shipping slots in
the frame rail, attach them inside of the frame to
avoid damage to the frame
or front fascia.
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I NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or
fascidfog lamp damage will occur. Use wheel-lift
or carcarrier equipment. Additional ramping
may be required for carcarrier equipment. Use
safety chains and wheel straps.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage a vehicle. Damage can occur from vehicle
to
ground or vehicle to wheel-lift equipment. To
help avoid damage, raise the vehicle until
adequate clearance is obtained between the
ground and/or wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using carcarrier
equipment. Always use
T-hooks inserted in the
T-hook slots. Attach a separate safety chain around
the outboard end of each lower control arm.
NOTICE:
I
Take care not to damage speed sensor wires or
brake hoses when attaching chains and T-hooks.
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Rear Towing
Tow Limits -- 35 mph (55 k&), 500 miles (800 km)
Use wheel-lift or car-carrier equipment. Additional
ramping may
be required for car-carrier equipment.
Use safety chains and wheel straps. For rear towing,
the parking brakes must be applied.
I NOTICE:
If the vehicle must be towed on the front wheels,
it cannot be towed more than a total of 500 miles
(800 km) for the lifetime of the vehicle.
NOTICE:
Do not tow with sling-type equipment or the rear
bumper fascia will be damaged.
Towing a vehicle over rough surfaces could
damage
a vehicle. Damage can occur from
vehicle
to ground or vehicle to wheel-lift
equipment. To help avoid damage, install
a
towing dolly and raise the vehicle until adequate
clearance
is obtained between the ground and/or
wheel-lift equipment.
Do not attach winch cables or J-hooks to
suspension components when using carcarrier
equipment. Always use T-hooks inserted in
the T-hook slots.
5-13