
3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise.
A fluid loss in this system
could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
When the engine compartment is cool, wipe the cap and the top
of the reservoir clean, then unscrew the cap and
wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be
at the “C” mark. If necessary, add
only enough fluid to bring the level up to the mark.
3800 or 3800 Supercharged Engine
6-31

FUSE USAGE CHART I See Underhood Electrical
Center For Spare Fuses I I I I
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
I HEADLAMP I
I I MAUPGM
STR WHL STR WHL
CTRL
I
I I PWR LOCK I I
RAP HAZARD ~
GIG LTR
I/P - IGN
CRUISE
ECM STOP LAMP
INT LAMP
ABS
PWR DROP MALL
WIPER
SUNROOF
CD CHG
AUWCNSL HVAC
HI PWR MIR
R DEFOG
HSEATILUM
RADIO
SIR TURN
BTSl
HVAC CTRL DlCRlVAC
I I I I CANISTER DRL VENT
rinted in USA.
For More Information, See Owner’s Manual 10401979)
Description
Circuit
Breaker
HEADLAMP
Headlamps
SEAT Power Seat, Power Lumbar
PWR WDO Power Windows
Fuse Description
MALL PGM Mall Module -- Program
MALL Mall Module
Fuse
WIPER
STR WHL
STR WHL
CTRL
SUNROOF
RADIO
PWR LOCK
HSEATLUM
R DEFOG
RAP
HAZARD
PWR MIR HVAC
HI
CIG LTR
INT LAMP STOP LAMP
Description
Wipers
Steering Wheel Illumination
Steering Wheel Control
Sunroof
Radio, Antenna
Mall Module
-- Power Locks
Heated Seats, Power Lumbar
Rear Defog
Retained Accessory Power, Mall Module
Hazard Flashers
Power Mirrors
HVAC Blower -- Hi
Cigarette Lighter,
ALDL, Floor
Console Auxiliary Outlet
Mall Module
-- Interior lamps
S toplamp
6-64

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be
perfunned at least twice a year (for instance, each spring
and
fall). You should let your dealer’s service department
or other qual$ed service center
do these jobs. Make sure
any necessary repairs are completed
at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found
in a service manual. See “Service and Owner
Publications” in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot
and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts
as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause
a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust’’ in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace
as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and
air conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper
operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged
or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high
effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. Check parking
brake adjustment. You may need to have your brakes
inspected more often if your driving habits or conditions
result
in frequent braking.
7-18

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number or specification may
be obtained from your dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Engine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol of the proper viscosity.
To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of clean water
(preferably
distilled) and use only GM
Goodwrench@ DEX-COOL@ or
Havoline@ DEX-COOL@ Coolant.
See “Engine Coolant” in the Index.
Delco Supreme 11
vv Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid).
GM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052884 - 1 pint, 1050017 - 1
quart, or equivalent).
DEXRONw-I11 Automatic
Transmission Fluid. -
USAGE
Key Lock
Cylinders
Supercharger
Windshield
Washer Solvent
Chassis
Lubrication
Hood Latch
Assembly, Secondary Latch,
Anchor and Pivots, spring
Release Pawl
Hood and Door Hinges
Weatherstrip
Conditioning
FLUIDLUBRICANT
Multi-Pu ose Lubricant,
Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Supercharger Oil (GM
Part
No. 12345982). See “Supercharger Oil” in the Index.
GM Optikleenw Washer Solvent
(GM
Part No. 1051515) or
equivalent.
Chassis Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements of
NLG1#2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Lubriplate” Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI
# 2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Multi-Pu ose Lubricant, Superlube
% (GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).
7-19

1998 PONTIAC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this
book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 PONTIAC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL
PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist
in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated RO. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL
SELL PRICE: $1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern lime
For Crdi Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Disr)

Section 9 Index
Accessory Power outlet ......................... 2-58
Adding Equipment to the outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
AirBag ....................................... 1-23
How it Works ................................ 1-24
Readiness Light ......................... 1.23. 2.67
Air Cleaner .................................... 6-20
Air Conditioning ............................ 3.3. 3.7
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-70
Alignment and Balance. Tire ...................... 6-50
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-57
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.67. 4.9
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Anti.Theft. Radio .............................. 3-27
Appearance Care ............................... 6-52
Appearance Care Materials Chart .................. 6-60
ArbitrationPro gram .............................. 8-9
Arming Confirmation ............................. 2-15
Arming with the Power Lock Switch ................ 2-14
Ashtrays and Lighter ............................ 2-57
Audio Controls. Steering Wheel ................... 3-29
Audio Equipment. Adding ........................ 3-30
Audio Systems ................................. 3-10
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter .... 2-15
Automatic
Auxiliary Temp Control
....................... 3-4
Doorhcks .............................. 2.6. 2.47
Check ...................................... 7-15
Fluid ....................................... 6-22
Operation ................................... 2-21
Park Mechanism Check ....................... 7-17
Backglass Antenna ............................. 3-21
With a Trailer ................................ 4.37
Battery ....................................... 6-36
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry .............. 2-10
Resynchronizing, Remote Keyless Entry ........... 2-11
Warnings ........................... 5-3,5-5, 6-37
Battery Replacement ............................ 2-10
BatterySaver .................................. 2-43
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Before leaving on a Long Trip ..................... 4-24
Better Business Bureau Mediation ......... ..... 8-9
Blizzard ............................. .... 4-29
9-1

Inflation. Tire .................................. 6-45
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
................. 2-52
Brake System
................................ 7- 18
Engine Cooling System
........................ 7- 18
Exhaust Systems
............................. 7- 18
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot
.................. 7- 18
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal
................... 7- 18
Suspension
......... ..................... 7-18
Throttle System .............................. 7- 18
Instrument Panel
............................... 2-60
Cleaning
.................................... 6-54
Lamps
...................................... 2-42
Interior Lamps
................................. 2-42
Jumpstarting
................................. 5-3
Key Lock Cylinders Service
...................... 7- 15
Inspections
Steering
.................................... 7-18
Cluster ..................................... 2-62
FuseBlock
.................................. 6-63
Jack. Tire
.................................. 5-29
Key in
the Ignition ............................. 2-13
Keys
.......................................... 2-2
Labels Certification
................................. 4-32
ServicePartsIdentification ..................... 6-61
Tire-Loading Information
...................... 4-3 1
Vehicle Identification Number ................... 6-61 Lamps
Courtesy
.................................... 2-42
Exterior
.................................... 2-40
Interior
..................................... 2-42
Rear Assist Handle Reading
.................... 2-44
Last Door Closed Locking
.................... 2-6, 2-48
Latches, Seatback
................................ 1-7
Leaving Programming Mode ...................... 2-46
Leaving
Your Vehicle ............................. 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle with
the Engine Running ....... 2-29
Lighter and Ashtrays
............................ 2-57
Lights
Air Bag Readiness ............
Change Oil Soon .............
Charging System .............
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Brake System
Warning .........
Door Aiar ...................
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
1-23.2-67
. 2.67. 4.9
..... 2-66
..... 2-77
..... 2-65
..... 2-80 ..
Engine Coolant Temperature .................... 2-73
How to Reset the Change Oil Soon
......... 2.77. 6.219
LowFuel
................................... 2-75
LowOilLevel
............................... 2-72
LOWTRAC
................................. 2-77
LowTraction
................................ 2-70
Enhanced Traction System Warning .............. 2-67
Low Coolant Warning
......................... 2-74
Low Washer Fluid
............................ 2-74
Low Washer Fluid Warning ..................... 2-77
Safety Belt Reminder ...................... 1-9. 2-66
Service Engine
Soon .......................... 2-69
Oilwarning
................................. 2-71
TCSOFF
................................... 2-81
9-6

Other Warning Devices ........................... 5-2
Overhead Console
.............................. 2-55
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
....... 5-15
Overheating Engine
............................. 5- 15
Owner Checks
and Services ....................... 7-14
Owner Publications. Ordering
..................... 8- 1 1
Paint Spotting. Chemical
................. . . 6-59
Park
Shifting Into
............................... 2-27
Shifting Out
of ............................... 2-30
Parking AtNight
.................................... 2-13
Brake
...................................... 2-26
Lots ....................................... 2-13
Over Things That Burn
........................ 2-31
When
You Are Ready to Leave. on Hills ........... 4-40
With a Trailer on Hills
......................... 4-39
Temp Control
.................................. 3-5
Performance Shift Light
.......................... 2-72
Performance Shifting
............................ 2-26
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
.................. 7-1 8
Accessory Outlet ............................. 2-58
DoorLoc
ks ................................... 2-5
OptionFuses
................................ 6-63
Outside Mirror
............................... 2-53
Passenger’s Temperature Knob. Automatic and Auxiliary
Pasing
....................................... 4-15
WithaTrailer
................................ 4-37
PontiacCares
................................... 8-2
Power Retained Accessory
........................... 2- 17
Six-Way Driver’s Seat
.......................... 1-3
Steering Fluid
................................ 6-30
Power Steering Fluid ............................ 6-30
When to Check
............................... 6-31
Pregnancy. Use of Safety Belts .................... 1-21
Problems
on the Road ............................ 5-1
Publications, Service
and Owner ................... 8-11
Purse or Litter Bag Holder
...................... 2-59
Radiator
..................................... 5-22
Radiator Pressure Cap
........................... 6-30
Radio Reception. Understanding ................... 3-30
Radios
................... 3-11.3-12.3-16.3-19. 3-22
Rain. Driving
In ................................ 4-19
Outside Seat Position
.......................... 1-30
Safety Belt Comfort Guides
..................... 1-33
Window Defogger
............................. 3-9
Rear Armrest Storage ............................ 2-57
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps
................. 2-44
Rear Door Security Locks ......................... 2-7
Rearview Mirror, Electrochromic Daymight
......... 2-52
Rearview Mirror, Inside Daymight
................. 2-52
Steering
.................................... 4-12
Windows
................................... 2-33
PowerDropFeature
............................. 2-84
Howtocheck
............................... 6-31
Whattouse
................................. 6-32
Rear Seatpassengers
.............................. 1-30
Towing
..................................... 5-13
9-8