1999 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE brake fluid

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6-21 How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the your Pontiac dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Be sure to
get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
fluid level if you have been driving:

When outside temperatures are above 90F (32C).

At high speed for quite a while.

In heavy traffic
-- especially in hot weather.

While pulling a trailer.To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180F to 200F
(82C to 93C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50F
(10C). If it's colder than 50F (10C), you may have
to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level

Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the
engine running.

With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).

With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).

Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.

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6-22
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow
these steps:
1. The transaxle fluid
dipstick top is a round,
red loop and is next to
the brake master
cylinder behind the
engine block. Pull out
the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The fluid level must be in the
cross
-hatched area.
4. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then flip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place. way; then press
the tab down to lock the dipstick in place. way.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle fluid to use. See ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.

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6-29
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver's
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT
-3
brake fluid.There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should
have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes won't work well, or won't
work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned, and
your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.

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6-30
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. A chime will sound if you
try to drive with this warning light on. See ªBrake
System Warning Lightº in the Index.
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the
Maintenance Schedule.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

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7-38
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
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine Oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified For
Gasoline Engines ªStarburstº
symbol of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only GM
Goodwrench

DEX-COOL
or
Havoline
DEX-COOL

Coolant. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 12377967 or
equivalent DOT
-3 Brake Fluid).
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
(GM Part No. 1051515)
or equivalent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid (GM
Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
SuperchargerSupercharger Oil (GM Part
No. 12345982). See ªSupercharger
Oilº in the Index.

9-
First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Inflator 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Power Outlet 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable Support Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-21, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Inflator System 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lockout Feature 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-27 . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-2
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boost Gage 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 2-32, 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 2-32, 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-15, 2-34, 4-28, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cardholder 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player 3
-12, 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-13, 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Doors Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Messages 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Level Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Level Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Washer Fluid Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-6
Inspections
Brake System 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caliper/Knuckle 7-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-60, 2-61, 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-16, 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instant Alarm 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personalization Features 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Parts Identification 6
-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-31 . . . . . . .
Level Control, Electronic 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light Sensor, Twilight Sentinel 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-21, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Warning 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Doors 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Warning 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-7, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Control System Warning 2-68, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction Off Warning 2-68, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lockout Feature 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Door 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .