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2-15 Remote Trunk Release Lockout (Option)
The trunk release lockout
switch in the trunk allows
you to secure items in
the trunk.
By pressing the left side of the valet switch, the remote
trunk release button below the driver's door armrest will
be disabled. Push the right side of the valet switch to
enable the remote trunk release button to work again.
Trunk Security Override (Option)
Pressing the trunk symbol on the remote keyless entry
transmitter opens the trunk even if the remote trunk
release lockout switch is activated.
Trunk Lid
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:
1. Make sure all other windows are shut.
2. Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
setting on ECON or VENT. That will
force outside air into your vehicle. See
ªComfort Controlsº in the Index.
3. If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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3-2
Comfort Controls
This section tells you how to make your air system work
for you. Your comfort control system uses
ozone
-friendly R-134a refrigerant.
With these systems, you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has a
flow
-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
Standard Climate Control System
H±23±4002±S
Fan Knob
The left knob is the fan knob and selects the force of air
you want. Turn the knob clockwise to increase fan speed
and counterclockwise to decrease fan speed. The fan will
always run unless the right control knob is turned to OFF.
The fan must be on to run the air conditioning compressor.
Temperature Knob
The center control regulates the temperature of the air
coming through the system. Turn it toward the blue area
for cooler air. Turn it toward the red area for warmer air.
Mode Knob
The right control has settings for air conditioning and
non
-air conditioning modes. The mode control allows
you to choose the direction of air delivery.
MAX: This setting provides maximum cooling with the
least amount of work. MAX recirculates much of the air
inside your vehicle so it cools quickly. The air is
directed through the instrument panel outlets.

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3-4
Mode Button
Press this button to deliver air through the floor, middle
or windshield outlets. The system will stay in the
selected mode until the MODE or AUTO button is
pushed. Press the up arrow to cycle through the
available modes.
Automatic Operation
When the system is set for AUTO, sensors will control
the air delivery mode. Air will come from the floor,
middle and windshield outlets. The fan speed will vary
as the system maintains the selected temperature setting.
To find your comfort zone, start with 75 F (24 C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes for the
system to regulate. Press the TEMP button up or down to
adjust the temperature setting if necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60F (15C), the system will
remain at that maximum cooling setting and will not
regulate the fan speed. If you choose the temperature
setting of 90F (33C), the system will remain at that
maximum heating setting and will not regulate the fan
speed. Choosing either maximum setting will not cause the
system to heat or cool any faster.Pressing the AUTO button will display the requested
temperature, fan speed and air delivery mode for
five seconds, then change to display the outside air
temperature. Be careful not to put anything over the
sensor located in the middle of the instrument panel near
the windshield, or over the sensor in the grille above the
radio. These sensors are used by the automatic system to
regulate temperature.
The exterior temperature display sensor is in front of the
vehicle, near the radiator. The displayed temperature is
most accurate when the vehicle is moving. During stops,
or while idling, the display shows the previous driving
temperature for best system control.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on outside air temperature,
engine coolant temperature, and time since the engine
was last started. Pushing the fan button will override this
delay and change the fan to a selected single speed.
If you leave your vehicle, the system will remember the
control setting the next time you start your engine.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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3-6 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
If you have the standard system, for quick cool
-down on
very hot days, use MAX with the temperature knob in
the blue area. If this setting is used for long periods of
time, the air in your vehicle may become too cold and
dry. For normal cooling on hot days, use A/C with the
temperature knob in the blue area. This setting cools the
air entering your vehicle and directs it through the
instrument panel outlets.
If you have the electronic system, press the A/C button
to turn the system on. The system will cool and
dehumidify the air inside the vehicle. Also while in
AUTO mode, the system will use RECIRC as necessary
to cool the air.On cool, but sunny days, with the standard system or
through manual operation of the electronic system,
use BI
-LEVEL to deliver warm air to the floor and
cooler air to the middle instrument panel outlets. To
warm or cool the air delivered, push the TEMP button
up or down.
When the air conditioning system is in AUTO mode, the
A/C light will always be on. When the ambient
temperature outside the vehicle reaches 40F (4C), the
compressor will remain on continuously.
Heating
If you have the standard system, on cold days use
HEATER with the temperature knob in the red area. If
you have the electronic system, press AUTO and adjust
the temperature by pressing the TEMP up or down
button. You may also adjust the electronic system
manually by pressing the MODE button and selecting
HEAT. Again, adjust the temperature by pressing the
TEMP up or down button.
With each system, outside air will be brought in and sent
through the floor outlets. The heater works best if you
keep your windows closed while using it.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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3-7 Ventilation System
For mild outside temperatures when little heating or
cooling is needed, use VENT (on the standard system)
to direct outside air through your vehicle. Air will flow
through the middle instrument panel outlets.
Your vehicle's flow
-through ventilation system supplies
outside air into the vehicle when it's moving. When the
vehicle is not moving, you can get outside air to flow
through by selecting any air choice (except the rear
window defogger) and any fan speed.
H±23±0020±T
Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the
direction and amount of airflow inside the vehicle. Push
the outlet up or down to direct airflow to your
preference. Increase or reduce the amount of airflow by
opening and closing the louvers. Opening and closing
the louvers will also direct airflow from side
-to-side.
H±23±0025±T
If you have the rear seat passenger outlet, it's attached to
the back of the console. You can adjust the airflow
toward either seating area, the floor or upward. Turn the
end knobs up and down to direct airflow. Increase or
reduce the amount of airflow by adjusting the lever
between the two rear vents up or down. Open and close
the louvers to direct airflow from side
-to-side.

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4-24
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you're
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all fluid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system and
transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of the
slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
CAUTION:
If you don't shift down, your brakes could get so
hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your
engine assist your brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down. They could get so
hot that they wouldn't work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have your engine running
and your vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
Know how to go uphill. Drive in the highest
gear possible.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two
-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Don't swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let
you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be
something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no
-passing zones, a falling rocks area or
winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.

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4-38
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine;
Shift into a gear; and
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belts, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

5-
First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-3 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-12 Cooling System
5
-20 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-20 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-31 Compact Spare Tire
5
-32 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow