
2-
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2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-10 Remote Keyless Entry (Option)
2
-14 Trunk
2
-16 Theft
2
-17 Universal Theft-Deterrent (Option)
2
-18 PASS-Key II
2
-19 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-20 Ignition Positions
2
-21 Starting Your Engine
2
-22 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-24 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-28 Computer Command Ride (Option)
2
-29 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-32 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-33 Parking Over Things That Burn
2
-33 Engine Exhaust
2
-34 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-35 Windows2
-35 Horn
2
-36 Tilt Wheel
2
-36 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-43 Exterior Lamps
2
-46 Interior Lamps
2
-48 Mirrors
2
-51 Storage Compartments
2
-54 Ashtrays & Cigarette Lighter
2
-55 Sun Visors
2
-55 Air Inflator System (Option)
2
-56 Accessory Power Outlet
2
-57 Sunroof (Option)
2
-58 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-64 Tachometer
2
-64 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-77 Head-Up Display (Option)
2
-80 Driver Information Center (Option)
2
-82 Electronic Compass (Option)

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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.

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2-46
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel/Brightness Control
You can brighten or dim your instrument cluster lights
by turning the headlamp knob. Turn the knob clockwise
to brighten the instrument cluster lights and displays.
Turn the knob clockwise all the way to turn on the
interior courtesy lamps. Turn the knob counterclockwise
to dim the instrument cluster lights and displays and to
turn off the courtesy lamps.
Illuminated Entry (Option)
When you press the UNLOCK button on the optional
remote keyless entry transmitter, the lamps inside your
vehicle will go on. These lamps will go off after about
25 seconds, or when you start your engine. Pressing the
LOCK button on your remote keyless entry transmitter
will turn the lights immediately off.
If a door is left ajar, your interior lamps will turn off
after 10 minutes to save your battery.
Delayed Illumination
When you open the door to enter your vehicle, the
interior lamps will come on. When you close the door
with the ignition off, the interior lamps will stay on for
25 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. Please note
that locking the doors with the power door lock switch
will override the delayed illumination feature and the
lamps will turn off right away.
Theater Dimming
This feature allows for a three to five-second fade out of
the courtesy lamps instead of immediate turn off.
Exit Lighting
With this feature, the interior lamps will come on for 25
seconds after you remove the key from the ignition. This
will give you time to find the door pull handle or lock
switches as you exit the vehicle.

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2-49
When this feature is turned on, the mirror automatically
changes to reduce glare from headlamps behind you. A
photocell on the mirror senses when it is becoming dark
outside. Another photocell built into the mirror face
senses when headlamps are behind you.
At night, when the glare is too high, the mirror will
gradually darken to reduce glare (this change may take a
few seconds). The mirror will return to its clear daytime
state when the glare is reduced.
Mirror Operation
To turn on the automatic dimming feature, press
AUTO. To turn off automatic dimming, press OFF.
The green indicator light will be illuminated when this
feature is active.Time Delay
The automatic mirror has a time delay feature which
prevents unnecessary switching from the night back to
the day position. This delay prevents rapid changing of
the mirror as you drive under lights and through traffic.
Cleaning the Photocells
Use a cotton swab and glass cleaner to clean the
photocells when necessary.
Manual Remote Control Mirror
The outside rearview mirror should be adjusted so you
can just see the side of your vehicle when you are sitting
in a comfortable driving position.
Adjust the driver's side outside mirror with the control
lever on the driver's door.
To adjust your passenger's side mirror, sit in the driver's
seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for you.

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2-50 Power Remote Control Mirrors (Option)
A control lever on the
driver's door controls both
outside rearview mirrors.
Turn the lever counterclockwise to select the driver's
side rearview mirror, or clockwise to select the
passenger's side rearview mirror. Then push the lever in
the direction of the desired movement to adjust each
mirror so that you can see the side of the vehicle when
you are sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger's side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror's surface is curved so you can see more from the
driver's seat.
CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.

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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9-7
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door, Customizing 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Fluid Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Magnasteer4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maxifuse/Relay Center 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mirrors 2
-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night Rearview 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MMT 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Supercharger 6-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OnStar2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
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9-8
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PASS-Key II 2-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Shifting 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personalization Features 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door Locks 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Locking 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Feedback 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pontiac Cares Information 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlet 2
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Mast Care 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna Service 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Lumbar Controls 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatback Recliner 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power, Retained Accessory 2
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3-10, 3-12, 3-16, 3-19, 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps 2-47, 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Compartment 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrochromic Day/Night 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Keyless Entry 2
-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release Lockout 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry, Instant Alarm 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .