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v
For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
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2-86
Are you low on fuel?
As your engine starts to run out of fuel, your engine may
not run as efficiently as designed since small amounts of
air are sucked into the fuel line causing a misfire. The
system can detect this. Adding fuel should correct this
condition. Make sure to install the fuel cap properly. See
ªFilling Your Tankº in the Index. It will take a few
driving trips to turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel (see
ªFuelº in the Index). Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start
-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration
or stumbling on acceleration. (These conditions may go
away once the engine is warmed up.) This will be
detected by the system and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.
Oil Pressure Gage
3800 V6 Engine 5.7L V8 Engine
This gage tells you there could be a problem with your
engine oil pressure.
The engine oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure
in psi (pounds per square inch) in the United States, or kPa
(kilopascals) in Canada, when the engine is running. On
the 5.7L V8 engine, oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi
(140 to 550 kPa). On the 3800 V6 engine, the oil pressure
should be between 20 and 120 psi (140 to 827 kPa). It
may vary with engine speed, outside temperature and oil
viscosity, but readings above the red area show the normal
operating range. Readings in the red area tell you that the
engine is low on oil, or that you might have some other oil
problem. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
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2-87
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
Low Oil Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with an oil level monitoring
system. When you start
your engine, the warning
light will come on briefly.
If the light doesn't come on,
have it repaired.
If the light stays on after starting your engine, your
engine oil level may be too low. You may need to add
oil. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
NOTICE:
The oil level monitoring system only checks the
oil level when you are starting your engine. It
does not keep monitoring the level once your
engine is running. Also, the oil level check only
works when the engine has been turned off long
enough for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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4-23
The exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance
at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going
slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you're ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you're not fresh
-- such as after a day's
work
-- don't plan to make too many miles that first part
of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you
can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it's ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you'll find experienced and able service experts in
Pontiac dealerships all across North America.
They'll be ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?
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5-12
Cooling System
When you decide it's safe to lift the hood, here's what
you'll see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Recovery Tank
CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling,
don't do anything else until it cools down.
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6-60
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle's finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non
-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Your Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use
a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A
chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush
can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Don't use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for a
few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam
-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire vehicle,
then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
Don't get any cleaner on the vehicle's painted finish;
it could leave streaks.
If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
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7-17
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
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9-5
Features and Controls 2-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fifth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transmission 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Manual Transmission 2-32, 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor Mats 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding Rear Seatbacks 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Gear, Manual Transmission 2-33, 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Console 2
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Map Lamps 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Parking/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-41 . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Light 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Manual Transmission 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 8-7 . . . . .
Graphic Equalizer 3-7, 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatch 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ajar Light 2-89 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release, Remote 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating, Bi-Level 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .