1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM Owners Manual

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8-13
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
TO GENERAL MOTORS
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify
us. Please call us at 1
-800-PM-CARES (762-2737),
or write:
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 436008
Pontiac, MI 48343-6008
In Canada, please call us at 1
-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1
-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Ordering Service and Owner
Publications in Canada
Service manuals, owner's manuals and other service
literature are available for purchase for all current and
past model General Motors vehicles.
The toll-free telephone number for ordering information
in Canada is 1-800-668-5539.

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8-14
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 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
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
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.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: $20.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
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.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 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.)

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8-15
PUBLICATION FORM
NUMBEROrders will be mailed within 10 days of receipt. Please allow adequate time for postal
service. If further information is needed, write to the address shown below or call
1-800-551-4123. Material cannot be returned for credit without packing slip with return
information within 30 days of delivery. On returns, a re-stocking fee may be applied
against the original order. ORDER TOLL FREE
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holders Only)1-800-551-4123(Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM EST)
FAX Orders Only 1-313-865-5927
Service Manual
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the
name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent.
Mail completed order form to:
HELM, INCORPORATED
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the above address for quotation.
1999$90.00
1999
$50.00
1999
$20.00
1999
$15.00
TOTAL MATERIAL
Michigan Purchasers
U.S. Order Processing$6.00
Canadian Postage
GRAND TOTAL
add 6% sales tax
(See Note Below)
GM-PON-ORD99 *(Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.)Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. To cover Canadian postage, add $11.50 plus the
U.S. order processing.
(CUSTOMER'S NAME) (ATTENTION)
(STREET ADDRESSÐNO P.O. BOX NUMBERS)
(CITY) (ZIP CODE)
DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO.(STATE)
AREA CODE
( )P
Check or Money
Order payable to
Helm, Inc. (USA funds
only Ð
do not send cash.)
VISA
Discover
Account
Number:
Expiration
Date mo/yr:
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE
S
ITEM DESCRIPTIONNAME YEAR VEHICLE MODEL
QTY.PRICE
EACH*TOTAL
PRICE1
9
9
9
G
M
H
I
P

T
OA
Y
M
E
N
T
Owner's Manual Without Portfolio Owner's Manual In Portfolio Car & Light Truck
Transmission Unit Repair
MasterCard
Check here if your billing address
is different from your shipping
address shown.
PUBLICATION FORM
NUMBER

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-NOTES

9-
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9-1

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Body Lubrication Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-11, 2-27, 2-28, 4-29, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-9, 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kit 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center Console Storage Area 2
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp Bulb
Replacement 6-33, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing System Indicator Light 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Tire Pressure Light 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Passenger Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-48 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-3
Interior Plastic Components 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning 3-3 . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Adapter Kit 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Care 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc Player 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire 5-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-18, 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank 5-11, 5-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Surge Tank Pressure Cap 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 8-5 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Headlamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions, Vehicle 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby
B Noise Reduction 3-11, 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door, Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-4
Easy Entry Seat 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-17, 2-18, 3-19, 6-54 . . . . . .
Electrical System 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-18, 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-60, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-16, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What To Use 6-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Life Monitor 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Overheating 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active Light 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . . .
Ethanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETS (Enhanced Traction System) 4
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active Light 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust, Engine 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Cleaning 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Reading Lamps 2
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .