1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM brake

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7-15
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ªParking
Brakeº in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, your
vehicle needs service.Brake
-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see ªParking Brakeº
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
but don't start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle's BTSI
needs service.

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7-16
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The
key should turn to OFF only when the shift lever is
in PARK (P).
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
Mechanism Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.

To check the parking brake's holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.

To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.

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7-18 Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator and
cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
(Except GT Series)
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self
-adjusting and no manual
adjustment is required. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
Brake System Inspection (GT Series Only)
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts,
including calipers, parking brake, etc. You may need to
have your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

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7-19
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.
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).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor and
Release PawlLubriplate
Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. 12346293 or
equivalent) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category LB or GC
-LB.
Hood and
Door HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant,
Superlube
(GM Part
No. 12346241 or equivalent).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM
Part No. 12345579 or equivalent).

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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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9-2
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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9-6
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire-Loading Information 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-25 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-24, 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Indicator 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Tire Pressure 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Active 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light 2-53, 4-9 . . . . . ETS Active 2
-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ETS Warning 2-54, 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-55, 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-8, 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Vehicle Soon 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading Your Vehicle 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cylinders 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinder Service 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door 2-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programmable Automatic Door 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Door Security 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning Light 2-55, 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Light 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Washer Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricants and Fluids 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication Service, Body 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-7
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Lumbar Support 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor, Engine Oil Life 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monitor, Oil Life 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Life Monitor 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Light 2-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .