5-
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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
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-9 Engine Overheating5
-12 Cooling System
5
-21 If A Tire Goes Flat
5
-22 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 Compact Spare Tire
5
-33 If You're Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
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5-3
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. But please follow the steps listed to do it safely.
CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.
NOTICE:
Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
The ACDelco Freedom battery in your vehicle
has a built
-in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or
jump start the battery if the hydrometer looks
clear or light yellow. Replace the battery when
there is a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a
cranking complaint.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won't work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
NOTICE:
If the other system isn't a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.
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5-4
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren't touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don't want. You wouldn't be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump starting procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) before setting the
parking brake.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren't needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!
NOTICE:
If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
CAUTION:
An electric fan 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.
4. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+)
jump starting terminal. The terminal is on the same
side of the engine compartment as your battery. You
should always use the remote positive (+) terminal
instead of the positive (+) terminal on your battery.
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6-35 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system
-- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have to have new ones put in
-- be sure you get new
approved GM replacement parts. If you don't, your brakes
may no longer work properly. For example, if someone
puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the
balance between your front and rear brakes can
change
-- for the worse. The braking performance you've
come to expect can change in many other ways if someone
puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom
battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery's label.
If your battery has a very low charge or is dead, you
may not be able to remove the ignition key from the
ignition switch or shift out of PARK (P). Refer to
ªShifting Out of Park (P)º in the Index.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
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8-8
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743)
As the proud owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside Assistance program. This value
-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you
drive in the city or travel the open road.
Pontiac's Roadside Assistance toll
-free number is
staffed by a team of technically trained advisors, who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We take anxiety out of uncertain situations by providing
minor repair information over the phone or making
arrangements to tow your vehicle to the nearest
Pontiac dealer.
We will provide the following services for
3 years/36,000 miles (60 000 km), at no expense to you:
Fuel delivery
Keys locked in vehicle
Tow to nearest dealership for warranty service
Change a flat tire
Jump starts
Courtesy Transportation -- See Courtesy
Transportation section for details
9-
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9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Power Outlet 2-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add-On Electrical Equipment 3-26, 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-24, 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner/Filter 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning
Automatic and Auxiliary Temperature Control 3
-4 . . . . . . .
Automatic Control 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Control 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backglass 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed Mast 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-73, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lockout Feature 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Theft, Radio 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arming 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Confirmation 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Lock Switch 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Rear Storage 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control, Climate Control System 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
Check 7
-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average Econ Message 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saver 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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9-6
Instrument Panel 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cluster 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lamps 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections
Brake System 7
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Boot 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections (Continued)
Suspension 7
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack, Tire 5-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key in the Ignition 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Lock Cylinders Service 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key Reminder Warning 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless Entry
Operation 2
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Replacement 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . .
Resynchronization 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labels
Certification/Tire 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Parts Identification 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tire
-Loading Information 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Identification Number 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps
Courtesy 2
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delayed Illumination 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Latches, Seatback 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leaving Your Vehicle with the Engine Running 2-39 . . . . . . .
Lighter 2-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lights
Air Bag Readiness 1
-24, 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning 2-73, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System Warning 2-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change Oil Soon 2-87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar 2-87, 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Enhanced Traction System Warning 2-74, 4-10 . . . . . . . . .
Interior 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Coolant Warning 2-80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Oil Level 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Trac 2-74, 2-87, 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Traction 2-74, 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Warning 2-78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance Shift 2-90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Reminder 1-9, 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Engine Soon 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TCS Off 2-73, 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trac Off 2-74, 2-87, 2-91 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .