2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM wiper blades

2-36 Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by moving the stalk
with the wiper symbol on it up or down.
For a single wiper cycle, push the stalk down to
MIST, then release it. For more cycles, hold the stalk
down longer.For steady wiping at low speed, move the stalk up to the
LO position. For high
-speed wiping, move the stalk up
further, to HI. To stop the wipers, move the stalk to OFF.
You can set the wiper speed for a long or short delay between
wipes. This can be very useful in light rain or snow.
Move the stalk to INT, then turn the inner band, labeled
INT ADJ, and choose the delay you want. Turn the inner
band up for shorter delay times between wiper cycles.
Turn the band down for a longer delay time between
wiper cycles.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid damage,
be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades before
using them. If they're frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen or thaw them. If your blades do become damaged,
get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.

4-18
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road and even
people walking.
It's wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank
filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can't, try to slow down before you hit them.

4-23
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?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway hypnosisº?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with the
same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road,
the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against
the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let it happen
to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less
than a second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.

6-33 Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp
Bulb Replacement
For the type of bulb, see ªReplacement Bulbsº in
the Index.
1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk.
2. Pull back the trunk trim.
3. Remove the four wing nut bolts which fasten the
taillamp lens to the vehicle.
4. Carefully remove the taillamp lens from the body
and avoid scratching the paint or dropping it.5. Press the five tabs to release the plate from the lamp.
6. To remove a bulb, gently pull the bulb out from
the socket.
7. Reverse Steps 3 through 6 to reassemble the taillamp.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B
ªOwner Checks and Servicesº for more information.

6-34
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here's how to remove the
type with a Shepherd's Hook:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
For the proper type and size, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

6-45
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner or a
liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal
tobacco smoke and dust films on interior glass.
(See ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index.)
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later.
If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield
Cleaner, Bon Ami

Powder (non-scratching glass cleaning
powder), GM Part No. 1050011. The windshield is clean if
beads do not form when you rinse it with water.Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full
-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with a clean cloth at least every six months. During
very cold, damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.

6-58
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L L4 AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L L4 AC Type PF
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3400 V6 AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.4L L4 AC Type
41
-963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Platinum Plug) Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
3400 V6 AC Type
41
-940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Platinum Plug) Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades (Shepherd's Hook Type)
Passenger's Side 17 inches (43 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side 22 inches (56 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 186.5 inches (474.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 70.4 inches (178.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 54.5 inches (138.4 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 107.1 inches (271.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 59.1 inches (150.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 59.4 inches (150.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-15 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.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. (See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.)Manual Transaxle Check
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Inspection
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to
your Pontiac dealership service department and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
ªHydraulic Clutch Fluidº in the Index. A fluid loss in
this system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.