2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX wiper blades

2-48
If a bulb is burned out, replace it to help avoid an
accident. If the arrows don't go on at all when you
signal a turn, check for burned
-out bulbs and then check
the fuse (see ªFuses and Circuit Breakersº in the Index).
A chime will sound if you leave the turn signal on for
more than 3/4 mile (1.2 km).
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
or high to low, pull the multifunction lever all the way
toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams
are on, a light on the
instrument panel cluster
also will be on. While
the high
-beam headlamps
are on, the fog lamps will
not be illuminated.
Flash-to-Pass Feature
When the headlamps are off, pull the lever toward you
to momentarily turn on the high beams (to signal that
you are going to pass). When you release the lever,
they will turn off and stay off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
marked WIPER on the turn signal/multifunction lever.
For a single wiping cycle, turn the band to MIST. Hold
it there until the wipers start, then let go. The wipers will
stop after one cycle. If you want more cycles, hold the
band on MIST longer.
For steady wiping at low speed, turn the band to LOW.
For high
-speed wiping, turn the band further, to HIGH.
To stop the wipers, turn the band 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. Turn the band to choose the delay time. The
closer to LOW, the shorter the delay.
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 the blades do become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. A circuit
breaker will stop them until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.

4-19
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.
CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They won't work
as well in a quick stop and may cause pulling to
one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or
a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly until
your brakes work normally.

4-24
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.

6-46
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected as least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWindshield
Wipers, Blade Checkº in the Index for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, see ªNormal Maintenance and Replacement
Partsº in the Index.Here's how to remove the wiper blade:
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.

6-58
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.

6-72
PCV Valve
All Engines . . . . . . . . . . . CV892C*
Radiator Cap
3100 V6 (Code J) . . . . . . RC27*
3800 V6 (Code K) . . . . . GM Part No. 10409635
3800 V6 Supercharged
(Code 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . GM Part No. 10409635
Spark Plugs
3100 V6 (Code J) . . . . . . 41
-940*
3800 V6 (Code K) . . . . . 41
-921*
3800 V6 Supercharged
(Code 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . NGK Type PTR4B
-15*
Wiper Blades
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shepherd's Hook
Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 inches (56 cm)
*ACDelco

part number.
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase 110.5 inches (280.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tread Width
Front 62.0 inches (157.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 61.5 inches (156.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Length 196.5 inches (499.1 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 72.7 inches (184.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 54.7 inches (139.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-16 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.Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed.
See ªAutomatic Transaxle Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood hinges, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl,
door hinges, rear compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware. Part D tells you
what to use. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment.