2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM wiper blades

Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal
a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signaVmultifunction lever toward
you until the high-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them
off.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by moving the lever
with the wiper symbol on it up or down. For a single wiper cycle,
push the lever down
to MIST,
then release it. For more cycles, hold the lever down
longer.
For steady wiping at low speed, move the lever up
to
the LO position. For high-speed wiping, move the lever
up further, to
HI. To stop the wipers, move the lever
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 lever
to INT (Intermittent), then turn the inner
band, labeled INT
ADJ (Intermittent Adjustment),
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.
3-8

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
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Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. Qn a wet
because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on
dry roads. And,
if your tires don’t have much tread left,
you’ll get even
less traction. It’s always wise to go
slower and be cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are
driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your
reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
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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.
4-1 9

Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the resewior 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 “highway
hypnosis”? 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.
service or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
4-24

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check’ in
At Least Twice a Year on page 6-10 for more
information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. 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
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
For the proper type and size, see
Capacities and
Specifications on page
5-86.
5-52

Cleaning Exterior LampdLenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under “Washing Your Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. See
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials
on page 5-78.
Your vehicle has a “basecoatlclearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatlclearcoat paint
finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing
on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish
if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon
as
possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that
are marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove
foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject
to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their
toll over a
period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish
looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
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 a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. 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.
5-76

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Part
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.2 L L4t Engine
3400 V6
Engine
Oil Filter
2.2 L L4t Engine
3400 V6
PCV Valve Spark Plugs 2.2
L L4 t Engine
3400 V6
Windshield Wiper Blades
Type Passenger’s Side
Driver’s Side
*ACDelco@ part number. Number
AI 172C*
AI 279C*
PF2244G* PF47*
CV892C*
41-981
* (Platinum Plug)
41-1
01 * (Platinum Plug)
Shepherd’s
Hook
17.0 inches (43.0 cm)
22.0 inches (56.0 cm)
tECOTECTM
5-88

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
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-75.
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
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page
6- 15.
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 Check
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
dealer and have
it repaired as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-23. A fluid loss in this
system could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
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 the door hinges and latches, including
those for the hood and the trunk lid. Part D tells
you what to use. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
6-1 0

Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-21 When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
Vinyl
............................................................. 5-74 on a Hill ..................................................... 4-43
Visor Vanity Mirror
.......................................... 2-16 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-41
Visors
........................................................... 2-16 Why Safety Belts Work .................................... 1-10
Window Lock Out ........................................... 2-16
Windows 2-15
Manual
...................................................... 2-15
.......................................................
W
Warning Lights. Gages and Indicators ................ 3-22
Warnings Hazard Warning Flashers
............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices
.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols
......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage .............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light
...................... 3-36
Washing Your Vehicle
...................................... 5-75
Weatherstrip Lubrication
................................... 6-1 0
Weight of the Trailer ........................................ 4-38
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
............................. 4-38
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
........................ 5-18
What
to Do with Used Oil ................................ 5-20
What to Use
.......................................... 5-24, 5-37
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance
.......................... 5-59
Replacement
............................................... 5-59
When to Add Engine Oil
.................................. 5-17
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life SystemTM)
................................ 5-19
When to Check
.............................................. 5-54 Power
........................................................ 2-16
Windshield and Wiper Blades
........................... 5-76
Windshield Washer
........................................... 3-9
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
................. 6-9
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
...................................... 5-52
Fuses
........................................................ 5-81
Windshield Wipers
............................................ 3-8
Wiper Blade Check
......................................... 6-10
Winter Driving
................................................ 4-26
XMTM Satellite Radio Antenna System
................ 3-72
XMTM Satellite Radio Service
............................ 3-70
Your Vehicle and the Environment
. ......... 6-2
When
to Check and What to Use ..................... 5-23
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
................ 5-36
14