2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM clock

A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can
not turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with your
hand. Using a tool to force it could break the key
or the ignition switch. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position unlocks the transaxle.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is not running. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the first
position. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed
or towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
C (ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The
ignition switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use ON to operate your electrical accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF,
the radio will continue to work up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position – that’s a
safety feature. To restart when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
2-19

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
To change the current mode, select one of the following:
HMAX:This mode is used for maximum cooling. It
will recirculate much of the air inside your vehicle.
It maximizes your air conditioner’s performance and your
vehicle’s fuel economy. The air-conditioning compressor
will run automatically in this mode when it is needed
to help dry the air in the vehicle.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, then directs most of the
remaining air to the floor outlets with some air directed
at the side windows.
A(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
floor outlets with some air directed to the side windows.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to manually increase or decrease
the temperature inside your vehicle.
When it’s cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warms
the coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-22.
3-19

A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the
air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed,
an indicator light above the button will come on to let
you know that air conditioning is activated. The fan knob
must be set to a speed for the air conditioning to
operate.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become
to dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to select defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield with most of the remaining air directed to the
floor outlets and some air directed at the side windows.
When you select this mode, the system turns off
recirculation automatically and runs the air-conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode.
1FRONT (Defrost):This mode directs most of the
air to the windshield, with some air directed to the
floor outlets. In this mode, the system will automatically
turn off recirculation and run the air-conditioning
compressor, unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. Recirculation cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
3-20

An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
You may find that your right wheels have dropped off
the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re
driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of
the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to
one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
4-13

While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap inside the
fuel door.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it; if
you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to
the right.
{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly.
This spray can happen if your tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open
the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss”
noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the
way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Don’t top off or overfill your
tank, and wait a few seconds after you’ve finished
pumping before you remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-81.
5-8

When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make
sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-31.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not t properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-31.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
5-9

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure
cap when the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot.
2. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise (left)
about two or two and one-half turns. If you hear a
hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow any pressure
still left to be vented out the discharge hose.3. Keep turning the
pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
5-32

2. Lift and pull the headlamp assembly forward, out of
the mounting bracket.
3. Turn the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise
one-sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly.
4. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
5. After replacing the bulb, reverse Steps 1 through 4
to reinstall the bulb assembly and headlamp
assembly.
Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps
1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the
removal procedure earlier in this section.
2. Turn the bulb assembly retainer and pull out
the bulb.
3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.
4. When replacing the bulb, be sure to properly
align the bulb with the locating feature in the
assembly.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the bulb
assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL)
1. Open the trunk lid and locate the center
high-mounted stoplamp on the inside of the lid.
2. Remove the three screws.
3. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reassemble the lamp
assembly.
5-48