2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM parking brake

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-46for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire. If
it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-61.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
6-9

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-23if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench dealer
for service.Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to OFF in each shift lever position.
•The ignition should turn to OFF only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
•The key should come out only in OFF.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
6-10

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
•To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-23
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-33
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-44
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-55
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specifications............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-26, 4-25, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-74
Your CD Player...........................................3-69
Your CDs ...................................................3-69
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-30
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.......1-26
Chains, Tire...................................................5-59
Charging System Light....................................3-26
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-77
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
2

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-34
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-7
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-28
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-28
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-24
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Park (P) Headlamps Off in Park (P)..................3-14
Parking
Brake........................................................2-23
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Passing.........................................................4-13
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Power............................................................. 1-3
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-80
Lift Seat....................................................... 1-7
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17
Steering Fluid.............................................5-31
Windows....................................................2-14
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
8