Owner's Manual
Page 3
...maintenance and what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your seats and safety belts properly. The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 3-1 Seats and Restraint ...Systems This section tells you how to use your Pontiac running properly and looking good...
...maintenance and what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc. Service and Appearance Care Here the manual tells you how to keep your seats and safety belts properly. The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual 1-1 2-1 3-1 Seats and Restraint ...Systems This section tells you how to use your Pontiac running properly and looking good...
Owner's Manual
Page 59
...2 FeaturesandControls Here you can learn about the many standard andoptional features on your Pontiac, and informationon starting, shifting and braking.Also explained are the instrument paneland the warning systems that tell you have a problem. 2-2 2-4 2-6 2-10 2-10 2-11 2-12 2-12 2-14 2-17 ... 2-30 2-3 1 2-33 2-4 1 2-43 2-45 2-47 2-50 2-5 1 2-62 2-66 Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transaxle) Windows Turn SignalMultifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Sunroof (IfEquipped) Convertible Top The...
...2 FeaturesandControls Here you can learn about the many standard andoptional features on your Pontiac, and informationon starting, shifting and braking.Also explained are the instrument paneland the warning systems that tell you have a problem. 2-2 2-4 2-6 2-10 2-10 2-11 2-12 2-12 2-14 2-17 ... 2-30 2-3 1 2-33 2-4 1 2-43 2-45 2-47 2-50 2-5 1 2-62 2-66 Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transaxle) Windows Turn SignalMultifunction Lever Exterior Lamps Interior Lamps Mirrors Storage Compartments Sunroof (IfEquipped) Convertible Top The...
Owner's Manual
Page 69
...a storage area, like your keys. If you are driving and the THEFT SYSTEM light comes on while the engine is not protected by your valuables out of sight. Lock all windows and lock your transaxle. And remember to...your key from theignition. Put them with you. Parking Lots If you park in the Index). When you park your Pontiac and open the driver's door, you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your ignition. Your steering wheel will...But what if you have to keep your dealer.Your vehicle is running, a problem has been detected and the system may also want to restart the...
...a storage area, like your keys. If you are driving and the THEFT SYSTEM light comes on while the engine is not protected by your valuables out of sight. Lock all windows and lock your transaxle. And remember to...your key from theignition. Put them with you. Parking Lots If you park in the Index). When you park your Pontiac and open the driver's door, you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove your ignition. Your steering wheel will...But what if you have to keep your dealer.Your vehicle is running, a problem has been detected and the system may also want to restart the...
Owner's Manual
Page 124
... . This part describes thewarning lights and gages that may be or is wrong before it . So please get to know when there's a problem withyour vehicle. Warning lights come on when there may be alarmed when this happens. The pictures will see in revolutions per minute (rpm). Often gages... that tells you should not be on when you are familiar with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage may bea problem, check the section that something is a problem with one of your vehicle. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you know your ...
... . This part describes thewarning lights and gages that may be or is wrong before it . So please get to know when there's a problem withyour vehicle. Warning lights come on when there may be alarmed when this happens. The pictures will see in revolutions per minute (rpm). Often gages... that tells you should not be on when you are familiar with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage may bea problem, check the section that something is a problem with one of your vehicle. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you know your ...
Owner's Manual
Page 125
... . The safety belt light will also come on the air bag system, see "Air Bag" in the Index. This means the system is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensor, the air bag modules, If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the... comes on when you are driving, your engine, and it will flash for a few seconds when you start your air bag system may not work properly. The light tells you if there is a problem. Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will come on for...
... . The safety belt light will also come on the air bag system, see "Air Bag" in the Index. This means the system is an electrical problem. The system check includes the air bag sensor, the air bag modules, If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the... comes on when you are driving, your engine, and it will flash for a few seconds when you start your air bag system may not work properly. The light tells you if there is a problem. Safety Belt Reminder Light When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will come on for...
Owner's Manual
Page 126
...The battery light will be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as a check to warn you if there's problem. Brake System Warning Light Your Pontiac's hydraulic brake system is working. Have your battery. Have it should come on briefly when you turn on could indicate ...that you have a loose generator drive belt, or another electrical problem. It/ If the warning light comes on then, have a problem with the electrical charging system. United ,States Canada This light should go out when the engine starts. BRAKE If you must drive a short distance with the...
...The battery light will be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as a check to warn you if there's problem. Brake System Warning Light Your Pontiac's hydraulic brake system is working. Have your battery. Have it should come on briefly when you turn on could indicate ...that you have a loose generator drive belt, or another electrical problem. It/ If the warning light comes on then, have a problem with the electrical charging system. United ,States Canada This light should go out when the engine starts. BRAKE If you must drive a short distance with the...
Owner's Manual
Page 127
...'t release fully. Your brake system may take longer to push. The light will also come on when you set your parking brake. Then start your engine and it stays on , turn the ignition off the road and stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition to warn you if there... is on, the brake system warning light will stay on again while you're driving, your Pontiac needs service. If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it means you have a brake problem. When the ignition is with your regular brakes. If the light stays on after you've...
...'t release fully. Your brake system may take longer to push. The light will also come on when you set your parking brake. Then start your engine and it stays on , turn the ignition off the road and stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition to warn you if there... is on, the brake system warning light will stay on again while you're driving, your Pontiac needs service. If the light doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it means you have a brake problem. When the ignition is with your regular brakes. If the light stays on after you've...
Owner's Manual
Page 128
... your parking brake is fully released, it means there's a problem with your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle may come on when you if there'sa problem. If the system is turned on andthe warning light stays on... briefly as you 're driving, there may be a problem with the system. Enhanced Raction System WarningLight (If Equipped) With the Enhanced Traction System (...to warn you set your driving accordingly. Adjust your parking brake withthe engine running,and it stays on, or comes on and the parking brake is turned on when you start...
... your parking brake is fully released, it means there's a problem with your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle may come on when you if there'sa problem. If the system is turned on andthe warning light stays on... briefly as you 're driving, there may be a problem with the system. Enhanced Raction System WarningLight (If Equipped) With the Enhanced Traction System (...to warn you set your driving accordingly. Adjust your parking brake withthe engine running,and it stays on, or comes on and the parking brake is turned on when you start...
Owner's Manual
Page 129
...System active light also comes on for a few seconds after the Enhanced Traction System stops limiting wheel spin. In "Problems on , so adjust your driving accordingly. It means that your engine is too hot! Slippery road conditions may exist if the Enhanced Traction System active light comes on the Road," ... operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key to RUN. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage LOW TRAC & 100 With the ignition in the Index. 2-71 If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your...
...System active light also comes on for a few seconds after the Enhanced Traction System stops limiting wheel spin. In "Problems on , so adjust your driving accordingly. It means that your engine is too hot! Slippery road conditions may exist if the Enhanced Traction System active light comes on the Road," ... operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn the ignition key to RUN. Engine Coolant Temperature Gage LOW TRAC & 100 With the ignition in the Index. 2-71 If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your...
Owner's Manual
Page 130
... to assure that thereis a problem and service is required. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in the Index have your and vehicle serviced as soon as you can. Malfunl L Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with a computer ...which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. CHECK See "Engine Coolant" in correctly diagnosing any problem is apparent. Malfunctions often will indicated by Enhanced Diagnostics.) ...
... to assure that thereis a problem and service is required. This system is also designed to assist your service technician in the Index have your and vehicle serviced as soon as you can. Malfunl L Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with a computer ...which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. CHECK See "Engine Coolant" in correctly diagnosing any problem is apparent. Malfunctions often will indicated by Enhanced Diagnostics.) ...
Owner's Manual
Page 132
...change the fuel brand you put fuel into the atmosphere. Your dealer hasthe proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may bewet. If you recently changed brands of the above steps have made the light turn off, have developed. 2-74 Did youjust ...afterstart-up .) This will usually be detected by system and causethe light the to turn on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up , stalling when you use. Have you experience one full tank of If so, your electrical system may have your dealeror ...
...change the fuel brand you put fuel into the atmosphere. Your dealer hasthe proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that may bewet. If you recently changed brands of the above steps have made the light turn off, have developed. 2-74 Did youjust ...afterstart-up .) This will usually be detected by system and causethe light the to turn on acceleration. (These conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up , stalling when you use. Have you experience one full tank of If so, your electrical system may have your dealeror ...
Owner's Manual
Page 133
...on and then off. Check your oil as soon as a test to your engine from neglected oil problems can becomeso hot that your vehicle serviced. If it fixed right away. This isnormal. Have it catches fire. The.engine could be costly and is not covered by your warranty. * When the ...light may come on for a moment. Oil Pressure Warning Light If you have a low engine oil pressure problem, this light will come on as possible and have your engine is not receiving enough oil. If you do, your engine can be low on oil, or could have some other situations: 0 1 NOTICE: Damage...
...on and then off. Check your oil as soon as a test to your engine from neglected oil problems can becomeso hot that your vehicle serviced. If it fixed right away. This isnormal. Have it catches fire. The.engine could be costly and is not covered by your warranty. * When the ...light may come on for a moment. Oil Pressure Warning Light If you have a low engine oil pressure problem, this light will come on as possible and have your engine is not receiving enough oil. If you do, your engine can be low on oil, or could have some other situations: 0 1 NOTICE: Damage...
Owner's Manual
Page 134
..., check your dealer. Upshift Light (Manual Transaxle) This lightcomes on while you need to see if they are starting the engine. CHECK GAGES 2-76 Check Gages Light This light will not be a problem with the Passlock system. THEFT SYSTEM SHIFT If the light flashes, the Passlock system has entered a tamper mode. If...
..., check your dealer. Upshift Light (Manual Transaxle) This lightcomes on while you need to see if they are starting the engine. CHECK GAGES 2-76 Check Gages Light This light will not be a problem with the Passlock system. THEFT SYSTEM SHIFT If the light flashes, the Passlock system has entered a tamper mode. If...
Owner's Manual
Page 171
...light will be harder to drive away, your brakes. This isa mistake. If there's a problem with traffic. rather than keeping pace with the anti-lock brake system, this test is going on . If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't pump your anti-lock brake ... heavy braking -- Your brakes will check itself.You may even notice that will useit when you do a lot of unnecessary braking. When you start your engine, or when you will help prevent a braking skid. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light" in spurts -- But you begin to push. 4-7 ...
...light will be harder to drive away, your brakes. This isa mistake. If there's a problem with traffic. rather than keeping pace with the anti-lock brake system, this test is going on . If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't pump your anti-lock brake ... heavy braking -- Your brakes will check itself.You may even notice that will useit when you do a lot of unnecessary braking. When you start your engine, or when you will help prevent a braking skid. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light" in spurts -- But you begin to push. 4-7 ...
Owner's Manual
Page 189
.... These parts can work well. The lower gears help cool your own lane. Don't swing wide or cut across the center of something in your engine and transaxle, and you go over the top a hill,be of the road. Shift down to a lower gear. If you drive regularly in steep country..., or if you're planning to visit there, here are some of special problems. Examplesare long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Shift to a lower gear when you can make your trips safer...
.... These parts can work well. The lower gears help cool your own lane. Don't swing wide or cut across the center of something in your engine and transaxle, and you go over the top a hill,be of the road. Shift down to a lower gear. If you drive regularly in steep country..., or if you're planning to visit there, here are some of special problems. Examplesare long grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area or winding roads. Shift to a lower gear when you can make your trips safer...
Owner's Manual
Page 209
Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-8 5- 14 Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating 5-22 5-23 5-33 5-34 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You're Stuck In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-1
Section 5 Problems on the Road Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road. 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-8 5- 14 Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Jump Starting Towing Your Vehicle Engine Overheating 5-22 5-23 5-33 5-34 If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire Compact Spare Tire If You're Stuck In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow 5-1
Owner's Manual
Page 223
..., shift to the highest gear while driving -- Tow a trailer. If you no see steam, the problem may decide not to lift the hood but or hear no longer have the warning, turn it off the engine and get everyone out o the vehicle until it cools down. If the warning continues, pull over... steam, you can drive. But then, if you still have the overheat warning, you can idle theengine for three-speed automatic transaxles. 5-15 Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on , you can drive normally. If No Steam Is Coming FromYour...
..., shift to the highest gear while driving -- Tow a trailer. If you no see steam, the problem may decide not to lift the hood but or hear no longer have the warning, turn it off the engine and get everyone out o the vehicle until it cools down. If the warning continues, pull over... steam, you can drive. But then, if you still have the overheat warning, you can idle theengine for three-speed automatic transaxles. 5-15 Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you: Climb a long hill on , you can drive normally. If No Steam Is Coming FromYour...
Owner's Manual
Page 226
Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is you cool b'efore do it. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for the cooling system andcoolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have turn to the Coolant Surge Tank ... surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. They are under pressure, if you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn't at the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ coolant at...
Never turn the cap when the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is you cool b'efore do it. (See "Engine Coolant" in the Index for the cooling system andcoolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever have turn to the Coolant Surge Tank ... surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. They are under pressure, if you haven't found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn't at the FULL COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and DEX-COOL@ coolant at...
Owner's Manual
Page 247
... (MMT); Adding Equipmentto the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add to th'e outsideof your vehicle can damage your engine. Check with your Pontiac dealer before adding equipment to operate on and/or your authorized don't worry if you hear alittle pinging noise when...it . you may turn on the underhood tune-up a hill. for better vehicle performance and engine Some gasolines that the cause of the the American Automobile Manufacturers Association fuels used , you have a problem. ask your emission control system performance may fail asmog-check un D4814 At a minimum, it...
... (MMT); Adding Equipmentto the Outside of Your Vehicle Things you might add to th'e outsideof your vehicle can damage your engine. Check with your Pontiac dealer before adding equipment to operate on and/or your authorized don't worry if you hear alittle pinging noise when...it . you may turn on the underhood tune-up a hill. for better vehicle performance and engine Some gasolines that the cause of the the American Automobile Manufacturers Association fuels used , you have a problem. ask your emission control system performance may fail asmog-check un D4814 At a minimum, it...
Owner's Manual
Page 259
... or every 3,000 miles (5 000 k ) 3 months -- Don't ever dispose of oil products.) Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you have a problem properly disposing of them is true, use a carrier on top of these is ready to advise if you , use and disposal of oil by taking... be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Your Pontiac dealer is true for help. Clean your vehicle. Driving under highway conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner. When to Change Engine Oil If any one of water. Don't let used oil. Change the oil ...
... or every 3,000 miles (5 000 k ) 3 months -- Don't ever dispose of oil products.) Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you have a problem properly disposing of them is true, use a carrier on top of these is ready to advise if you , use and disposal of oil by taking... be sure to drain all free-flowing oil from the filter before disposal. Your Pontiac dealer is true for help. Clean your vehicle. Driving under highway conditions causes engine oil to break down sooner. When to Change Engine Oil If any one of water. Don't let used oil. Change the oil ...