Owner's Manual
Page 2
...Controlsand AudioSystems This section tells you wantto read. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you have a problem while driving, such as a or overheated engine, etc. also explains the "SRS"system. Problems on page 8-10. Index Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual... and what to do if you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. The 1998 Pontiac GrandAm Owner's Manual 1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tellsyou how to use . It also givesyou information on "Reporting Safety Defects...
...Controlsand AudioSystems This section tells you wantto read. Customer Assistance Information This section tells you have a problem while driving, such as a or overheated engine, etc. also explains the "SRS"system. Problems on page 8-10. Index Here's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual... and what to do if you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. The 1998 Pontiac GrandAm Owner's Manual 1-1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tellsyou how to use . It also givesyou information on "Reporting Safety Defects...
Owner's Manual
Page 6
... BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHTER n FASTEN SEAT BELTS BRAKE (a) HORN )tr COOLANT POWER WINDOW WINDOW DEFOGGER ENGINE OIL PRESSURE a SPEAKER b p3 V w, FLAME EXPLODE BAllERY FOG LAMPS #0 VENTILATING ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (e) FUEL of For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING CAUSTlC .~ .. ~ A These symbols are... your lamps: These symbols are on some of your controls: These symbols are some the symbolsyou may find on warning and indicator lights: Here are used on your vehicle.
... BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHTER n FASTEN SEAT BELTS BRAKE (a) HORN )tr COOLANT POWER WINDOW WINDOW DEFOGGER ENGINE OIL PRESSURE a SPEAKER b p3 V w, FLAME EXPLODE BAllERY FOG LAMPS #0 VENTILATING ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (e) FUEL of For example, these symbols are used on an original battery: CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY PROTECT EYES BY SHIELDING CAUSTlC .~ .. ~ A These symbols are... your lamps: These symbols are on some of your controls: These symbols are some the symbolsyou may find on warning and indicator lights: Here are used on your vehicle.
Owner's Manual
Page 74
...the START position as If you are driving and the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is disabled. Be sure to restart the engine. Remember to the right. The system (In Canada, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance theft-deterrent system. However, your dealer 0 Lock the glove box. your key.... If the engine stalls and the THEFT SYS light flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying to close and lock the storage area. 2-13 is Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is a passive theft-deterrent system. If a correct key is not used, fuel is ...
...the START position as If you are driving and the THEFT SYS light comes on while the engine is disabled. Be sure to restart the engine. Remember to the right. The system (In Canada, call the Pontiac Roadside Assistance theft-deterrent system. However, your dealer 0 Lock the glove box. your key.... If the engine stalls and the THEFT SYS light flashes, wait until the light stops flashing before trying to close and lock the storage area. 2-13 is Passlock enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder is a passive theft-deterrent system. If a correct key is not used, fuel is ...
Owner's Manual
Page 75
... time your new brake linings aren't yet broken Hard stops with new linings canmean premature wearand earlier replacement. To use things is like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine off. With the keyin the ignition switch, you followthese guidelines: 0 Don't drive at any one speed fast ...or slow for the first 500 miles (805 k ) m. During this breaking-in guideline every time you use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn...
... time your new brake linings aren't yet broken Hard stops with new linings canmean premature wearand earlier replacement. To use things is like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine off. With the keyin the ignition switch, you followthese guidelines: 0 Don't drive at any one speed fast ...or slow for the first 500 miles (805 k ) m. During this breaking-in guideline every time you use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn...
Owner's Manual
Page 76
... where the key returns after you are on automatic models). is But even when the engine not running, you can use is ACCESSORY and RUN are using thecorrect key; return toRUN for normal driving. Use this works, then your key seems stuck LOCK and you put the key into the...This position unlocks the steering wheel and ignition, but never to display some instrument panel warning lights. When the engine starts, release the The ignition switchwill key. if so, is moving . Using a tool to any accessories. LOCK (B): Before you can't in turn it all the way in? you ...
... where the key returns after you are on automatic models). is But even when the engine not running, you can use is ACCESSORY and RUN are using thecorrect key; return toRUN for normal driving. Use this works, then your key seems stuck LOCK and you put the key into the...This position unlocks the steering wheel and ignition, but never to display some instrument panel warning lights. When the engine starts, release the The ignition switchwill key. if so, is moving . Using a tool to any accessories. LOCK (B): Before you can't in turn it all the way in? you ...
Owner's Manual
Page 77
that 's a safety feature. The key cannot be removed from ignition unless the the key release button is used. To remove the key, turn the key to PARK (P) ifyour Pontiac is moving , use NEUTRAL (N) only. I NOTICE: Don't tryto shift to the LOCK position. that 's a any To safety feature... orNEUTRAL (N). Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle) Starting Your Engine Automatic Transaxle Move your shift lever to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Your engine won't start in the clutch pedal to floor and start the engine.Your vehicle won'tstart if the clutch pedalis not all ...
that 's a safety feature. The key cannot be removed from ignition unless the the key release button is used. To remove the key, turn the key to PARK (P) ifyour Pontiac is moving , use NEUTRAL (N) only. I NOTICE: Don't tryto shift to the LOCK position. that 's a any To safety feature... orNEUTRAL (N). Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle) Starting Your Engine Automatic Transaxle Move your shift lever to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Your engine won't start in the clutch pedal to floor and start the engine.Your vehicle won'tstart if the clutch pedalis not all ...
Owner's Manual
Page 81
... that you have, and some other things. Also, the wrong kind of oil you contact your your dealer in ? To Use theEngine Coolant Heater 1. Before starting the engine, be damaged. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. A CAUTION: Plugging the cord into a properly grounded three... store the cord as it intoa normal, grounded 110-voltAC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least15 amps. , f o moving engine parts. The answer depends the outside temperature, the on of kind of extension cord couldoverheat and cause ...
... that you have, and some other things. Also, the wrong kind of oil you contact your your dealer in ? To Use theEngine Coolant Heater 1. Before starting the engine, be damaged. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. 3. A CAUTION: Plugging the cord into a properly grounded three... store the cord as it intoa normal, grounded 110-voltAC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least15 amps. , f o moving engine parts. The answer depends the outside temperature, the on of kind of extension cord couldoverheat and cause ...
Owner's Manual
Page 82
shift lever is located on fairly level ground, always set . If you have left the engine running unless you 're pulling a trailer, "Towing a Trailer'' i~ see the Index. Your vehicle can move easily. 2-21 To be sure your vehicle won't move the... the shift lever is running , thevehicle can roll. You or others could be injured. If you have to use when youstart your engine because vehicle can't move suddenly. N @I 3 2 1 PARK ( ) This locks your vehicle whenthe engine is not fully in the Index. the best P: It's your position to . There are seven different positions for...
shift lever is located on fairly level ground, always set . If you have left the engine running unless you 're pulling a trailer, "Towing a Trailer'' i~ see the Index. Your vehicle can move easily. 2-21 To be sure your vehicle won't move the... the shift lever is running , thevehicle can roll. You or others could be injured. If you have to use when youstart your engine because vehicle can't move suddenly. N @I 3 2 1 PARK ( ) This locks your vehicle whenthe engine is not fully in the Index. the best P: It's your position to . There are seven different positions for...
Owner's Manual
Page 83
... a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock ( BTSI). If you in this section. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) only. R: I REVERSE ( ) Use this position, yourengine N: To doesn't connect with the engine by of PARK (P) NEUTRAL (N) or with the wheels. Shift to getofout snow, ice orsand without damaging your engine is "racing" (running at high speed)is dangerous. To rock your...
... a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock ( BTSI). If you in this section. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) only. R: I REVERSE ( ) Use this position, yourengine N: To doesn't connect with the engine by of PARK (P) NEUTRAL (N) or with the wheels. Shift to getofout snow, ice orsand without damaging your engine is "racing" (running at high speed)is dangerous. To rock your...
Owner's Manual
Page 85
...at speeds over55 mph (88 km/h), or you were stuck in 2-24 than You can damage your transaxle. This might happen you can damage your engine. Use your brakes or shift intoPARK (P) to hold your vehicle position ona hill. in if very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid..., don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. You can 'trotate, don'ttry to drive. NOTICE: Don't drive in SECOND (2) for (32 engine braking.You may notice some variation shift in speed in deep snow or mud. Don't shift into f i s t gear until the vehicle is put inFIRST (l),...
...at speeds over55 mph (88 km/h), or you were stuck in 2-24 than You can damage your transaxle. This might happen you can damage your engine. Use your brakes or shift intoPARK (P) to hold your vehicle position ona hill. in if very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid..., don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. You can 'trotate, don'ttry to drive. NOTICE: Don't drive in SECOND (2) for (32 engine braking.You may notice some variation shift in speed in deep snow or mud. Don't shift into f i s t gear until the vehicle is put inFIRST (l),...
Owner's Manual
Page 86
...kmh). Just before vehicle stops, press the the clutch pedal and brake pedal, and the shift into (1). NEUTRAL (N): this position when you startor Use idle your shift pattern. You can shiftinto FIRST (1) when you do for SECOND (2). If you press the accelerator pedal. FPRST k 2 This is your... engine. 2-25 Then the accelerator pedal and shift into lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up the clutch pedal as you 've come to complete stop ...
...kmh). Just before vehicle stops, press the the clutch pedal and brake pedal, and the shift into (1). NEUTRAL (N): this position when you startor Use idle your shift pattern. You can shiftinto FIRST (1) when you do for SECOND (2). If you press the accelerator pedal. FPRST k 2 This is your... engine. 2-25 Then the accelerator pedal and shift into lever in NEUTRAL (N) and let up the clutch pedal as you 've come to complete stop ...
Owner's Manual
Page 87
...gearwhen you f downshift, you . REVERSE (R):To back up on . Let up , press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). your Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, SHIFT When this light comes on the and off if you quickly change position of And you downshift. Up... moving could injure yourself or others. Ignore the NOTICE: I you skip more than one gear when you f downshift, or if you race the engine when you have a manual transaxle, you downshift, youcan damage the clutch or transaxle. 2-26 shift when the light comes on the clutch pedal slowly...
...gearwhen you f downshift, you . REVERSE (R):To back up on . Let up , press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). your Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, SHIFT When this light comes on the and off if you quickly change position of And you downshift. Up... moving could injure yourself or others. Ignore the NOTICE: I you skip more than one gear when you f downshift, or if you race the engine when you have a manual transaxle, you downshift, youcan damage the clutch or transaxle. 2-26 shift when the light comes on the clutch pedal slowly...
Owner's Manual
Page 89
If set the parking brake. If you're pulling a trailer, "Towing a see Tkailer" in the button on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. Push the lever allthe way toward the front of your vehicle is with you 're on the lever. 1. Move the shift ... when you . Remove the key and takeit with the parking brake firmly Your vehiclecan roll. Move the ignition keyto LOCK. 4. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can leave your vehicle with your vehicle. 3. To be sure yourvehicle won't move suddenly.You or others could be dangerous toget out...
If set the parking brake. If you're pulling a trailer, "Towing a see Tkailer" in the button on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. Push the lever allthe way toward the front of your vehicle is with you 're on the lever. 1. Move the shift ... when you . Remove the key and takeit with the parking brake firmly Your vehiclecan roll. Move the ignition keyto LOCK. 4. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can leave your vehicle with your vehicle. 3. To be sure yourvehicle won't move suddenly.You or others could be dangerous toget out...
Owner's Manual
Page 104
... the nighttime lamps. There is dark enough outside, ALC will not be especially helpful in of your vehicle during the day. If you The engine is running, The headlamp switch is engaged. DRL can be helpful in PARK (P) on continuously. radio lights will nighttime lights to see the... front of daytime and nighttime operation the DRL and L C systems. If thelight sensor senses a reduction lighting in that you were last using at a normal brightness along with other lamps such the taillamps, as sidemarker, parking lamps and instrument panel lights. The DIU and ALC systems will...
... the nighttime lamps. There is dark enough outside, ALC will not be especially helpful in of your vehicle during the day. If you The engine is running, The headlamp switch is engaged. DRL can be helpful in PARK (P) on continuously. radio lights will nighttime lights to see the... front of daytime and nighttime operation the DRL and L C systems. If thelight sensor senses a reduction lighting in that you were last using at a normal brightness along with other lamps such the taillamps, as sidemarker, parking lamps and instrument panel lights. The DIU and ALC systems will...
Owner's Manual
Page 125
...cause the light atmosphere. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuelacceleration or stumbling on the cap. If so, your You engine notto run as efficiently as designed. If the Light Is On Steady Have you recently putfuel into your vehicle? may have...able to correct the emission system If so, be sure to This will cause your electrical system may go away once the engine warmed up , stalling when If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to ak turn on. A few driving ... installed. Poor fuel quality will be corrected when the electrical system If none of Did you use.
...cause the light atmosphere. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuelacceleration or stumbling on the cap. If so, your You engine notto run as efficiently as designed. If the Light Is On Steady Have you recently putfuel into your vehicle? may have...able to correct the emission system If so, be sure to This will cause your electrical system may go away once the engine warmed up , stalling when If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to ak turn on. A few driving ... installed. Poor fuel quality will be corrected when the electrical system If none of Did you use.
Owner's Manual
Page 134
...windows long enough to the temperature desired. setting is through the windshield defroster vents. 'fl If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine block heater) and use it . HEATER: This setting brings heated air through the heater ducts, and some times than instrument panel. The system... will bring provide heat because the engine coolant already is in between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster the middle. ...
...windows long enough to the temperature desired. setting is through the windshield defroster vents. 'fl If you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine block heater) and use it . HEATER: This setting brings heated air through the heater ducts, and some times than instrument panel. The system... will bring provide heat because the engine coolant already is in between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster the middle. ...
Owner's Manual
Page 135
...the air conditioning airflow to DEFROST. See "Engine Coolant Heater" in improved To defog the side windows,t r the right control knob un fuel economy. O 3-4 Ifeither setting fails to keep you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine use BLEND. Aim the side vents toward your... heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant is already warmed. VENT and HEATER are economical positions because To warm ...
...the air conditioning airflow to DEFROST. See "Engine Coolant Heater" in improved To defog the side windows,t r the right control knob un fuel economy. O 3-4 Ifeither setting fails to keep you have the optional engine coolant heater (engine use BLEND. Aim the side vents toward your... heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant is already warmed. VENT and HEATER are economical positions because To warm ...
Owner's Manual
Page 164
...an advanced electronic braking system that your This brake pedal moves or pulses a little. Some people drive in If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake If normally but don't pump your brakes.you do a lot of life.... harder to hard stops.Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do , the If your engine pedal may get harder to drive you may even notice that will check itself. the Index. You may... a problem with traffic. Avoid needless heavy braking. Once the power assist used up, it when you will stay on , and you away, your engine, or when begin to push down.
...an advanced electronic braking system that your This brake pedal moves or pulses a little. Some people drive in If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake If normally but don't pump your brakes.you do a lot of life.... harder to hard stops.Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do , the If your engine pedal may get harder to drive you may even notice that will check itself. the Index. You may... a problem with traffic. Avoid needless heavy braking. Once the power assist used up, it when you will stay on , and you away, your engine, or when begin to push down.
Owner's Manual
Page 166
Using Anti-Lock Don't pump the brakes. may upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin. Enhanced Traction System If your vehicle has optional four-speed automatic ... may feel a You or slight brake pedal pulsation notice some noise, but this happens, the lose also system reduces engine power and may feel or hear the system working, but is especially useful in If front of the front wheels spinning one or beginning to traction. Whenthis warning lightis on, the system...
Using Anti-Lock Don't pump the brakes. may upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin. Enhanced Traction System If your vehicle has optional four-speed automatic ... may feel a You or slight brake pedal pulsation notice some noise, but this happens, the lose also system reduces engine power and may feel or hear the system working, but is especially useful in If front of the front wheels spinning one or beginning to traction. Whenthis warning lightis on, the system...
Owner's Manual
Page 187
...recreational towing. But do some fairly vigorous exercises so every half hour or until help keep warm, you can . uses less fuel for with your headlamps. Let the heater run the engine, make go alittle faster This than just idle. Preserve the rm it To fuel as long as you must. ... the all the wayto preserve the heat. Run your engine only long as you can get it keeps the and battery charged.You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly signaling later on a dolly. When you feel really uncomfortable f o the cold. sure to use at your destination.
...recreational towing. But do some fairly vigorous exercises so every half hour or until help keep warm, you can . uses less fuel for with your headlamps. Let the heater run the engine, make go alittle faster This than just idle. Preserve the rm it To fuel as long as you must. ... the all the wayto preserve the heat. Run your engine only long as you can get it keeps the and battery charged.You will need a well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly signaling later on a dolly. When you feel really uncomfortable f o the cold. sure to use at your destination.