1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 227

If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don't want to when your vehicleis stuck is do to spin your wheels too fast. method known as The "rocking" can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must use caution. I NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts your of vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin thewheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see "Tire Chains" in the Index. A CAUTION: If you let your tires spinat high speed, they can explode, and you or otherscould be injured. And, the transaxle or other parts the vehicle can of overheat. Thatcould cause an engine compartment fire or other damage. When you're stuck, spin the wheels little as possible. Don't as spin thewheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer. Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out First, turn your steering wheel left and right. will That clear the area around your front wheels.your vehicle If has the Enhanced Traction System, you should turn the system off. (See "Enhanced Traction System" in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear (or with a manual transaxle, between FIRST(1) or SECOND ( 2 ) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels little as as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear.If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need be towed out. If you do need to to be towed out, see "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index. 5-34