1998 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 84

AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This positionis for normal driving with the four-speed automatic transaxle. If you need more powerfor passing,and you're: Going less than about35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. 0 THIRD (3): This position is also usedfor normal driving, however,it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATICOVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD instead of (3) AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): When driving on hilly, winding roads. 0 Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. The transaxle will automatically shift down to the next gear and provide more power. When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears. When going down a steep hill. 0 NOTICE: This NOTICE applies only if you have an SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. can use SECOND (2) on hills. You as It can help control your speed you go down steep to use mountain roads, but then you would also want your brakes off and on. automatic overdrive transaxle. your vehicle is If so equipped and if it seems to start up rather slowly, or if it seems not to shift gears as go you faster, somethingmay be wrong with a transaxle system sensor. If you drive very far thatway, your vehicle can be damaged. So, if this happens, have yourvehicle serviced rightaway. Until then, you can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (0) higherspeeds. for 2-23