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2000 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 221

2000 Pontiac Sunfire Manual

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Maintenance When Trailer Towing Your vehicle will need service more often when you're pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review this information before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. Towing a Trailer (Except Models with 2.4L L4 Engine and 4-Speed Automatic Transaxle) Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is: D a convertible model, D equipped with a 2.2L L4 (Code 4) engine or D equipped with a manual transaxle or a three-speed automatic transaxle. Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See "Engine Overheating" in the Index. 4-41

Section	Page
2000 Pontiac Sunfire	1
24-hour Roadside Assistance	2
Copyright General Motors Corp. 1999	3
Table of Contents	4
	4
	5
	6
	7
	8
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:	8
How to Use this Manual	9
Safety Warnings and Symbols	9
Vehicle Damage Warnings	10
Vehicle Symbols	11
Service Station Guide	12
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems	13
Seats and Seat Controls	14
Manual Front Seats	14
Manual Lumbar Support (If Equipped)	15
Reclining Front Seatbacks	16
Head Restraints	17
Seatback Latches (2-Door Models)	17
Easy Entry Seat (If Equipped)	18
Rear Seats	19
Folding the Rear Seat	19
Safety Belts: They re for Everyone	20
Why Safety Belts Work	21
Here Are Questions Many People Ask	24
About Safety Belts	24
and the Answers	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	25
Adults	25
Driver Position	25
Lap-Shoulder Belt	25
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (4-Door Models)	28
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	33
Right Front Passenger Position	34
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	34
How the Air Bag System Works	36
Where are the air bags?	36
When should an air bag inflate? What makes an air bag inflate?	38
How does an air bag restrain?	38
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	39
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	40
Rear Seat Passengers	41
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	41
Lap-Shoulder Belt	41
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	44
Center Passenger Position	47
Lap Belt	47
Children	48
Smaller Children and Babies	48
Child Restraints	51
Where to Put the Restraint	54
Top Strap	55
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	61
Larger Children	63
Safety Belt Extender	66
Checking Your Restraint Systems	66
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	66
Section 2 Features and Controls	67
Keys	68
Door Locks	70
Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Rear Door Security Lock (4-Door Models)	71
To Use One of These Locks	71
To Open a Rear Door With the Security Lock	72
To Cancel the Rear Door Lock	72
Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)	72
Leaving Your Vehicle	72
Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)	72
Operation	73
Radio Personalization Feature	75
Matching Transmitter(s) To Your Vehicle	75
Battery Replacement	75
Replacing the Battery in the Remote Keyless Entry System Transmitter	76
Resynchronization	76
Trunk	77
Remote Trunk Release (If Equipped)	78
Theft	78
Key in the Ignition	78
Parking at Night	78
Parking Lots	78
Passlock	79
New Vehicle Break-In	79
Ignition Positions	80
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)	81
Retained Accessory Power	81
Starting Your Engine	82
Automatic Transaxle	82
Manual Transaxle	82
Starting Your 2.2 Liter L4 Engine	82
Starting Your 2.4 Liter L4 Engine	83
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	84
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	85
Automatic Transaxle Operation	86
Forward Gears (3-Speed)	88
Forward Gears (4-Speed)	89
Manual Transaxle Operation	90
Speed	90
Shift Speeds	91
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)	92
Parking Brake	92
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	93
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	94
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	95
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	95
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	95
Parking Over Things That Burn Engine Exhaust	96
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	97
Windows	98
Manual Windows	98
Power Windows (If Equipped)	98
Auto Down Window	98
Lockout Switch	98
Horn	98
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped) Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	99
Turn and Lane Change Signals	100
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer	100
Flash-to-Pass	100
Windshield Wipers	101
Windshield Washer Cruise Control (If Equipped)	102
Setting Cruise Control	103
Resuming a Set Speed	104
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	104
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	104
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	104
Using Cruise Control on Hills	105
Ending Cruise Control	105
Erasing Cruise Speed Memory	105
Exterior Lamps	105
Parking Lamps	106
Headlamps	106
Lamps On Reminder	106
Daytime Running Lamps	106
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	107
Interior Lamps	108
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	108
Illuminated Entry	108
Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	108
Map Lamps (If Equipped)	109
Battery Saver	109
Mirrors	109
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	109
Manual Remote Control Mirror	109
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	110
Convex Outside Mirror	110
Breakaway Mirrors	111
Storage Compartments	111
Center Console Storage Area	111
Center Console Cupholders	111
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	111
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)	112
Sun Visors	112
Accessory Power Outlet (If Equipped)	112
Sunroof (If Equipped) Convertible Top (If Equipped)	113
Lowering the Convertible Top	114
Installing the Three Piece Boot	115
Removing the Three Piece Boot	118
Installing the One Piece Boot	120
Removing the One Piece Boot	121
Raising the Convertible Top	122
Lowering the Top Manually	123
Raising the Top Manually	123
The Instrument Panel	126
Your Information System	126
Instrument Panel Cluster	128
Speedometer and Odometer	129
Trip Odometer	129
Tachometer	130
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	130
Safety Belt Reminder Light	131
Air Bag Readiness Light	131
Charging System Light	132
Brake System Warning Light	133
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	134
(If Equipped)	134
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	135
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	136
Low Coolant Warning Light	136
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	137
If the Light Is Flashing	138
If the Light Is On Steady	138
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	139
Oil Pressure Light	140
Service Vehicle Soon Light Passlock	141
Warning Light	141
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) Check Gages Light	142
Fuel Gage	143
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	144
Comfort Controls	145
Standard Climate Control System	145
Fan Knob	145
Temperature Knob	145
Mode Knob	145
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning (If Equipped)	146
Fan Knob	146
Temperature Knob	147
Mode Knob	147
Air Conditioning Compressor Button	147
Air Conditioning (If Equipped) Heating	148
Defogging and Defrosting Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)	149
Ventilation System	150
Ventilation Tips	150
Audio Systems	151
Setting the Clock for Systems without Radio Data System	151
Setting the Clock	151
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System	151
AM-FM Stereo	152
Playing the Radio	152
Finding a Station	152
Setting the Tone	153
Adjusting the Speakers	154
Radio Calibration	154
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	155
Playing the Radio	155
Finding a Station	155
Setting the Tone	156
Adjusting the Speakers	157
Playing a Cassette Tape	157
Radio Calibration	159
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	160
Playing the Radio	160
Finding a Station	160
Setting the Tone	161
Using RDS Mode	162
Adjusting the Speakers	164
Playing a Compact Disc	165
Radio Calibration	166
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	167
Playing the Radio	167
Finding a Station	167
Setting the Tone	168
Using RDS Mode	169
Adjusting the Speakers	171
Playing a Cassette Tape	172
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	174
Playing a Compact Disc	174
Radio Calibration	176
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	176
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios (If Equipped)	176
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non- RDS Radios	176
Understanding Radio Reception	177
AM	177
FM Stereo	177
Tips About Your Audio System	177
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	178
Care of Your Compact Discs	179
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	180
Fixed Mast Antenna	180
Chime Level Adjustment	180
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	181
Defensive Driving	182
Drunken Driving	183
Control of a Vehicle Braking	186
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	187
Using Anti-Lock	189
Braking in Emergencies	189
Enhanced Traction System	189
Steering	191
Power Steering	191
Steering Tips	191
Driving on Curves	191
Steering in Emergencies	192
Off-Road Recovery Passing	193
Loss of Control	195
Skidding	195
Driving at Night	196
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	197
Hydroplaning	198
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	199
Driving Through Flowing Water	199
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	199
City Driving	200
Freeway Driving	201
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	202
Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads	203
Winter Driving	205
Driving on Snow or Ice	206
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	208
Recreational Vehicle Towing	209
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front 3- Speed Automatic Transaxle (With a Dolly)	210
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front 4- Speed Automatic and 5- Speed Manual Transaxles (Without a Dolly)	210
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear All Transaxles	211
Loading Your Vehicle	212
Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.4L L4 Engine and 4- Speed Automatic Transaxle)	214
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	215
Weight of the Trailer	215
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	216
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	217
Hitches	217
Safety Chains	217
Trailer Brakes	217
Driving with a Trailer	218
Following Distance	218
Passing	218
Backing Up	218
Making Turns	218
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer Driving On Grades	219
Parking on Hills	220
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	220
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	221
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	221
Towing a Trailer (Except Models with 2.4L L4 Engine and 4- Speed Automatic Transaxle)	221
Section 5 Problems on the Road	222
Hazard Warning Flashers	223
Other Warning Devices	224
Jump Starting	224
Towing Your Vehicle	229
Engine Overheating	229
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	230
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	231
Cooling System	232
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	235
If a Tire Goes Flat	239
Changing a Flat Tire	240
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	241
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	243
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	247
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	247
Compact Spare Tire	248
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	249
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	250
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	251
Service	252
Doing Your Own Service Work	252
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	253
Fuel	253
Fuels in Foreign Countries Filling Your Tank	255
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	257
Checking Things Under the Hood	258
Hood Release	258
L L4 Engine (Code 4)	260
L L4 Engine (Code T)	261
Engine Oil	262
Checking Engine Oil	262
When to Add Engine Oil	263
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	264
Engine Oil Additives	266
When to Change Engine Oil	266
What to Do with Used Oil	266
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	267
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Three- Speed Only)	268
When to Check and Change	268
How to Check	269
Checking the Fluid Level	269
How to Add Fluid	271
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Four- Speed Only)	272
Manual Transaxle Fluid	272
Hydraulic Clutch	272
When to Check and What to Use How to Check and Add Fluid	273
Engine Coolant	273
What to Use	274
Checking Coolant	275
Adding Coolant	276
Surge Tank Pressure Cap Power Steering Fluid	277
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	277
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	278
What to Use	278
Windshield Washer Fluid	278
What to Use	278
Adding Washer Fluid	278
Brakes	279
Brake Fluid	279
What to Add	280
Brake Wear	281
Brake Pedal Travel	282
Brake Adjustment	282
Replacing Brake System Parts	282
Battery	283
Vehicle Storage	283
Bulb Replacement	283
Halogen Bulbs	283
Headlamps	284
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)( Models Without a Spoiler)	285
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (Models With a Spoiler)	285
Taillamps and Rear Turn Signal Lamps	286
Back-Up Lamps (Sedan)	287
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe)	287
Dome Lamp with Integral Reading Lamps	287
Dome Lamp without Integral Reading Lamps	287
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	288
Tires	289
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	290
When to Check	290
How to Check	290
Tire Inspection and Rotation	291
When It s Time for New Tires	292
Buying New Tires	292
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	293
Treadwear	294
Traction	294
AA, A, B, C	294
Temperature	294
A, B, C	294
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	295
Wheel Replacement	295
Used Replacement Wheels	296
Tire Chains	296
Appearance Care	297
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	297
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	297
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	298
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	298
Cleaning Vinyl	299
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	299
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	299
Care of Safety Belts	299
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	299
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	300
Weatherstrips	300
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	300
Washing Your Vehicle	300
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	301
Finish Care	301
Cleaning Your Convertible Top	301
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	302
Cleaning Tires	302
Sheet Metal Damage	302
Finish Damage	303
Underbody Maintenance	303
Chemical Paint Spotting	303
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	304
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	305
Engine Identification	305
Service Parts Identification Label	305
Electrical System	306
Add-On Electrical Equipment	306
Headlamp Wiring	306
Windshield Wipers Fuse	306
Power Windows and Other Power Options	306
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	307
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	307
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	309
Replacement Bulbs	310
Capacities and Specifications	311
L L4 Engine Specifications	311
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	312
Vehicle Dimensions	312
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	313
Introduction	314
Your Vehicle and the Environment	314
Maintenance Requirements	314
How This Section is Organized	315
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	316
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	316
Selecting the Right Schedule	316
Scheduled Maintenance	317
Short Trip/City Definition	317
Short Trip/City Intervals	317
Long Trip/Highway Definition	318
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	318
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	342
At Each Fuel Fill	342
Engine Oil Level Check	342
Engine Coolant Level Check	342
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	342
At Least Once a Month	342
Tire Inflation Check	342
Cassette Deck Service	342
At Least Twice a Year	343
Restraint System Check	343
Wiper Blade Check	343
Weatherstrip Lubrication	343
Manual Transaxle Check	343
Automatic Transaxle Check (Three- Speed Only)	343
Automatic Transaxle Inspection (Four- Speed Only)	343
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	343
At Least Once a Year	344
Key Lock Cylinders Service	344
Body Lubrication Service	344
Starter Switch Check	344
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	345
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	345
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	346
Underbody Flushing Service	346
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	347
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	347
Exhaust System Inspection	347
Engine Cooling System Inspection	347
Throttle System Inspection	347
Brake System Inspection	348
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection	348
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	349
Part E: Maintenance Record	351
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	353
Pontiac Cares	354
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	355
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	355
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	357
Customer Assistance Offices	357
United States	357
Canada	358
All Overseas Locations	358
Caribbean Numbers	358
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	359
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	360
Security While You Travel	360
Canadian Roadside Assistance	361