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2001 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 264

2001 Pontiac Grand Am Manual

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Checking Coolant CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark, or a little higher. If the LOW COOLANT light comes on and stays on, it means you're low on engine coolant. The coolant surge tank is located on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. See "Low Coolant Warning Light" in the Index. 6-23

Section	Page
2001 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	25
Adults	25
Driver Position	26
Lap-Shoulder Belt	26
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?	37
What makes an air bag inflate?	38
How does an air bag restrain?	38
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	38
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	40
Rear Seat Passengers	40
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	40
Lap-Shoulder Belt	40
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	43
Center Passenger Position	46
Lap Belt	46
Children	47
Infants and Young Children	47
Restraint Systems for Children	51
Where to Put the Restraint	54
Top Strap	55
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	56
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	59
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	62
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	64
Older Children	67
Safety Belt Extender	70
Checking Your Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	70
Section 2 Features and Controls	71
Windows	72
Manual Windows	73
Power Windows (If Equipped)	73
Auto- Down Switch	73
Lock- Out Switch	73
Keys	74
Door Locks	76
Power Door Locks	77
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	77
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks	77
Delayed Locking	79
Rear Door Security Locks (4-Door Models)	79
Anti-Lockout Protection	80
Leaving Your Vehicle	80
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	81
Operation	82
Programmable Horn Chirp	82
Radio Personalization	83
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	83
Battery Replacement	83
Resynchronization	84
Trunk	84
Remote Trunk Release	85
Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped)	86
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	86
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	87
Theft	87
Key in the Ignition	87
Parking at Night	87
Parking Lots	88
Passlock	88
New Vehicle Break-In	89
Ignition Positions	89
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	90
Starting Your Engine	90
Automatic Transaxle	90
Manual Transaxle	91
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)	92
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	93
Automatic Transaxle Operation	93
Manual Transaxle Operation	97
Shift Speeds	99
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	99
Parking Brake	99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	100
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	101
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	102
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	102
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	103
Parking Over Things That Burn	103
Engine Exhaust	104
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	104
Horn	105
Tilt Wheel	105
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	106
Turn and Lane Change Signals	106
Headlamps	107
Lamps On Reminder	107
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	107
Flash-to-Pass	108
Windshield Wipers	108
Windshield Washer	109
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	109
Setting Cruise Control	110
Resuming a Set Speed	111
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	111
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	112
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	112
Using Cruise Control on Hills	112
Ending Out of Cruise Control	112
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory	112
Exterior Lamps	113
Headlamps	113
Daytime Running Lamps	113
Automatic Light Control (ALC)	114
Headlamps Dim to Park (If Equipped)	114
Delayed Headlamps	115
Fog Lamps	115
Interior Lamps	116
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	116
Courtesy Lamp Control	116
Illuminated Entry/Exit System	116
Mirror Reading Lamps	117
Three-Position Dome Lamp (If Equipped)	117
Trunk Lamp	117
Battery Saver	117
Mirrors	118
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	118
Manual Remote Control Mirror	118
Power Remote Control Mirror (If Equipped)	118
Convex Outside Mirror	119
Storage Compartments	119
Glove Box	119
Center Console Storage Area	119
Rear Seat Cupholder	119
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	119
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)	120
Sun Visors	120
Visor Vanity Mirror	120
Sunroof (Option)	121
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	122
Instrument Panel Cluster	124
Speedometer and Odometer	125
Trip Odometer	125
Tachometer	125
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	126
Safety Belt Reminder Light	126
Air Bag Readiness Light	127
Charging System Indicator Light	128
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) (If Equipped)	128
Brake System Warning Light	128
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	130
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	130
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	131
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	132
Low Coolant Warning Light	132
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Service Engine Soon Light)	133
If the Light Is Flashing	134
If the Light Is On Steady	134
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	135
Oil Pressure Light	136
Low Oil Light (If Equipped)	137
Change Oil Light	137
Security Light	138
Cruise Light (If Equipped)	138
Low Washer Light	138
Service Vehicle Soon Light	138
Fuel Gage	139
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	140
Comfort Controls	141
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning	141
Fan Knob	141
Temperature Knob	141
Mode Knob	141
Mode Button	142
Air Conditioning	142
Heating	143
Defogging and Defrosting Windows	143
Rear Window Defogger	144
Ventilation System	144
Ventilation Tips	145
Audio Systems	145
Setting the Clock	145
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System	145
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player	146
Playing the Radio	146
Finding a Station	146
Setting the Tone	147
Adjusting the Speakers	148
Playing a Cassette Tape	148
Radio Calibration	150
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	151
Playing the Radio	151
Finding a Station	151
Setting the Tone	153
Using RDS	153
Adjusting the Speakers	156
Playing a Compact Disc	156
Radio Calibration	158
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	158
Playing the Radio	159
Finding a Station	159
Setting the Tone	160
Using RDS	161
Adjusting the Speakers	163
Playing a Cassette Tape	164
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	166
Playing a Compact Disc	166
Radio Calibration	168
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	168
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non-RDS Radios (If Equipped)	168
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios (If Equipped)	168
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped)	169
Understanding Radio Reception	170
AM	170
FM Stereo	170
Tips About Your Audio System	170
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	171
Care of Your Compact Discs	173
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	173
Fixed Mast Antenna	173
Chime Level Adjustment	173
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	174
Defensive Driving	175
Drunken Driving	176
Control of a Vehicle	179
Braking	179
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	180
Using Anti- Lock	182
Braking in Emergencies	182
Enhanced Traction System	182
Steering	184
Power Steering	184
Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped)	184
Steering Tips	184
Driving on Curves	184
Steering in Emergencies	185
Off-Road Recovery	186
Passing	186
Loss of Control	188
Skidding	188
Driving at Night	189
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	190
Hydroplaning	192
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	192
Driving Through Flowing Water	193
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	193
City Driving	193
Freeway Driving	194
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	195
Highway Hypnosis	196
Hill and Mountain Roads	197
Winter Driving	198
Driving on Snow or Ice	199
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	201
Recreational Vehicle Towing	202
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front	203
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear	204
Loading Your Vehicle	205
Towing a Trailer	207
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	208
Weight of the Trailer	208
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	209
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	209
Hitches	210
Safety Chains	210
Trailer Brakes	210
Driving with a Trailer	210
Following Distance	211
Passing	211
Backing Up	211
Making Turns	211
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	212
Driving On Grades	212
Parking on Hills	212
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	213
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	213
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	213
Towing a Trailer (2.4L L4 Engine)	213
Section 5 Problems on the Road	214
Hazard Warning Flashers	215
Other Warning Devices	215
Jump Starting	216
Towing Your Vehicle	221
Engine Overheating	221
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	221
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	222
Cooling System	223
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	225
If a Tire Goes Flat	230
Changing a Flat Tire	231
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	232
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	233
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	238
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	239
Compact Spare Tire	240
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	241
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	241
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	242
Service	243
Doing Your Own Service Work	243
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	244
Fuel	244
Fuels in Foreign Countries	246
Filling Your Tank	246
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	248
Checking Things Under the Hood	249
Hood Release	249
Engine Compartment Overview	251
Engine Oil	253
Checking Engine Oil	253
When to Add Engine Oil	255
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	257
Engine Oil Additives	258
When to Change Engine Oil	258
How to Reset the Change Oil Light	259
What to Do with Used Oil	259
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	259
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	260
Manual Transaxle Fluid	261
Hydraulic Clutch	261
When to Check and What to Use	261
How to Check and Add Fluid	262
Engine Coolant	262
What to Use	263
Checking Coolant	264
Adding Coolant	265
Power Steering Fluid	265
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	266
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	266
What to Use	266
Windshield Washer Fluid	266
What to Use	266
Adding Washer Fluid	266
Brakes	268
Brake Fluid	268
What to Add	269
Brake Wear	270
Brake Pedal Travel	270
Brake Adjustment	271
Replacing Brake System Parts	271
Battery	271
Vehicle Storage	272
Bulb Replacement	272
Halogen Bulbs	272
Headlamps	273
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamp Bulb Replacement	274
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp	274
Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamp Bulb Replacement	275
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	276
Tires	277
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	278
When to Check	278
How to Check	278
Tire Inspection and Rotation	279
When It s Time for New Tires	280
Buying New Tires	281
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	282
Treadwear	282
Traction AA, A, B, C	282
Temperature A, B, C	283
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	283
Wheel Replacement	283
Used Replacement Wheels	284
Tire Chains	285
Appearance Care	286
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	286
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	286
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	287
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	287
Cleaning Vinyl	288
Cleaning Leather	288
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	288
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	288
Care of Safety Belts	288
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	289
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	289
Weatherstrips	289
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	290
Washing Your Vehicle	290
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	290
Finish Care	290
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	291
Cleaning Tires	291
Sheet Metal Damage	291
Finish Damage	292
Underbody Maintenance	292
Chemical Paint Spotting	292
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	293
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	294
Engine Identification	294
Service Parts Identification Label	294
Electrical System	295
Add-On Electrical Equipment	295
Windshield Wipers	295
Power Windows	295
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	295
Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks	295
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Driver s Side	296
Instrument Panel Fuse Block Passenger s Side	297
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	298
Replacement Bulbs	300
Capacities and Specifications	301
Capacities	301
Engine Specifications	301
Wheel Nut Torque	301
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	302
Vehicle Dimensions	302
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	303
Introduction	304
Your Vehicle and the Environment	304
Maintenance Requirements	304
How This Section is Organized	305
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	306
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	306
Scheduled Maintenance	307
Footnotes	307
Scheduled Maintenance	308
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance	308
Scheduled Maintenance	309
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	316
At Each Fuel Fill	316
Engine Oil Level Check	316
Engine Coolant Level Check	316
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	316
At Least Once a Month	316
Tire Inflation Check	316
Cassette Deck Service	316
At Least Twice a Year	317
Restraint System Check	317
Wiper Blade Check	317
Weatherstrip Lubrication	317
Manual Transaxle Check	317
Automatic Transaxle Inspection	317
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	318
At Least Once a Year	318
Key Lock Cylinders Service	318
Body Lubrication Service	318
Starter Switch Check	318
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	319
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	319
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	320
Underbody Flushing Service	320
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	321
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	321
Exhaust System Inspection	321
Engine Cooling System Inspection	321
Throttle System Inspection	321
Brake System Inspection (Except GT Series)	322
Brake System Inspection (GT Series Only)	322
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	323
Part E: Maintenance Record	325
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	327
Pontiac Cares	328
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	329
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	329
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	331
Customer Assistance Offices	331
United States	331
Canada	332
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	332
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	333
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	334
Security While You Travel	334
Canadian Roadside Assistance	335
Courtesy Transportation	336
Plan Ahead When Possible	336
Transportation Options	336
Shuttle Service	336
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	336
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	337
Additional Program Information	337
Warranty Information	337
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	338
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	338