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2001 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 208

2001 Pontiac Sunfire Manual

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Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with a 2.4L L4 engine and four-speed automatic transaxle and the proper trailer towing equipment. If your vehicle is not equipped as stated above, do not tow a trailer. To identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you should read the information in "Weight of the Trailer" that appears later in this section. But trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That's the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. What's more, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: D There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you'll be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. dealer about sway controls. D Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch D Don't tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles D Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. tow a trailer, don't drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and don't make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. Don't drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle's parts. D Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. 4-35

Section	Page
2001 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual	1
	24
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers	25
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	26
Adults	26
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	44
Center Passenger Position	46
Lap Belt	47
Children	48
Infants and Young Children	48
Restraint Systems for Children	52
Where to Put the Restraint	54
Top Strap	55
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	60
Older 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
Windows	68
Manual Windows	69
Power Windows (If Equipped)	69
Auto Down Window	69
Lock- Out Switch	69
Keys	70
Door Locks	72
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)	73
Rear Door Security Lock (4-Door Models)	73
To Use One of These Locks	73
To Open a Rear Door With the Security Lock	74
To Cancel the Rear Door Lock	74
Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)	74
Leaving Your Vehicle	74
Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)	75
Operation	76
Radio Personalization Feature	77
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	77
Battery Replacement	77
Replacing the Battery in the Remote Keyless Entry System Transmitter	78
Resynchronization	78
Trunk	79
Remote Trunk Release (If Equipped)	80
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	80
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	81
Theft	81
Key in the Ignition	81
Parking at Night	81
Parking Lots	81
Content Theft Security System (If Equipped)	82
Arming the System	82
Disarming the System	82
How the System Alarm is Activated	82
How to Turn Off the System Alarm	83
How to Detect a Tamper Condition	83
Passlock	83
New Vehicle Break-In	84
Ignition Positions	84
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)	86
Retained Accessory Power	86
Starting Your Engine	86
Automatic Transaxle	86
Manual Transaxle	86
Starting Your 2.2 Liter L4 Engine	87
Starting Your 2.4 Liter L4 Engine	88
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	89
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	90
Automatic Transaxle Operation	90
Forward Gears (3-Speed)	92
Forward Gears (4-Speed)	93
Manual Transaxle Operation	95
Five-Speed	95
Shift Speeds	96
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)	96
Parking Brake	97
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	98
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	99
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	99
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	100
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	100
Parking Over Things That Burn	101
Engine Exhaust	101
Running Your Engine While You re Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	102
Horn	102
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)	103
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	103
Turn and Lane Change Signals	104
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	104
Flash-to-Pass	104
Windshield Wipers	105
Windshield Washer	106
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	106
Setting Cruise Control	107
Resuming a Set Speed	108
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	108
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	108
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	108
Using Cruise Control on Hills	109
Ending Cruise Control	109
Erasing Speed Memory	109
Exterior Lamps	109
Parking Lamps	109
Headlamps	110
Lamps On Reminder	110
Daytime Running Lamps	110
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	111
Interior Lamps	112
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	112
Illuminated Entry	112
Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	112
Map Lamps (If Equipped)	113
Battery Saver	113
Mirrors	113
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	113
Manual Remote Control Mirror	113
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	114
Convex Outside Mirror	114
Breakaway Mirror	115
Storage Compartments	115
Center Console Storage Area	115
Center Console Cupholders	116
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	116
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped)	116
Sun Visors	117
Sunroof (If Equipped)	117
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	118
Instrument Panel Cluster	120
Speedometer and Odometer	121
Trip Odometer	121
Tachometer	122
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	122
Safety Belt Reminder Light	123
Air Bag Readiness Light	123
Charging System Light	124
Brake System Warning Light	124
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	125
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (If Equipped)	126
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	127
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	127
Low Coolant Warning Light	128
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	128
If the Light Is Flashing	130
If the Light Is On Steady	130
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	131
Oil Pressure Light	132
Service Vehicle Soon Light	133
Passlock Warning Light	133
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)	134
Check Gages LIght	134
Fuel Gage	135
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	136
Comfort Controls	137
Standard Climate Control System	137
Fan Knob	137
Temperature Knob	137
Mode Knob	138
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning (If Equipped)	138
Fan Knob	138
Temperature Knob	139
Mode Knob	139
Air Conditioning Compressor Button	140
Air Conditioning (If Equipped)	140
Heating	140
Defogging and Defrosting	141
Rear Window Defogger (If Equipped)	141
Ventilation System	142
Ventilation Tips	143
Audio Systems	143
Setting the Clock for Systems Without Radio Data System	143
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System	143
AM-FM Stereo	144
Playing the Radio	144
Finding a Station	144
Setting the Tone	145
Adjusting the Speakers	146
Radio Calibration	146
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	147
Playing the Radio	147
Finding a Station	147
Setting the Tone	148
Adjusting the Speakers	149
Playing a Cassette Tape	149
Radio Calibration	151
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	152
Playing the Radio	152
Finding a Station	152
Setting the Tone	153
Using RDS	154
Adjusting the Speakers	157
Playing a Compact Disc	157
Radio Calibration	159
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	159
Playing the Radio	160
Finding a Station	160
Setting the Tone	161
Using RDS	162
Adjusting the Speakers	164
Playing a Cassette Tape	165
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	167
Playing a Compact Disc	167
Radio Calibration	169
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	169
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios (If Equipped)	169
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non-RDS Radios (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	172
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	173
Fixed Mast Antenna	173
Chime Level Adjustment (RDS Radios Only)	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
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	191
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	192
Driving Through Flowing Water	192
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	192
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 3- Speed Automatic Transaxle (With a Dolly)	203
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front 4- Speed Automatic and 5- Speed Manual Transaxles (Without a Dolly)	204
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear (All Transaxles)	205
Loading Your Vehicle	205
Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.4L L4 Engine and 4- Speed Automatic Transaxle)	207
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	208
Weight of the Trailer	209
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	209
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	210
Hitches	210
Safety Chains	211
Trailer Brakes	211
Driving with a Trailer	211
Following Distance	212
Passing	212
Backing Up	212
Making Turns	212
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	213
Driving On Grades	213
Parking on Hills	214
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	214
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	215
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	215
Towing a Trailer (Except Models with 2.4L L4 Engine and 4- Speed Automatic Transaxle)	215
Section 5 Problems on the Road	216
Hazard Warning Flashers	217
Other Warning Devices	217
Jump Starting	218
Towing Your Vehicle	223
Engine Overheating	224
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	224
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	225
Cooling System	226
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	229
If a Tire Goes Flat	233
Changing a Flat Tire	234
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	235
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	237
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	242
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	243
Compact Spare Tire	244
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	245
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	245
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	246
Service	247
Doing Your Own Service Work	247
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	248
Fuel	248
Fuels in Foreign Countries	250
Filling Your Tank	250
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	252
Checking Things Under the Hood	253
Hood Release	253
Engine Compartment Overview	255
Engine Oil	257
Checking Engine Oil	257
When to Add Engine Oil	258
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	260
Engine Oil Additives	261
When to Change Engine Oil	261
What to Do with Used Oil	262
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	262
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Three- Speed Only)	264
When to Check and Change	264
How to Check	264
Checking the Fluid Level	265
How to Add Fluid	266
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (Four- Speed Only)	267
Manual Transaxle Fluid	267
Hydraulic Clutch	268
When to Check and What to Use	268
How to Check and Add Fluid	269
Engine Coolant	269
What to Use	270
Checking Coolant	271
Adding Coolant	272
Surge Tank Pressure Cap	272
Power Steering Fluid	272
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	273
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	273
What to Use	273
Windshield Washer Fluid	273
What to Use	273
Adding Washer Fluid	274
Brakes	275
Brake Fluid	275
What to Add	276
Brake Wear	277
Brake Pedal Travel	278
Brake Adjustment	278
Replacing Brake System Parts	278
Battery	279
Vehicle Storage	279
Bulb Replacement	280
Halogen Bulbs	280
Headlamps	280
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Models Without a Spoiler)	282
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Models With a Spoiler)	282
Taillamps and Rear Turn Signal Lamps	282
Back-Up Lamps	283
Dome Lamp with Integral Reading Lamps	283
Dome Lamp without Integral Reading Lamps	284
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	284
Tires	285
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	286
When to Check	286
How to Check	286
Tire Inspection and Rotation	287
When It s Time for New Tires	288
Buying New Tires	289
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	290
Treadwear	290
Traction AA, A, B, C	290
Temperature A, B, C	291
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	291
Wheel Replacement	291
Used Replacement Wheels	292
Tire Chains	293
Appearance Care	293
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	294
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	294
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	295
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	295
Cleaning Vinyl	296
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	296
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	296
Care of Safety Belts	296
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	296
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	297
Weatherstrips	297
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	297
Washing Your Vehicle	297
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	298
Finish Care	298
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	299
Cleaning Tires	299
Sheet Metal Damage	299
Finish Damage	300
Underbody Maintenance	300
Chemical Paint Spotting	300
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	301
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	302
Engine Identification	302
Service Parts Identification Label	302
Electrical System	303
Add-On Electrical Equipment	303
Headlamp Wiring	303
Windshield Wipers Fuse	303
Power Windows and Other Power Options	303
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	304
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	304
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	306
Replacement Bulbs	307
Capacities and Specifications	308
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	309
Vehicle Dimensions	309
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	310
Introduction	311
Your Vehicle and the Environment	311
Maintenance Requirements	311
How This Section is Organized	312
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	313
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	313
Selecting the Right Schedule	313
Short Trip/City Definition	314
Short Trip/City Intervals	314
Long Trip/Highway Defifnition	315
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	315
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	316
Footnotes	316
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance	330
Footnotes	330
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	339
At Each Fuel Fill	339
Engine Oil Level Check	339
Engine Coolant Level Check	339
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	339
At Least Once a Month	339
Tire Inflation Check	339
Cassette Deck Service	339
At Least Twice a Year	340
Restraint System Check	340
Wiper Blade Check	340
Weatherstrip Lubrication	340
Manual Transaxle Check	340
Automatic Transaxle Check (Three- Speed Only)	340
Automatic Transaxle Inspection (Four- Speed Only)	340
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	340
At Least Once a Year	341
Key Lock Cylinders Service	341
Body Lubrication Service	341
Starter Switch Check	341
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	342
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	342
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	343
Underbody Flushing Service	343
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	344
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	344
Exhaust System Inspection	344
Engine Cooling System Inspection	344
Throttle System Inspection	344
Brake System Inspection	345
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection	345
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	346
Part E: Maintenance Record	348
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	350
Pontiac Cares	351
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	352
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	352
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	354
Customer Assistance Offices	354
United States	354
Canada	355
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	355
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	356
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	357
Security While You Travel	357
Canadian Roadside Assistance	358
Courtesy Transportation	359
Plan Ahead When Possible	359
Transportation Options	359
Shuttle Service	359
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	359
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	360
Additional Program Information	360
Warranty Information	360
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	361
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	361

Match case Limit results 1 per page

4-35

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with a

2.4L L4 engine and four

speed automatic transaxle and

the proper trailer towing equipment. If your vehicle is

not equipped as stated above, do not tow a trailer. To

identify what the vehicle trailering capacity is for your

vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of

the Trailer” that appears later in this section. But

trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by

itself. Trailering means changes in handling, durability

and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes

correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.

That’s the reason for this part. In it are many

time

tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.

Many of these are important for your safety and that of

your passengers. So please read this section carefully

before you pull a trailer.

Load

pulling components such as the engine, transaxle,

wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder

against the drag of the added weight. The engine is

required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under

greater loads, generating extra heat. What’s more, the

trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing

the pulling requirements.

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit

restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure

your rig will be legal, not only where you live but

also where you’ll be driving. A good source for this

information can be state or provincial police.

Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch

dealer about sway controls.

Don’t tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles

(1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,

axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that you

tow a trailer, don’t drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and

don’t make starts at full throttle. This helps your

engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the

heavier loads.

Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.

Don’t drive faster than the maximum posted speed

for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to

save wear on your vehicle’s parts.