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2002 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 254

2002 Pontiac Sunfire Manual

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Checking Coolant The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. 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. See "Low Coolant Light" in the Index. 6-27

Section	Page
2002 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual	1
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2001	2
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:	3
How to Use this Manual	4
Safety Warnings and Symbols	4
Vehicle Damage Warnings	5
Vehicle Symbols	5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems	7
Seats and Seat Controls	8
Manual Front Seats	8
Reclining Front Seatbacks	10
Head Restraints	11
Seatback Latches (Two-Door Models)	12
Easy Entry Seat (If Equipped)	13
Rear Seats	13
Folding the Rear Seat	13
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone	14
Why Safety Belts Work	16
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers	19
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	20
Adults	20
Driver Position	20
Lap-Shoulder Belt	20
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Four-Door Models)	22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	27
Right Front Passenger Position	28
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	28
How the Air Bag System Works	30
Where are the air bags?	30
When should an air bag inflate?	31
What makes an air bag inflate?	32
How does an air bag restrain?	32
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	32
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	34
Rear Seat Passengers	34
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	34
Lap-Shoulder Belt	34
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	38
Center Passenger Position	40
Lap Belt	41
Children	42
Infants and Young Children	42
Restraint Systems for Children	46
Where to Put the Restraint	48
Top Strap	49
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	55
Older Children	58
Safety Belt Extender	61
Checking Your Restraint Systems	61
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	61
Section 2 Features and Controls	62
Windows	63
Manual Windows	64
Power Windows (If Equipped)	64
Auto Down Window	64
Lock-Out Switch	64
Keys	65
Door Locks	67
Power Door Locks (If Equipped)	68
Rear Door Security Lock (Four-Door Models)	68
To Use One of These Locks	68
To Open a Rear Door With the Security Lock	69
To Cancel the Rear Door Lock	69
Lockout Prevention (If Equipped)	69
Leaving Your Vehicle	69
Remote Keyless Entry (If Equipped)	70
Operation	71
Radio Personalization Feature	72
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	72
Battery Replacement	72
Replacing the Battery in the Remote Keyless Entry System Transmitter	73
Resynchronization	73
Trunk	74
Remote Trunk Release	75
Remote Trunk Release Lockout	75
Trunk Release Handle	76
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	76
Theft	77
Key in the Ignition	77
Parking at Night	77
Parking Lots	77
Content Theft Security System (If Equipped)	78
Arming the System	78
Disarming the System	78
How the System Alarm is Activated	78
How to Turn Off the System Alarm	79
How to Detect a Tamper Condition	79
Passlock	79
New Vehicle "Break-In"	80
Ignition Positions	80
Key Release Button (Manual Transaxle)	82
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	82
Starting Your Engine	82
Automatic Transaxle	82
Manual Transaxle	82
Starting Your 2.2L L4 (LN2) or ECOTEC_ (L61) Engine	83
Starting Your 2.4L L4 (LD9) Engine	84
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)	85
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	86
Automatic Transaxle Operation	87
Forward Gears	89
Manual Transaxle Operation	90
Five-Speed	90
Shift Speeds	92
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)	92
Parking Brake	93
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	94
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)	95
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)	95
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)	96
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle Models Only)	96
Parking Over Things That Burn	97
Engine Exhaust	97
Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transaxle)	98
Horn	98
Tilt Wheel (If Equipped)	99
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	102
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 Speed Memory	105
Exterior Lamps	105
Lamps On Reminder	106
Daytime Running Lamps	106
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	107
Interior Lamps	108
Instrument Panel Brightness Control	108
Illuminated Entry	108
Front Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	108
Map Lamps (If Equipped)	108
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 Mirror	111
Storage Compartments	112
Center Console Storage Area	112
Center Console Cupholders	112
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	112
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	113
Sun Visors	113
Accessory Power Outlet	113
Sunroof (If Equipped)	114
The Instrument Panel -- Your Information System	115
Instrument Panel Cluster	117
Speedometer and Odometer	118
Trip Odometer	118
Tachometer	118
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	119
Safety Belt Reminder Light	119
Air Bag Readiness Light	120
Charging System Light	121
Brake System Warning Light	121
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	122
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light (If Equipped)	123
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	124
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	124
Low Coolant Warning Light	125
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	125
If the Light Is Flashing	127
If the Light Is On Steady	127
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	128
Oil Pressure Light	129
Service Vehicle Soon Light	130
Passlock Warning Light	130
Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle)	131
Check Gages Light	131
Fuel Gage	132
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	133
Comfort Controls	134
Climate Control System	134
Fan Knob	134
Temperature Knob	134
Mode Knob	135
Air Conditioning Compressor Button	135
Air Conditioning	136
Heating	136
Defogging and Defrosting	136
Rear Window Defogger	137
Ventilation System	138
Ventilation Tips	138
Audio Systems	139
Setting the Clock for Systems without Radio Data System	139
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System	139
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player (If Equipped)	140
Playing the Radio	140
Finding a Station	140
Setting Preset Stations	141
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	141
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	142
Radio Messages	143
Playing a Cassette Tape	143
Cassette Tape Messages	144
CD Adapter Kits	145
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Programmable Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (If Equipped)	145
Playing the Radio	146
Finding a Station	146
Setting Preset Stations	147
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)	147
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)	148
Using RDS	148
Finding a PTY Station	149
Setting Preset PTY Stations	149
RDS Messages	150
Radio Messages	151
Playing a Compact Disc	151
Compact Disc Messages	152
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	153
Theft-Deterrent Feature for Non-RDS Radios (If Equipped)	153
Theft-Deterrent Feature for RDS Radios (If Equipped)	153
Understanding Radio Reception	154
AM	154
FM Stereo	154
Tips About Your Audio System	154
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	155
Care of Your Compact Discs	156
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	156
Fixed Mast Antenna	156
Chime Level Adjustment (RDS Radios Only)	156
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	157
Defensive Driving	158
Drunken Driving	159
Control of a Vehicle	162
Braking	162
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	163
Using Anti- Lock	165
Braking in Emergencies	165
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	165
Steering	167
Power Steering	167
Steering Tips	167
Driving on Curves	167
Steering in Emergencies	168
Off-Road Recovery	169
Passing	169
Loss of Control	171
Skidding	171
Driving at Night	172
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	173
Hydroplaning	174
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	175
Driving Through Flowing Water	175
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	175
City Driving	176
Freeway Driving	177
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	178
Highway Hypnosis	179
Hill and Mountain Roads	180
Winter Driving	181
Driving on Snow or Ice	182
If You're Caught in a Blizzard	184
Recreational Vehicle Towing	186
Dinghy Towing Your Vehicle From the Front	186
Dolly Towing	187
Loading Your Vehicle	188
Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.4L L4 (LD9) or 2.2L L4 ECOTEC_ (L61) Engine and Automatic Transaxle)	190
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	191
Weight of the Trailer	191
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	192
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires	193
Hitches	193
Safety Chains	193
Trailer Brakes	193
Driving with a Trailer	194
Following Distance	194
Passing	194
Backing Up	194
Making Turns	195
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	195
Driving On Grades	196
Parking on Hills	196
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	197
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	197
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	197
Towing a Trailer (Models with 2.2L L4 (LN2) Engine or Manual Transaxle)	197
Section 5 Problems on the Road	198
Hazard Warning Flashers	199
Other Warning Devices	200
Jump Starting	200
Towing Your Vehicle	205
Engine Overheating	206
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	206
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	207
Cooling System	208
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	211
If a Tire Goes Flat	215
Changing a Flat Tire	216
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	217
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	219
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	224
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	225
Compact Spare Tire	226
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	227
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	227
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	228
Service	229
Doing Your Own Service Work	229
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	230
Fuel	230
Gasoline Octane	230
Gasoline Specifications	230
California Fuel	231
Additives	232
Fuels in Foreign Countries	232
Filling Your Tank	233
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	235
Checking Things Under the Hood	236
Hood Release	236
Engine Compartment Overview	238
Engine Oil	241
Checking Engine Oil	241
When to Add Engine Oil	244
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	246
Engine Oil Additives	247
When to Change Engine Oil	247
What to Do with Used Oil	248
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	248
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	250
Manual Transaxle Fluid	251
Hydraulic Clutch	251
When to Check and What to Use	251
How to Check and Add Fluid	252
Engine Coolant	252
What to Use	253
Checking Coolant	254
Adding Coolant	255
Surge Tank Pressure Cap	255
Power Steering Fluid	256
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	256
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	256
What to Use	256
Windshield Washer Fluid	257
What to Use	257
Adding Washer Fluid	257
Brakes	258
Brake Fluid	258
What to Add	259
Brake Wear	260
Brake Pedal Travel	261
Brake Adjustment	261
Replacing Brake System Parts	261
Battery	261
Vehicle Storage	262
Bulb Replacement	262
Halogen Bulbs	262
Headlamps	263
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Models Without a Spoiler)	264
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Models With a Spoiler)	264
Taillamps and Rear Turn Signal Lamps	265
Back-Up Lamps	266
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	266
Tires	267
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	268
When to Check	268
How to Check	268
Tire Inspection and Rotation	269
When It s Time for New Tires	270
Buying New Tires	271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	272
Treadwear	272
Traction -- AA, A, B, C	272
Temperature -- A, B, C	273
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	273
Wheel Replacement	273
Used Replacement Wheels	274
Tire Chains	275
Appearance Care	276
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	276
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	276
Using Cleaner on Fabric	277
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	277
Cleaning Vinyl	278
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	278
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	278
Care of Safety Belts	278
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	279
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	279
Weatherstrips	279
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	280
Washing Your Vehicle	280
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	280
Finish Care	280
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	281
Cleaning Tires	281
Sheet Metal Damage	281
Finish Damage	282
Underbody Maintenance	282
Chemical Paint Spotting	282
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	283
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	284
Engine Identification	284
Service Parts Identification Label	284
Electrical System	285
Add-On Electrical Equipment	285
Headlamp Wiring	285
Windshield Wipers Fuse	285
Power Windows and Other Power Options	285
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	286
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	286
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	289
Replacement Bulbs	290
Capacities and Specifications	290
Engine Specifications	291
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity	291
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	291
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	292
Introduction	293
Your Vehicle and the Environment	293
Maintenance Requirements	293
How This Section is Organized	294
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	295
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	295
Selecting the Right Schedule	295
Short Trip/City Definition	296
Short Trip/City Intervals	296
Long Trip/Highway Definition	297
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	297
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	298
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance	312
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	321
At Each Fuel Fill	321
Engine Oil Level Check	321
Engine Coolant Level Check	321
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	321
At Least Once a Month	321
Tire Inflation Check	321
Cassette Deck Service	321
At Least Twice a Year	322
Restraint System Check	322
Wiper Blade Check	322
Weatherstrip Lubrication	322
Manual Transaxle Check	322
Automatic Transaxle Inspection	322
Hydraulic Clutch System Check	322
At Least Once a Year	323
Key Lock Cylinders Service	323
Body Lubrication Service	323
Starter Switch Check	323
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	324
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	324
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	325
Underbody Flushing Service	325
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	326
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	326
Exhaust System Inspection	326
Fuel System Inspection	326
Engine Cooling System Inspection	326
Throttle System Inspection	327
Brake System Inspection	327
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection	327
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	328
Part E: Maintenance Record	330
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	332
Pontiac Cares	333
What Makes Up Pontiac Cares?	333
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	334
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	336
Customer Assistance Offices	336
United States	336
Canada	336
All Overseas Locations	336
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	336
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	337
Pontiac Roadside Assistance Program	337
Security While You Travel	337
Canadian Roadside Assistance	339
Courtesy Transportation	339
Plan Ahead When Possible	339
Transportation Options	340
Shuttle Service	340
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	340
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	340
Additional Program Information	340
Warranty Information	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	341
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	342
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS	342
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION	343
Service Manuals	343
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual	343
Service Bulletins	343
Owner s Information	343