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2003 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 90

2003 Pontiac Sunfire Manual

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How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for that Pal2k2Aiac a&ZL. Automatic Transaxle Operation If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are seven different positions for the automatic transaxie. See "Forward Gears" iater in this section. Don't leave your vehicle ,,.den the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), 'I, ease pressure WII iiIe silllt rt=vt=r - pusil ii-leSIIIIL lever aii the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic I ransaxlej on page 2-30. .CE PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. .- a I I. I . It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK(P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. CAUTION: (Continued) I 2-23

Section	Page
Table of Contents	2
Seats and Restraint Systems	8
Front Seats	9
Manual Seats	9
Reclining Seatbacks	11
Head Restraints	12
Seatback Latches	13
Easy Entry Seat	14
Rear Seats	15
Rear Seat Operation	15
Safety Belts	16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts	20
How To Wear Safety Belts Properly	21
Driver Position	21
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	29
Right Front Passenger Position	30
Rear Seat Passengers	30
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	34
Safety Belt Extender	36
Child Restraints	37
Older Children	37
Infants and Young Children	39
Child Restraint Systems	42
Where to Put the Restraint	45
Top Strap	46
Top Strap Anchor Location	47
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)	48
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System	50
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	53
Air Bag Systems	56
Where Are the Air Bags?	59
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?	62
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?	62
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?	63
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?	63
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	65
Restraint System Check	66
Checking Your Restraint Systems	66
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	66
Features and Controls	68
Keys	69
Remote Keyless Entry System	70
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation	71
Doors and Locks	75
Door Locks	75
Power Door Locks	76
Rear Door Security Locks	76
Lockout Protection	77
Leaving Your Vehicle	77
Trunk	78
Windows	81
Manual Windows	82
Power Windows	82
Sun Visors	82
Theft-Deterrent Systems	83
Content Theft-Deterrent	83
Passlock	84
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	85
New Vehicle Break-In	85
Ignition Positions	85
Starting Your Engine	87
Engine Coolant Heater	89
Automatic Transaxle Operation	90
Manual Transaxle Operation	92
Parking Brake	94
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)	95
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)	97
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle)	97
Parking Over Things That Burn	98
Engine Exhaust	98
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked	99
Mirrors	100
Manual Rearview Mirror	100
Outside Remote Control Mirror	100
Outside Power Mirrors	100
Outside Convex Mirror	101
Outside Breakaway Mirror	101
OnStar System	103
Storage Areas	105
Cupholder(s)	105
Center Console Storage Area	105
Convenience Net	105
Sunroof	106
Instrument Panel	108
Instrument Panel Overview	109
Hazard Warning Flashers	110
Other Warning Devices	111
Horn	111
Tilt Wheel	111
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	112
Exterior Lamps	118
Interior Lamps	120
Accessory Power Outlets	122
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter	122
Climate Controls	123
Climate Control System	123
Outlet Adjustment	126
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	127
Instrument Panel Cluster	128
Speedometer and Odometer	129
Tachometer	129
Safety Belt Reminder Light	129
Air Bag Readiness Light	130
Charging System Light	131
Up-Shift Light	131
Brake System Warning Light	132
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	133
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	133
Enhanced Traction System Active Light	134
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	135
Low Coolant Warning Light	135
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	136
Oil Pressure Light	139
Passlock Warning Light	140
Check Gages Warning Light	140
Service Vehicle Soon Light	141
Fuel Gage	141
Audio System(s)	142
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)	142
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)	142
AM-FM Radio	143
Radio with CD (Base Level)	145
Radio with CD (Up Level)	150
Personal Choice Radio Controls	160
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios)	161
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios)	161
Understanding Radio Reception	161
Care of Your CDs	162
Care of Your CD Player	162
Fixed Mast Antenna	162
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System	162
Chime Level Adjustment	162
Driving Your Vehicle	164
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	165
Defensive Driving	165
Drunken Driving	165
Control of a Vehicle	168
Braking	169
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	172
Steering	173
Off-Road Recovery	175
Passing	176
Loss of Control	177
Driving at Night	178
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	180
City Driving	183
Freeway Driving	184
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	185
Highway Hypnosis	185
Hill and Mountain Roads	186
Winter Driving	188
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	193
Towing	194
Towing Your Vehicle	194
Recreational Vehicle Towing	194
Loading Your Vehicle	196
Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)	198
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)	204
Service and Appearance Care	206
Service	208
Doing Your Own Service Work	209
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	209
Fuel	210
Gasoline Octane	210
Gasoline Specifications	210
California Fuel	211
Additives	211
Fuels in Foreign Countries	211
Filling Your Tank	212
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	214
Checking Things Under the Hood	215
Hood Release	215
Engine Compartment Overview	217
Engine Oil	218
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	224
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	225
Manual Transaxle Fluid	226
Hydraulic Clutch	226
Engine Coolant	227
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	229
Engine Overheating	229
Cooling System	232
Power Steering Fluid	238
Windshield Washer Fluid	239
Brakes	240
Battery	244
Jump Starting	245
Bulb Replacement	250
Halogen Bulbs	250
Headlamps	250
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps	252
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (With Spoiler)	252
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Without Spoiler)	252
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps	253
Back-up Lamps	254
Replacement Bulbs	254
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	255
Tires	256
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	257
Tire Inspection and Rotation	257
When It Is Time for New Tires	259
Buying New Tires	260
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	261
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	262
Wheel Replacement	262
Tire Chains	264
If a Tire Goes Flat	265
Changing a Flat Tire	265
Compact Spare Tire	275
Appearance Care	276
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	276
Care of Safety Belts	278
Weatherstrips	279
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	279
Sheet Metal Damage	281
Finish Damage	281
Underbody Maintenance	281
Chemical Paint Spotting	282
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	282
Vehicle Identification	284
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	284
Service Parts Identification Label	284
Electrical System	285
Add-on Electrical Equipment	285
Headlamp Wiring	285
Windshield Wiper Fuses	285
Power Windows and Other Power Options	285
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	286
Capacities and Specifications	289
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	290
Maintenance Schedule	292
Maintenance Schedule	293
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	296
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	297
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance	303
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	308
At Each Fuel Fill	308
At Least Once a Month	308
At Least Twice a Year	309
At Least Once a Year	310
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	313
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	313
Exhaust System Inspection	313
Fuel System Inspection	313
Engine Cooling System Inspection	313
Throttle System Inspection	313
Brake System Inspection	314
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection	314
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	315
Part E: Maintenance Record	317
Customer Assistance Information	320
Customer Assistance Information	321
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	321
Online Owner Center	322
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	323
Customer Assistance Offices	323
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	324
Roadside Assistance Program	324
Courtesy Transportation	326
Reporting Safety Defects	328
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	328
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	328
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	328
Service Publications Ordering Information	329

Match case Limit results 1 per page

How long should you keep

the coolant heater plugged

in? The

answer

depends on the outside temperature, the

kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead

of trying

list everything here, we

ask

that you contact

your

dealer

the

area

where

you’ll be parking your

vehicle.

The

dealer

can give you the best advice for that

Pal2k2Aiac

a&ZL.

Automatic

Transaxle Operation

your

vehicle

equipped

with an automatic transaxle,

the

shift

lever

is located on the console between the

seats.

There

are

seven

different positions for

the automatic

transaxie.

See

“Forward Gears” iater in

this

section.

PARK

(P): This position locks your front wheels.

It’s

the

best

position to use when you start your engine

because

your

vehicle

can’t move easily.

. -

dangerous

to get out

your

vehicle

the

shift

lever

not

fully

PARK

(P) with

the

parking

brake

firmly

set.

Your

vehicle

can

roll.

CAUTION:

(Continued)

Don’t

leave your

vehicle ,,.den

the

engine

running

unless

you

have

to.

you

have

left

the

engine

running,

the

vehicle

can

move

suddenly.

You

others

could

injured.

sure

your

vehicle

won’t move, even

when

you’re

fairly

level

ground,

always

set

your

parking

brake

and

move

the

shift

lever

PARK

(P).

See “Shifting

Into

Park

(P)”

the

Index.

you’re

pulling

trailer,

see

“Towing

Trailer”

the

Index.

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK

(P) before starting

the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift

lock control system. You have to fully

apply

your regular

brakes

before

you can shift from PARK

(P) when the

ignition key is in RUN.

you cannot shift out of PARK (P),

the way into PARK (P) and

also

release the shift lever

button on floor shift console models as you maintain

brake application. Then move the

shift lever into the gear

you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the

shift lever.) See

Shifting

Out

Park (P) (Automatic

ransaxlej

page

2-30.

ease

pressure

WII

iiIe

silllt

rt=vt=r

pusil

ii-le

SIIIIL

lever

aii

. C E

‘I,

I .

2-23