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The 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Owners Manual
1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 Seats and Restraint Systems
This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the SRS system.

Features and Controls

This section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
Your Driving and the Road
Here youll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.

Problems on the Road

This section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
Service and Appearance Care
Here the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.

Maintenance Schedule

This section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
Customer Assistance Information
This section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications. It also gives you information on Reporting Safety Defects on page 8-12.
Heres an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.
yellowblue We support voluntary technician certification.
GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem and the name GRAND AM are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes in the product after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name General Motors of Canada Limited for Pontiac Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when youre on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
Aux propritaires canadiens: Vous pouvez vous procurer un exemplaire de ce guide en franais chez votre concessionaire ou au: DGN Marketing Services Ltd. 1577 Meyerside Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1B9
Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 22617057 B Second Edition
ECopyright General Motors Corporation 1998

All Rights Reserved

How to Use this Manual
Many people read their owners manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, youll find that pictures and words work together to explain things quickly.

CAUTION:

These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you dont, you or others could be hurt. You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means Dont, Dont do this or Dont let this happen.
A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. Its an alphabetical list of whats in the manual, and the page number where youll find it.
Safety Warnings and Symbols
You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

Vehicle Damage Warnings

Also, in this book you will find these notices:

NOTICE:

These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle.
In the notice area, we tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. Youll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

yellowblue The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, its more likely that the fetus wont be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly.
You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you arent wearing your safety belt -- even if you have air bags. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Air bags are supplemental restraints to the safety belts. All air bags -- even Next Generation air bags -- are designed to work with safety belts, but dont replace them. Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front of your vehicle hits something. They arent designed to inflate at all in rollover, rear, side or low-speed frontal crashes. And, for unrestrained occupants, Next Generation air bags may provide less protection in frontal crashes than more forceful air bags have provided in the past. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly -- whether or not theres an air bag for that person.
Right Front Passenger Position
The right front passengers safety belt works the same way as the drivers safety belt. See Driver Position earlier in this section.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
This part explains the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) or air bag system. Your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags -- one air bag for the driver and another air bag for the right front passenger. Next Generation frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inflating air bag. But even these air bags must inflate very quickly if they are to do their job and comply with federal regulations. Here are the most important things to know about the air bag system:
Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If youre too close to an inflating air bag, as you would be if you were leaning forward, it could seriously injure you. This is true even with Next Generation frontal air bags. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with Next Generation air bags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
Children who are up against, or very close to, any air bag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. This is true even though your vehicle has Next Generation frontal air bags. Air bags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best protection for adults, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicles safety belt system nor its air bag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see the part of this manual called Children and see the caution labels on the sunvisors and the right front passengers safety belt.

yellowblue What will you see after an air bag inflates? After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some components of the air bag module -- the steering wheel hub for the drivers air bag, or the instrument panel for the right front passengers bag -- will be hot for a short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesnt prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it stop people from leaving the vehicle. In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger air bag.
D Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After they
inflate, youll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you dont get them, the air bag system wont be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include air bag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
D Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
When an air bag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cant get out of the vehicle after an air bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.
diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system, when the system commands air bag inflation and drivers safety belt usage at deployment. system. Improper service can mean that your air bag system wont work properly. See your dealer for service.
D Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
If you damage the covering for the drivers or the right front passengers air bag, the bag may not work properly. You may have to replace the air bag module in the steering wheel or both the air bag module and the instrument panel for the right front passengers air bag. Do not open or break the air bag coverings. If your vehicle ever gets into a lot of water -- such as water up to the carpeting or higher -- or if water enters your vehicle and soaks the carpet, the air bag controller can be soaked and ruined. If this ever happens, and then you start your vehicle, the damage could make the air bags inflate, even if theres no crash. You would have to replace the air bags as well as the sensors and related parts. If your vehicle is ever in a flood, or if its exposed to water that soaks the carpet, you can avoid needless repair costs by turning off the vehicle immediately and disconnecting the battery cables. Dont let anyone start the vehicle under any circumstances. See your dealer for service.

CAUTION: (Continued) at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12-lb. (5.5 kg) baby will suddenly become a 240-lb. (110 kg) force on your arms. The baby would be almost impossible to hold. Secure the baby in an infant restraint.
Never hold a baby in your arms while riding in a vehicle. A baby doesnt weigh much -- until a crash. During a crash a baby will become so heavy you cant hold it. For example, in a crash CAUTION: (Continued)

Child Restraints

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have protection provided by appropriate restraints.
What are the different types of add-on child restraints? Add-on child restraints are available in four basic types. When selecting a child restraint, take into consideration not only the childs weight and size, but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used.
An infant car bed (A) is a special bed made for use in a motor vehicle. Its an infant restraint system designed to restrain or position a child on a continuous flat surface. With an infant car bed, make sure that the infants head rests toward the center of the vehicle.
A rear-facing infant restraint (B) positions an infant to face the rear of the vehicle. Rear-facing infant restraints are designed for infants of up to about 20 lbs. (9 kg) and about one year of age. This type of restraint faces the rear so that the infants head, neck and body can have the support they need in a frontal crash. Some infant seats come in two parts -- the base stays secured in the vehicle and the seat part is removable.
A forward-facing child restraint (C-E) positions a child upright to face forward in the vehicle. These forward-facing restraints are designed to help protect children who are from 20 to 40 lbs. (9 to 18 kg) and about 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) in height, or up to around four years of age. One type, a convertible restraint, is designed to be used either as a rear-facing infant seat or a forward-facing child seat.
A booster seat (F, G) is designed for children who are about 40 to 60 lbs., or even up to 80 lbs. (18 to 27 kg, or even up to 36 kg), and about four to eight years of age. A booster seat is designed to improve the fit of the vehicles safety belt system. Booster seats with shields use lap-only belts; however, booster seats without shields use lap-shoulder belts. Booster seats can also help a child to see out the window.

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with the engine running. Your vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Dont leave your vehicle with the engine running unless you have to. If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After youve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without first pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever wasnt fully locked into PARK (P).
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) position like this:
D Hold in the button on the handle. D Push the handle all the way toward the front of
the vehicle. 3. Move the ignition key to OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you dont shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the drivers seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into PARK (P) in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
CAUTION: (Continued) can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. If youre pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer in the Index. Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI). You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See Automatic Transaxle in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cant shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACC. 2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the end of Step 5. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Turn the ignition key to start, to start the vehicle. 5. Shift to the drive gear you want. 6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.

yellowblue NEXT (2): Press this button or the SEEK up arrow to search for the next selection on the tape. If you hold the button, the player will continue moving forward through the tape. Your tape must have at least three seconds of silence between each selection for NEXT or SEEK to work. The tape direction arrow blinks during NEXT or SEEK operation. Press NEXT or the SEEK up arrow to stop searching. The sound will mute during NEXT or SEEK operation. PROG (3): Press this button to play the other side of the tape. (4): Press this button to reduce background noise. Note that the double-D symbol will appear on the display. Dolby Noise Reduction is manufactured under a license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. REV (5): Press this button to reverse the tape rapidly. Press it again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape reverses. You may select stations during REV operation by using SEEK or TUNE. FWD (6): Press this button to advance quickly to another part of the tape. Press the button again to return to playing speed. The radio will play the last selected station while the tape advances. You may select stations during FWD operation by using SEEK or TUNE. AM-FM: Press this button to play the radio when a tape is in the player. TAPE/PLAY: Press this button to change to the tape function when the radio is on. The tape symbol with an arrow will appear on the display when the tape is active. To return to playing the radio, press the AM-FM button. EJECT: Press this button to remove the tape. The radio will play. EJECT may be activated with either the ignition or radio off. Cassettes may be loaded with the radio and ignition off if this button is pressed first. CLN: If this message appears on the display, the cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tapes and player. See Care of Your Cassette Tape Player in the Index. After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will display --- to show the indicator was reset.
yellowblue CD Adapter Kits It is possible to use a CD adapter kit with your cassette tape player after activating the bypass feature on your tape player. To activate the bypass feature, use the following steps:
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player and Equalizer (If Equipped)

See Enhanced Traction System Active Light in the Index. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. This light will also come on when the anti-lock brake system is working. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. (See Cruise Control in the Index.) The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle shift lever positions. But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift lever position youve chosen, so you should use the lower gears only when necessary. See Automatic Transaxle in the Index.
To turn the system on or off, press the ETS button on the instrument panel.
yellowblue When you turn the system off, the Enhanced Traction System warning light will come on and stay on. If the Enhanced Traction System is limiting wheel spin when you press the button to turn the system off, the warning light will come on -- but the system wont turn off right away. It will wait until theres no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again. The Enhanced Traction System warning light should go off. Variable Effort Steering (If Equipped) This steering system provides lighter steering effort for parking and at low vehicle speeds. Steering effort will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel.

Steering Tips

Driving on Curves Its important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the driver lost control accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Heres why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If theres no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If youve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, youll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While youre in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Braking in Emergencies With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

Steering

Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

Passing

The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing:
D Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass while youre awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if youre following a larger vehicle. Also, you wont have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. start to accelerate but stay in the right lane and dont get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear to pass, you will have a running start that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. your turn. But take care that someone isnt trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot.
D When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up,
D Drive ahead. Look down the road, to the sides and to
crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time.
D If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait
D Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines.
If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. A broken center line usually indicates its all right to pass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic.

Winter Driving

Here are some tips for winter driving:
D Have your vehicle in good shape for winter. D You may want to put winter emergency supplies in

your trunk.

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.

Driving on Snow or Ice

Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the road probably have good traction. However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and the road, you can have a very slippery situation. Youll have a lot less traction or grip and will need to be very careful.
Whats the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice can be even more trouble because it may offer the least traction of all. You can get wet ice when its about freezing (32_F; 0_C) and freezing rain begins to fall. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews can get there. Whatever the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing or loose snow -- drive with caution. Keep the system on. It will improve your ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road. Even though your vehicle has this system, youll want to slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions. See Enhanced Traction System in the Index.
yellowblue Your anti-lock brakes improve your vehicles stability when you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Even though you have the anti-lock braking system, youll want to begin stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See Anti-Lock in the Index.
If Youre Caught in a Blizzard
D Allow greater following distance on any

slippery road.

D Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot thats covered with ice. On an otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in shaded areas where the sun cant reach: around clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while youre actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.
yellowblue If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a serious situation. You should probably stay with your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help and you can hike through the snow. Here are some things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your passengers safe:
D Turn on your hazard flashers. D Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that

Trailer Brakes

Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so youll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. And because you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicles brake system. If you do, both systems wont work well, or at all.

Following Distance

Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Making Turns

Making very sharp turns while trailering could cause the trailer to come in contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When youre turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer wont strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Youll need more passing distance up ahead when youre towing a trailer. And, because youre a good deal longer, youll need to go much farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up

Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your Pontiac dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also flash, telling other drivers youre about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. Its important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.

Parking on Hills

You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, heres how to do it: 1. Apply your regular brakes, but dont shift into PARK (P) yet. 2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your parking brake and shift into PARK (P). 5. Release the regular brakes.

Driving On Grades

4. Raise the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the spare tire to fit. 5. Remove all of the wheel nuts. 6. Remove the flat tire.
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from the places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel could fall off, causing a serious accident.
8. Replace the wheel and nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
yellowblue 10. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown.
9. Lower the vehicle by rotating the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 Nm).
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. Store the flat tire in the compact spare tire compartment. Place the tire in the compartment, then secure the adapter and wing bolt. Place the cover and nut on top of the flat tire. Store the jack and wheel wrench in the foam tray.
Wheel covers wont fit on your compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover on your compact spare, you could damage the cover or the spare.
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you can. See Compact Spare Tire in the Index. See the storage instructions label to replace your compact spare into your trunk properly.
A. Nut B. Wing Nut C. Extension (If Equipped) D. Adapter

E. F. G. H.

Wrench Jack Tool Tray Flat Road Tire

2.4L L4 Engine

Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3400 V6 Engine The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow. The dipstick on the 2.4L L4 engine is located at the rear of the engine. The dipstick on the 3400 V6 engine is located on the front of the engine, behind the fan. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you dont, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. 2.4L V6 Engine Shown 3400 V6 Engine Similar

When to Add Engine Oil

If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then youll need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use. For crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications in the Index.
Dont add too much oil. If your engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper mark that shows the proper operating range, your engine could be damaged.
2.4L L4 Engine The 2.4L L4 engine oil fill cap is located on the passengers side of the engine compartment on the engine.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the Starburst symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol.
3400 V6 Engine The 3400 V6 engine oil fill cap is on the front of the engine, behind the radiator. Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when youre through. If you change your own oil, be sure you use oil that has the Starburst symbol on the front of the oil container. If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put into your engine is American Petroleum Institute certified for gasoline engines. You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
yellowblue As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if its going to be 0 F (-18 C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50.
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines Starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty. GM GoodwrenchR oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
-20_F (-29_C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide

How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts: Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your Pontiac dealer for details. Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services shows what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealers service department or another qualified service center do these jobs.
yellowblue Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections explains important inspections that your dealers service department or another qualified service center should perform. Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants lists some recommended products to help keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done. Part E: Maintenance Record provides a place for you to record the maintenance performed on your vehicle. Whenever any maintenance is performed, be sure to write it down in this part. This will help you determine when your next maintenance should be done. In addition, it is a good idea to keep your maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for warranty repairs.
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work. If you are skilled enough to do some work on your vehicle, you will probably want to get the service information. See Service and Owner Publications in the Index. Part B: Owner Checks and Services tells you what should be checked and when. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
We at General Motors want to help you keep your vehicle in good working condition. But we dont know exactly how youll drive it. You may drive very short distances only a few times a week. Or you may drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You may use your vehicle in making deliveries. Or you may drive it to work, to do errands or in many other ways. Because of all the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You may even need more frequent checks and replacements than youll find in the schedules in this section. So please read this section and note how you drive. If you have any questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your dealer.

071802-04

PONTIAC GRAND AM (1999-2000)
(See reverse side for 2001-2004 instructions)

PART NUMBER: PT-53-99

PLEASE READ COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING THIS Pro.Fit VSM. All instructions assume a drivers seat vantage point. Caution is advised when removing and reassembling wood or plastic parts of a dash. Applying unnecessary force or pressure may cause a piece to crack or break.
Pro.Fit logo and part number will be right side up and readable when installed.
TOOLS REQUIRED: Hook tool, 9/32 socket and driver, sharp utility knife. PARTS INCLUDED: Pro.Fit VSM, instructions. LOCATION: To the right of the radio.
STEP 1. Begin by removing the bezel that surrounds the radio and climate control. Insert the hook tool behind the bezel in the upper right corner of the radio and pull toward you to release top right clip. Just above the ignition switch insert the hook tool behind the bezel and pull toward you releasing the far left clip. NOTE: The black ring that surrounds the ignition switch will pop loose when clip is released. Grab the ring and set it aside. Perform this same hook tool action in the upper left corner of the radio and the lower left and right corners of the climate control, releasing the remaining clips that hold the bezel in place. Apply the emergency brake. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the on position. Shift the transmission into neutral. This will allow room to remove the bezel. Disconnect all wiring to the bezel. Set the bezel aside. STEP 2. Locate the 9/32 hex head screw to the right of the radio. Remove the screw with the 9/32 socket and driver. Place the Pro.Fit VSM over the screw hole and centering pin. Mark the top and bottom of the bracket with the marking pen. Remove the Pro.Fit VSM and set it aside. NOTE: Locate a small strip of vinyl dash pad to the right of the factory screw. Using extreme caution, remove this strip of vinyl with the sharp utility knife. Remove only enough vinyl so that it is flush with the mounting surface. Place the Pro.Fit VSM over the screw hole and centering pin. Insert the factory screw and tighten. STEP 3. Re-assemble the dash in reverse order securing all wiring and clips. Install the phone holder onto the Pro.Fit VSM. This completes the installation of your Pro.Fit VSM.

Trim vinyl here

Pro.Fit International, Inc. may not be held liable for any damage to a vehicle before, during or after the installation or removal of this Pro.Fit VSM. Pro.Fit may not be held liable for any personal injury resulting from accident or improper installation. Pro.Fit International, Inc. 1335 Eagandale Court, Eagan, MN 55121, Ph: 651-688-3588 or 800-388-0073 Fx: 651-688-9876
Pro.Fit International, Eagan, MN 2004
VIEW INSTRUCTIONS & UPDATES ONLINE @ WWW.PRO-FIT-INTL.COM

062804-05

PONTIAC GRAND AM (2001-2004)
(See reverse side for 1999-2000 instructions)
TOOLS REQUIRED: Hook tool, 9/32 socket and driver, sharp utility knife, marking pen, 5/64 drill bit and drill. PARTS INCLUDED: Pro.Fit VSM, one (1) #8 x 1/2, instructions. LOCATION: To the right of the radio.

STEP 1. Begin by removing the bezel that surrounds the radio and climate control. Insert the hook tool behind the bezel in the upper right corner of the radio and pull toward you to release top right clip. Just above the ignition switch, insert the hook tool behind the bezel and pull toward you releasing the far left clip. NOTE: The black ring that surrounds the ignition switch will pop loose when clip is released. Grab the ring and set it aside. Perform this same hook tool action in the upper left corner of the radio and the lower left and right corners of the climate control, releasing the remaining clips that hold the bezel in place. Apply the emergency brake. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to the on position. Shift the transmission into neutral. This will allow room to remove the bezel. Disconnect all wiring to the bezel. Set the bezel aside. STEP 2. Locate the 9/32 hex head screw to the right of the radio. Loosen the screw enough to slide the Pro.Fit VSM behind it. Mark the top and bottom of the bracket and the screw hole with the marking pen. Remove the Pro.Fit VSM and set it aside. NOTE: Locate a small strip of vinyl dash pad to the right of this screw. Using extreme caution, remove this strip of vinyl with the sharp utility knife. Remove only enough vinyl so that it is flush with the mounting surface. Drill a pilot hole, using a 3/16 drill bit and drill, where you have marked the screw hole. Slide the Pro.Fit VSM behind the factory screw. Insert an #8 x 1/2 screw in the pilot hole and tighten. Tighten the factory screw. STEP 3. Re-assemble the dash in reverse order securing all wiring and clips. Install the phone holder onto the Pro.Fit VSM. This completes the installation of your Pro.Fit VSM.