Pontiac Grand Am (2002 year). Manual - part 13

4-34

Loading Your Vehicle

Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it
may properly carry. The Tire

-

Loading Information label

found on the rear edge of the driver’s door tells you the
proper size, speed rating and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It also gives you
important information about the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle Capacity Weight,
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory

-

installed options.

The other label is the Certification label, found on the
rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or 
rear axle.

4-35

And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Don’t carry more than 132 lbs. (60 kg) in your trunk.

CAUTION:

Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.

CAUTION:

Things you put inside your vehicle can strike 
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or 
in a crash.
D Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a

trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.

D Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,

inside the vehicle so that some of them are
above the tops of the seats.

D Don’t leave an unsecured child restraint in

your vehicle.

D When you carry something inside the

vehicle, secure it whenever you can.

D Don’t leave a seat folded down unless you

need to.

4-36

Towing a Trailer

CAUTION:

If you don’t use the correct equipment and drive
properly, you can lose control when you pull a
trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, 
the brakes may not work well 

--

 or even at all.

You and your passengers could be seriously
injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed
all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a trailer
with your vehicle.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with 
the proper trailer towing equipment. 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.

4-37

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.

D Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch

dealer about sway controls.

D 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.

D 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.

D 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.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:
D the weight of the trailer,
D the weight of the trailer tongue
D and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires.

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs. (454 kg). 
But even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to 
pull a trailer are all important. And, it can also depend
on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle.

You can ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at:

Pontiac

-

GMC Customer Assistance

P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232

-

5172

In Canada, write to:

General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163

-

005

1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

4-38

Weight of the Trailer Tongue

The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. And if you tow a trailer, you must
add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” in the Index for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

If you’re using a weight

-

carrying hitch or a

weight

-

distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should

weigh 10

-

15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).

After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.

4-39

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door or
see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure
you don’t go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitches

It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are 
a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
D The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended 

for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper

-

type hitches to it. Use only a frame

-

mounted

hitch that does not attach to the bumper.

D Will you have to make any holes in the body of 

your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you
do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you
remove the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle. See “Carbon Monoxide” in the
Index. Dirt and water can, too.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Does your trailer have its own brakes?

Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly. And because you have anti

-

lock brakes,

do not try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you
do, both systems won’t work well, or at all.

4-40

Driving with a Trailer

Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.

Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.

During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.

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.

Passing

You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a good 
deal longer, you’ll 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.

4-41

Making Turns

NOTICE:

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 you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well 
in advance.

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 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 you’re 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. It’s important
to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are 
still working.

Driving On Grades

Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you 
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t 
shift down, you might have to use your brakes so 
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.

On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.

4-42

Parking on Hills

CAUTION:

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, here’s
how to do it:

1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into 

PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle or into gear 
for a manual transaxle, yet. When parking uphill,
turn your wheels away from the curb. When parking
downhill, turn your wheels into the curb.

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) for an automatic
transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a manual transaxle.

5. Release the regular brakes.

4-43

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill

1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down

while you:
D start your engine,
D shift into a gear, and
D release the parking brake.

2. Let up on the brake pedal.

3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.

4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.

Maintenance When Trailer Towing

Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don’t overfill),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.

Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts 
are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing

Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.

5-

5-1

Section 5

Problems on the Road

Here you’ll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.

5

-

2

Hazard Warning Flashers

5

-

2

Other Warning Devices

5

-

3

Jump Starting

5

-

8

Towing Your Vehicle

5

-

8

Engine Overheating

5

-

11

Cooling System

5

-

18

If a Tire Goes Flat

5

-

18

Changing a Flat Tire

5

-

28

Compact Spare Tire

5

-

29

If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

5-2

Hazard Warning Flashers

Your hazard warning flashers let you warn others. They
also let police know you have a problem. Your front and
rear turn signal lamps will flash on and off.

The hazard warning flasher is located near the center of
the instrument panel.

Your hazard warning flashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key isn’t in.

Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps flash on and off. Press the button again to turn the
flashers off.

When the hazard warning flashers are on, your turn
signals won’t work.

Other Warning Devices

If you carry reflective triangles, you can set one up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind 
your vehicle.

5-3

Jump Starting

If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to do it safely.

CAUTION:

Batteries can hurt you. They can be 
dangerous because:
D They contain acid that can burn you.

D They contain gas that can explode or ignite.

D They contain enough electricity to 

burn you.

If you don’t follow these steps exactly, some or all
of these things can hurt you.

NOTICE:

Ignoring these steps could result in costly 
damage to your vehicle that wouldn’t be covered
by your warranty.

The ACDelco

R

 battery in your vehicle has a

built

-

in hydrometer. Do not charge, test or jump

start the battery if the hydrometer looks clear or
light yellow. Replace the battery when there is 
a clear or light yellow hydrometer and a 
cranking complaint.

Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling
it won’t work, and it could damage your vehicle.

5-4

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12

-

volt

battery with a negative ground system.

NOTICE:

If the other system isn’t a 12

-

volt system with a

negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables

can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.

To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic transaxle
in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in NEUTRAL
before setting the parking brake.

NOTICE:

If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.

3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug

unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter. Turn off the radio and all lamps that aren’t
needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save your radio!

4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the

positive (+) and negative (

-

) terminal locations on

each vehicle. See “Engine Compartment Overview”
in the Index for more information on location.

CAUTION:

An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.

5-5

CAUTION:

Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. You don’t
need to add water to the ACDelco

R

 battery

installed in every new GM vehicle. But if a
battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take 
care of that first. If you don’t, explosive gas could
be present.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don’t get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.

5. Check that the jumper cables don’t have loose or

missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged too.

Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if 
the vehicle has one. Negative (

-

) will go to a heavy,

unpainted metal engine part or to a remote 
negative (

-

) terminal if the vehicle with the dead

battery has one.

Don’t connect positive (+) to negative (

-

) or you’ll

get a short that would damage the battery and maybe
other parts, too. And don’t connect the negative (

-

)

cable to the negative (

-

) terminal on the dead battery

because this can cause sparks.

CAUTION:

Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.

5-6

6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)

terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote 
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

7. Don’t let the other end

touch metal. Connect it
to the positive (+)
terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one.

8. Now connect the

black negative (

-

)

cable to the
negative terminal
of the good battery.
Use a remote
negative (

-

)

terminal if the
vehicle has one.

Don’t let the other end touch anything until the next
step. The other end of the negative (

-

) cable doesn’t

go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted
metal engine part or to a remote negative (

-

) terminal

on the vehicle with the dead battery.