Pontiac Grand Am (2002 year). Manual - part 17

6-26

Checking Coolant

2.2L L4 ECOTEC Engine

3400 V6 Engine

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.

6-27

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 Warning Light” in the Index.

Adding Coolant

If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX

-

COOL

R

coolant mixture at the surge tank, but only when the
engine is cool. If the surge tank is empty, a special fill
procedure is necessary. See “Engine Overheating” in the
Index for instructions on “How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank.”

CAUTION:

You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.

When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it 
is hand

-

tight.

6-28

Power Steering Fluid

When to Check Power Steering Fluid

It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the
Index for reservoir location.

How to Check Power Steering Fluid

Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.

The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level 
up to the mark.

What to Use

To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
“Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

Windshield Washer Fluid

What to Use

When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing. See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index for reservoir location.

6-29

Adding Washer Fluid

Your vehicle has a low
washer telltale that will
come on in the instrument
panel cluster when the
washer fluid is low. See
“Low Washer Light” in the
Index for more information.

The windshield washer 
fluid reservoir is located 
in the engine compartment
towards the front on the
driver’s side of the vehicle.
See “Engine Compartment
Overview” in the Index 
for more information 
on location.

Open the cap with the washer symbol on it. Add washer
fluid until the tank is full.

NOTICE:

D When using concentrated washer fluid,

follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.

D Don’t mix water with ready

-

to

-

use washer

fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn’t clean as well as washer fluid.

D Fill your washer fluid tank only

three

-

quarters full when it’s very cold. This

allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

D Don’t use engine coolant (antifreeze) in

your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.

6-30

Brakes

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is on the driver’s
side of the engine compartment. It is filled with DOT

-

3

brake fluid. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in 
the Index.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at all.

So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.

CAUTION:

If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

6-31

United States

Canada

When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See “Brake System Warning
Light” in the Index.

What to Add

When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT

-

3 brake

fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.

CAUTION:

With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.

NOTICE:

D Using the wrong fluid can badly damage

brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral

-

based oil, such as engine

oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

D If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s

painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
See “Appearance Care” in the Index.

6-32

Brake Wear

The GT Series has four

-

wheel disc brakes and the 

SE Series has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Disc brake pads have built

-

in wear indicators that 

make a high

-

pitched warning sound when the brake

pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound 
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle 
is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).

CAUTION:

The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

NOTICE:

Continuing to drive with worn

-

out brake pads

could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.

If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected immediately.
Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or
changing. When you have the front brake pads replaced,
have the rear brakes inspected, too.

Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.

See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”

Brake Pedal Travel

See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

6-33

Brake Adjustment

Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate 
or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust
correctly. If you drive in that way, then 

--

 very 

carefully 

--

 make a few moderate brake stops about

every 1,000 miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will 
adjust properly.

Replacing Brake System Parts

The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together 
if the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top

-

quality GM

brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system 

--

 for example, when your brake linings wear

down and you need new ones put in 

--

 be sure you get

new approved GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your
brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if
someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for your
vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes
can change 

--

 for the worse. The braking performance

you’ve come to expect can change in many other ways 
if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.

Battery

Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco

R

 battery. When it’s time for a new battery, 

get one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See “Engine Compartment Overview” in the
Index for battery location.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-34

Vehicle Storage

If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days 
or more, remove the black, negative (

-

) cable from 

the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.

CAUTION:

Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful. See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.

Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.

Also, for your audio system, see “Theft

-

Deterrent

Feature” in the Index.

Bulb Replacement

For replacement bulb sizes, see “Replacement Bulbs” in
the Index. For any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.

Halogen Bulbs

CAUTION:

Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

6-35

Headlamps

1. Lift up on the two retaining clips which secure the

headlamp assembly.

2. Lift the headlamp assembly forward, out of the

mounting bracket.

3. Turn the bulb assembly retainer counterclockwise

one

-

sixth of a turn and pull out the bulb assembly.

4. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.

5. After replacing the bulb, reverse Steps 1 through 4 to

reinstall the bulb assembly and headlamp assembly.

6-36

Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps

1. Remove the headlamp assembly. Refer to the

removal procedure earlier in this section.

2. Turn the bulb assembly retainer and pull out 

the bulb.

3. Unclip the bulb assembly from the wiring harness.

4. When replacing the bulb, be sure to properly align

the bulb with the locating feature in the assembly.

5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the 

bulb assembly.

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp

1. Open the trunk lid and locate the center

high

-

mounted stoplamp on the inside of the lid.

2. Remove the three screws.

3. Gently remove and replace the bulb(s).

4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reassemble the 

lamp assembly.

6-37

Rear Turn Signal and Stop/Taillamps

1. Disconnect the cargo net in the trunk.

2. Pull back the trunk trim.

3. Remove the four wing nut bolts which fasten the

taillamp lens to the vehicle.

4. Carefully remove the taillamp lens from the body

and avoid scratching the paint or dropping it.

5. Press the five tabs to release the plate from the lamp.

6. Gently pull the bulb out from the socket.

7. Install a new bulb.

8. Reverse Steps 3 through 6 to reinstall the taillamp.

6-38

Windshield Wiper 
Blade Replacement

Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” in the Index for more information.

Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove the
wiper blade:

1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from 

the windshield.

2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly

toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.

3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.

For the proper type and size, see “Capacities and
Specifications” in the Index.

6-39

Tires

Your new vehicle comes with high

-

quality tires made by

a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Pontiac Warranty booklet for details.

CAUTION:

Poorly maintained and improperly used tires 
are dangerous.
D Overloading your tires can cause

overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air

-

out and a serious

accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in 
the Index.

CAUTION: (Continued)

CAUTION: (Continued)

D Underinflated tires pose the same danger as

overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

D Overinflated tires are more likely to be 

cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact 

--

 such as when you hit a pothole.

Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

D Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your

tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

6-40

Inflation -- Tire Pressure

The Tire

-

Loading Information label, which is on the

rear edge of the driver’s door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they’re cold.
“Cold” means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

NOTICE:

Don’t let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It’s not. If your tires
don’t have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
D Too much flexing

D Too much heat

D Tire overloading

D Bad wear

D Bad handling

D Bad fuel economy

NOTICE: (Continued)

NOTICE: (Continued)

If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
D Unusual wear

D Bad handling

D Rough ride

D Needless damage from road hazards

When to Check

Check your tires once a month or more.

Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 
60 psi (420 kPa).

How to Check

Use a good quality pocket

-

type gage to check tire

pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve 
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt 
and moisture.

6-41

Tire Inspection and Rotation

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles 
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate your tires as soon as possible and check
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See “When It’s Time for New Tires” and
“Wheel Replacement” later in this section for 
more information.

The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.

When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.

Don’t include the compact spare tire in your 
tire rotation.

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire

-

Loading

Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts 
are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” in 
the Index.

CAUTION:

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make 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 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. See
“Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index.