Pontiac 1955 User manual

FOREWORD
Pontiac's engineers strive continually to give you
greater value in each new model Pontiac. This year
we are especially proud of the advanced design and
precision construction which combines comfort, econ
omy, performance, and endurance to make your new
Pontiac an even greater car than ever before. In
order that you may be able to take full advantage of
the many new features which are in this new Pontiac,
we have added this Owner's Guide, to give you the
"know-how" for safe and economical operation.
Your knowledge and care of the operating parts of
the car will give you greater enjoyment in driving
the 1955 Pontiac.
Owner's Service Department
PONTIAC MOTOR DIVISION
Pontiac, Michigan
For an explanation of the Indian legends about the points
of interest shown on the cover see pages 62, 63 and 64.
FORM S-5501 LITHO U.S.A. 4-55
At Home
N
This is your Symbol
of
HIGHEST QUALITY
When replacements are necessary, always
insist on Pontiac Factory-Engineered Parts.
They carry the same Warranty as your new
Pontiac and they assure maximum ....
PERFORMANCE . ECONOMY • SAFETY
I

INDIAN LEGENDS (Continued)
BELLE ISLE—Nationally known island park in the Motor City, is
the basis for an ancient Indian legend. It concerns a great warrior's
daughter, renowned and coveted for her beauty, even by the Four
Winds. To guard her, the great warrior hid his daughter in a bark
hut on Belle Isle and placed a ring of poisonous serpents around the
island. With this protection, the beautiful maiden lived her life
unharmed. Regardless of the ancient Indian tale, Belle Isle is one of the most beau
tiful city parks in the country.
PIPESTONE QUARRY-Here is perhaps the source of the most
widely accepted legend among North American Indians. The chiefs of
the warring tribes of all the earth were called into council at this
point by the Great Spirit. The great council was held in this canyon,
its quartzite stone red with the blood of slain warriors. There, the
tribes agreed to forego war. The Great Spirit fashioned a pipe from a
shaft of the stone in which red willow bark was smoked. Each great chief smoked
this first pipe of peace as the seal of agreement. Ever since, the symbol and tradi
tion of the peace pipe has been a universal custom of the Indians. The Pipestone
Quarry was neutral ground by general agreement, and, from far and near, the tribes
sent delegations to secure supplies of the red stone for ceremonial pipes.
Contents
Manufacturer's Warranty 2
Owner Service Policy 3
Car Break-in and Serial Numbers 4
Car Data 5
Instruments and Controls 6
Dual Range Hydra-Matic Drive 11
Synchro-Mesh Drive 15
All Weather Comfort Control yj
General Service 21
Chassis and Body Lubrication 28
Engine Lubrication 36
Tune-N-Test 39
Pontiac Approved Accessories 42
Housekeeping Your Car 46
Wiring Diagrams 51
Service Needs of Your Pontiac 53
Maintenance Index 56
Accessories Available at Your Pontiac Dealer 58
[64]

Manufacturer's Warranty
It is expressly agreed that there are no warranties, expressed or implied,
made by either the dealer or the manufacturer on the Pontiac Motor
vehicles, chassis or parts furnished hereunder, except the Manufac
turer's warranty against defective materials or workmanship as follows:
tV -k if
"The Manufacturer warrants each new motor vehicle, including all equip
ment or accessories except tires supplied by the Manufacturer, chassis
or part manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and work
manship under normal use and service, its obligation under this warranty
being limited to making good at its factory any part or parts thereof which
shall, within ninety (90) days after delivery of such vehicle to the original
purchaser or before such vehicle has been driven 4000 miles, whichever
event shall first occur, be returned to it with transportation charges pre
paid and which its examination shall disclose to its satisfaction to have
been thus defective; this warranty being expressly in lieu of all other war
ranties, expressed or implied, and all other obligations or liabilities on its
part, and it neither assumes nor authorizes any other person to assume
for it any other liability in connection with the sale of its vehicles.
"This warranty shall not apply to any vehicle which shall have been repaired
or altered outside of an authorized Pontiac Service Station in any way
so as in the judgment of the Manufacturer to affect its stability and re
liability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident."
•k it -A-
The Manufacturer has reserved the right to make changes in design
or add any improvements on motor vehicles at any time without
incurring any obligations to install same on motor vehicles and
chassis previously purchased.
TIRE WARRANTY
Tires are warranted by the tire manufacturer against defects in material and work
manship. If, during the life of the tire, tire failure should occur due to this cause,
the tire manufacturers will either repair the tire or make a reasonable allowance
on it towards the purchase of a new tire.
BATTERY WARRANTY
Your Pontiac Delco battery is guaranteed for 90 days. Be sure your Pontiac dealer
has filled in the Delco Battery Service Policy which gives you protection for 18
months or 18,000 miles in accordance with the terms of the policy.
[2]
*
INDIAN LEGENDS (Continued)
MISSISSIPPI RIVER—The Father of Waters, and the largest
river system of the continent.
The unwritten history of the Choctaws and the Chickasaws identifies
the Mississippi as one of their discoveries in their eastward migration
from Old Mexico. They were following a symbol given them by the
Great Spirit. The greatest body of water they had ever seen, their
medicine men named it "Misha Sipokni," meaning "Beyond the ages—the Father
of all its kind."
SPANISH MOSS—The trailing tendrils of Spanish Moss on southern
trees is a reminder of an ancient Seminole story involving a blood
feud between the Creeks and the Seminoles. Tradition relates the
tale of a sorrowful Indian maiden whose bridegroom was killed in
the feud before their marriage. Cutting off her long raven hair as
a mark of her grief, she is reputed to have hung the tresses upon the
tree branches. Today, her long hair, now gray with age, still waves in the breeze
as Spanish Moss.
NATURAL BRIDGE—Scenic highlight in Virginia's mountains. An
ancient Indian story relates the trials of Indian villagers suddenly
attacked by a much larger war party and trapped at the edge of a
200-foot ravine. The Great Spirit, in his constant watch over the
weak and helpless, bridged the chasm with a solid stone causeway
over which the trapped Indians were able to get to safety. Ever
since, Indians have related the story of the Great Spirit's solicitude for the "little
people."
Standing 215 feet high and 90 feet across, the Natural Bridge is a visiting "must"
for tourists in the valley between the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies.
WHITE MOUNTAINS—In Indian tradition, the White Moun
tains were raised by the Great Spirit as an ever-plenty garden for
the Indians to protect them from famine and suffering. Game was
always to be found there provided they took only what was needed.
However, it was understood that no Indian was ever to climb the
heights where the Great Spirit resided. Tradition has it that trespassers
never returned and wandered forever with their mourning cries heard in the wailing
winds of winter storms.
The White Mountains, a natural wonder of New Hampshire, is an ever popular
scenic spot for motor travelers in New England.
[63]

Jndian Cegends
CRATER LAKE—A truly beautiful mountain lake in the heart of
the Coast Range in Oregon. Ancient Indian tradition holds that the
lake was a scene of battle between the Good Spirit and Evil Spirit
in which the Good Spirit finally won out. The Eagle and Antelope
were allies of the Good Spirit in overcoming the Bad One. The Evil
Spirit is reputed to have been buried in the lake and an island is
supposed to be the head of the Evil One.
Six miles wide and two thousand feet deep, Crater Lake is set in a pre-historic
volcano without inlet or outlet. Its brilliant blue waters dazzle visitors.
JlT. SHASTA—A majestic and inspiring scenic point in northern
California. Its imposing, snow-capped grandeur, standing alone,
naturally made it a focal point in Indian lore. Their belief is that the
Great Spirit raised Mt. Shasta in order to provide himself with a
stepping stone from the Heavens to the earth. Finding the earth cold
and dreary, he created the sun to give warmth, gave each living
thing its color and to each bird, a song. Originally, the grizzly bear was the master
of all creatures. To the Indian, he remains a symbol of veneration associated with
this legend.
BRYCE CANYON—The many colorful minarets and rock formations
in this natural mountain wonderland are a memorial to an Indian
tale, hoary with age. The tale of the Canyon involves creatures and
animals who had been led to safety in this beauty spot by a legendary
figure known as the Coyote. After finding themselves safe, they
became ungrateful to their benefactor. Angry at their unbecoming
actions, he turned all of them into colored stone to be eternal reminders of the
penalties for ingratitude. They remain today as rocky memorials to this event.
In the heart of the Rockies, in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is now a great
national park and a favorite with tourists in our mountain states.
SHIP ROCK—In extreme northwestern New Mexico, is a famous
Navajo Indian landmark. It is reputed to be the original home of
the Navajo. After a ceaseless and bloody war against stronger
enemies, the Navajo people were assembled on the heights by the
Supreme Being and, enormous peak and all, were transported through
the air to the present location. The eagle and the owl are symbols
of the event to the Navajo people.
[62]
Owner Service Policy
Along with this Owner's Guide, you
received an Owner Service Policy,
which was filled out by the dealer
upon delivery of your car. Read this
Service Policy carefully. It is recom
mended that you keep it in the glove
compartment.
The coupon attached to your Owner Service Policy entitles you to an
inspection and certain other services on your car at the end of 2,000
miles, provided the coupon is presented within 2500 miles of
car Operation. This inspection is to make any changes or corrections
which may become necessary during the break-in period. These
services will be performed for you without charge (except for chassis
lubrication, engine oil and other lubricants) by the dealer from whom
you purchased your car. (In case you are touring or have changed
your residence, any authorized Pontiac dealer in the United States
or Canada will perform this inspection upon presentation of the
Owner Service Policy and Coupon.) By making an appointment ahead
of time, you can avoid rush periods and get the inspection the day
you want it.
Pontiac dealers everywhere stand ready to provide you with the best
possible service at all times. It is their responsibility to assure your
continued satisfaction with your car. But you, too, have a responsi
bility as an owner—the responsibility of giving your Pontiac the
reasonable care and attention which it deserves.
[3]

Car Wreak-fa and
Serial Numbers
New Car Break-In—When starting out with your new car, you
should drive moderately for 10 to 15 minutes to allow time for the
engine, transmission, and rear axle to warm up. Speeds can then be
increased as shown below:
CAR SPEED—First 200 miles not to exceed 50 miles per hour.
Second 200 miles not to exceed 60 miles per hour.
Third 200 miles not to exceed 70 miles per hour.
After your car has warmed up, speed should be increased gradually
to the maximums in the above schedule, held there for a short dis
tance, then gradually decreased to a slower speed for a short distance.
Driving at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, even for distances greater
than the 200-mile period, will not "break-in" your car for sustained
high speed driving. Sustained high speed driving should not be
undertaken until the above schedule of maximum speeds (or its
equivalent) is completed.
NOTE: Brakes, too, need "breaking-in". Avoid fast stops during the first
few hundred miles.
ENGINE AND CAR SERIAL NUMBER—The car serial number is located on a
plate which is attached to the left front pillar post. The engine serial number is
stamped on the right hand front face of the block. The engine number is the same
as the car serial number. (Serial number ).
STYLE, PAINT, AND TRIM NUMBERS—The style, paint and trim numbers
are stamped on the plate attached to the right side of the cowl just under the rear edge
of the hood.
Style number Paint number Trim number
KEY NUMBERS—The octagonal handled keys fit the front door and ignition locks
on all models, and the rear door on station wagons. The oval handled keys fit the
glove compartment lock on all models, and the rear deck compartment lock on
passenger car models. Octagonal key number Oval key num
ber Refer to page 8 for removal of key number from key.
STARTING THE ENGINE—Hydra-Matic equipped cars, see page 11. Synchro-
Mesh equipped cars, see page 15.
WHERE TO PUT YOUR OWNER'S GUIDE—Slip this Owner's Guide into the
clip in the roof of the glove compartment for ready reference. This clip is also handy
for holding maps and other papers.
If it becomes necessary for you to order any part or correspond with your
dealer or the factory about your car, you can avoid any possible misunder
standing by giving the SERIAL, STYLE and PAINT numbers of your car.
[4]
[61]

Car T>ata
GENERAL
WHEELBASE
Star Chief 124"
Chieftain 122"
Station Wagon 122"
OVER-ALL LENGTH
Star Chief 210.2"
Chieftain 203.2"
Station Wagon 202.9"
GAS TANK CAPACITY
Passenger Car 20 gal.
Station Wagon 18 gal.
ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM
Maximum Brake Horsepower (8.0 to 1 Compression) 180.0
Maximum Brake Horsepower (7.4 to 1 Compression) 173.0
Taxable Horsepower 45.0
Bore z%"
Stroke 3^»
Piston Displacement 287.2 cu. in.
Electrical System 12 volt
Spark Plug Gap 033"-.038"
Breaker Point Gap 016"
Crankcase Refill 5 qts.
Crankcase Refill with Filter Element Replacement 6 qts.
Cooling System Capacity 22% qts.
Cooling System Capacity with Underseat Heater 24J/£ qts.
COMPRESSION RATIO AND FUEL
Synchro-Mesh and Hydra-Matic equipped cars have a standard com
pression ratio of 8.0 to 1 which requires the use of premium fuel. Synchro-
Mesh equipped cars that have the optional compression ratio of 7.4 to 1
do not require the use of premium fuel.
FUSES—Refer to page 10.
LAMP SPECIFICATIONS (12 VOLT)
Bulb Candle
Number Power
Standard Equipment
Bright Lights Indicator.. .
Dome—Convertible
Dome—Exc. Convertible . .
Headlamp Unit
Ignition Key
Instruments
License
Parking
Rear Quarter (Cust. Cat.) .
Tail and Stop
Bulb Candle
Number Power
Special Equipment
Air Conditioning Control. .
Ash Tray
Back Up
53
90
1004
Sealed
Beam
57
57
67
67
90
1034
57
53
1073
1
6
15
40W
50W
1.5
1.5
3
3
6
4-32
1.5
1
32
Clock
Compass
Courtesy (Entrance)
57
53
89
Direction Signal
Front 1034
Indicator 57
Glove Compartment 57
Hand Brake Warning. . .
Heater Control
Hood Ornament
Hydra-Matic Indicator. ..
Luggage Compartment. ..
Radio Dial
Radio "On" Indicator . . . .
57
57
53
57
93
57
53
1.5
1
6
32
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1
1.5
15
1.5
1
Safety Lamp (Spotlamp) . . Sealed
Beam 30W
Underhood 93 15
[6o;
5]

Instruments and Controls
The location of the controls and instruments on your Pontiac has
been planned with the idea of comfort and convenience for the driver,
which also contributes to greater safety.
SPEEDOMETER-The speedometer
indicates the forward speed of the car
in miles per hour. As the speed increases
a continuous luminescent red band ad
vances ending at the speed being
traveled, to subtly warn against speed
ing.
BATTERY INDICATOR-The battery indi
cator shows the current flow to and from the
battery. Electrical current going from the
generator to the battery indicates on the
"C" (charge) side. The indicator will show
a "D" (discharge) when more current is
being consumed than is being received from
«r 11 in—in mini■■■ the generator.
WATER TEMPERATURE INDICATOR—The temperature of the
cooling water in your engine is shown by the water temperature
indicator. When the engine first warms up the temperature will
register slightly higher than when engine reaches operating tempera
ture. If the temperature indicator needle goes to the "H" (hot) mark,
you should have the cause located immediately. (For details on the
care of the Pontiac cooling system see page 24.)
FUEL GAUGE—The fuel gauge indicates the quantity of gasoline
in the tank only when the ignition is turned on. When the ignition is
turned off the pointer drops back beyond the empty mark. The letters
"E" and "F" on the fuel gauge are used to point out direction of
indicator travel only. Gauge readings are made
from the three dots on the gauge face. The left
hand dot indicates empty, the center dot half-
full and the right hand dot full.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE-The oil pressure
gauge indicates the pressure in the engine's full
pressure lubrication system. The gauge is read
[6]
Car Records
The following pages are inserted for
your convenience in keeping any type
of car record or other pertinent infor
mation you may desire. The columns
on
the ruled pages can be used for
mileage, maintenance or trip records.
Space is provided at the head of the
columns to insert appropriate headings.
AUTOMOBILE IDENTIFICATION
Make
Style
License
Motor
R. F. Tire #.__
L F. Tire #_
R. R. Tire #__
L R. Tire #_
Spare #
Radio #_
.Model
_Color
.State
.Serial
.Make
.Make
.Make
.Make
.Make
.Make
Accessories Marked
Other Identifying Marks^
We suggest you fill out the above form, cut it
out of this book and carry it on your person.
This form, when properly filled out, will not
onlv assist you in reporting your car, if stolen,
but will assist the officers in identifying your
car and accessories. We also suggest that you
lock the ignition and doors when leaving your
car unattended.
[59]

PONTIAC APPROVED ACCESSORIES
AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR PONTIAC DEALER
Air Cleaner—Oil Bath
GM Anti-Freeze
Antenna 63"
Antenna—Electric Operated
Brake Pedal Pad—Wide
Bumper Guards
Car Mat—Rubber
Clock—Electric
Comfort Control Seat
Compass (Car)—Illuminated
Defroster—Rear Window-
Direction Signal
Door Edge Guards
Door Handle Shields
Exhaust Deflector
Fuel Door
Lock
No-Mar Guard
Grill Guajid—Heavy Duty
Hand Brake Signal
Hood Ornament-
Illuminated
Insect Screen
Lamps
Ash Tray
Dual Back-up
Glove Compartment
Hand Spotlamp
Instrument Panel
Courtesy
Luggage Compartment
Safety Spotlamp
Underhood and Trouble
License Plate Frames
Mirror—Visor Vanity
Oil Filter—Full Flow
Pedal Extensions
Power Brakes
Polish
Blue Coral
Lustur-Seal
porcelainize
Purse Holder
Radio
Radio Speaker—Rear Seat
Rear Fender Panels
Rear View Mirror
Inside Non-Glare
Outside
Outside—Remote
Controlled
Safti-Jack
Seat Covers
Shaver—Electric,
Remington Auto-Home
Steering Wheel—Deluxe
Thermaster
8-Hour Bottle
Portable Refrigerator
Tipon Paint Applicator
Tissue Dispenser
Traffic Light Viewer
Umbrella—Fold-A-Way
Underseat Heater and
Defroster
Ventshades
GM Undercoating
Wheel Discs
Stainless Steel—Solid
Stainless Steel—Wire
Wheel Trim Rings
Whitewall Tire Cleaner
Windshield Sun Visor
Windshield Washer
Wiper Blades, Arctic
[58]
in the same manner as the fuel gauge with the dots indicating "0", "40"
and "80" respectively. The gauge shows the oil pump is working, but
does not indicate how much oil there is in the crankcase. At average
driving speeds the gauge should read approximately "40." When oil
gauge reads approximately "40" at average driving speed, it may
read near the "0" mark at hot idle. If indicator does not move above
zero at average driving speed or fluctuates greatly, you should check
the oil level immediately; and, if low, add oil to bring to the proper
level. (The oil level indicator reads "DO NOT OVER FILL," this
is important!) If the oil level is not low and fluctuation continues,
you should contact a Pontiac dealer immediately.
HEADLAMP AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT SWITCH-
The combination headlamp and instrument panel light switch is
located at the extreme left hand side of the instrument panel. When
the light switch knob is pulled out to the first position, the parking
lamps are turned on. When pulled to the second position the sealed
beam headlamps are turned on and the parking lamps off The instru
ment panel lights, tail lamps and license plate lamp are turned on in
both positions. In conjunction with the headlamp switch there is a
convenient foot switch located to the left of the brake pedal near the
edge of the floor mat. This switch enables you to lower the headlamp
beams when driving in the city or meeting approaching traffic in the
country. The "BRIGHT LIGHTS" red indicator light located in
the center of the speedometer face will be on when the upper beams
are on, and off when the lower beams are on.
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS—
As explained above, the instrument
panel lights come on when the light
switch control knob is pulled out. For
your convenience, turning the knob
clockwise decreases the brightness of
the instrument panel lights and counter
clockwise increases the brightness. When turned as far as possible in
a clockwise direction the lights will go off.
WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL KNOB-The windshield wiper
control knob is located to the right of the headlamp switch. Turning
the knob clockwise starts wiper; the amount that knob is turned
determines wiper speed. To operate windshield washer (ACCES
SORY) depress button in center of wiper control knob, hold button
depressed for a second or two then release.
IGNITION AND STARTER SWITCH—As a convenience to you
the ignition switch is illuminated when the combination headlamp
and instrument panel light switch control knob is pulled out. The igni-