Pontiac 1968 Strato Chief User manual

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THE MARK OF EXCELLENCE
This is the General Motors mark of excellence that appears on all Pontiac motor vehicles.
We use it in the same spirit with which craftsmen, through the centuries, have used a personal
mark to. identify the products of their skills: We are proud of the things we make, and we want
our customers to be able to identify them easily and to know that we stand behind them.
Whenever you see this mark of excellence, you can be certain that it represents our very finest
in design and engineering ... that it has been built with care and dedication ... and that it
offers all the quality, reliability, safety and value that you have come to expect from General
Motors.
General Motors Products of Canada, Limited
Oshawa, Ontario

1968 PONTIAC OWNER'S MANUAL
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
S1RA TO CHlEF-LAURENTIAN-PARlSIENNE
PARISIENNE 2+2-GRANDE PARISIENNE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Operating Instructions
Instruments
Controls
Other Features
Station Wagon and Convertible
..
Maintenance and Lubrication
Cleaning
Your Pontiac
Accessories
Minor Trouble Shooting
Specifications
Page
8
.......... ... .. 13
15
24
31 thru 33
34
48
51
57
61
All information contained in this booklet is the latest prod-
ud information available at the time of pr inting. The right
is reserved to make changes at any time without notite .
GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCTS OF CANADA, LIMITED
SECOND EDITION
OCTOBER,
1967 (M.P.)
Oshawa, Ontario
IMPORTANT
SAFETY
AND
ANTI-THEFT
INFORMATION
TO HELP
YOU
ENJOY
THE
MAXIMUM
IN
VEHICLE
SATISFACTION
Part No. 3406238

Highway Safety
depends on ...
1. You, the Driver
2. The Condition of Your Vehicle
3. The Traffic and Highway Conditions
••• BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND ALL THREE!
R EM EM B ER Proper operation, periodic
maintenance and safety inspections help
provide . ..
• Economical Operation of Your Vehicle
• Safety for You and Your Passengers
• Dependable Transportation
Observe All Traffic Laws-
Make Safe Driving a Habit
2
SAFE DRIVER CHECK LIST
o BRAKES
Pedal travel
Fluid level
o LIGHTS
Burned - out / Broken bulbs
Headlamp aim
o TURN SIGNAL AND
HAZARD WARNING
FLASHER
Proper operation of
lights and
Dash indicators
o TIRES
Check tire pressure
regularly
Cuts and bruises
Uneven wear
Remaining tread
o MAKE SAFETY BELTS
A HABIT
Buckle up for safety
o GLASS AND MIRRORS
Cracked, broken
or missing
o BE SURE YOU ARE
MENTALLY AND
PHYSICALLY ALERT
o OBSERVE ROAD AND
WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND DRIVE
ACCORDINGLY
o ADJUST SEATS AND
MIRRORS FOR CLEAR
VISION AND SAFE
DRIVING
o LOOK AROUND BEFORE
DRIVING AWAY FROM
WHERE YOU ARE ..
PARKED
o STEERING AND WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
Excessive play in wheel
Bent wheels
o WINDSHiElD WIPERS
AND WASHERS
Condition of wiper
blades
Operation of washer
o WINDSHiElD DE-ICER
AND DE-FOGGER
Proper operation
o HORN
Proper operation
o EXHAUST SYSTEM CHECK
For mounting , leaks , missing or damaged parts

')
Don't invite car theft! An unlocked car with the
key still in the ignition offers both opportunity and temptation.
Remember always to lock ignition,
lock all doors ... TAKE THE KEY!
NOTE: Your 1968 Pontiac feature~ as standard equipment a buzzer device which
will activate when the dr iver's door is opened and the key left in the switch. Heed
its warni
ng-let it also serve to remind you to lock all doors.
The identification number
of your vehicle is located on the instrument panel and is
visible from the outside. It is also stamped prominently on the engine and transmission.
These precautions have been taken
for your protection to aid the apprehension of thieves
and the recovery
of stolen vehicles, engines and transmissions and to serve as adeterrent
to theft itself.
3
QUICK REFERENCE
OF SAFETY AND
THEFT INFORMA TlON
Air Cleaner . . .... 44
Battery-Gas Caution . . ........... . 45
Brakes . 18
Carbon Monoxide Warning . 7
Cruise Control .. ... .. ..... 53
Emergency Starting ......... .. ...... 12
Electrical Circuit Protection .. . 63
Fabric Cleaning Caution .. . . .. . ... . 44
Fuel Caution . ... 25
Heater and Defroster .... . ... 21
Jack Operation .. .. .. . . .. ... . ... 48
Keys and Locks ....... . ........ .. ... . 23
Lap and Shoulder Belts .... 26
Lights ............ .. ...... . .. .. .. 15
Mirrors ....... .......... 29
Positraction Differential .. . ...... 30
Power Windows .... ......... . .... .... 25
Radiator Cap Caution ... ....... .... 37
Restraints . ... .. ..... 28
Station Wagon Tailgate Warning .. 31
Steering . ..... .. .. ....... . .. .. ... .. .. ....... 47
Tires ................. .. .. ... ... ..... 38
Towing . .. . ... . .. ........ ........ .... 12
Trailer Hauling . . .. .... ... 42
Windshield Wi pers and Washers " 20

A WORD ABOUT VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS
General Motors of Canada, Limited has for many
years been a leader in the field of automotive safety.
Almost
every advance in design and engineering since
the inception of the industry has contributed to the
safety, reliability and durability of our cars. Continua-
tion of this
important and vital trend is exemplified in
your 1968 Pontiac. Important safety advances are designed
to aid in avoiding accidents, and in reducing injuries dur-
ing the accident and as a result of the accident.
But remember-it takes more than a safe car to avoid
accidents.
Observe all traffic laws, make safe driving a
habit and maintain your car in top condition.
For 1968 General Motors of Canada, Limited, has
elected to adopt certain safety standards in all North
American type vehicles produced by General Motors and
sold in Canada. Accordingly, your new 1968 Pontiac
conforms to the safety standards established and appli-
cable
at the time of manufacture. Effectiveness of these
safety standards can best be continued through periodic
vehicle inspection
and regular maintenance.
These Vehicle Safety Standards encompass a number
of systems on all passenger cars. To promote better un-
derstanding of these standards, listed are those standards
applicable to passenger cars, and the purpose and scope
of each.
Amendment to certain of these Standards and addi-
tional
Standards that would apply to 1968 Model pas-
senger cars
were under consideration at the time this
Owner's Manual was prepared.
Control Location and Identification
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the re-
4
quirements for location and identification of certain
controls
to facilitate their selection and ensure their
accessibility.
Transmission Shift
Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock,
and Transmission Braking Effect
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the re-
quirements for the transmission shift lever sequence,
a starter interlock, and for a braking effect of auto-
matic transmissions, to reduce the likelihood of shift-
ing errors,
starter engagement with vehicle in drive
position,
and to provide supplemental braking at
speeds below 25 miles per hour.
Windshield Defrosting and Defogging
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for providing vision through the windshield
during frosting and fogging conditions.
Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for 'Yindshield wiping and washing systems.
Hydraulic Service Brake, Emergency Brake, and Parking
Brake Systems
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for hydraulic service brake, emergency brake,
and parking brake systems intended to ensure ade-
quate braking performance under normal and emer-
gency conditions.
Hydraulic Brake Hoses
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for hydraulic brake hoses that will reduce brake
failures due to fluid leakage.

Reflecting Surfaces
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies reflecting
surface
requirements for certain vehicle components
in the driver's field of view.
Rearview Mirrors
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for rearview mirrors to provide the driver with
a clear
and reasonably unobstructed view to the rear.
Impact Protection for the Driver From the Steering Con-
trol System
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for steering control systems that will minimize
chest, neck,
and facial injuries to the driver as a re-
sult of impact.
Steering Control Rearward Displacement
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments limiting the rearward displacement of the steer-
ing control into the passenger compartment to reduce
the likelihood of chest , neck, or head injury.
Glazing Materials
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for glazing materials to reduce lacerations to
the face, scalp, and neck, and to minimize the possi-
bility of occupants being thrown through the vehicle
windows
in collisions.
Door Latches and Door Hinge Systems
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies load re-
quirements for door latches and door hinge systems
to minimize
the probability of occupants being thrown
from the vehicle in a collision.
5
Anchorage of Seats
Purpose and Scope. This standard establishes require-
ments for seats, their attachment assemblies, and their
installations to minimize the possibility of failure by
forces acting on the seat as a result of vehicle impact.
Seat Belt Installations
Purpose and Scope. This standard establishes require-
ments for seat belt installations.
Seat Belt Assemblies
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for seat belt assemblies.
Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the re-
quirements for seat be lt assembly anchorages to en-
sure proper location for effective occupant restraint
and reduce the likelihood of failure in collisions.
Wheel Nuts, Wheel Discs, and Hub Caps
Purpose and Scope. This standard precludes the use
of
wheel nuts , wheel discs, and hub caps that con-
stitute a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists.
Fuel Tanks, Fuel Tank Filler Pipes, and Fuel Tank
Connections
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies require-
ments for the integrity and security of fuel tanks, fuel
tank filler pipes, and fuel tank connections to minimize
fire
hazard as a result of collision.
Brake Fluid
The hydraulic brake fluid installed in your .vehicle
at the factory complied with all motor vehicle safety
standards applicable at time of manufacture .

A WORD FROM GENERAL MOTORS ...
This Owner's Manual contains important in/ormation regarding the operation
and maintenance
of your Pontiac.
In order to obtain maximum enjoyment and usage from your car, we suggest
that you familiarize yourself with the contents
of this booklet and follow the
recommendations outlined.
Your Pontiac dealer has the trained personnel and specialized equipment to
properly service your Pontiac. Have him inspect your car and perform any
maintenance or adjustments required.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing a Pontiac
product-and assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring pleasure
and satisfaction.
6

YOUR PONTIAC'S FIRST FEW HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING
Sound design and precision manufacturing methods will
permit you to operate your new Pontiac from its very
first mile without adhering to a formal "break-in" sched-
ule. However, during the first few hundred miles of
driving you can,
by observing a few simple precautions,
add to the future performance and economy
of your car.
• It is recommended that your speed during the first 500
miles be confined to a maximum of 60 M.P.H., but do not
drive for extended periods at
anyone constant speed,
either fast
or slow. During this period, avoid full throttle
starts and, if possible, abrupt stops.
• Gentle braking during the first few hundred miles of
operation will result in longer brake life and better future
performance. Avoid hard stops especially during the first
200 miles of operation since brake misuse during this
period will destroy much future brake efficiency.
• Always drive at moderate speed until the engine .has
completely warmed up.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will combine to
help you achieve maximum fuel economy with your
Pontiac. Your Authorized Pontiac Dealer can properly
tune and maintain
your car but wise operation is your
responsibility. Give the car sufficient warm-up time, do
not make full throttle starts
or unnecessary severe stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and
as steadily as traffic
permits to gain the benefits
of all the economy built into
your Pontiac.
CAUTION: Avoid inhaling exhaust gases especially in an enclosed area such as a garage. Exhaust gases contain a percentage of
carbon monoxide which is a potentially lethal gas that, by itself, is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. The exhaust system should be
inspected for proper mounting, leaks, and missing
or damaged parts each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change
service.
7

OPE RAT I N GIN S T Rue T ION S 111111111 1 111 111111 111 11 1 111111 11111111 11111111111111111111 11111111111111 1111111 11 11111111111111 1111 111111 11111 111 11 1111 11 1111 1111 11 111111111 1111 111111111 1111 111 1111 11111 1111111 1111111111 11
IGNITION SWITCH
The ·ignition switch has four
positions as shown. The key
may be removed only when the
switch is in the
OFF position.
Turn key to ACCESSORY posi-
tion for operating the acces-
sories when the engine is not
running.
STARTING THE ENGINE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION -Place selector lever in N or P position. The
engine will not start when lever
is in any other position.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION -Place gearshift control lever in Neutral and
depress clutch pedal to the floor.
• ENGINE COLD -Depress accelerator pedal
to floor and release. This sets automatic choke.
• ENGINE HOT -Hold accelerator pedal part
way down while starting.
• DURING EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER
(O °F. and below) -Depress accelerator pedal
to floor and release; then hold pedal
part way
down while starting.
Turn ignition switch to START and release as
soon as engine starts. When engine
is running
smoothly, tap accelerator pedal to reduce engine
idle speed.
• ENGINE FLOODED -Depress accelerator
pedal and hold to floor while starting. Never
"pump" the accelerator peda\.
8
WARM-UP
Always let the engine
idle for a moment or
two after starting and
drive at
mod era t e
speeds
for several miles,
especially during cold
weather.

DRIVING WITH THE
PONTIAC MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS
The 3-speed manual transmission shift positions follow
the standard pattern shown. The 4-speed transmission
shift pattern diagram
is located on knob or the floor plate.
Depress the clutch pedal fully before shifting
to a different
gear, then release the pedal
to move in that gear. Use
second gear at slow speeds (less than 30 mph) when
driving
in stop-and-go traffic, for improved vehicle per-
formance during acceleration and when descending steep
hills. Shift into Reverse gear only after the
car has
stopped. Always depress and release the clutch pedal fully
when shifting.
Four speed transmission shift linkage may
be adjusted
to allow "short stroke" shift lever operation.
See your Pontiac Dealer. .
NOTE: When shifting gears, move the shift lever easily and
delay slightly before completing the shift. This will allow time
for the transmission synchronizers to coordinate gear speeds,
minimizing shift effort and prolonging transmission life.
For smoother performance at slow speeds, the transmission
can be downshifted from third
to second or second to first
while the car is in motion by depressing the clutch pedal
and manually moving the shift lever to second or first
position.
On slippery surfaces, caution should be taken to
prevent skidding as a result of increased "engine braking"
from downshifting.
9
Manual Transmission Operating Cautions
1. Do not "speed shift", allow time between shifts for
transmission synchronizers to coordinate.
2. Do not use second, third or fourth gears to accelerate
from a stop.
3. Always place gear selector in neutral and set the foot
brake when starting the engine.
4. Never "ride" the clutch pedal as this will cause ex-
cessive slippage with resultant wear on the clutch part.
5. Never leave vehicle unattended with the engine run-
ning.
6. Always set parking brake firmly before leaving the car.
7.
Do not coast in neutral.

DRIVING WITH THE POWERGLIDE OR TURBO HYDRA-MATIe TRANSMISSION
The Powerglide and the Turbo Hydra-Matic are com-
pletely automatic transmissions which replace the standard
clutch and transmission. After starting the engine with
the selector lever in N (Neutral)
or P (Park) position,
select the range desired (see tables below) and depress
the accelerator. A gradual start with a steady increase in
accelerator pressure will result in best possible fuel econ-
omy. Rapid acceleration for fast starts will result in greater
fuel consumption.
Automatic transmission shift quadrants of all
GM cars
continue the uniform sequence
of selector positions. This
particularly benefits multicar families and those who occa-
sionally drive other cars. Shift indicators are arranged with
_R--uCC]
P-PARK
R-REVERSE
N-NEUTRAL
D-DRIVE
L-LOW
10
"Park" position at one end, followed in sequence by
"Reverse", "Neutral" and the forward driving ranges. All
automatic transmissions are equipped with a starter inter-
lock system designed to permit starting the engine only
when the transmission selector
is in the "Park" or "Neu-
tral" position.
For additional engine braking effect, as
sometimes needed in mountainous driving, place the trans-
mission in an intermediate
or low range.
CAUTION: When parking or leaving the car unattended,
even for a few minutes, remove the ignition key, place the
selector lever
in "Park" position, or in first gear or reverse if
manual transmission, and fully apply the parking brake.
POWERGLIDE TRANSMISSION
Use only when car is stopped.
For backing car -from stop.
For standing (Brakes Applied).
For
forward driving.
Depress accelerator to floor for extra acceleration
at speeds (de-
pending on engine, axle and tire combinations) as high as 40 to
60 mph.
For
hard pulling through sand, snow or mud, and for climbing or
descending steep grades.
Do not shift to Labove 40 mph.

Column Shift Lever
The heavy line in the illustrations indicates the movement of
the shift lever as it is lifted to shift into Reverse or Low (Low.
on the Turbo Hydra-Matic) and into or out of Park position.
Floor Console Shift Lever
The floor console shift lever may be moved freely between
Neutral and Drive and (on the
Turbo Hydra -Matic) between
1 and
2. Squeeze shift lever button under handle as you shift
into Reverse or Low
(2 on Turbo Hydra-Matic). Squeeze the
button under handle fully when shifting into
or out of Park
position. Exercise care when squeezing button to prevent unin-
tentional shifts to Park , Low (or 2) or Reverse.
TURBO HYDRA-MATIC TRANSMISSION
P-PARK Use only when car is stopped.
R- REVERSE For backing car -from stop .
Console N-NEUTRAL For standing (Brakes Applied).
3
D-DRIVE
For forward driving.
Depress accelerator to floor for extra acceleration
below
65
mph;
depress accelerator half-way
at
speeds below 30 mph.
2 L,--LOW, For driving in heavy traffic or on hilly terrain. Shift
into 2 or L, at any vehicle speed.
1 L,
-LOW,
For hard pulling through
sand, snow or mud, and
for climbing or descending steep grades.
11

TRANSMISSION OPERATING TIPS
Holding Car on an Upgrade
When stopped on an upgrade, maintain your posItIOn by
applying the brakes.
Never hold the car in place by
accelerating engine with transmission
in gear. This could
cause damage by overheating
the transmission (auto-
matic) or clutch (manual).
"Rocking" Car
If it becomes necessary to rock the car to free it from
sand,
mud or snow, move the selector lever from "0" to
"R" (automatic transmission) or the shift lever from
forward to reverse (manual transmission) in a repeat
pattern while simultaneously applying moderate pressure
to the accelerator.
Do not race engine. Avoid spinning
wheels
when trying to free the car.
Parking Your Car
Always engage the parking brake and (with automatic
transmission), place the transmission selector lever in
"Park" position when leaving your car unattended. Also,
with automatic transmissions, ·never
park for prolonged
periods with engine idling
and transmission in gear,
especially if
your car is equipped with air conditioning.
This 'practice
is detrimental to the transmission, due to
overheating.
Towing
Normally your Pontiac may be towed with all four wheels
on the ground for distances up to 50 miles at speeds
of
less than 35 mph. The engine should be off and the trans-
mission in neutral.
12
However, the drive wheels (rear wheels) must be
raised off the ground
or the drive shaft disconnected when
the transmission
is not operating properly or when a speed
of 35 mph or distance of 50 miles will be exceeded.
CAUTION: If car is towed on its front wheels only, the
steering wheel
must be secured with the wheels in a straight
ahead position.
Emergency Starting
If your Pontiac is equipped with a manual 3-speed or
4-speed transmission, it can be started in an emergency
by pushing.
When being pushed to start the engine, turn
off all unnecessary electrical loads, turn ignition to "ON",
depress the clutch and place the shift lever in high gear.
Release the clutch when the
car speed reaches 10 to 15
miles
per hour. Bumpers and other parts contacted by the
pushing vehicle should be protected from damage during
pushing. Never tow the
car to start.
NOTE: Engines in vehicles with automatic transmissions can-
not be started by pushing the car. To start the car when the
Energizer is discharged, use an auxiliary battery
or Energizer
with jumper cables. Be sure to observe corre
ct polarity (posi-
tive cable to positive terminal and negative cable to negative
terminal) when connecting the auxiliary battery to prevent
possible damage to the electrical system.

INS T RUM EN T S 111 11111111111111 111 11 111 11111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111 111 11 111111111111 11 11 111 1 1111 11 11 11 11 11111 111 1 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1 1111111111111111111 11 1111111111111111111111111 11111111111111111111111111 11
The instruments, gauges and warning lights conveniently
located in the instrument panel are designed
to tell you at
a glance many important things about the performance
of your car.
The information on this and the following
page will· enable you to more quickly understand and
properly interpret these instruments. Familiarize yourself
with their location and purpose and make it a practice to
scan the instrument cluster as you
start the engine, after
it starts, and periodically as you drive.
OIL PRESSURE LIGHT POWER TOP (CONVERTIBLE)
BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING
TURN INDICATOR --......,
WINDSHIELD WIPER
AND WASHER
CIGAR
LIGHTER
RADIO AND
CONTROLS
13
RADIO SPEAKER
ASH TRAY

FUEL GAUGE
This electrically operated gauge registers correctly when
the ignition switch is in the
"on" position. When the
ignition switch
is turned "off", the needle will not neces-
sarily
return to the empty mark but may stop at any point
on the dial.
ENGINE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHT
This indicator light is provided in the instrument cluster
to quickly warn
of an overheated engine. With the ignition
switch in the
START position, the red (HOT) indicator
will light to let you
know that it is operating properly.
When the engine is started, the red light will go out
immediately. It will light up at no other time unle ss for
some reason the engine reaches a dangerously high oper-
ating temperature.
If the red light should come on , the
engine must be stopped until the cause
of the overheating
is corrected. Check this light frequently as you drive.
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
The speedometer indicates the speed of the car in miles
per hour. The odometer, or mileage indicator, registers
accumulated mileage and
is useful for checking trip mile-
ages, maintenance periods and fuel consumption.
14
OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT
This light will be on when the ignition switch is turned
on and should go
out after the engine is started. Occa-
sionally the light may be seen to flicker momentarily,
but this will do no harm. However, if the light remains
on during normal driving speeds, the engine should be
stopped until the cause
of the trouble can be located and
corrected. Driving the
car with low oil pressure can cause
serious engine damage.
AMMETER GAUGE
The ammeter gauge located on the left side of the instru-
ment cluster indicates battery charge or discharge.
If the
pointer should indicate discharge while driving, other
than
at idle speed, or at very slow driving while lights and
accessories are operating, take
your car to an authorized
Pontiac Dealer for servicing. When the battery
is close to
fully charged the .ammeter gauge will indicate very low
rate of charge.
HEADLIGHT HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
When the headlights are on high beam, an indicator light
below the 60
MPH in the instrument cluster glows red.
Never leave the high beam
on when approaching on-
coming traffic.
The Headlight Dimmer Switch controls the
headlight beams (See Page
17).

CON T R 0 L S 111111111 11 111111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111 111111111 11 111 1111111111111111111111111111111111 111111 11111 1 111 11 111 11 111111111111111111111 11111 11111111111IIIIIIIIIIIIII I illllfll llll ll lllllllllllllll ll llll lllll lllllllllllll ll lll ll llllllll i li 1II II III IIII III I III IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIIII IIII II III IIIIIIIIII III il II III III
All important driver controls have been located to be
within reach
of drivers properly restrained by both a seat
and shoulder belt, and accessible during driving opera-
tions.
Each important control is clearly labeled to provide
rapid identification if its function
is not readily apparent.
The windshield wiper arms and blades, inside wind-
shield moldings, horn and steering wheel ornamentation,
inside rearview mirror frame and mounting bracket in-
corporate low-gloss finishes. This reduces annoying glare
in the driver's forward field of view and provides a safer,
more comfortable driving environment.
LIGHTING AND SIGNAL DEVICES
Numerous lighting and signal devices are provided to
enable safe operation
in darkness and other conditions of
reduced visibility. Headlamps provide the necessary gen-
eral illumination ahead of the vehicle. Parking, side
marker and tail lamps identify as near as practical the
extremities
of the vehicle from the front, rear and both
15
sides, with color coding which identifies front (amber)
from rear (red). Tail lamps also incorporate reflectors, to
facilitate recognition
of parked or otherwise inoperative
vehicles by other drivers after dark. Stop lamps give a
steady warning light to the
rear of the vehicle to indicate
the driver h'ts applied his foot
to the brake pedal with the
presumed intention
of slowing or stopping the vehicle. A
lamp illuminates the
rear license plate to assist in identi-
fication. Backup lamps provide general illumination behind
the vehicle when the shift lever
is in the reverse position
which also provides a visible signal to other vehicles and
pedestrians
that the vehicle is operating or about to
operate
in reverse.
CA UTION: It is the owner's responsibility to check all lamps,
signaling
systems and warning lights frequently to be sure they
are working properly. Head/amp aim should be checked
periodically.
It is important that any malfunctions be corrected
promptly for your safety, and for the saf ety of others.

DIRECTIONAL AND
LANE CHANGE SIGNALS
The ignition switch must be in the "on" position in order
for the directional signals to be operational. The direc-
tional signal lever
is located on the left side of the steering
column immediately
under the steering wheel. The lever
is moved upward to signal a right turn and downward to
signal a left turn. Lamps on the front and rear of the
car transmit this signal to other motorists and pedestrians.
In a normal turning situation such as turning a corner,
the
turn signal lever is cancelled and returns to the neutral
position automatically after the
turn is completed. In some
driving situations such as changing Janes on an express-
way, the steering wheel
is not turned sufficiently to auto-
matically cancel the
turn signal lever. A lane changer
16
feature is incorporated into the directional signal system
which allows you to hold the directional signal lever
part
way in the direction you intend to turn. The lever' returns
to the neutral
or cancelled position when it is released.
If the system is not functioning properly, a legal hand
signal should be given, since failure to turn is considered
a moving traffic violation. Always signal for a
turn at a
reasonable distance before actually making it.
NOTE: On
gradual turns it may be necessary to return the lever
manually.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
In the event your car is disabled or you stop for any
reason
on the highway, the hazard warning system which
flashes all four
turn signals should be used to warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard. The system
is activated by pushing in on the button located just below
the steering wheel on the right side
of the steering column.
Use this system only when your vehicle
is a traffic hazard.
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HEADLIGHT, DOME LIGHT AND
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT SWITCH
The headlight switch controls the headlights, parking light,
interior lights and the instrument panel lights.
The parking
lights are illuminated when the switch is pulled out to its
middle position.
The headlights are illuminated when the
switch is in the full out position. The Grande Parisienne
headlight doors will automatically open when the headlight
switch
is pulled out. Instrument panel, license plate, and
tail lights are
on in both positions. Clockwise and counter-
clockwise movement of the switch controls the brightness
of the in st rument panel light s. When turned fully clock-
wise travel, the instrument panel lights will go off.
To
operate the dome light, turn the control switch fully
counterclockwise.
An overload will cause the
lights to "flicker"
on and off.
lt this conditions exists, have
your Pontiac Dealer check
your headlight and parking
light wiring immediately.
NOTE: The Grande Parisienne headlight doors may be man-
ually lowered should they be in Ih e closed position and so me
malfunction does occur. Leave doors ope n until correction
ca
ll be made by your authorized POlltiac Dealer.
17
COURTESY LIGHTS
The courtesy lights in your car, if so equipped, illuminate
the front
compartment of the car when either front door
is op ened. When the front doors are closed, full counter-
clockwise position
of the headlight control knob turns on
the courtesy lights.
HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH
The headlight dimmer switch
permits you
to select the cor-
rect headlight beam for diffe-
rent types of driving. To
obtain high or low beam de-
press the foot dimmer switch
located on the floor just be-
low the parking brake pedal.
The high beam red-indicator
light, in the middle of the
instrument cluster,
is illuminated when the high beams
a
re on. Always use "low beam" when approaching or
following other vehicles.
BACK-UP LIGHTS
For safety and convenience, your Pontiac is equipped with
dual back-up lights that go on automatically when the
transmission gearshift lever
is placed in the "Reverse"
position with the ignition switch on .