🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Grand Am

Year:

1994

Trim Level:

All Trims (SE, GT)

Chassis Code:

W-body platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan/coupe (sporty image within the segment)

Target Audience:

Younger buyers, families seeking a more stylish and engaging option than traditional sedans.

Key Competitors:

Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro (though Grand Am was more front-wheel drive focused), Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Dodge Stratus.

Design Philosophy:

Sporty styling, responsive handling, good value for money, front-wheel drive platform.

Body Styles:

Coupe and Sedan

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

150-200

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Operation:

Starting, stopping, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, ignition system, emission controls.

Transmission Operation:

Automatic transmission operation (e.g., P, R, N, D, OD), shifting recommendations.

Brakes:

Parking brake, anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation, brake fluid checks.

Steering:

Power steering system operation, wheel alignment considerations.

Electrical System:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, circuit breakers, battery maintenance, horn, wipers.

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system controls and operation.

Safety Features:

Seat belts (usage, adjustments), airbags (operation, warnings), child restraint systems.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights, telltales and their meanings.

Body And Interior:

Door locks, windows (manual/power), mirrors, seating adjustments, sun visors, glove compartment.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure recommendations, rotation, spare tire location and usage, wheel covers.

Driving Controls:

Operation of steering wheel, accelerator, brakes, gear selector, parking brake.

Convenience Items:

Operation of radio/audio system, cruise control, power windows, power locks, climate control.

Maintenance Checks:

Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.

Emergency Procedures:

What to do in case of a breakdown, flat tire, overheating, or other emergencies.

Break In Period:

Recommendations for the initial driving period of a new vehicle.

Depth:

Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Likely, depending on the PDF conversion quality.

Printability:

Printable on standard home/office printers.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Options:

2.3L Quad Four (LD2), 3.1L V6 (L82)

Engine Displacement 2 3L:

2.3 Liters (2313 cc)

Engine Configuration 2 3L:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves

Horsepower 2 3L:

Approximately 150 hp @ 5800 rpm (varies slightly by specific Quad Four variant)

Torque 2 3L:

Approximately 150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by specific Quad Four variant)

Engine Displacement 3 1L:

3.1 Liters (3135 cc)

Engine Configuration 3 1L:

V6, OHV, 12 valves

Horsepower 3 1L:

Approximately 160 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 3 1L:

Approximately 185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (Octane rating may vary based on engine variant and region; consult manual for specific recommendations)

Emission System:

Catalytic converter, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4T60-E)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (available on some Quad Four models, less common)

Transmission Features:

Overdrive gear for improved fuel economy, electronically controlled for automatic.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.2 inches (2621 mm)

Length Sedan:

Approx. 191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Length Coupe:

Approx. 188.6 inches (4790 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Height Coupe:

Approx. 53.2 inches (1351 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3000-3300 lbs (1360-1497 kg) depending on engine and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:

4200-4400 lbs (1905-2000 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Front Driver Side:

Four-star rating (for 1994 models, based on available historical data; actual ratings can vary and should be verified from official NHTSA records if critical)

NHTSA Crash Test Front Passenger Side:

Four-star rating (for 1994 models)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on GT, optional on SE.

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, three-point seat belts with shoulder belt height adjustment, child seat anchors (LATCH system not present in 1994 models).

Side Impact Protection:

Reinforced door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

Basic; no integrated Bluetooth or advanced connectivity features typical of modern vehicles.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendation based on oil type.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or with every oil change.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended at 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km) or as per manual's recommendation, typically checked with oil changes.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH classification. Viscosity grade: SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific engine/temperature requirements).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.3L Quad Four; Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 3.1L V6.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. GM specification: DEX-COOL (Orange) or equivalent. Consult manual for exact type.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10-12 quarts (9.5-11.4 L) depending on engine and cooling system configuration.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-III (or equivalent). For 4T60-E automatic transmission.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron-II or Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid.

Common Problems Quad Four:

Head gasket failures, intake manifold gasket leaks, timing belt tensioner issues (requiring regular replacement), occasional oil leaks.

Common Problems V6:

Intake manifold gasket leaks, power steering pump failures, exhaust manifold leaks.

Common Problems General:

Cracked dashboard, power window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, ABS sensor failures.

Oil Filter Example:

AC-Delco PF2 or equivalent (e.g., Fram PH5793, Wix 51522). Exact part number may vary by engine.

Air Filter Example:

AC-Delco A3070C or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA7179). Exact part number may vary by engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles and sporty styling within the GM lineup, often targeting a younger demographic.

Grand Am Lineage:

The Grand Am nameplate has a long history, with the 1994 model representing the third generation (1992-1998), based on GM's W-body platform. This generation saw a significant redesign with a focus on aerodynamics and sportiness.

Manufacturing Plant:

General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas, and GM's Louisiana (Slidell, Louisiana) facility.

Production Years:

1973-1980, 1985-2005 (current model year is 1994)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific 'Car of the Year' awards for the '94 model are not prominently documented, the Grand Am generally received positive reviews for its styling and value proposition within its segment during its production run.