Pontiac 1955 Owner'S Manual Download Page 1

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Summary of Contents for 1955

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Page 3: ...hat 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...

Page 4: ...ntrols 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 ...

Page 5: ...ther 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 ...

Page 6: ...reak 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 appo...

Page 7: ...te 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 K...

Page 8: ...io 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 Cu...

Page 9: ...R 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 G...

Page 10: ... 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 b...

Page 11: ...partment lock on all models and the luggage compartment lock on passenger car models To prevent unauthorized persons from securing duplications of your keys mark the key numbers which appear on small metal slugs fastened in the keys in the space provided on page 4 of this manual and on the Owner s Service Policy as soon as you take delivery of the car then knock out the slugs and destroy them If y...

Page 12: ...r entering the car through the two duct type ventilators in the side kick pads The amount that either the left or right knob is pulled out will regu late the amount of air entering the car from that particular duct SEAT ADJUSTMENT Seat adjustment is made by pushing down the small lever on the left side of the front seat and sliding the seat back or forward to the position that suits you best On lo...

Page 13: ...mo Circuit Breaker will be noticed by the headlamps burning intermittently When this happens it is an indication of trouble which should be corrected immediately The fuses that protect the main wiring and the accessories are mounted in a fuse block on the passenger side of the dash above and to the left of the steering column The fuse identifica tion is printed on the fuse block which facilitates ...

Page 14: ...riving in congested traffic LO For controlled power R Reverse and parking TO START ENGINE Place Hydra Matic control lever in N neutral position The starting circuit is wired so that the starter will not operate unless the lever is in neutral press accelerator pedal to toeboard once and release this allows the automatic choke to close and position throttle as determined by the starting step of the ...

Page 15: ... down into third speed The car speed determines the amount the accelerator pedal must be depressed to cause this shift At a speed of about 27 MPH or less the accelerator pedal need only be partially depressed to cause the shift and at speeds of 28 MPH to 60 MPH it is necessary to completely depress the pedal The transmission will automatically return to fourth speed as car speed increases or the a...

Page 16: ...nd gears keep below 40 MPH to avoid a 2 4 upshift It is also best for getting the car in motion on icy roads When driving in LO or either DR range at a car speed of less than 10 MPH an extra burst of speed can be obtained by completely depress ing the accelerator pedal This will cause the transmission to shift down to first speed The transmission will automatically return to second third or fourth...

Page 17: ...s attained turn ignition switch on and move control lever to either DR position TOWING THE GAR Disconnect the propeller shaft at the rear universal joint and remove from the car by sliding the front universal joint and shaft assembly backwards or raise the rear wheels off the ground to prevent possible damage to the transmission When towing the car with the propeller shaft disconnected the tow car...

Page 18: ...e automatic choke to close and position throttle as determined by the starting step of the fast idle cam turn meanwhile AUTOMATIC CHOKE regulates the richness of gasoline mixture according to engine temperature and throws the STARTER SWITCH QN Turning KEY to far right gives the signal GO the ignition switch key to the right to the full stop position release as soon as engine starts As soon as engi...

Page 19: ... be caused by riding the clutch the habit some drivers have of resting the left foot on the clutch thus keeping the releasing parts in contact but not disengaging Excessive wear can also be caused by rough usage Letting the clutch up with a bang is not only hard on the clutch itself but also on tires and the entire car Another practice which puts needless wear on the clutch is holding your car on ...

Page 20: ... is pulled out will regulate the amount of air entering the car from that particular duct The ducts are equipped with screens to prevent insects from entering the car HEATER AND DEFROSTER Even distribution of heated air is accomplished through the use of a heater distribution manifold running crosswise of the body under the front seat Hood high air is taken in through the intake directly below the...

Page 21: ...when moved from the OFF position towards NORMAL allows an increasing amount of unheated air to be dis charged through the defroster nozzles until the NORMAL position is reached As the control lever is moved from NORMAL toward DE ICE heated air is mixed with the cool air in increasing amounts until at the DE ICE position all air discharged by the defroster nozzles is heated As the AIR control is mo...

Page 22: ...en maximum heater output is desired NOTE Under very adverse weather conditions window defogging or wind shield de icing may be improved by opening a door window approximately y8 inch The following are examples of heater control panel settings for various types of driving conditions NORMAL DRIVING WINTER OR SUMMER AIR Set lever between NORMAL and DE ICE as desired TEMP Set lever at temperature desi...

Page 23: ...ever the exhaust gases from some vehicles may not be so noticeable under certain conditions and the senses of people react differently Exhaust gases contain a percentage of carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas that by itself is tasteless colorless and odorless MAKE SAFE DRIVING A HABIT Safe driving requires a car that is in safe condition To be sure your car is still safe have your Pontiac dea...

Page 24: ...nt Rear 24 lbs 24 lbs 22 lbs 20 lbs 24 lbs 20 lbs 26 lbs 26 lbs 26 lbs 26 lbs City Pressure after driving car three miles or more below 40 MPH 27 lbs 27 lbs 25 lbs 23 lbs 27 lbs 23 lbs 29 lbs 29 lbs 29 lbs 29 lbs Highway Pressure after driving car three miles or more above 40 MPH 29 lbs 29 lbs 27 lbs 25 lbs 29 lbs 25 lbs 31 lbs 31 lbs 31 lbs 31 lbs You can get the most from your tires by keeping t...

Page 25: ...road 3 Remove the nuts which hold the wheel in place Slide wheel from hub and replace with spare replacing the nuts Tighten the hub nuts all around gradually 4 To lower the car set the small lever on side of lifter to DOWN position lower the jack and retighten the hub nuts with the wheel on the ground Replace the hub cap TO REMOVE OR INSTALL 1955 REAR FENDER SHIELD 1 TO REMOVE SHIELD Disengage loc...

Page 26: ...em from right front to left rear and left front to right rear With five good tires however tire switching as shown in the diagram saves tires by equalizing wear and exercising the spare By having your tires switched every 4 000 miles and using the spare you can drive 20 000 miles and only put 16 000 miles wear on each of the tires SAVING TIRES WHEN YOU DRIVE Maximum tire life can be secured by car...

Page 27: ...ing thermostat available through your Pontiac dealer CAUTION Extreme care must be taken when removing radiator pressure cap while engine is hot because relieving the pressure will cause the cooling system to boil if volatile type anti freeze is used with resultant loss of anti freeze solution When removing filler cap rotate cap toward left very slowly if hissing of vapor is encountered tighten cap...

Page 28: ...e with cold water to prevent any damage Using the radiator capacities given on page 24 follow the anti freeze manufacturers recommendations given on the container as to the quantity of anti freeze needed to adequately protect your car to the expected low temperature NOTE Kerosene calcium chloride sodium silicate honey sugar and like materials are not satisfactory to use in the cooling system Anti ...

Page 29: ...d safety precaution to take your car to a Pontiac service station immediately and locate the cause PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR BRAKES Here are a few suggestions to give you safe brakes at a minimum of expense 1 When your car is new or when new linings have been installed apply brakes carefully the first few hundred miles until the lining surfaces have acquired a smooth finish 2 In mountainous coun...

Page 30: ...r This will vary with the conditions under which your car is operated An ad justment should be made however whenever you have to turn the wheel several inches before the front wheels turn or when the steering seems loose when driving on dirt or gravel roads FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT Front suspension with vertical king pins floating king pin bushings and airplane type shock absorb ers combined with lin...

Page 31: ...R OR MUDDY ROADS Cars driven through slush melting snow water or on muddy roads should be lubricated at more frequent intervals due to the washing effect of the water on the lubricant in front suspension parts and the clutch and brake pedal shafts LOW MILEAGE DRIVING Some owners drive their cars very little and accumulate mileage slowly It is good practice for these owners to have their cars lubri...

Page 32: ...repair work is being done Check transmission for leaks at each chassis lubrication If there is evidence of leakage the leak should be corrected and lubricant added if needed Refill capacity is 1 4 pints Use Extreme Pressure Gear Lubricant or Multi Purpose Gear Lubri cant S A E 80 or 90 no special additives to these lubricants are re quired or recommended REAR AXLE Lubricant change in the rear axle...

Page 33: ...e reading if level is at lower mark or below add fluid to bring it to full mark ENGINE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR HYDRA MATIC OIL LEVEL INDICATOR AND FILL POINT ENGINE OIL FILL POINT i i D f h D D cu s H h su H F H Lu de w R mi co S C ma DRAIN AND REFILL HYDRA MATIC EVERY 25 000 MILES Fluid Recommendations When adding or refilling use only GM Hydra Matic Fluid available at all authorized Pontiac dealers ...

Page 34: ...ing in any manner When lubri cating the bearing should be cleaned and High Melting Point Wheel Bearing Grease applied The importance of properly adjusting wheel bearings after lubrication should not be overlooked UNIVERSAL JOINTS Lubricate universal joints every 25 000 miles with High Melting Point Wheel Bearing Grease SPEEDOMETER DRIVE CABLE Lubricate speedometer drive cable when dry A dry cable ...

Page 35: ... THESE PARTS DO NOT REQUIRE INSPECTION OR LUBRICATION AT REGULAR 2000 MILE INTERVALS SEE EXPLANATION ON REFERENCE PAGE DO NOT USE LUBRICANT ON RUBBER PARTS ...

Page 36: ...MEDIATE LEVER Lubriplate 105 Delcoor Bendix Brake Lubricant UNIVERSAL JOINTS See page31 SHOCK ABSORBERS Front and rear see page 31 REAR AXLE See page 29 THESE PARTS DO NOT REQUIRE INSPECTION OR LUBRICATION AT REGULAR 2000 MILE INTERVALS SEE EXPLANATION ON REFERENCE PAGE LOWER CONTROL ARM PIVOT PIN Chassis Lubricant UPPER CONTROL ARM PIVOT SHAFT Chassis Lubricant HYDRA MATIC DRIVE SHOWN TRANSMISSIO...

Page 37: ... spring and fall or 10 000 miles Apply two drops of light engine oil in dust cover screw hole at lever end of shaft and at center lubrication hole between dust cover screw holes ROCHESTER CARBURETOR No lubrication required CLEANING CARBURETOR AIR CLEANER AND CRANKCASE VENTILATORS Cleaning of the carburetor air cleaner and crank case ventilator inlets which are built into the oil filler caps should...

Page 38: ...afety hook friction surfaces HOOD HINGE Apply light engine oil when dry FUEL TANK FENDER DOOR Apply light engine oil to hinge pin HEATER DEFROSTER AIR VALVE LEVER TRUNNION Lubricate trunnion and defroster air valve lever pivot mounted on defroster on engine side of dash and trunnion at blower inlet valve with light engine oil REAR DECK LID LOCK BOLT Spring and fall or every 10 000 miles apply Lubr...

Page 39: ...y according to Fluidity viscosity The oils with the lower numbers are lighter and flow more readily than do the oils with the higher numbers The letter W after the number indicates an oil adapted for cold weather starting Multi viscosity type crankcase oils such as 5W 10W 5W 20 10W 20W and 10W 30 are designed to combine the easy starting characteristics of the lower number with the warm weather op...

Page 40: ...y warmed The benefit of draining is lost to a large extent if the crankcase is drained when the engine is cold as the oil will be thick and will not drain thoroughly The crankcase refill capacity is 5 quarts except when the oil filter element is changed The refill capacity with a filter element change is 6 quarts FIRST 1 000 MILES The oil placed in the crankcase at the factory is a high quality MS...

Page 41: ...sary to keep oil level up to the FULL mark on the dipstick It is only neces sary to keep oil level above the ADD OIL mark It takes two quarts to bring the oil level from ADD OIL to FULL mark Each time the gas tank is filled the oil level should be checked How ever it is good economy to let the oil level approach the ADD OIL mark before having your oil changed CAUTION Do not overfill 1 5 z g z 2 5 ...

Page 42: ...t While it is not intended as a cure all it will help eliminate guesswork in locating potential causes of engine malfunction and prevent future inconvenience WHEN TO HAVE A TUNE N TEST Due to the differences in driving habits and driving conditions it is difficult to set a definite schedule for this service Generally speaking it is good practice for the average driver to have a Tune N Test in the ...

Page 43: ...tilator caps and ventilator outlet 7 Torque intake manifold nuts and inspect exhaust system 8 Adjust fan and power steering belts DIAGNOSIS GROUP By purchasing the complete Tune N Test rather than having the individual operations performed at separate times a saving is achieved by eliminating overlapping or duplicating operations The Tune N Test checks and test eliminate guesswork errors in diagno...

Page 44: ...soline is called a rich mixture One that contains relatively little gasoline is called a lean mixture The proper rich ness or leanness of the mixture depends not only on the speed of the engine but also on the temperature of the engine The carburetor takes care of the former automatic choke takes care of the latter The choke controls the choking of your engine automatically A thermostatic arrangem...

Page 45: ...shed by reversing this procedure The entire seat assembly may be moved fore or aft by depressing the center seat adjusting knob The Comfort Control seat gives you added comfort better vision and reduces driving fatigue since the various minute adjustments help improve muscular relaxation ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTS For your added convenience elec tncally controlled window lifts are now available for rai...

Page 46: ...e center of the station If they tune into the edge of the station the program may sound high pitched or you may have distorted reception If the tone quality of a program can be improved by adjustment of the tuning with the manual tuning knob reset the push button in the following manner 1 Turn the radio on and let it play for ten or fifteen minutes letting all metal parts expand to operating tempe...

Page 47: ...rn the thumb screw to the right to correct for North If turning the thumb screw right in creases the error turn the compensator end for end 2 HEAD EAST Turn the entire compensator right or left to correct foi half the error If you cannot correct for half the error turn the thumb screw one full turn to the right and then cor rect for half the error turning the compensator 3 HEAD SOUTH Turn the thum...

Page 48: ...y a refrigera tion system similar to that used in the home refrigerator Warm air taken in through the cowl intake can be directed entirely through the refrigerating coils for maximum cooling or any portion of the warm air can be by passed and mixed with the cold air before entering the car If desired a portion of the inside cooled air may be recirculated to give lower temperatures by pulling on th...

Page 49: ...ea with a mild solution of about two tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of water Washing is also important in winter time if you drive a lot where salt or calcium chloride is used on the streets ALWAYS USE COLD WATER IN WASHING A CAR NEVER WASH IT IN THE DIRECT RAYS OF THE HOT SUN AND ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL THE SHEET METAL SURFACES ARE COOLED OFF Pontiac bodies are carefully and scientifi cally fini...

Page 50: ... had a Porcelainize or Lustur Seal polish job performed on your car then you yourself can maintain continual conditioning of its finish after the original application of Porcelainize with Porcelainize Wash Cream and on Lustur Seal with Lustur Seal Haze Cream Chromium Plated Parts The destructive forces of salt calcium chlorides salt air and corrosive atmospheres can be alleviated if chromium plate...

Page 51: ...e as the label directs NOTE The following safety precautions should be observed in cleaning fabrics 1 Do not use as a cleaning solvent any gasoline which is colored or which contains tetraethyl lead 2 Do not use as a cleaning solvent acetone lacquer thinners enamel reducers nail polish remover etc 3 Do not use laundry soaps or bleaches and reducing agents such as the following Chloride of lime Jav...

Page 52: ...t factors is the removal of soilage as quickly as possible after it occurs NOTE Polishes and cleaners used for auto body finishes volatile and other clear cleaners naphtha furniture polishes oils varnishes or household cleansing and bleaching agents should never be used as they may perma nently damage the surface finish of either the genuine or imitation leather and mar the beauty of the car inter...

Page 53: ...ic back window DO NOT USE A SCRAPER In an emergency warm water may be used Use care that this warm water does not contact the actual glass windows or windshield CARPET FLOOR COVERINGS Carpets are either cemented or tacked down securely in place and should not be removed unless it is definitely necessary to do so If the carpet must be removed it should not be forcibly pulled loose this may cause th...

Page 54: ...h lamp etc In a schematic diagram the wires are shown separately while on the car some are enclosed in looms The legend on the diagrams refer to the color of the wires which should be connected to each terminal FLASHER SOCKET fLASHER UNIT RH PARKING SIGNAL LAMP PARKING TERMINAL R K JUNCTION BLOCK DIRECTION SIGNAL TERM L K PARKING 4 SIGNAL LAMP PARKING TERMINAL y DIRECTION 5IGNAL TERM I_K JUNCTION ...

Page 55: ... l ll I U WIRING DIAGRAM 1955 MODELS 52 Cau con stat Sto sele gea the CAU cont prev depr ope plac to a on Whe MP ing dow seco car The car CAU be i car RE rais R p R w pres quir sand abo NOT towa into ...

Page 56: ... have everything at their disposal to do the best work at the least possible cost They have a specialized knowledge of the Pontiac car are supplied with information on latest service methods and use specifically designed equipment where needed With few exceptions the best way to determine what your car needs is through your own observation of the way it operates plus visual inspection or testing b...

Page 57: ...cold weather DRIVING CONDITIONS ROADS The type of roads over which you drive can make a sur prising difference in the service needs of your car A car driven on rough or stone surfaced highways for instance will need tire replace ment and steering and wheel adjustment more often than under ordinary conditions CLIMATE Owners living in hot climates may need to replace tires somewhat sooner than those...

Page 58: ...educed or increased according to the information given in the sections on General Service Chassis and Body Lubrica tion Engine Lubrication and Tune N Test MILEAGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Service Mileage Interval Lubricate Chassis and Body 2 000 Check Hydra Matic Fluid Level 2 000 Check Power Steering Hydraulic Fluid Level 2 000 Change Engine Oil 3 000 to 4 000 Rotate Tires 4 000 Change Oil Filter Ele...

Page 59: ...leaners 49 Clock Regulating 44 Setting 45 56 Page Clutch Pedal Adjustment 16 Prolonging Life 16 Compensating Compass 44 Cooling System Anti Freeze 25 Capacity 24 Checking Coolant Level 24 Draining to Store Car 25 Rust Preventive 24 Thermostat and Sealed Cooling Radiator Cap 24 Electrical System Battery 29 Direction Signal Wiring Diagram 51 Fuses 10 Lamp Specifications 5 Wiring Diagrams 52 Fender P...

Page 60: ...d Heat Control Valve 29 Power Steering Hydraulic System 29 Rear Axle 29 Rear Springs 30 Shock Absorbers 31 Speedometer Drive Cable 31 Steering Gear 29 Page Synchro Mesh Transmission 29 Universal Joints 31 Engine 36 Adding Oil 38 Oil Change Recommendations 37 Oil Filter 38 S A E Oil Number System 36 Selecting Oil of Proper Number 36 Instructions 28 When to Lubricate 28 Maintenance Schedule 55 Radio...

Page 61: ... 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 Refrigerato...

Page 62: ...riate 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...

Page 63: ...O G E C S p M d F S Br D D H Ig I Li Pa R Ta Sp Ai As B 6o ...

Page 64: ...s ou he be ly is e er ed be its rst n a is ame ers dge cks the on um ro the ndy our er car 61 ...

Page 65: ...he 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 find...

Page 66: ...s 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 ...

Page 67: ...s 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 will...

Page 68: ...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 ...

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Pontiac 1955, Owner'S Manual

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