Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications which were developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association for better vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system performance compared to other gasolines.

Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If the knocking is bad enough, your engine may be damaged.

If you are using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But do not worry if you hear a little pinging noise when you are accelerating or driving up a hill. That is normal, and you do not have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It is the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem.

If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards, indicated on the underhood emission control label, your vehicle is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on your instrument panel may turn ON and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In the event that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.

Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.

Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Ask your service station operator whether or not the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn ON. If this occurs, return to your authorized Pontiac dealer for service.

To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with the specifications described earlier.

Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use methanol fuel which can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. This kind of damage would not be covered under your warranty.

Fuels in Foreign Countries

If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by your warranty.

To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you'll be driving.

Canada Only

In Canada, look for the "Auto Makers' Choice" label on the fuel pump.