check engine PONTIAC GRAND AM 2005 Owner's Guide

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control
Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.An Emission Control Service. See footnotes †
and (k).•
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-46.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer fluid levels and add fluid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
-In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
-In hilly or mountainous terrain.
-When doing frequent trailer towing.
-Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush and refill cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-22for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and filler neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specified to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the windshield
washer tank and add the proper fluid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your tires and make sure tires are
inflated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
your spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-46for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. Push, pull and then try to turn the spare tire. If
it moves, tighten it. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-61.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23if
necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the starter works in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench dealer for service.
6-9

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-23if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), contact your GM Goodwrench dealer
for service.Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to OFF in each shift lever position.
•The ignition should turn to OFF only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
•The key should come out only in OFF.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
6-10

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
•To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your GM Goodwrench dealer if service is
required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-23
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-33
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-15
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-44
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-55
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specifications............................5-85
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-26, 4-25, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-74
Your CD Player...........................................3-69
Your CDs ...................................................3-69
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-30
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.......1-26
Chains, Tire...................................................5-59
Charging System Light....................................3-26
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-77
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
2

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-15
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-30
Winter........................................................4-25
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-6
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-80
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-83
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-80
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-81
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-80
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-80
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-36
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-34
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-29
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-26
Oil .............................................................5-15
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-17
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-29
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-17
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
4

Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-35
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-16
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
Inflation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-52
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-17
Cluster.......................................................3-22
Overview..................................................... 3-4
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-37
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labelling, Tire Sidewall....................................5-47
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-18
Dome........................................................3-17
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Trunk.........................................................3-18
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-43
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-6
Lift Seat, Power............................................... 1-7
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-25
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Change Engine Oil......................................3-34
Charging System.........................................3-26
6

N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-15
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-13
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-34
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Older Children, Restraints................................1-30
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-7
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-28
Remote Control Mirror..................................2-28
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-24
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Park (P) Headlamps Off in Park (P)..................3-14
Parking
Brake........................................................2-23
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Passing.........................................................4-13
Passlock
®......................................................2-15
Power............................................................. 1-3
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-80
Lift Seat....................................................... 1-7
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17
Steering Fluid.............................................5-31
Windows....................................................2-14
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-8
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
8

R
Radios..........................................................3-37
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-69
Care of Your CDs........................................3-69
Radio with CD............................3-38, 3-42, 3-53
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-37
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-67
Understanding Reception..............................3-69
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-28
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-35
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-64
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-62
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-45
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-10
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-57
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-58
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-57
Replacing Parts...........................................1-58
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-22
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-30
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-27
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-25
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-74
Center Rear Passenger Position....................1-26
Driver Position............................................1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-13
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children
and Small Adults......................................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-23
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-22
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-29
9