warning PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Service Manual

Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible when this warning message is displayed.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds continuously when this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.LOW WASHER FLUID
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for location of the windshield washer uid
reservoir. Also, seeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-40for more information.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds when this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
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PARKING BRAKE ON
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays to alert the driver when the
vehicle’s parking brake is on, the ignition is in ON/RUN,
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-33for more information.
The brake system warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-45.
A chime sounds continuously while this message is
displayed if driving above 5 mph (8 km/h). Press
the set/reset button to acknowledge this message
and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
PARK LAMPS ON
This message displays to alert the driver when the
parking lamps are on, the ignition is in LOCK/OFF,
and the key is removed. A chime sounds continuously
while this message is displayed. This message
cannot be acknowledged.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. If this happens during driving conditions,
such as climbing a steep hill, the transmission may
overwork in a gear that may cause damage to
the vehicle’s engine or transmission. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven.
3-78

The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed while
this message is on, but acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer/retailer for service
as soon as possible.
This message displays only when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
REMOTE START ACTIVE PRESS
HAZARD SWITCH TO CANCEL
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays when a remote start is initiated.
If you would like to cancel the remote start, turn on
the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
REMOTE START DISABLED
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, this
message displays if a remote start attempt is
unsuccessful. This may be caused if any of the
following conditions are true when a remote start
attempt is made:
The remote start system is disabled
through the DIC.
The key is in the ignition.
The hood or the doors are not closed.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
The hazard warning ashers are turned on.
The maximum number of remote starts or
remote start attempts between ignition cycles
has been reached.
The content theft-deterrent alarm is on while
attempting to remote start the vehicle.
See “REMOTE START” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-89andRemote Vehicle
Start on page 2-7for more information.
3-79

SERVICE BRAKE APPLY SENSOR
This message displays when the brake apply sensor is
not functioning properly. The vehicle still has brakes
when this warning message displays, but you should
have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE PARK LAMPS
This message displays if one of the vehicle’s parking
lamps needs to be replaced. SeeFront Turn Signal,
Parking and Fog Lamps on page 5-57for bulb
replacement procedures.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-82

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when it is not functioning properly.
A warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-47. SeeStabiliTrak
®Plus
System on page 4-8for more information. Have
the StabiliTrak
®Plus system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you
may want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine. SeeKeys on page 2-2
for information on the PASS-Key III system.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while
this message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-83

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-49. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-72for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the traction system, this message
displays when the system is not functioning properly.
A warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light on page 3-47. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6orEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 4-7for more information. Have the system serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-84

STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when the system is engaged
and actively assisting the driver with directional control
of the vehicle. Slippery road conditions may exist
when this warning message is displayed, so driving
should be adjusted accordingly. STABILITY CONTROL
ACTIVE also appears in the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if your vehicle has this feature.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. This message stays on until road conditions
change and StabiliTrak
®Plus is not active.
This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared
from the screen.
STABILITY CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when the system turns off. This
message displays only while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds once and the message stays on for
three seconds and then disappears. A warning
light indicating that this system is deactivated also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-47.
When the StabiliTrak
®Plus system is off, the system will
not be engaged and will not actively assist the driver
with directional control of the vehicle. SeeStabiliTrak
®
Plus System on page 4-8.
3-86

TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the traction system, this message
displays when the system turns off. TRACTION
CONTROL OFF also appears in the Head-Up Display
(HUD), if your vehicle has this feature. This message
only displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN and
disappears after three seconds. A chime sounds once
and the message stays on for three seconds and
then disappears. A warning light indicating that this
system is deactivated also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-47.Any of the following conditions may cause the system
to turn off:The system is turned off by pressing the TC
(traction control) button located on the center
console. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6orEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 4-7for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a system failure. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays if the vehicle is driven for
more than 0.75 mile (1.21 km) while one of the turn
signals are on. It appears as a reminder to turn off
the turn signal.
This message only displays when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds and
the message will not disappear until the turn signal
is manually turned off, or a turn is completed.
3-88

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance
of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than
if the person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-7.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-45.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
4-3

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That
means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If you do, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, you will still have some power
brake assist. But you will use it when you brake.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer
to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle might have the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on
the instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start the engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you might even notice that the brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-4