engine coolant PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-14
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III Electronic Immobilizer...............2-20
PASS-Key®III Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-23
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-23
Ignition Positions..........................................2-23Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24
Starting the Engine.......................................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-26
Active Fuel Management™.............................2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-33
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-34
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-36
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-37
Mirrors...........................................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-38
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-39
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-39
OnStar
®System.............................................2-40
Storage Areas................................................2-43
Glove Box...................................................2-43
Cupholder(s)................................................2-43
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................2-44
Center Console Storage.................................2-44
Convenience Net..........................................2-44
Sunroof.........................................................2-44
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has been
driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still
running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes
from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting.
The remote start running time can be extended one time
and only after the rst remote start.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position
and then back to LOCK/OFF.
The parking lamps turn off to indicate the engine is off.After the engine has been started two times, or one
time with a time extension, the vehicle’s ignition must
be turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
A door on the vehicle is open.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time
extension, have already been provided for that
ignition cycle.
2-8

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go
of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in
cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting your vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist
which will prevent engine coolant heater operation
at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
2-26

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located above the engine air
cleaner/lter. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information
on location.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before, making sure to
keep it away from moving engine parts. If this is
not done, the cord could be damaged.
How long should the coolant heater be kept plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil that is in the vehicle, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer/retailer in the area where the
vehicle will be parked. The dealer/retailer can give
you the best advice for that particular area.
2-27

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wiper Lever.................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-16
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-17
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-18
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-19
Interior Lamps..............................................3-19
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-19
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-19
Dome Lamp .................................................3-20
Entry Lighting...............................................3-20
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-20
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-21
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-21
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-21
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-21
Electric Power Management...........................3-22Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-22
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-23
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-26
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-27
Climate Controls............................................3-28
Climate Control System.................................3-28
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-32
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-36
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-36
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-38
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-39
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-40
Tachometer.................................................3-40
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-41
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-42
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-43
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-45
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-45
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-47
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-47
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-49
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-49
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-50
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-52
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this light
may come on for the
following reasons:
If the traction control button located on the center
console is pressed, turning the system off. This
light will come on and stay on. To turn the system
back on, press the button again and the warning
light should turn off. SeeEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) on page 4-7.
If the system is affected by an engine-related
problem, the system will turn off and the warning
light will come on.
If the light comes on and stays on for an extended
period of time when the system is turned on, the vehicle
needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates
that the engine coolant
has overheated or
the radiator cooling fan
is not working.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30for more information.
3-48

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The vehicle has a gage
that shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the
engine is too hot. That reading means the engine
coolant has overheated. If you have been operating
the vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30for more information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light comes on briey
when the engine is started.
This light will also come on when one or more of your
tires are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for more
information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to
do so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 5-62for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System, this light will ash for approximately
60 seconds and then stay on solid for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-71for more information.
3-49

5. The DIC will display COMPASS CALIBRATION
MODE - DRIVE CAR IN CIRCLE. Drive the
vehicle in tight circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration.
The direction the vehicle is moving will be displayed in
the bottom left corner of the screen, and will appear
in the gages, fuel, trip, and some of the options modes.
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages display if there is a problem in one of
the vehicle’s systems. They override any other mode
or screen the Driver Information Center (DIC) may be in.
Some messages can be cleared from the DIC screen.
In order to do this, the message must be acknowledged.
To acknowledge or clear the message from the
screen, press the set/reset button on the DIC.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays (Uplevel DIC with
Trip Computer) on page 3-55orDIC Operation
and Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-62for
DIC button descriptions.
Other warning messages are not allowed to be cleared
until the problem indicated by the warning message
is taken care of. When the problem indicated by
the message is resolved, it can be acknowledged and
the screen can be reset.Be sure to take any message that appears on the
DIC screen seriously and remember that clearing the
messages that are able to be acknowledged, will
only make the message disappear, not correct the
problem.
A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the
air conditioning compressor turns back on. The vehicle
can then continue to be driven.
This message comes on 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 warning 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.
3-67

HOT COOLANT
Notice:If the HOT COOLANT warning message
appears on the DIC display, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed
above normal idling speed. Severe engine damage
can result from driving a vehicle with an overheated
engine. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27for
more information.
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine coolant temperature
warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. Also, the engine coolant temperature gage
will read in the red or hot area. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-48andEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-49for more
information.
To avoid added strain, turn off the air conditioner if it is
on. When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the air conditioner can be turned back on.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.
HOT ENGINE OIL. REDUCE SPEED
On some vehicles, this message displays when
the vehicle’s engine oil is above the proper engine
operating temperature. Reduce the speed of the vehicle.
If this message continues to display, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
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.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-72

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