check engine light PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 1999 User Guide

yellowblue
2-77 Boost Gage (Option)
Vehicles equipped with the supercharged engine have
this boost gage that indicates vacuum during light to
moderate throttle and boost under heavier throttle. The
gage displays the air pressure level in psi going into the
engine's combustion chamber.
The gage is automatically centered at zero psi every
time the engine is started. Actual vacuum or boost is
displayed from this zero point. Changes in ambient
pressure, such as driving in mountains and changing
weather, will slightly change the zero reading.
Head-Up Display (Option)
CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your field of view, it may take you more time to
see things you need to see when it's dark outside.
Be sure to keep the HUD image dim and placed
low in your field of view.
If you have the optional Head-Up Display (HUD), you
can see some of the driver information also available on
your instrument panel cluster. The information may be
displayed in English or metric units and appears as a
reflection on the windshield. The HUD shows:

Speedometer reading

Turn signal indicators

High
-beam indicator symbol

CHECK GAGES message (for low oil pressure, high
coolant temperature, low oil level and low fuel)

Low fuel warning symbol

yellowblue
2-81
FUNCTION MONITOR: This lets you know if
you are low on fluids or have a problem with a
vehicle function:

CHECK OIL LEVEL: This message could mean
your oil level is low. If it comes on for more than
three seconds, see ªCheck Oil Level Warning Lightº
in the Index.

WASHER FLUID: This message means your
washer fluid tank is less than about 30 percent full.
The windshield portion of the vehicle outline will
also glow. If these come on, see ªWindshield Washer
Fluidº in the Index.

LOW COOLANT: This message means your
coolant level has fallen to about half full. If it comes
on, see ªEngine Coolantº in the Index.

CHECK GAGES: If this light comes on and stays
on while you are driving, check your gages for fuel,
coolant temperature, oil pressure or battery voltage.
SECURITY MONITOR: The vehicle outline will
illuminate to let you know the following information:

DOOR AJAR: This message means a door is not
fully closed. The vehicle outline will show you
which door it is.
TRUNK AJAR: This message appears if the trunk is
not fully closed. The vehicle outline will illuminate.

HOOD AJAR: This message appears if the hood is
not fully closed. The vehicle outline will illuminate
if the hood is not latched properly.
LAMP MONITOR: Whenever you try to use one of
the following lamps, the LAMP MONITOR will tell you
if a bulb is out.

Headlamp (Low and High Beam)

Parking Lamp/Sidemarker

Turn Signal/Parking/Stop

Back
-Up Lamp

Taillamp/Turn/Sidemarker/License

Brake Lamp and Center High
-Mounted Stoplamp
If a bulb is out, you will see a message, such as PARK
LAMP, and you will also see where the problem is on
the vehicle outline. The message stays on until the
problem is fixed. See ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index
for bulb details.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
3-29
To help avoid hearing loss or damage:

Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably
and clearly.
NOTICE:
Before you add any sound equipment to your
vehicle
-- like a tape player, CB radio, mobile
telephone or two
-way radio -- be sure you can
add what you want. If you can, it's very
important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of
your vehicle's engine, Delco Electronics radio or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle's systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been
added improperly.
So, before adding sound equipment, check with
your dealer and be sure to check Federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units.
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight and
extreme heat. If they aren't, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after every
50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLN to indicate
that you have used your tape player for 50 hours without
resetting the tape clean timer. If this message appears on
the display, your cassette tape player needs to be
cleaned. It will still play tapes, but you should clean it as
soon as possible to prevent damage to your tapes and
player. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a
known good cassette to see if it is the tape or the tape
player at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement
in sound quality, clean the tape player.
The recommended cleaning method for your cassette
tape player is the use of a scrubbing action,
non
-abrasive cleaning cassette with pads which scrub
the tape head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn.
The recommended cleaning cassette is available through
your dealership (GM Part No. 12344789).

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
4-7
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. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your 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 engine ever stops while you're driving, brake
normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, the
pedal may get harder to push down. If your 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 may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti
-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
X±02±3421±T
If there's a problem with the
anti
-lock brake system, this
warning light will stay on.
See ªAnti
-Lock Brake
System Warning Lightº in
the Index.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
4-28

Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you've been stopped by the snow.

Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you have no blankets or extra clothing, make body
insulators from newspapers, burlap bags, rags, floor
mats
-- anything you can wrap around yourself or
tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
H±44±0008±V
You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill
you. You can't see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking your exhaust pipe. And check
around again from time to time to be sure snow
doesn't collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that's away from the wind. This will help
keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
5-5
CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You don't
need to add water to the ACDelco Freedom

battery installed in every new GM vehicle. But if
a battery has filler caps, be sure the right amount
of fluid is there. If it is low, add water to take care
of that first. If you don't, explosive gas could
be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you.
Don't get it on you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush the place with
water and get medical help immediately.
5. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on
each battery.
6. Check that the jumper cables don't have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock.
The vehicles could be damaged, too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some basic
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) and negative (
-) will go to a metal
engine part. Don't connect positive (+) to
negative (
-) or you'll get a short that would
damage the battery and maybe other parts too.
CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.

yellowblue
6-13
Supercharged Engine (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a 3800 Supercharged engine.
The supercharger is a device designed to pump more air
into the engine than it would normally use. This air,
mixed with fuel, creates increased engine power. Since
the supercharger is a pump and is driven from an engine
accessory drive belt, increased pressure is available at
all driving conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure
required during specific driving conditions. When this
increased pressure or boost is not desired, such as during
idling and light throttle cruising, the excess air that the
supercharger is pumping is routed through a bypass. All
of these controls, working together, provide high
performance character and fuel efficiency in the
3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
Engine Oil
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL
light on the instrument
panel comes on, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see
ªCheck Oil Level Lightº in
the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.

yellowblue
6-26 Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark or a little higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be up to the FULL HOT mark or
a little higher.
If this LOW COOLANT
warning light comes on and
stays on, it means you're
low on engine coolant.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX
-COOL

coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.

9-
First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-1
Section 9 Index
A
ccessory Inflator 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Power Outlet 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable Support Seat 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Bag 1-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How Does it Restrain 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How it Works 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Location 1-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readiness Light 1-21, 2-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Makes it Inflate 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What Will You See After it Inflates 1-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Should it Inflate 1-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Conditioning Refrigerants 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Control, Climate Control System 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Inflator System 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alarm, Universal Theft-Deterrent 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alignment and Balance, Tire 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Fixed 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna, Power 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antifreeze 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light 2-68, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anti
-Lockout Feature 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appearance Care Materials 6-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arbitration Program 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest, Storage 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtrays 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Controls, Steering Wheel Touch Control 3-27 . . . . . . .
Audio Equipment, Adding 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio Systems 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Door Locks 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overdrive 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park Mechanism Check 7-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your Engine 2-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump Starting 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement, Remote Keyless Entry 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning Light 2-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warnings 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Edition for Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual ± 1999
yellowblue
9-2
BBB Auto Line 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Belt, Engine Accessory 6-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Better Business Bureau Mediation 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blizzard, Driving In 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boost Gage 2-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Adjustment 6
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 2-32, 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brightness Control 2-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 2-32, 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-15, 2-34, 4-28, 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cardholder 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Tape Player 3
-12, 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Errors 3-13, 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification/Tire Label 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Doors Light 2-75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Messages 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Level Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Level Warning Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Washer Fluid Message 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-43 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-47 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .