cooling PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 2004 Owners Manual

Lockout Protection
The power door locks will not work if the key is in the
ignition and any door is open. You can override this
feature by holding the driver’s power door lock switch
for more than three seconds.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving the vehicle, take your keys, open your
door and set the locks from the inside. Then get out and
close the door. You may also use the lock button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter after shutting the doors.
If your vehicle has a theft-deterrent system, see
Universal Theft-Deterrent on page 2-21.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-37.
2-16

Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle at
higher revolutions per minute (RPM) than normal to make
sure the battery charges. High electrical loads may occur
when several of the following are on: headlamps, high
beams, fog lamps, rear window defogger, fan on high
speed, heated seats and engine cooling fans.
If your vehicle’s battery remains in a heavy discharge
condition for a long period of time, the fan, rear
defogger, heated seats and heated mirrors will be
disabled and the DIC will display BATTERY SAVER
ACTIVE. This can happen either under long periods of
idling or low speed driving with high electrical loading,
or in the event of a charging system fault.
Monitor the battery voltage when in the BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE mode.
If the voltmeter remains in the shaded area (below
11 volts) when driving then have the charging
system serviced immediately.
If the voltage increases above 12 volts then the
battery needs to be recharged. Try driving on
the highway with as few electrical accessories on
as possible.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{CAUTION:
If the HUD image is too bright, or too high in
your eld of view, it may take you more time to
see things you need to see when it is dark
outside. Be sure to keep the HUD image dim
and placed low in your eld 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
reection on the windshield. The HUD shows the
following:
Speedometer Reading
Turn Signal Indicators
High-beam Indicator Symbol
CHECK GAGES Message (for low oil pressure,
high coolant temperature, low oil level, high/low
battery, brake, ABS and air bag)
Low Fuel Warning Symbol
Radio Frequency and Playback Mode (with the
exception of the XM™ radio)
3-22

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
FAN:Turn the left knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Push this
knob to turn the fan on and off. The fan must be on in
order for the air conditioning compressor to run.
TEMP (Temperature Control):Turn the right knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to manually increase or
decrease the temperature inside your vehicle.To change the current mode, select one of the following:
6(FLOOR):This mode directs most of the air to
the oor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets (for the side windows) and some air directed
to the windshield.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs about half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and then directs most of the
remaining air to the oor outlets. There is also a small
amount of air directed to the windshield and outboard
outlets (for the side windows). This mode directs cooler
air to the upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
?RECIRC (Recirculation):This mode keeps
outside air from coming in the vehicle. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from entering your
vehicle or to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle
more quickly. Press this button to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. When the button is pressed, an indicator
light will come on. The recirculation mode cannot be
used with the FRONT defrost mode.
3-27

0FRONT (Defrost):Pressing this button directs
most of the air to the windshield and the outboard outlets
(for the side windows), with some air directed to the
oor outlets. When you select this mode, the system
turns off recirculation and runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is at
or below freezing. The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the FRONT defrost mode. Do not drive
the vehicle until all windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
=REAR:Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. Be sure to clear as much snow from
the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off about 10 minutes
after the button is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger will only run for about ve minutes before
turning off. If you maintain a speed above 30 mph (48
km/h), the rear defogger will not turn off automatically to
help keep the rear glass clear. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.If your vehicle has outside heated mirrors, the mirrors
will heat to help clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror when the rear window defogger button is
pressed.
Notice:Using a razor blade or sharp object to clear
the inside rear window may damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not clear the inside of the rear
window with sharp objects.
Automatic Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
3-29

?RECIRC (Recirculation):Press this button to
limit the amount of outside air coming into the vehicle. It
can be used to prevent outside air and odors from
entering your vehicle or to help heat or cool the
air inside your vehicle more quickly. Press this button to
turn the recirculation mode on or off. When the button
is pressed, an indicator light will come on. The
recirculation mode cannot be used with the FRONT
defrost mode.
#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to
override the automatic system and turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When A/C is pressed, an
indicator light in the button will come on to let you
know that it is activated. When in AUTO, the air
conditioning compressor will come on automatically, as
necessary. The air conditioning compressor will also
run when you select the FRONT defrost mode and
outside temperatures are above freezing.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, press the AUTO
button and the system will automatically enter
recirculation mode and the temperature will be at the full
cold position for maximum cooling.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.Sensors
The solar sensor on your vehicle monitors the solar
radiation and the air inside of your vehicle, then uses the
information to maintain the selected temperature by
initiating needed adjustments to the temperature, the fan
speed and the air delivery system. The system may
also supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated, as
necessary. Do not cover the solar sensor located in the
center of the instrument panel, near the windshield,
or the system will not work properly.
There is also an EXT (exterior) temperature sensor
located behind the front grill. This sensor reads
the outside air temperature and helps to maintain the
temperature inside the vehicle. Any cover on the front of
the vehicle could cause a false reading in the
temperature.
3-32

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Always
have your engine running and your vehicle in
gear when you go downhill.
Know how to go uphill. Drive in the highest gear
possible.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide
or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There
could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or
an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that
warn of special problems. Examples are long
grades, passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks
area or winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.
4-25

But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle uid (do not overll),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you nd them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a
good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
4-45

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-28
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-31
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-42Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps..................................................5-53
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-56
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-57
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-57
Tires..............................................................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-67
Check Tire Pressure System..........................5-68
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-70
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-72
Buying New Tires.........................................5-72
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-74
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-75
Wheel Replacement......................................5-75
Tire Chains..................................................5-77
Accessory Inator.........................................5-78
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-79
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-80
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-90
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which won’t damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will.
CAUTION: (Continued)
5-26

CAUTION: (Continued)
Your vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for
the proper coolant mixture. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, your engine could get too
hot but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The engine coolant
recovery tank is located in
the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle, near the
windshield. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for more
information on location.
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.
5-27