check engine PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2002 Owner's Manual

6-3
CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.

Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.

Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts and
other fasteners. ªEnglishº and ªmetricº
fasteners can be easily confused. If you use
the wrong fasteners, parts can later break
or fall off. You could be hurt.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airflow around it. This may cause wind noise
and affect windshield washer performance. Check with
your dealer before adding equipment to the outside of
your vehicle.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identification number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that identifies
your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. See ªVehicle Identification Numberº
in the Index.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3100 V6 engine (VIN Code J)
or 3800 V6 engine (VIN Code K), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or higher. If the
octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If it is bad enough, it can damage
your engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate
or drive uphill is considered normal. This does not
indicate a problem exists or that a higher
-octane fuel
is necessary.
If your vehicle has the 3800 Supercharged V6 engine
(VIN Code1), use only premium unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane of 91 or higher. In an emergency, you
may be able to use a lower octane
-- as low as 87 -- if
heavy knocking does not occur. Refill your tank with
premium fuel as soon as possible. If you are using
91 octane or higher
-octane fuel and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.

6-4 Gasoline Specifications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specifications
which were developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association and endorsed by the
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasolines
meeting these specifications could provide improved
driveability and emission control system performance
compared to other gasolines.
In Canada, look for
the ªAuto Makers'
Choiceº label on
the pump.
Canada Only
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (see the underhood emission control label), it is
designed to operate on fuels that meet California
specifications. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on (see ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index) and your vehicle may fail a
smog
-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs may
not be covered by your warranty.
Additives
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT);
ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel
contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the
use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission
control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.

6-5
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly.
You should not have to add anything to your fuel.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
they comply with the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your
fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber
parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under
your warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to
find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel wouldn't be covered by
your warranty.
To check on fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you'll be driving.

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

6-13
Before closing the hood of your vehicle, be sure all the
filler caps are on properly. Then pull the hood down and
close it firmly.
Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL
light appears on the
instrument cluster, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see ªLow Oil Level Lightº in
the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
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.
3100 V6 Engine 3800 V6 or 3800 V6
Supercharged Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is the yellow loop
located near the front of the engine. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.

6-14
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
3100 V6 Engine
3800 V6 Engine or 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine

6-18
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls
below
-20F (-29C), consider using either an
SAE 5W
-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both
will provide easier cold starting and better protection for
your engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don't add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol are all you will need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON light will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two
times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over
a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. It is also important to check your oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.

6-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the driver's side. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
To check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter do
the following:
1. Loosen the two clips located on the top of the engine
air cleaner/filter housing and lift the filter cover tabs
out of the housing.
2. Push the filter cover housing toward the engine.
3. Pull out the old filter.
4. Check or install a new engine air cleaner/filter.
See ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº in
the Index.
5. To reinstall the cover, position the tabs through the
slots on the housing. A notch on the sides of the
filter cover will indicate the correct placement.
Reinstall the two clips on the top of the engine air
cleaner/filter housing when you are finished.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.

6-21
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily
get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Supercharger Oil
The supercharger engine
oil fill plug is located in
the engine compartment
on the front of the
supercharger, on
the passenger side of
the vehicle.
Unless you are technically qualified and have the proper
tools, you should let your dealer or a qualified service
center perform this maintenance.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs first.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Use only the recommended supercharger oil. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-22 How to Check and Add Oil
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Check oil only when
the engine is cold. Allow the engine to cool two to three
hours after running.
CAUTION:
If you remove the supercharger oil fill plug while
the engine is hot, pressure may cause hot oil to
blow out of the oil fill hole. You may be burned.
Do not remove the plug until the engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oil fill plug before
removing it.
2. Remove the oil fill plug using a 3/16 inch
Allen wrench.
3. The oil level is correct when it just reaches the
bottom of the threads of the inspection hole.
4. Replace the oil plug with the O
-ring in place.
Tighten to 88 lb
-in (10 N´m).
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) 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, change the fluid and filter
at 100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.