check engine light PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2003 User Guide

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. I
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.
Then, shut the engine
off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
To help
keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle and do
some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour or
so
until help comes.
4-3 1

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will flash whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also
flash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will flash for turns even
if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug a
trailer lighting system into your vehicle’s lighting
system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know
if
one of your lamps goes out. So, when you have a trailer
lighting system plugged in, be sure to check your
vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure
they’re all working. Once you disconnect the trailer
lamps, the bulb warning lights again can tell you
if one
of your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start
down a long or steep downgrade.
If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes
so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around
45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
If you have overdrive, you may have to drive in
THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Parking on Hills
1 -J really should not ,,rk yo^, wG,kle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill.
If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
4-42

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.
LOW OIL
LEVEL
For more information, see Low Oil Level Light on
page
3-36.
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.
You should check your engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
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 Engine Comparfment
Overview on page
5-12 for more information on location.
5-1 8

When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life SystemTM)
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.
How to Reset the GM Oil Life System
The GM Oil Life SystemTM calculates when to change
your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system
so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required.
If a situation occurs
where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE
OIL SOON
light being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the GM Oil Life SystemTM after the oil has
been changed, use one of the following two procedures:
Using the Driver Information Center (DIC)
1.
2.
3.
With the ignition key in RUN but the engine off, fully
push and release the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within five seconds.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light flashes, the system
is resetting.
Turn the key to OFF after the light stops flashing,
then start the vehicle.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON light comes back on, the
engine oil life monitor has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Using the Trip Computer (If Equipped)
1. Press the MODE button until the light appears lit
2. Press and hold the RESET button for three seconds.
next to
OIL LIFE.
The
oil life percentage should change to 100%.
5-23

Notice: If the other system isn’t a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can be
damaged.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK
(P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice: If you leave your radio on, it could be badly
damaged. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or in the accessory power outlet. Turn
off
the radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save your radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive
(+) and negative (-) terminal locations on
each vehicle. You will not need to access your
battery for jump starting. Your vehicle has
a remote
positive
(+) jump starting terminal for that purpose.
The terminal is located in the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, near
the diagonal cross brace. See Engine Compartment
Ovewiew
on page 5-72 for more information on
location.
5-54

Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(1 66
000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(1 66 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle. The services shown at 150,000 miles
(240
000 km) should be repeated at the same interval
after 150,000 miles
(240 000 km) for the life of this
vehicle.
See Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page
6-9
and Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page
6- 13.
Footnotes
t The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page
6-14,
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the GM
Oil Life SystemTM (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Reset the 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.
6-5

A
Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-1 8
Activating the Theft-Deterrent Feature
................ 3-54
Adding Washer Fluid
....................................... 5-48
Additional Program Information
........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel
................................................. 5-6
Add-on Electrical Equipment
............................ 5-97
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)
............................ 3-46, 3-49, 3-52
Air Bag Readiness Light
.................................... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3-26
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS)
............................................. 1-51
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine
................................. 5-25
All Overseas Locations ...................................... 7-4
Aluminum or Chrome Plated Wheels
............. 5-93
Antenna, Backglass
......................................... 3-59
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light
.............. 3-29
Appearance Care
............................................ 5-88
Care of Safety Belts
.................................... 5-91
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
................ 5-88
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
.............. 5-91
Finish Damage
............................................ 5-93
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
.......... 5-94
Underbody Maintenance
............................... 5-93
AM
........................................................... 3-57
Chemical Paint Spotting
............................... 5-94
Sheet Metal Damage
................................... 5-93 Appearance
Care (cont.)
Weatherstrips
.......................................... 5-91
Arming and Disarming the Content
Theft-Deterrent System
................................. 2-52
Arming Confirmation
........................................ 2-16
Arming with the Power Lock Switch
................... 2-15
Arming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
................................................. 2-16
Ashtrays
............. ............................... 3-19
Assist Handles
.... ................................... 2-41
Audio System(s)
......................................... 3-44
Audio Systems Audio Steering Wheel Controls
...... ........ 3-56
Backglass Antenna
...................................... 3-59
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
................ 3-58
Care of Your CD Player
............................... 3-59
Care of Your CDs
........................................ 3-59
Radio with Cassette
..................................... 3-45
Radio with CD .................................... 3-48, 3-51
Setting the Time
.......................................... 3-44
Theft-Deterrent Feature
................................ 3-54
Understanding Radio Reception
..................... 3-57
Automatic Door Locks
..................................... 2-45
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
.......................................................... 5-27
Operation
................................................... 2-24
Automatic Transaxle Check
.............................. 6-10
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
............................................. 6-11
Auxiliary Power Connection (Power Drop)
........... 3-19
1

Backglass Antenna .......................................... 3-59
Backing Up .................................................... 4-41
Battery .......................................................... 5-52
Battery Replacement ......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection ............................ 3-1 5
Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... 4-24
Body Lubrication Service .......................... 6-10
Brake
Parking
...................................................... 2-27
System Inspection ....................................... 6-1 4
System Warning Light .................................. 3-28
Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-49
Brake Wear ................................................... 5-51
Brakes .......................................................... 5-49
Braking ........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-19
Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-60
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........ 5-63
Front Turn Signal and Sidemarker Lamps ....... 5-62
Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-60
Headlamp Aiming ........................................ 5-59
Headlamps ................................................. 5-60
Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-66
Taillamps, Sidemarker and Back-up Lamps ..... 5-64
Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-71
Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-9
C
California Fuel .................................................. 5-6
Canada ........................................................... 7-4
Canadian Owners ................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... 7-6
Capacities and Specifications .......................... 5-1 02
Carbon Monoxide ................... 4-27, 4-37, 2-1 1, 2-31
Care of
Safety Belts ................................................ 5-91
Care of the HUD ............................................ 3-17
Care of Your
Cassette Tape Player
................................... 3-58
CD Player .................................................. 3-59
Cassette Tape Messages ................................. 3-47
Cassette Tape Player Service ............................. 6-9
Center Console Storage Area ........................... 2-40
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........... 5-63
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts ............. 1-21
Chains, Tires .................................................. 5-75
Check
Checking Coolant
............................................ 5-31
Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10
Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-58
CDS .......................................................... 3-59
CD Adapter Kits ............................................. 3-48
Charging System Light .................................... 3-27
Engine Light ............................................... 3-32
Checking Engine Oil ........................................ 5-18
Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-94
2

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Engine Programs
................................................... 3-34
Air Cleaner/Filter
......................................... 5-25
Battery
....................................................... 5-52
Check and Service Engine Soon Light ............ 3-32
Coolant
...................................................... 5-30
Coolant Heater
............................................ 2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage
........................... 3-31
Coolant Temperature Warning Light
................ 3-31
Cooling System Inspection
............................ 6-1 3
Engine Compartment Overview
...................... 5-1 2
Exhaust ..................................................... 2-31
Oil
............................................................. 5-18
Starting
...................................................... 2-20
Supercharger Oil
......................................... 5-24
Engine Coolant Level Check
.............................. 6-9
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
.................. 4-43
Engine Oil Additives
........................................ 5-22
Engine Oil Level Check
..................................... 6-9
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance
..................... 6-5
Warning Light
............................................. 3-30
Entering Programming Mode
......................... 2-44
Entry Lighting
........................ ...... 3-13
Exiting Programming Mode
.......... ...... 2-53
Extender, Safety Belt
.. ...................... 1-28
Exterior Lamps
............................................... 3-1 0
Overheating ................................................ 5-33
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
...................... 4-1 1
Express-Down Window
................................. 2-1 4
F
, ........... FabridCarpet ........... ........... 5-88
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner ............................... :~~=:=~ 5-25
Finding a Station ............................ 3-45, 3-49, 3-52
Finish Care
.................................................... 5-92
Finish Damage
............................................... 5-93
Flash-to-Pass
................................................... 3-6
Flat Tire
........................................................ 5-76
Flat Tire, Changing
......................................... 5-76
Fluid Automatic Transaxle
..................................... 5-27
Power Steering
........................................... 5-46
Windshield Washer
...................................... 5-48
Fog Lamps
................................. , ........... 3-12
Following Distance
.......................................... 4-41
Footnotes
........................................................ 6-5
Front Reading Lamps
...................................... 3-14
Fuel
............................................................... 5-5
Additives ...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel
.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank
........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries
.............................. 5-7
Gage
......................................................... 3-37
Gasoline Octane
........................................ 5-5
FM ............................................................... 3-57
5

Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specifications
................
Low Warning Light ........ , ....
System Inspection .............
Functions ......................................
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....
Windshield Wiper ..............
.........
..........
..........
...........
........
...... 5-5
..... 3-37
..... 6-13
..... 3-39
..... 5-97
..... 5-97
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature
......................... 3-31
Fuel
.......................................................... 3-37
Speedometer
.............................................. 3-25
Tachometer
................................................. 3-25
Garage Door Opener Compartment
................... 2-40
Gasoline Octane
........................................................ 5-5
Specifications ............................................... 5-5
Glass Surfaces
............................................... 5-90
Glove Box ..................................................... 2-40
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities
................................... .. 7-5
Hazard Warning Flashers
................................... 3-3
Head Restraints
............................................... 1-6 Headlamp
Aiming
....................................................... 5-59
Headlamp Wiring
............................................ 5-97
Headlamps
.................................................... 5-60
Bulb Replacement
....................................... 5-60
Front Turn Signal and Sidemarker Lamps
....... 5-62
Halogen Bulbs
............................................ 5-60
Head-Up Display (HUD)
................................... 3-15
Heated Seats
................................................... 1-4
Highway Hypnosis
........................................... 4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads
.................................. 4-25
Hitches
.......................................................... 4-40
Hood Checking Things Under
................................ 5-10
Release
..................................................... 5-10
Horn
............................................................... 3-4
How to Add Coolant
to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
............................................ 5-38
How to Add Coolant
to the Radiator .................. 5-41
How to Add Fluid
............................................ 5-29
How to Check
........................................ 5-27, 5-69
How to Check and Add Oil
............................... 5-25
How to Check Power Steering Fluid .................. 5-47
How to Use This Manual ...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-12
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
.................... 3-6
Hydroplaning
.................................................. 4-20
6