service PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2003 Owners Manual

The 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner Manual a
Seats and Restpaint Systems ........................... ? -1
Front Seats ............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-7
Child Restraints
....................................... 1-29
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) ......... 1-51
Restraint System Check
............................ 1-58
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-8
Windows
................................................. 2-1 3
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................ 2-1 5
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
........... 2-19
Mirrors
.................................................... 2-33
Onstar@ System
...................................... 2-38
Storage Areas
......................................... 2-40
Sunroof
.................................................. 2-42
Vehicle Personalization
............................. 2-43
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
...................................... 3-20
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
......... 3-23
Driver Information Center (DIC)
.................. 3-38
Trip Computer
......................................... 3-40
Audio System(s)
....................................... 3-44
Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1
Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1
~rivingi yoerr Vehicle ....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
................................................... 4-33
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
............... 5-10
Headlamp Aiming
..................................... 5-59
Bulb Replacement
.................................... 5-60
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
......... 5-67
Tires
...................................................... 5-68
Appearance Care
..................................... 5-88
Vehicle Identification
................................. 5-96
Electrical System
...................................... 5-97
Capacities and Specifications
................... 5-1 02
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts .... 5-1 04
Maintenance Schedule ........................... ,6-1 ..
Maintenance Schedule ................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information .................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1
Reporting Safety Defects
......................... 7-9
Index ........................................ ..... 1

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:
POSSlBLE A
CAUTION
INJURY
PROTECT EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BAlTERY
4CID COULD CAUSE
BURNS
AVO1
D
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR FLAME
\\I/'
COULD
EXPLODE BAlTERY LATCH BOTH LAP AND
SHOULDER BELTS
TO
PROTECT OCCUPANT 4
DO NOT TWIST SAFETY
BELT WHEN AlTACHING
FASTEN SEAT
BELTS
MOVE SEAT FULLY
\!$%
REARWARD* /z
SECURE
CHILD SEAT
PULL BELT
COMPLETELY
THEN SECURE CHILD SEAT
TI POWER
WINDOW DO NOT INSTALL
A REAR-FACING
CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION
DO NOT INSTALL A
'ORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING
POSITION
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
L
LlGHTlNG - MASTER SWITCH e- / ,
SIGNALS TURN
PARKING
pf
LAMPS
RUNNING LAMPS
LAMPS
so
ENGINE
COOLANT TEMP
CHARGING BAlTERY
SYSTEM
COOLANT
d
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
Wb
ANTI-LOCK (@)
BRAKES ENGINE
COOLANT FAN
OWNERS MANUAL
SERVICE
MANUAL

What Will You See After an Air Bag
Inflates?
After an air bag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that
some people may not even realize the air bag inflated.
Some components of the air bag module -the steering
wheel hub for the driver’s air bag or the instrument panel
for the right front passenger’s bag
- will be hot for a
short time. The parts of the bag that come into contact
with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There will
be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the
deflated air bags. Air bag inflation doesn’t prevent the
driver from seeing or being able to steer the vehicle,
no- ”oes it sto- Teople from leaving the vehicle
When an air
,,g inflates, there is dust i.. khe
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
CAUTION: (Continued) to do
so. If you hawe breath ...d prob.,.ns
butcan’t get out of the vehicle after an air bag
inflates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an air bag deployment,
you should seek medical attention.
In many crashes severe enough to inflate an air bag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger air bag.
0 Air bags are designed to inflate only once. After an
air bag inflates, you’ll need some new parts for
your air bag system. If you don’t get them, the air
bag system won’t be there to help protect you
in another crash.
A new system will include air bag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
I
1-56

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module, which records information
about the air bag system. The module records
information about the readiness of the system,
when the system commands air bag inflation and
driver’s safety belt usage at deployment.
Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag
system. Improper service can mean that your air
bag system won’t work properly. See your dealer for
service.
Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s air bag, the bag
may not work properly. You may have to replace the
air bag module in
the steering wheel or both the
air bag module and the instrument panel for
the right front passenger’s air bag.
Do not open or
break the air bag coverings.
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped
Vehicle
Air bags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the air bag system
in several places
around your vehicle.
You don’t want the system to
inflate while someone is working on your vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the air bag system.
To purchase a senlice manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Informal
7 on page 7- 10.
For up to 10 seconds afi the ignitio ’ is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an air bag can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are close to
an air bag when
it inflates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the air bag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you
is qualified to do so.
The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.
1-57

Your vehicle has the PASS-Key@ Ill vehicle theft
system. The key has a transponder in the key head that
matches a decoder in the vehicle’s steering column.
If a replacement key or an additional key is needed,
it must be purchased from your dealer. The key will have
PK3 stamped on it.
Any new PASS-Key@
Ill key must be programmed
before it will start your vehicle. See PASS-Key
111 on
page 2-16 for more information on programming
your new key.
In an emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside Assistance.
See Roadside Assistance Program on page
7-5 for
more information.
Notice: Your vehicle has a number of features that
can help prevent theft. You can have a lot of trouble
getting into your vehicle
if you ever lock your keys
inside. You may even have to damage your vehicle to
get in.
So be sure you have spare keys.
If your vehicle is equipped with the OnStar system with
an active subscription and you lock your keys inside
the vehicle, OnStar may be able to send a command to
unlock your vehicle. See OnStap System on page
2-38
for more information.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-4

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system.
If the
transmitter does not work or
if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
e
e
e
e
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle.
You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take
a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine
if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
on
page 2-5.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
You can lock and unlock your doors or unlock your
trunk from about
3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m) away
using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with
your vehicle.
LOCK: To lock all the
doors, press the LOCK
button. See Power
Door
Locks on page 2-9
for more details on
power door lock features.
If your vehicle is equipped with the content
theft-deterrent system, the
LOCK button may arm the
system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page
2- 15
for more information.
2-5

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key@
Ill uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key@ 111 Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key@ Ill
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key@
Ill is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key@
Ill system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop being delivered
to the engine. Anyone
using a trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will
be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle
if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition
off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, see Fuses
and Circuit Breakers
on page 5-97. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service.
If your vehicle does start, the first key may
be faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key@
Ill to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside Assistance.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 7-5 for
more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key@
Ill decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to
10 additional keys may be programmed for
the vehicle. This procedure is for learning additional
keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost
or do not operate, you must see your dealer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key@
Ill to have keys
made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key@
Ill to get a new key blank that is cut exactly
as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-1 7

Canadian Owners: If you lose or damage your keys,
only a
GM dealer can service PASS-Key@ Ill to
have new keys made.
To program additional keys, you
will need two current driver’s keys (black in color).
You must add a step to the following procedure. After
Step
2, repeat Steps 1 and 2 with the second current
driver’s key (black
in color). Then continue with Step 3.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start
the engine.
If the engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within five seconds
of removing the original key.
5. The SECURITY light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
It may not be apparent that the
SECURITY light went on due to how quickly the
key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your
engine
if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key@ Ill system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key@
Ill system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key@ Ill key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key@
Ill
to have a new key made.
2-1 8

Notice: If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
can’t turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if
so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break the
key or the ignition switch. If none
of these works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (LOCK): This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It’s a theft-deterrent feature. It’s also
the only position from which you can remove the key.
C (OFF): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn’t lock the
steering wheel like LOCK. Use
OFF if you must have
the vehicle pushed or towed.
D (RUN): This position is where the key returns to after
you start the vehicle. With the engine
off, you can use
RUN to display some of the warning and indicator lights.
E (START): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound
if you open the driver’s door
while the ignition is in
OFF, LOCK or ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With Retained Accessory Power, (RAP), the power
windows, audio system and sunroof will continue to work
up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to
OFF and none of the doors are opened.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won’t start in any other position - that’s a
safety feature. To restart while you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL
(N) only.
Nofice: Don’t try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to
PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to
do the following:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released.
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than
OFF or
LOCK. The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case
of a dead or low voltage
(less than
9 V) battery.
2-20

You’ll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
Notice: If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly, or if
it seems not to shift gears as you go
faster, something may be wrong with a transaxle system sensor.
If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So, if
this happens,
have your vehicle serviced right away. Until then,
you can use SECOND
(2) when you are driving
less than
35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC
OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds.
THIRD
(3): This position is also used for normal driving,
but
it offers more power and lower fuel economy than
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(@ ).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (a):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
When driving in non-highway scenarios
(i.e. city streets, etc.). SECOND
(2): This
position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD
(3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes
off and on.
Notice: Don’t drive in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km), or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle.
Use THIRD
(3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as
much as possible. Don’t shift into SECOND
(2)
unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h)
or you can damage your engine.
FIRST
(1): This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is in
FIRST (I), the transaxle won’t shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice: If your front wheels won’t turn, don’t try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transaxle. Also,
if you stop when going uphill, don’t hold your
vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This
could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your
brakes to hold your vehicle in position on
a hill.
2-26