check engine PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2004 Owner's Manual

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ®ll 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 ®ll 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 ®ll nozzle in contact with the inside
of the ®ll opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the ®lling 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 ®re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake ¯uid, windshield washer and
other ¯uids, 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.
5-10

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. (SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-43.)
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. (See
Jump
Starting on page 5-49.)
C. Battery. (See
Battery on page 5-48).
D. Underhood Fuse Block. (See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-99.)
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. (See
Cooling System on
page 5-32).
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. (See ªChecking
Coolantº under
Cooling System on page 5-32.)
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). (See
Power Steering Fluid on
page 5-42.)H. Electric Cooling Fan. (See
Cooling System on
page 5-32.)
I. Engine Oil Dipstick. (See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.)
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. (See
Automatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-24.)
L. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. (See ªHow to Add
Coolant to the Radiatorº under
Cooling System on
page 5-32.)
M. Brake Master Cylinder. (See ªBrake Fluidº under
Brakes on page 5-45.)
N. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. (See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.)
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. (SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-43.)
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. (See
Jump
Starting on page 5-49.)
C. Battery. (See
Battery on page 5-48.)
D. Underhood Fuse Block. (See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-99.)
E. Radiator Pressure Cap. (See
Cooling System on
page 5-32.)
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. (See ªChecking
Coolantº under
Cooling System on page 5-32.)
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). (See
Power Steering Fluid on
page 5-42.)
H. Supercharger Oil Fill Location. (See
Supercharger
Oil on page 5-21.)I. Electric Cooling Fan. (See
Cooling System on
page 5-32.)
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. (See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.)
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. (See
Engine Oil on page 5-16.)
L. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. (See ªHow to Add
Coolant to the Radiatorº under
Cooling System on
page 5-32.)
M. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. (See
Automatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-24.)
N. Brake Master Cylinder. (See ªBrake Fluidº under
Brakes on page 5-45.)
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. (See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.)
5-15

Engine Oil
If this symbol, along with
the LOW OIL LEVEL
message appears on the
Driver Information
Center (DIC), it means you
need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information, see ªLOW OIL LEVELº under
DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-65.
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.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
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.
5-16

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 ®lter. 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 ®lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service
people who will perform this work using genuine GM
parts and reset the system. 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 System calculates when to change
your engine oil and ®lter 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 message appearing on the DIC,
reset the system.
To reset the GM Oil Life System, after the oil has been
changed, use the following procedure:
1. Press the options button on the DIC until ENGINE
OIL MONITOR appears on the DIC screen.
2. Press the set/reset button to reset the system.
The next screen indicates that the engine oil monitor
system has been reset.
If the vehicle is equipped with the trip computer DIC,
when the gage button is pressed and the OIL LIFE
REMAINING mode appears, it should read 100 percent
OIL LIFE REMAINING.
5-20

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don't let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the ®lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
Supercharger Oil
Unless you are technically
quali®ed and have the
proper tools, you should let
your dealer or a quali®ed
service center perform
this maintenance.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the Supercharger Oil ®ll location.
When to Check
Check oil level every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or every
36 months, whichever occurs ®rst.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Use only the recommended supercharger oil. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-16.
5-21

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 ®ll plug
while the engine is hot, pressure may cause
hot oil to blow out of the oil ®ll hole. You may
be burned. Do not remove the plug until the
engine cools.
1. Clean the area around the oil ®ll plug before
removing it.
2. Remove the oil ®ll plug.
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 (10Y).
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/®lter is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/®lter every 15,000 miles
(25,000 km) and replace every 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
®lter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/®lter, remove the ®lter from
the vehicle and lightly shake the ®lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the ®lter remains ªcakedº with dirt,
a new ®lter is required.
5-22

To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/®lter do
the following:
1. Loosen the two clips on the top of the engine air
cleaner/®lter housing and lift the ®lter cover tabs
out of the housing.
2. Push the ®lter cover housing toward the engine.
3. Pull out the ®lter.
4. Check or install a new engine air cleaner/®lter.
See
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 5-105.5. To reinstall the cover, position the tabs through the
slots on the housing. A notch on the sides of the
®lter cover will indicate the correct engagement.
Reinstall the two clips on the top of the housing
when you are ®nished.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/®lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to
stop ¯ame if the engine back®res. If it isn't there
and the engine back®res, you could be burned.
Don't drive with it off, and be careful working on
the engine with the air cleaner/®lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/®lter is off, a back®re
can cause a damaging engine ®re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner/®lter in place
when you're driving.
5-23

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter 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 90ÉF (32ÉC) 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 ¯uid and ®lter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine or
exhaust system parts, starting a ®re. Too little ¯uid
could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
5-24

To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50ÉF
(10ÉC). If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), you may have to
drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
·Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
·With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
·With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
·Let the engine run at idle for three to ®ve minutes.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transaxle ¯uid dipstick
handle is the red loop
located near the rear of
the engine. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12
for more
information on location.
1. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
5-25