coolant temperature PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2005 Owners Manual

If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been
done. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of
the following:
Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the
vehicle and press the remote start button until
the parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazards warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running, or it provides
one start with 10 minutes of engine running which may
be extended by 10 more minutes. If you press and
release the transmitter lock button and then press and
hold the remote start button, on the keyless entry
transmitter, again before the rst 10 minutes of the
engine running time has expired, 10 minutes are added
to the remaining minutes. For example, if the lock
and then the remote start buttons are pressed again
after ve minutes of the engine run time, 10 minutes
are added and you now have 15 minutes of the
engine running. The added 10 minutes is considered
a second start. Once two remote starts or a single start
with a time extension have been provided, the vehicle
must be started normally with the ignition key to
get more remote starts.The remote start feature will not operate if the key is in
the ignition, a door is open or the hood is not closed.
The remote start feature will not operate if there is
an emission control system malfunction. Also, the engine
will turn off during a remote vehicle start if the coolant
temperature gets too high or the oil pressure gets low.
If a remote start is attempted and unsuccessful, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display REMOTE
START DISABLED.
2-9

Engine Coolant Heater
The vehicle may be equipped with an engine coolant
heater. In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the
engine coolant heater can help. The vehicle will start
easier and get better fuel economy during engine
warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged
in a minimum of four hours prior to starting the
vehicle. At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the
coolant heater is not required. Your vehicle may
also have an internal thermostat in the plug end of the
cord. This will prevent operation of the engine coolant
heater when the temperature is at or above 0°F (−18°C)
as noted on the cord.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The
cord is located above the engine air cleaner/lter.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on location.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before, making sure to
keep it away from moving engine parts. If this is
not done, the cord could be damaged.
How long should the coolant heater be kept plugged in?
The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil that is in the vehicle, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where the vehicle will
be parked. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-24

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wiper Lever...................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-17
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-18
Entry Lighting...............................................3-18
Delayed Entry Lighting...................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.....................................3-19
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-19
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-19
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps................3-19Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-20
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-24
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Climate Control System.................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-29
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-33
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-33
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-35
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-36
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-37
Tachometer.................................................3-37
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-38
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-38
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-41
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-42
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-43
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-43
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-44
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

If the light comes on and stays on for an extended
period of time when the system is turned on, the vehicle
needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates that
the engine coolant
has overheated or the
radiator cooling fan is
not working.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The vehicle has a gage
that shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the
engine is too hot. That reading means the engine
coolant has overheated. If you have been operating the
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should
pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine
as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 5-30for more information.
3-43

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages will appear if there is a problem in
one of the vehicle’s systems. They will override
any other mode or screen the DIC may be in.
Some messages can be cleared from the Driver
Information Center (DIC) screen. In order to do this
the message must be acknowledged. To acknowledge
or clear the message from the screen, press the
set/reset button on the DIC. SeeDIC Controls and
Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-49orDIC Controls
and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on
page 3-57for DIC button descriptions.
Other warning messages are not allowed to be cleared
until the problem indicated by the warning message
is taken care of. When the problem indicated by
the message is resolved, it can be acknowledged and
the screen can be reset.
Be sure to take any message that appears on the
DIC screen seriously and remember that clearing the
messages that are able to be acknowledged, will
only make the message disappear, not the problem.
A/C OFF FOR ENGINE PROTECTION
This warning message comes on when the engine
coolant becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor is automatically turned
off. When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the air conditioning compressor will turn back on.
The vehicle can then continue to be driven.
This message comes on while the ignition is in RUN.
A chime will sound for two seconds when this message
is displayed. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this warning message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-69

This symbol comes on
with the HOT COOLANT
warning message.
This warning message will appear while the engine
coolant temperature is too hot. The hot coolant
temperature warning light will also appear on the
instrument panel cluster. Also, the engine coolant
temperature gage will read in the red or “hot” area.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 3-43andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 3-43for more information.
To avoid added strain, turn off the air conditioner if it is
on. When the coolant temperature returns to normal,
the air conditioner can be turned back on.
This message will display only while the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound continuously when this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button to
acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.This message will continue to display if it has not been
acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It will
also re-display for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
HOT ENGINE OIL. REDUCE SPEED
This warning message comes on when the vehicle’s
engine oil is above the proper engine operating
temperature. Reduce the speed of the vehicle. If the
warning message continues to display, have the vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible. A
chime will sound continuously when this message
is displayed. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this warning message. This clears it from the screen.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-75

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This symbol comes on with
the REDUCED ENGINE
POWER warning message.
This warning message appears when the vehicle’s
engine power is reduced. This happens when driving
conditions, such as climbing a steep hill, make the
transaxle overwork in a gear that may cause damage
to the vehicle’s engine or transaxle. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
This message will display only when the ignition is in
RUN. A chime will sound for two seconds while
this message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message will continue to display if it has not been
acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It will
also re-display for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
REMOTE START ACTIVE PRESS
HAZARD SWITCH TO CANCEL
This warning message will come on when a remote
start is initiated. If you would like to cancel the remote
start, turn on the hazard warning ashers. See
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-5.
REMOTE START DISABLED
This warning message will come on if a remote start
attempt is unsuccessful. This may be caused by any of
the following conditions:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The key is in the ignition.
The hood or the doors are not closed.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
See “REMOTE START” underDIC Controls and
Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-49orDIC Controls
and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on
page 3-57and “Remote Vehicle Start” underRemote
Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-5for
more information.
3-82

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L).Do not overll.
Notice:Use of automatic transaxle uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transaxle uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check,” earlier in
this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating or if coolant needs to be added
to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®engine 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.
5-24

{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-30.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line
up with the overow tube on the radiator ller neck.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle, near the diagonal cross brace. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning light
on the instrument panel that indicate an overheated
engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-43andEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-43.
5-27

If an overheat warning occurs without any sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Set the heater at the highest setting and the fan at
the highest speed and open the windows as
necessary.
If the overheat warning no longer exists, the vehicle can
be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, the
vehicle can be driven normally.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while parked. If the warning is still there,turn
off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicleuntil it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this protection mode alternates ring groups
of cylinders to help prevent engine damage. In
this mode, there will be a signicant loss in power and
engine performance. The engine coolant temperature
gage indicator will move to the shaded area, and
the engine coolant temperature warning light will come
on, showing that an overheated engine condition
exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a
trailer in the overheated engine protection mode should
be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
5-29