flat tire PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2006 Owners Manual

ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. To reset
the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-19.
Tire Ination Monitor System:If the vehicle has ABS,
this menu sets the tire ination monitor system. See “Tire
Ination Monitor System” underInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-67for more information.
To set or reset the tire ination monitor system, use the
following procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button to reset the tire ination
monitor system. The message, TIRE INFLATION
HAS BEEN SET, will appear on the screen if
the Check Tire Pressure message, indicating an
irregularity in the pressure of one of the tires,
had previously appeared on the DIC. If the Check
Tire Pressure message did not appear and the
set/reset button is pressed, the system will reset,
but no acknowledgment message will appear on the
screen.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
Select the set/reset button to return to the
main (date) screen.PERSONAL PROGRAMMING MODE:This menu
allows you to customize several features on your
vehicle. These adjustments can only be made while the
vehicle is in PARK (P). Press the set/reset button to
display the rst screen.
Personal Programming Mode Screens
Press the options button to access these modes:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING DELAY:This screen allows this
feature to be turned off or allows the selection of the
number of seconds the headlamps, sidelamps, taillamps,
fog lamps, and back-up lamps are turned on after the
key is removed from the ignition, or the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
If OFF is selected, the exterior lamps will not turn on.
If a time delay is chosen, the lamps will turn on for
the selected time. The time delay will be cancelled and
the exterior lamps will turn on automatically when
the key is removed from the ignition, or the vehicle is
unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
To program this mode, use the following procedure:
1. Press and release the set/reset button to scroll to
the selection to be programmed. Choose from
OFF, 15, 30, 60, or 90 seconds.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
3-55

To set or reset the tire ination monitor system, use the
following procedures:
1. Press the set/reset button to reset the tire ination
monitor system. TIRE INFLATION HAS BEEN SET
will appear on the screen If the “Check Tire
Pressure” message, indicating an irregularity in the
pressure of one of the tires, had previously
appeared on the DIC. If the “Check Tire Pressure”
message did not appear, and the set/reset
button is pressed, the system will reset, but no
acknowledgment message will appear on
the screen.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
Select the set/reset button to return to the main
(date) screen.
COMPASS CALIBRATION MODE:This menu allows
you to adjust for compass variance.Setting the Compass
The compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates the
need to manually set the compass.
However, under certain circumstances, such as during a
long distance cross-country trip, it will be necessary
to compensate for compass variance and reset the zone
through the DIC.
Compass variance is the difference between the earth’s
magnetic north and true geographic north. If not
adjusted to account for compass variance, the compass
in the vehicle could give false readings.
In order to do this, the compass must be set or
calibrated to the variance zone in which the vehicle
is travelling.
3-65

CHECK GAS CAP
This warning message comes on when the gas cap is
not on, or is not fully tightened. Check the gas cap
to ensure it is on and properly tightened. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off
or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn this message off. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7
for more information.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN. A
chime will sound for two seconds when this message
is displayed and then the message continues to display.
Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
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.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This symbol comes
on with the CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE
warning message.
If the vehicle has ABS brakes, this warning message
will appear when the air pressure in one of the tires
is too low or too high. Check the vehicle’s tire pressure
as soon as possible, and ll or deate the affected
tire to the appropriate level. The correct tire ination
pressure should be set to those shown on the
tire-loading information label on the vehicle. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-33for more information.
The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE screen is reset when
it is acknowledged. However, the TIRE INFLATION
MONITOR SYSTEM screen, located under the option
menu in the DIC, must also be reset. See “Tire Ination
Monitor System” in the options section underDIC
Controls and Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-52
orDIC Controls and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip
Computer) on page 3-60for more information.
3-75

When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-71
Buying New Tires.........................................5-72
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-73
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-74
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-75
Wheel Replacement......................................5-75
Tire Chains..................................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-77
Tire Inator Kit (GXP)....................................5-79
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-88
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-90
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-91
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-97
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-99
Appearance Care............................................5-99
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-99
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-101
Leather......................................................5-103
Ultra Lux Suede..........................................5-103
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-104
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-104
Weatherstrips.............................................5-104Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-105
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-105
Finish Care................................................5-105
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-106
Aluminum Wheels.......................................5-106
Tires.........................................................5-107
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-107
Finish Damage...........................................5-107
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-108
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-108
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-109
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-110
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-110
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-110
Electrical System..........................................5-111
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-111
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-111
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-111
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-112
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................5-112
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-114
Capacities and Specications........................5-118
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare tire or
temporary use tire has a tread life of approximately
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should not be driven
at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone at. If your vehicle has a compact
spare tire, seeCompact Spare Tire on page 5-99
andIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-77.(B) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters
and numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identication
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated to 60 psi (420 kPa).
For more information on tire pressure and ination see
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-67.
(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and numbers
dene a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type and service description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size means the tire is for
temporary use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication):Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance criteria have a TPC
specication code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines. Compact Spare Tire Example
5-63

This symbol, along with the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
warning message, will
appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) if
the pressure in one tire
becomes 12 psi (83 kPa)
lower than the other
three tires.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-72for
more information.
The tire ination monitor system will not alert you if the
pressure in more than one tire is low, if the system
is not properly calibrated, or if the vehicle is moving
faster than 70 mph (110 km/h).
When the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message
comes on, stop as soon as possible and check all
the tires for damage. If a tire is at, seeIf a Tire Goes
Flat on page 5-77. Also, check the tire pressure in
all four tires as soon as possible. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-67.The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message will
also be displayed, while the ignition is on, until the
system is reset. To reset the system, see “Tire Ination
Monitor System” under the options mode inDIC
Controls and Displays (Base Level DIC) on page 3-52
orDIC Controls and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip
Computer) on page 3-60.
Do not reset the tire ination monitor system without
rst correcting the cause of the problem and checking
and adjusting the pressure in all four tires. If the
system is reset when the tire pressures are incorrect,
the system will not work properly and may not respond
when a tire is low.
The tire ination monitor system will need to be reset
any time a tire’s pressure is adjusted, the tires are
rotated, or one or more tires is repaired or replaced. The
system will also need to be reset when new tires are
purchased for the vehicle and when the battery
has been disconnected.
5-69

Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-118.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-88.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-71

Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-88for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
5-76

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/55R17, P255/45R18 or
P225/50R18 size tires, do not use tire chains,
there is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.Notice:If your vehicle does not have P225/55R17,
P255/45R18 or P225/50R18 size tires, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use only
SAE Class S-type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-60. If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-77

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes at, and your vehicle has a spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-88. This information
shows you how to use your vehicle’s tire changing
equipment and how to change a at tire safely.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a Tire Goes Flat (GXP)
GXP models have no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment, and no place for storing a spare or at tire. If a
tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage by
driving slowly to a level place and stopping. Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
2. Park your vehicle. Set the parking brake rmly and
put the shift lever in PARK (P). SeeShifting Into
Park (P) on page 2-31for additional information.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid
air loss, call a tire repair facility. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the at tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail or
other similar road hazard, the tire inator kit may be used
to temporarily repair the damaged tire. The kit uses a
liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures in the tread area
of the tire. The at tire is then inated to at least 30 psi
(207 kPa) and driven to evenly distribute the tire sealant.
5-78