service PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2006 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-30
Airbag System
.........................................1-52
Restraint System Check
............................1-67
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-35
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
Storage Areas
.........................................2-40
Sunroof
..................................................2-43
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-35
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-52
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-94Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-38
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-50
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-53
Windshield Replacement
...........................5-60
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-60
Tires
......................................................5-60
Appearance Care
.....................................5-99
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-110
Electrical System
....................................5-111
Capacities and Specications
...................5-118
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-13
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner ManualM

In many crashes severe enough to inate an airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for
your airbag system. If you do not get them,
the airbag system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other parts. The
service manual for your vehicle covers the need to
replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information after
a crash. SeeVehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders on page 7-9.
Let only qualied technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that your
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system. The
passenger airbag status indicator on the instrument
panel will be visible when you turn your ignition key to
RUN or START. The words ON and OFF or the symbol
for on and off, will be visible during the system check.
If you use remote start to start your vehicle from a
distance, if equipped, you may not see the system
check. When the system check is complete, either the
word ON or the word OFF, or the symbol for on or
the symbol for off will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 3-40.
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver’s airbag and the side airbags are not part
of the passenger sensing system.Passenger
Airbag Status
Indicator – United
States
Passenger
Airbag Status
Indicator – Canada
1-61

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If
this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to
place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit
upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the
person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle
and have the person remain in this position for about
two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that
person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-39for more on this, including
important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or
aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers, can affect how well the passenger
sensing system operates. Remove any additional
material from the seat cushion before reinstalling or
securing the child restraint and before a small occupant,
including a small adult, sits in the passenger position.
1-64

You may want to consider not using seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-66for more
information about modications that can affect how the
system operates.
The passenger sensing system may suppress the
airbag deployment when liquid is soaked into the seat. If
this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag
status indicator and the airbag readiness light on
the instrument panel will be lit. The system should
resume normal operation after the seat is allowed to dry.
If the system operates incorrectly after the seat has
dried, have your dealer check the system.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. You do not want the system to
inate while someone is working on your vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have information
about servicing your vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-14.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inates. Avoid yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
1-65

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front or
sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet
metal or height, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Also, the airbag system may
not work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Service before you
modify your vehicle. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this
manual. SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on
page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module (located under the right front passenger’s
seat), or the instrument panel can affect the
operation of the airbag system. If you have
questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance
are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
1-66

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
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:
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 2-4.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualied technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked, and
the trunk can be opened from approximately 3 feet (1 m)
up to 60 feet (18 m) away with the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
If your vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature, you
can also start the vehicle’s engine with the remote
keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
2-4

Disarming with the Remote Keyless
Entry Transmitter
The alarm system will disarm when the remote keyless
entry transmitter is used to unlock the doors. The
red light will go out to show that the system is disarmed.
Disarming with Your Key
The alarm system will disarm when the key is used to
unlock the doors. The red light will stop ashing
when the system is disarmed. If you would like the key
to disarm the alarm system, see “Personal Programming
Mode Screens” underDIC Controls and Displays
(Base Level DIC) on page 3-52orDIC Controls and
Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on page 3-60
for more information.
PASS-Key®III
Your PASS-Key®III 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 harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
2-19

PASS-Key®III Operation
The vehicle is equipped
with PASS-Key®III
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III is a passive
theft-deterrent system.
This means nothing special
needs to be done to arm
or disarm the system.
It works when the key is
inserted or removed
from the ignition.
PASS-Key
®III uses a transponder in the ignition key
that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
When the PASS-Key
®III system senses that the wrong
key has been inserted into the ignition, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter will not
work and fuel will stop owing to the engine. If
someone tries to start the vehicle again with the wrong
key, the vehicle will not start. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged to do so because of the high number of
electrical key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM warning message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) 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. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-112. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III decoder to accept
the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up
to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. If all
the programmed keys are lost or do not operate,
see your GM dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III to have keys made and programmed to
the system.
Canadian Owners: If all the keys are lost or damaged,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-Key
®III to have
new keys made and programmed to the system.
2-20

The following procedure is for programming a new or
replacement key when you have at least one already
programmed key. 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 ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM warning message on the DIC will turn off,
once the key has been programmed. It may not be
apparent that the SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
warning message went on due to how quickly the key
is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If the STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT SYSTEM
warning message appears and stays on the DIC while the
vehicle is being driven, the engine will be able to be
restarted if it is turned off. Your PASS-Key
®III system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced by
your dealer. The vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III system at this time. If the PASS-Key®III
key is lost or stolen, see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-40for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-21

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch is located on the instrument panel, to
the right of the steering column.
There are four different
positions. Insert the
key in the ignition and
turn it to the right for
each position.
9(OFF):This position locks the ignition, steering
wheel and transaxle. It is a theft-deterrent feature. This is
the only position from which the key can be removed.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If
it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.ACC (ACCESSORY):This position allows things like
the radio and windshield wipers to operate while
the engine is off.
R(RUN):This position is where the key returns to
after the vehicle is started. With the engine off, the
RUN position displays some of the warning and
indicator lights.
/(START):This position starts the engine. Let go of
the key when the engine starts. The key will return
to the RUN for normal driving.
A continuous warning chime will sound and a KEY IN
IGNITION message will display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) if the key is turned to OFF or ACC and
the driver’s door is opened.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
If the vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP),
certain features will continue to operate for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF unless
a door is opened.
2-22