engine PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2007 Owner's Guide

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
that may be on the vehicle. The pictures help
to locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes serious
enough to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights
and gages could also save you or others from
injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. As
the details show on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started just to indicate they are working. If you
are familiar with this section, you should not
be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often
gages and warning lights work together to
indicate when there is a problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on while the vehicle is being driven, or when
one of the gages shows there may be a problem,
check the section that tells you what to do
about it. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly – and even dangerous.
So please get to know the vehicle’s warning lights
and gages. They can be a big help.
The vehicle also has a Driver Information
Center (DIC) that works along with the warning
lights and gages. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 186for more information.
168

Tachometer
The tachometer displays
the engine speed in
revolutions per
minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your
vehicle could be damaged, and the damages
would not be covered by your warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the tachometer in
the shaded warning area.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a
chime will sound for several seconds to remind
you and your passengers to buckle your
safety belts. The driver safety belt light will also
come on and stay on for several seconds, then it
will ash for several more. You should buckle
your seat belt.
If the driver’s belt is
buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will
come on.
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{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light
is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to an accident.
If the light is still on after you have pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If the vehicle has the
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), this light will
come on when the
engine is started and
may stay on for several
seconds. That is normal.If the ABS warning light comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the anti-lock
portion of the brake system. If the brake system
warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes,
but it does not have anti-lock brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 176.
If the light stays on, the vehicle needs service.
If the light comes on while the vehicle is being
driven, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the vehicle again to reset the
system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the
regular brake system warning light is not on, the
vehicle still has brakes, but it does not have
anti-lock brakes. If the brake system warning light is
also on, the vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 176. If both
the brake system warning light and the anti-lock
brake system light is on, pull off the road and have
the vehicle towed for service.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come
on briey when the ignition key is turned to
RUN. This is normal. If the light does not come on
then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
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Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light should come
on briey as you start
the engine.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires is signicantly under-inated. Stop and
check your tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate them to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 400for more information. This
light will ash for 60 seconds and then turn on solid
if a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 409for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the vehicle has the
Traction Control
System (TCS), this light
may come on for the
following reasons:
The traction control button, located on the
center console, is pressed, turning the
system off. The light will stay on. To turn the
system back on, press the button again
and the warning light should go out. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 292
for more information.
If there is a brake system problem that is
specically related to traction control, the TCS
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the brakes begin to overheat, the TCS will
turn off and the warning light will come on until
the brakes cool down.
If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the system is
turned on, the vehicle needs service.
178

Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
If the vehicle has the
Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this light
may come on for the
following reasons:
If the traction control button located on the
center console is pressed, turning the system
off. This light will come on and stay on. To turn
the system back on, press the button again and
the warning light should turn off. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 293.
If the system is affected by an engine-related
problem, the system will turn off and the
warning light will come on.
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 366for more
information.
179

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 366for more
information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
180

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after awhile, your emission
controls may not work as well, your fuel
economy may not be as good, and your engine
may not run as smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 336.This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has
been detected. A misre increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
181

If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as it is
possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 342.
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 the
light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The
condition will usually be corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
182

Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 338. Poor fuel
quality will cause your engine not to run as
efficiently as designed. You may notice this as
stalling after start-up, stalling when you put
the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is
warmed up.) This will be detected by the system
and cause the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
183

Oil Pressure Light
If there is a problem
with the vehicle’s oil
pressure, this light may
stay on when the
engine is started.
It may also come on while the vehicle is being
driven. This indicates that the engine could be low
on oil or could have some other oil problem.
Have it xed right away.
The oil light could also come on in two other
situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to
indicate it is working. The light will go out when
the ignition is turned to RUN. If it does not come
on while the ignition is in the on position, there
may be a problem with the fuse or bulb. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 460.
If the brakes are applied quickly and the vehicle
makes a hard stop, the light may come on for a
moment. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, your engine can become so
hot that it catches re. You or others
could be burned. Check your oil as soon
as possible and have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
184