towing PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2007 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems
....................... 7
Front Seats
.............................................. 8
Rear Seats
............................................. 16
Safety Belts
............................................ 17
Child Restraints
...................................... 39
Airbag System
........................................ 64
Restraint System Check
......................... 80
Features and Controls
................................ 83
Keys
....................................................... 84
Doors and Locks
.................................... 92
Windows
................................................ 98
Theft-Deterrent Systems
....................... 100
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
..... 105
Mirrors
.................................................. 121
OnStar
®System
................................... 122
Storage Areas
...................................... 126
Sunroof
................................................ 128Instrument Panel
....................................... 129
Instrument Panel Overview
................... 132
Climate Controls
................................... 157
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
.......................................... 168
Driver Information Center (DIC)
............ 186
Audio System(s)
................................... 233
Driving Your Vehicle
................................. 283
Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
..................................... 284
Towing
................................................. 322
Service and Appearance Care
.................. 333
Service
................................................. 336
Fuel
...................................................... 338
Checking Things Under the Hood
......... 344
Headlamp Aiming
................................. 388
Bulb Replacement
................................ 391
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner ManualM
1

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 79for
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 511.
78

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. See
Towing a Trailer on page 324for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
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.
105

Automatic Transaxle Operation
The shift lever for the automatic transaxle is
located on the console between the seats.
Maximum engine speed is limited when the vehicle
is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect
driveline components from improper operation.
There are several
different positions for
the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when the engine
is started because the vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P)
with the parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not
move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, always set your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (P) on page 116.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 324.
3800 V6 Engine
110

DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If
the vehicle needs more power for passing, and it is:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator pedal all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and
have more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 301.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up
rather slowly or not shift gears when you go
faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle
that way, you could damage the transaxle.
Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can
drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for
higher speeds until then.THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more
than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You
might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D)
when driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing a
trailer, so there is less shifting between gears, when
going down a steep hill and when driving on
non-highway scenarios (i.e. city streets etc.).
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed
even more than THIRD (3) without using your
brakes. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can
help control the vehicle’s speed as it goes
down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Driving in SECOND (2) for more than
25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph
(90 km/h), can cause damage to your engine
and/or transaxle. Also, shifting into SECOND (2)
at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause
damage. Drive in DRIVE (D) instead of
SECOND (2).
112

Parking Brake
The parking brake is
located to the left of the
brake pedal near the
driver’s door. To set the
parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal
down with the right
foot. Push down on the
parking brake pedal,
with the left foot.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with the right foot and push the
parking brake pedal with the left foot. When the
left foot is lifted, the parking brake pedal will lift to
the released position.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is
set, the ignition is on, and the shift lever is not
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).The brake light will also appear on the instrument
panel cluster when the parking brake is set. It will
stay on if the parking brake does not release fully.
The PARKING BRAKE ON message will also
appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the parking brake is set. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 200for more information.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and parked on a
hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 324. That
section shows what to do rst to keep the trailer
from moving.
115

Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
Your vehicle can roll. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 324.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
in the button on the shift lever and pushing
the shift lever all the way toward the front
of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and
your parking brake is rmly set before you leave it.
After you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without rst pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked in PARK (P).
116

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution
underEngine Exhaust on page 119.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your
vehicle even if the climate control fan is at
the highest setting. One place this can
happen is a garage. Exhaust — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in
a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 311.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave
your vehicle when the engine is running
unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
always set your parking brake and move
the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
will not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 116.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 324.
120

Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop the vehicle. For
good braking, though, both parts should be
working well.
This light should come on briey when the ignition
key is turned to RUN. If it does not come on
then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will also come on when the parking brake
is set. The light will stay on if the parking
brake does not release fully. If it stays on after the
parking brake is fully released, it means the
vehicle has a brake problem.
The PARKING BRAKE ON message will also
appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the parking brake is set and the vehicle is
going faster than 5 mph. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 200for more information.
The brake warning light may also come on
when the brake uid is low. If this occurs, the
LOW BRAKE FLUID message will also appear in
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 200for more
information.
If the brake warning light comes on while the
vehicle is being driven, pull off the road and stop
carefully. The brake pedal may be harder to
push, or it may go closer to the oor. It may also
take the vehicle longer to stop. If the light is
still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See
Towing Your Vehicle on page 322.
United StatesCanada
176

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