check engine light PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 User Guide

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see
it or smell it, so you might not know it is in
your vehicle. Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get
and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with the headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
4-20

The vehicle has bulb warning lights. When a trailer
lighting system is plugged into the vehicle’s lighting
system, its bulb warning lights may not indicate if one of
the lamps goes out. So, when a trailer lighting system
is plugged in, be sure to check the vehicle and
trailer lamps from time to time to be sure they are all
working. Once the trailer lamps have been disconnected,
the bulb warning lights can once again indicate if one
of the vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before starting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the vehicle is
not shifted down, the brakes may have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of engine and transmission overheating.
If the vehicle has overdrive, it may be driven in
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D).
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with
a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if the rig ever has to be parked on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply the regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply the
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-35

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This can cause wind noise
and can affect fuel economy and windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-119.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.8L V6 engine (VIN Code 2),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the
engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code C),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine
needs service.
5-5

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 the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” 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 the rst maintenance
service after each 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:
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.
Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
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 3-49andEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-48.
5-27

8. Make sure there is a proper connection between
the tire valve stem and the sealant lling hose by
looking at the air pressure gage. If there is not a
pressure reading while the compressor is running,
the connection between the inator kit and the
tire is bad.
Check the attachment between the sealant lling
hose and the tire valve stem.
9. Inate the tire up to the recommended ination
pressure, found on the Tire and Loading Information
label located on the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar)
below the vehicle’s door latch, using the air pressure
gage on the top of the unit as a guide.
The pressure gage reading is slightly high while the
compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get
an accurate pressure reading.
Notice:If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after 15 minutes, the vehicle should not be
driven. The tire is too severely damaged and
cannot be inated or sealed with the tire sealant
and compressor kit. Remove the air compressor
accessory plug from the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the sealant/air hose from the tire valve or
tire pressure monitoring sensor valve. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.10. Move the inator kit switch to the O (off) position
once the correct tire pressure is obtained.
11. Turn off the engine.
12. Unplug the air compressor accessory plug from the
accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
13. Disconnect the sealant lling hose from the tire
valve stem, by turning it counterclockwise, and
replace the tire valve stem cap.
Be careful when handling the tire inator
components as they may be hot after usage.
14. Wrap the sealant lling hose around the air
compressor channel to stow it in its original location.
5-91

Audio System (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-115
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-118
Audio System(s).............................................3-95
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-28
B
Backglass Antenna........................................3-117
Battery..........................................................5-45
Electric Power Management..........................3-22
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-19
Run-Down Protection...................................3-22
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-41
System Warning Light..................................3-45
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-23
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-54
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-59
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps.....5-57
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-54
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-51Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-60
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-60
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-58
Buying New Tires...........................................5-78
C
Calibration.....................................................3-65
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-128
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-36, 4-17, 4-29
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-114
CD, MP3 .....................................................3-109
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Chains, Tire...................................................5-84
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-50
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-118
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
2

E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-120
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-121
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-120
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-122
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-121
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-124
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-121
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III .............................................2-20
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-50
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-49
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-48
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-15Engine (cont.)
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-25
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-7
Warning Light.............................................3-48
Entry Lighting.................................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-16
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-19
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage.............................................5-117
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-85
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-96
Flat Tire, Storing...........................................5-107
5

Light (cont.)
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-48
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-48
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-53
Highbeam On.............................................3-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-50
Oil Pressure...............................................3-52
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-43
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-41
TCS Warning Light......................................3-47
Tire Pressure..............................................3-49
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-47
Up-Shift.....................................................3-45
Lighting
Delayed Entry.............................................3-20
Delayed Exit...............................................3-21
Entry.........................................................3-20
Lights
Exterior Lamps............................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-9
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-9
Interior Lamps.............................................3-19
On Reminder..............................................3-17
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-22
Lockout Protection..........................................2-13Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-13
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-15
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-50
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-67
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-38
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MP3 ............................................................3-109
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-17
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-23
O
Odometer......................................................3-40
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-52
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-40
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-36
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-26
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-39
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-21
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-29
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
9