heating PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 User Guide

Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank
cap has this symbol on it.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on the location of the coolant
recovery tank.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the cold ll line or a little higher. The cold ll line is
marked with the same symbol as the coolant recovery
tank cap.
Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.
If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27.
{CAUTION:
Turning the pressure cap when the engine and
radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding
liquids to blow out and burn you badly. With
the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and radiator are hot.
5-26

{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

{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fan(s) are running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan(s) should be
running. If the fan(s) are not running, the vehicle
needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-29for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant could
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by the warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Recovery Tank
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too hot but you
would not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
If you have not found a problem yet, but the coolant
level is not at the COLD FILL line, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®engine
coolant at the coolant recovery tank. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-24for more information.
5-32

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your vehicle Warranty
booklet for details.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much exing. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-22.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69.
Overinated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by a
sudden impact — such as when
you hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if
your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.
5-62

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