check oil PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owner's Manual

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level
and change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan?
The Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties.
See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet
or your dealer/retailer for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep your vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
your vehicle in good working condition, but also helps
the environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
6-2

Owner Checks and Services on page 6-8tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-13. When your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on,
it means that service is required for your vehicle.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible within
the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that,
if you are driving under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service
is necessary for over a year. However, your engine
oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work using genuine parts and reset
the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following
for “MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceII, and that
you alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceII
thereafter. However, in some cases, MaintenanceII
may be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the CHANGE
OIL SOON message comes on within 10 months
since the vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceII
was performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the message comes on
10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.See footnote (m).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-75and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once
a Month on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
V6 Only: Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
or cruise control cables.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-24.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-69. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-96.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-75.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-33.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

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