steering PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owner's Guide

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction
or stability system. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6,Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 4-7, andStabiliTrak
®Plus System on page 4-8.
Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and
a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels
stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear.
By slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions, you will cause a rocking motion
that could free your vehicle. If that does not get
your vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. If your vehicle does need to be towed
out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-27.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. Two labels on your vehicle show
how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the Vehicle
Certication label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
4-22

Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will the vehicle be towed? Some vehicles
have restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment? See
your dealer/retailer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would
prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you will want to
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be towed.
SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on page 4-15.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Do not tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all
four wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, use a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” following for
more information.
Dolly Towing
The vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow your
vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position.
5. Release the parking brake.
4-28

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can
prevent situations that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up ahead when
towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle and trailer are
a good deal longer, distances between any vehicles
that are passed must be greater, before returning to
the proper lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees, or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When towing a trailer, the vehicle may need a different
turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check with
your dealer/retailer. The arrows on the instrument panel
will ash whenever signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ash,
telling other drivers the vehicle and trailer are about to
turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. You may think drivers behind you
are seeing the turn signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
4-34

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Pressure Cap...............................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-54
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-54
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps.................5-54
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps......5-57
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-58
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-59
License Plate Lamp......................................5-60
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-60
Windshield Replacement.................................5-61
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-61
Tires..............................................................5-62
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-63
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-66
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-69
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-45.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-46.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-36.
E. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-124.
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
G. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-27.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View). See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-39.I. Electric Engine Cooling Fans. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
L. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
M. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-30.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-45.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-124.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-46.
E. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-27.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
L. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless a leak is suspected in the system, or an unusual
noise is heard. A uid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick
The uid level should be between the ADD and HOT
marks when the engine is cold.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level should
be at the HOT mark.
If the uid is at the ADD mark when the engine is cold
or hot, power steering uid should be added.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage your
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the correct uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-39

(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is the
maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a load.
Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
5-66

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. SeeTires
on page 5-62. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more
likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a
blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.If a tire goes at, and your vehicle has a spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-96. This information
shows you how to use your vehicle’s tire changing
equipment and how to change a at tire safely.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
5-85

Fuse Usage
RAP Retained Accessory Power
SUN ROOF Sunroof
CRUISE SW Cruise Switch
PK LP Parking Lamps
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger
DR LK/TRUNK Door Lock/Trunk
ONSTAR/ALDL Onstar
®/Diagnostic Link
CANISTER Fuel Tank Solenoid Canister
PK LAMPS Parking Lamps
RADIO/AMP Radio Amplier
RFA/MODRemote Function Activator (Remote
Keyless Entry)
DISPLAYSInstrument Panel Displays/Head-Up
Display (HUD), Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Fuse Usage
INT LIGHT Interior Lamps
HVAC Climate Controls
CHMSL/BKUPCenter High Mounted Stop
Lamp/Back-Up Lamps
PWR WDO Power Windows
SPRING
COIL 2Steering Wheel Control Switches
PWR SEAT Power Seat
TURN/HAZTurn Signals/Hazard Warning
Lamps
PWR MIRS Power Mirrors
HTD SEAT Heated Seat
To reinstall the end panel, position the lower section
with the edge of the instrument panel, and press the
sides of the panel until it snaps into place.
5-123