instrument panel PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Workshop Manual

LOW OIL LEVEL
On some vehicles, this message displays when the
vehicle’s engine oil is low.
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If this message comes on, ll the oil to the proper
level as soon as possible. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for engine oil ll location. Also,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-15for information on the
kind of oil to use and proper oil level.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds for two seconds when this message
is displayed. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
LOW OIL PRESSURE
Notice:If the LOW OIL PRESSURE warning
message appears on the DIC display, stop the
vehicle immediately. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe engine damage can result from driving a
vehicle with low oil pressure. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-15for more information.
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine oil
pressure is low. The low oil pressure warning light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil
Pressure Light on page 3-52.
3-76

PARKING BRAKE ON
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays to alert the driver when the
vehicle’s parking brake is on, the ignition is in ON/RUN,
and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).
SeeParking Brake on page 2-33for more information.
The brake system warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when this message appears
on the DIC. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-45.
A chime sounds continuously while this message is
displayed if driving above 5 mph (8 km/h). Press
the set/reset button to acknowledge this message
and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
PARK LAMPS ON
This message displays to alert the driver when the
parking lamps are on, the ignition is in LOCK/OFF,
and the key is removed. A chime sounds continuously
while this message is displayed. This message
cannot be acknowledged.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. If this happens during driving conditions,
such as climbing a steep hill, the transmission may
overwork in a gear that may cause damage to
the vehicle’s engine or transmission. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven.
3-78

SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when it is not functioning properly.
A warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-47. SeeStabiliTrak
®Plus
System on page 4-8for more information. Have
the StabiliTrak
®Plus system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you
may want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine. SeeKeys on page 2-2
for information on the PASS-Key III system.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while
this message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-83

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-49. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-72for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the traction system, this message
displays when the system is not functioning properly.
A warning light also appears on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light on page 3-47. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6orEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 4-7for more information. Have the system serviced
by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds while this
message is displayed. Press the set/reset button
to acknowledge this message and to clear it from
the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not
been acknowledged when the engine is turned off.
It also re-displays for three seconds if the message
has been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
3-84

STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when the system is engaged
and actively assisting the driver with directional control
of the vehicle. Slippery road conditions may exist
when this warning message is displayed, so driving
should be adjusted accordingly. STABILITY CONTROL
ACTIVE also appears in the Head-Up Display (HUD),
if your vehicle has this feature.
This message displays only while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. This message stays on until road conditions
change and StabiliTrak
®Plus is not active.
This message cannot be acknowledged and cleared
from the screen.
STABILITY CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®Plus system, this
message displays when the system turns off. This
message displays only while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds once and the message stays on for
three seconds and then disappears. A warning
light indicating that this system is deactivated also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-47.
When the StabiliTrak
®Plus system is off, the system will
not be engaged and will not actively assist the driver
with directional control of the vehicle. SeeStabiliTrak
®
Plus System on page 4-8.
3-86

TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the traction system, this message
displays when the system turns off. TRACTION
CONTROL OFF also appears in the Head-Up Display
(HUD), if your vehicle has this feature. This message
only displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN and
disappears after three seconds. A chime sounds once
and the message stays on for three seconds and
then disappears. A warning light indicating that this
system is deactivated also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-47.Any of the following conditions may cause the system
to turn off:The system is turned off by pressing the TC
(traction control) button located on the center
console. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6orEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
on page 4-7for more information.
The battery is low.
There is a system failure. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays if the vehicle is driven for
more than 0.75 mile (1.21 km) while one of the turn
signals are on. It appears as a reminder to turn off
the turn signal.
This message only displays when the ignition is in
ON/RUN. A chime sounds for two seconds and
the message will not disappear until the turn signal
is manually turned off, or a turn is completed.
3-88

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That
means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If you do, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, you will still have some power
brake assist. But you will use it when you brake.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer
to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle might have the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on
the instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start the engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you might even notice that the brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-4

Traction Control System (TCS)
If the vehicle has a 5.3L V8 engine, it has a Traction
Control System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This
is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The
system operates only if it senses that one or both of the
front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction.
When this happens, the system works the front
brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
This symbol, along with the
TRACTION CONTROL
ACTIVE message, comes
on the DIC screen when
the system is active.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
This symbol, along with
the message TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will
display in the DIC for
three seconds when
the traction control
system is disabled.If there is a problem with the system, the service
traction system will also appear on the DIC. When
these symbols and messages appear on the instrument
panel and the DIC, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes
on whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, always
leave the system on. But the traction control system
can be turned off if needed. The system should
be turned off if the vehicle ever gets stuck in sand,
mud, or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-22
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-21for more information.
Press the traction
control button located
on the console to turn
the system off.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when the traction
control button is pressed, the system will turn off
instantly. Turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again.
4-6

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

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-72
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-75
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-77
Buying New Tires.........................................5-78
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-80
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-80
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-82
Wheel Replacement......................................5-82
Tire Chains..................................................5-84
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-85
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (GXP)...........5-86
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-98
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..............................................5-100
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-107
Compact Spare Tire....................................5-109
Appearance Care..........................................5-109
Interior Cleaning.........................................5-109
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-111
Leather......................................................5-112
Ultra Lux Suede..........................................5-113
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-113
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-114Weatherstrips.............................................5-114
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-114
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-115
Finish Care................................................5-115
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-116
Aluminum Wheels.......................................5-116
Tires.........................................................5-117
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-117
Finish Damage...........................................5-117
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-117
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-118
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-118
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-119
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-119
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-120
Electrical System..........................................5-120
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-120
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-120
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-121
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-121
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-121
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................5-122
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-124
Capacities and Specications........................5-128
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2