engine PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Repair Manual

SERVICE ABS SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this
message displays when the vehicle’s brakes are not
functioning properly. Have the brake 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 BRAKE SYSTEM
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when the vehicle’s brakes are
not functioning properly. Have the brake 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.
3-81

SERVICE BRAKE APPLY SENSOR
This message displays when the brake apply sensor is
not functioning properly. The vehicle still has brakes
when this warning message displays, but you should
have the vehicle 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 PARK LAMPS
This message displays if one of the vehicle’s parking
lamps needs to be replaced. SeeFront Turn Signal,
Parking and Fog Lamps on page 5-57for bulb
replacement procedures.
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.
3-82

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

SERVICE VARIABLE EFFORT
STEERING
This symbol comes on
with this message.
If the vehicle has the variable effort steering system,
this message displays if this system is not functioning
properly. SeeSteering on page 4-10for 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.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle 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.
3-85

LOCK SWITCH ARM:If the vehicle has the content
theft-deterrent system and ON was selected on
the THEFT DETERRENT screen, this screen allows this
feature to be turned OFF or ON. This feature controls
whether the vehicle’s content theft system can be
activated using a door lock switch.
If OFF is selected, locking the vehicle using a door lock
switch will not cause the vehicle’s content theft
system to arm.
If ON is selected, the content theft-deterrent system
can be armed using the driver’s door lock switch
by pressing the driver’s door lock switch while the
driver’s door is open and the key is not in the ignition,
or by pressing the front passenger’s door lock switch
while the front passenger’s door is open and the key
is not in the ignition.
To program this mode:
1. Press the set/reset button to scroll to OFF or ON.
2. Press the options button again to advance to
the next screen.REMOTE START:If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, this screen allows this feature to be turned
OFF or ON. The remote start feature allows you to start
the engine from outside of the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 2-7
for more information.
If OFF is selected, the remote start feature will be
disabled.
If ON is selected, the remote start feature will be
enabled.
To program this mode:
1. Press the set/reset button to scroll to OFF or ON.
2. Press the options button again to advance to
the next screen.
PROGRAMMING FINISHED will appear on the next
screen. This conrms that the personal options
programming is complete.
3-93

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed. Always
keep your eyes on the road and your mind
on the drive — avoid engaging in extended
searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to do
it properly. Added sound equipment may interfere
with the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
3-94

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

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow safe use of it, the cruise control can
be used again. SeeCruise Control on page 3-12.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for more information.
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
If the vehicle has the 3.8L V6 engine and Antilock
brakes, it has an Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
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 reduces engine power and
may also upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin.This symbol comes on
the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when
the ETS is limiting
wheel spin.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when ETS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow safe use of it,
the cruise control can be used again. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
ETS operates in all transmission shift lever positions.
But the system can upshift the transmission only as
high as the chosen shift lever position, so use the
lower gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-28.
4-7