instrument panel PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Repair Manual

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This can cause wind noise
and can affect fuel economy and windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-119.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.8L V6 engine (VIN Code 2),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the
engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code C),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s
acceleration could be slightly reduced, and you might
notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you might
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as
soon as possible. Otherwise, you could damage the
engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine
needs service.
5-5

{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

Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates on
a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates on
a radio frequency and complies with RSS-210 of
Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is designed
to warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition
exists. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, excluding the spare tire and wheel
assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in
the vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire pressure readings
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light,
located in the instrument
panel cluster.
5-72

Ultra Lux Suede
Cleaning Ultra Lux Suede
Use a mild solution of lukewarm water and a neutral
dish soap on a soft cloth or sponge. For the following
stains, follow these instructions:
Coffee, Tea, and Milk:Blot with a clean, soft, white
cloth. Then clean with mild soapy water and a clean
white cloth.
Cosmetics:Clean with mild soapy water and a clean
white cloth.
Jelly, Syrup, and Fruit:Remove most of the solids,
then clean with warm tap water and a clean white cloth.
Oil and Grease:Sprinkle baking soda on the spot,
brush, then wipe with a clean white cloth.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a
clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot
lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and
protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently change the
appearance and feel of your interior and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to clean
your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on your
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reections in the windshield and even make it
difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
5-113

Description Usage
Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, ne
scratches, and other light
surface contamination.
Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches
and protects nish.
Foaming Tire Shine Low
GlossCleans, shines, and
protects tires. No wiping
necessary.
Wash Wax ConcentrateMedium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Spot LifterQuickly removes spots
and stains from carpets,
vinyl, and cloth
upholstery.
Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certication and Service Parts
labels and the certicates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code. This
code helps you identify your vehicle’s engine,
specications, and replacement parts. SeeCapacities
and Specifications on page 5-128for your vehicle’s
engine code.
5-119

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Some fuses are in a fuse
block located on the end
of the instrument panel on
the passenger side.
To get to the fuse block lift up on the side panel. A fuse
usage chart is on the inside of this panel.
5-122

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

Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to
your dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with
the sales transaction or the operation of your vehicle
will be resolved by your dealer’s sales or service
departments. Sometimes, however, despite the best
intentions of all concerned, misunderstandings can
occur. If your concern has not been resolved to your
satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service, or parts
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the
general manager.
STEP TWO:If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help,
in the U.S., contact the Pontiac Customer Assistance
Center by calling 1-800-762-2737. In Canada, contact
General Motors of Canada Customer Communication
Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French).We encourage you to call the toll-free number in
order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please
have the following information available to give
the Customer Assistance Representative:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or title,
or the plate at the top left of the instrument
panel and visible through the windshield.
Dealership name and location.
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting Pontiac, please remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility.
That is why we suggest you follow Step One rst if
you have a concern.
STEP THREE — U.S. Owners:Both General Motors
and your dealer are committed to making sure you
are completely satised with your new vehicle.
However, if you continue to remain unsatised after
following the procedure outlined in Steps One and
Two, you should le with the BBB Auto Line Program
to enforce your rights.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
7-2

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-65
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-120
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning......................................3-28, 3-32
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-43
Readiness Light..........................................3-42
Airbag System................................................1-52
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-57
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-55
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-58
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-60
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-58
Antenna, Backglass.......................................3-117
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-118
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Anti-lock Brake, System Warning Light...............3-47Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-116
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-114
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-118
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-115
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-111
Finish Care...............................................5-115
Finish Damage..........................................5-117
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-113
Interior Cleaning........................................5-109
Leather....................................................5-112
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-117
Tires........................................................5-117
Ultra Lux Suede........................................5-113
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-117
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-118
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-114
Weatherstrips............................................5-114
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-116
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-27
Audio System.................................................3-94
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-115
Backglass Antenna.....................................3-117
Chime Level Adjustment.............................3-118
Radio Reception........................................3-116
Setting the Clock.........................................3-95
1

Child Restraints (cont.)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-49
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-118
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-27
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-116
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-115
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-111
Finish Care...............................................5-115
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-113
Interior.....................................................5-109
Leather....................................................5-112
Tires........................................................5-117
Ultra Lux Suede........................................5-113
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-117
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-114
Weatherstrips............................................5-114
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-116Climate Control System...................................3-28
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-36
Dual Automatic............................................3-32
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-36
Clock, Setting.................................................3-95
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-109
Compass.......................................................3-65
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant............................5-86
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-44
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-49
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-48
Heater, Engine............................................2-26
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-19
Cruise Control................................................3-12
Cruise Control Light........................................3-53
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-43
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-9
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-5
3