mileage PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owners Manual

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer, located on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display, shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles or kilometers. SeeDIC Operation
and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on
page 3-55orDIC Operation and Displays (Base Level
DIC) on page 3-62for more information.
If the vehicle has the Head-Up Display (HUD) the speed
will also be displayed on the HUD screen.
If a vehicle has to have a new odometer installed, a
new one can be set to the mileage total of the old
odometer, if that can be done. If it cannot, than it will be
set at zero and a label must be put on the driver’s
door to show the old mileage reading when the new
odometer was installed.
Tachometer
The tachometer
displays the engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
3-40

Trip Odometer
3(Trip Odometer):Press this button to access the
Odometer, Trip Distances, AVERAGE SPEED, and
TIME ELAPSED modes.
Odometer:When the trip odometer button is pressed,
the rst menu displayed on the DIC screen is the
odometer reading, or cumulative mileage of the vehicle.
The odometer cannot be reset.
Press the trip odometer button again to advance to the
next menu.
Trip Distances:This menu shows the distances that
the vehicle has driven between specic points. The
trip odometer will record the number of miles up to
9,999.9 miles or 9 999.9 km travelled for up to two trips.
When 9,999.9 miles or 9 999.9 km is reached for either
trip, the odometer for that trip will go back to zero.
To reset the trip distances:
1. Press the trip odometer button again to access
TRIP A. Press the trip odometer button again to
access TRIP B. To reset the trip odometer(s) back to
zero miles or to zero kilometers, access the trip that
needs to be reset and press the set/reset button.
2. Press the trip odometer button again to advance
to the next screen.The trip odometer has a feature called the retro-active
reset. This can be used to set the trip odometer to
the number of miles (kilometers) driven since the
ignition was last turned on. This can be used if the
trip odometer is not reset at the beginning of the trip.
To use the retro-active reset feature, press and hold
the set/reset button for at least three seconds. The trip
odometer will display the number of miles or kilometers
driven since the ignition was last turned on and the
vehicle was moving. Once the vehicle begins moving,
the trip odometer will accumulate mileage. For example,
if the vehicle was driven 5.0 miles (8.0 km) before it
is started again, and then the retro-active reset feature
is activated, the display will show 5.0 miles (8.0 km).
As the vehicle begins moving, the display will then
increase to 5.1 miles (8.2 km), 5.2 miles (8.4 km), etc.
If the retro-active reset feature is activated after the
vehicle is started, but before it begins moving, the
display will show the number of miles or kilometers
that were driven during the last ignition cycle.
3-57

DIC Operation and Displays
(Base Level DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) control buttons and
the message display screen are located above the
radio. The DIC gives important safety and maintenance
facts concerning the vehicle. The status of many of
the vehicle’s systems along with driver personal
programming mode menus and warning messages
about the vehicle’s systems may display on the
DIC screen.
The vehicle’s shift lever position will also appear.
The buttons on the base level are trip odometer,
set/reset, and options.
Trip Odometer
3(Trip Odometer):Press this button to access the
odometer and trip distance modes.
The rst menu on the DIC screen will be the odometer
reading, or cumulative mileage of the vehicle. The
odometer cannot be reset.
Press the trip odometer button to advance to the
next menu.
Trip Distances:This menu shows the distances that
the vehicle has driven between specic points. The
trip odometer will record the number of miles up to
9,999.9 miles or 9 999.9 km travelled for up to two trips.
When 9,999.9 miles or 9 999.9 km is reached for either
trip, the odometer for that trip will go back to zero.
Press the trip odometer button again to access TRIP A.
Press the trip odometer button again to access TRIP B.
To reset the trip odometer(s) back to zero miles or
kilometers, access the trip to reset and press the set/
reset button.
The trip odometer has a feature called the retro-active
reset. This can be used to set the trip odometer to the
number of miles or kilometers driven since the ignition
was last turned on. This can be used if the trip odometer
was not reset at the beginning of the trip.
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To use the retro-active reset feature, press and hold the
set/reset button for at least three seconds. The trip
odometer will display the number of miles or kilometers
driven since the ignition was last turned on and the
vehicle began moving. Once the vehicle has begun
moving, the trip odometer will accumulate mileage. For
example, if the vehicle was driven 5.0 miles (8.0 km)
before the vehicle is started again, and then the
retro-active reset feature is activated, the display will
show 5.0 miles (8.0 km). As the vehicle begins moving,
the display will increase to 5.1 miles (8.2 km), 5.2 miles
(8.4 km), etc.
If the retro-active reset feature is activated after the
vehicle is started, but before it begins moving, the display
will show the number of miles or kilometers that were
driven during the last ignition cycle.
Press the trip odometer button again to access the
odometer.
Set/Reset
r(Set/Reset):Press this button to set or reset a
menu item when using the trip odometer or options
buttons.
Options
4(Options):Press this button to access the Date,
Language, Display Units, Daytime Display Enhancement,
Engine Oil Monitor System, Personal Programming
modes, and Tire Pressure readings.
Date:This menu sets the date.
The time is set through the radio. SeeSetting the
Clock on page 3-95for more information.
To set the date:
1. Press the options button until the date is displayed
on the DIC.
2. Press the set/reset button to access the RESET
YEAR screen. The second position in the year
will be selected. Press and hold the set/reset button
to scroll through the available digits. Release the
button when the correct digit appears.
3. Press the options button to advance to the rst
position in the year. Press and hold the set/reset
button to scroll through the available digits. Release
the button when the correct digit appears.
4. Press the options button to advance to the months
of the year.
3-63

California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in remote keyless entry transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be
necessary. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
If you want to do some of your own service work, you
should use the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service your vehicle than this
manual can. To order the proper service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-64.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-15.
5-4

Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you need for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message will come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67.
Change the oil 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 oil life system might not
indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year.
However, the 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 people who
will perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-18

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

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

Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to ling a court action,
use of the program is free of charge and your case will
generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree
with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and
proceed with any other venue for relief available to you.
You can contact the BBB Auto Line Program using
the toll-free telephone number or write them at the
following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the
District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves
the right to change eligibility limitations and/or
discontinue its participation in this program.
STEP THREE — Canadian Owners:In the event that
you do not feel your concerns have been addressed
after following the procedure outlined in Steps One
and Two, General Motors of Canada Limited wants
you to be aware of its participation in a no-charge
Mediation/Arbitration Program. General Motors ofCanada Limited has committed to binding arbitration
of owner disputes involving factory-related vehicle
service claims. The program provides for the review
of the facts involved by an impartial third party arbiter,
and may include an informal hearing before the
arbiter. The program is designed so that the entire
dispute settlement process, from the time you le
your complaint to the nal decision, should be
completed in approximately 70 days. We believe our
impartial program offers advantages over courts in
most jurisdictions because it is informal, quick, and
free of charge.
For further information concerning eligibility in the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
call toll-free 1-800-207-0685. Alternatively, you can call
the General Motors Customer Communication Centre,
1-800-263-3777 (English), 1-800-263-7854 (French),
or write to:
Mediation/Arbitration Program
c/o Customer Communication Centre
General Motors of Canada Limited
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Your inquiry should be accompanied by your
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).
7-3

Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be completed while you
wait. However, if you are unable to wait, GM helps
to minimize your inconvenience by providing several
transportation options. Depending on the circumstances,
your dealer can offer you one of the following:
Shuttle Service
Shuttle service is the preferred means of offering
Courtesy Transportation. Dealers may provide you
with shuttle service to get you to your destination with
minimal interruption of your daily schedule. This includes
one-way or round trip shuttle service within reasonable
time and distance parameters of the dealer’s area.
Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, and
public transportation is used instead of the dealer’s
shuttle service, the expense must be supported by
original receipts and can only be up to the maximum
amount allowed by GM for shuttle service. In addition,
for U.S. customers, should you arrange transportation
through a friend or relative, limited reimbursement
for reasonable fuel expenses may be available.
Claim amounts should reect actual costs and be
supported by original receipts. See your dealer for
information regarding the allowance amounts for
reimbursement of fuel or other transportation costs.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy
rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle
that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for an overnight
warranty repair. Rental reimbursement will be limited
and must be supported by original receipts.
This requires that you sign and complete a rental
agreement and meet state/provincial, local, and rental
vehicle provider requirements. Requirements vary
and may include minimum age requirements, insurance
coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for
fuel usage charges and may also be responsible for
taxes, levies, usage fees, excessive mileage, or rental
usage beyond the completion of the repair.
It may not be possible to provide a like-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service, may not
be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer
for specic information about availability. All Courtesy
Transportation arrangements will be administered
by appropriate dealer personnel.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.
7-10