oil level PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owners Manual

Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives important
safety and maintenance facts. When the vehicle’s
ignition is turned on, all of the DIC lights illuminate for a
few seconds and an introductory message will appear.
After this, the DIC will begin working.
DIC Operation and Displays
(Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer)
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 personalization
menus and warning messages about the vehicle’s
systems may display on the DIC screen.
The outside temperature automatically appears on
the bottom right corner of the DIC display screen.
If the outside temperature is below 38°F (3°C), the
temperature reading will toggle between displaying the
outside temperature and the word ICE for two minutes.
If there is a problem with the system that controls
the temperature display, the letters OC (Open Circuit)
or SC (Short Circuit) will appear on the display.
If this occurs, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.The vehicle’s shift lever position and the direction the
vehicle is traveling will also appear on the DIC screen.
The compass is self-calibrating, which eliminates
the need to manually set the compass. However, under
certain circumstances, such as during a long distance
cross-country trip, it will be necessary to compensate
for compass variance and reset the zone through
the DIC. SeeDIC Compass (Uplevel DIC) on page 3-65
for more information.
The buttons on the DIC trip computer are gages,
trip odometer, set/reset, options, and fuel.
Gages
2(Gages):Press this button to access the OIL LIFE
REMAINING, TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE,
BATTERY, ENGINE HOURS, and MAXIMUM Gs modes.
3-55

OIL LIFE REMAINING:Press the gages button until
OIL LIFE REMAINING is displayed. This screen
indicates the percentage of oil life in the vehicle’s engine
that has not degraded. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15
for more information.
After the oil has been changed in the vehicle, reset the
ENGINE OIL MONITOR screen in the options menu.
To reset the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil
Life System on page 5-18.
Press the gages button again to advance to the
next screen.
TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMP:This screen displays
this message along with the temperature (F° or C°)
of the transmission uid.
Press the gages button again to advance to the
next screen.
BATTERY:This screen displays the amount of volts
the battery is generating.
Your vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage based
on the state of the battery. The battery voltage may
uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC.
This is normal.SeeElectric Power Management on page 3-22for more
information.
Press the gages button again to advance to the next
screen.
ENGINE HOURS:This screen shows the number of
cumulative hours the engine has operated while the key
was in ON/RUN. This screen cannot be reset.
Press the gages button to advance to the next screen.
MAXIMUM Gs:If you have the GXP option, this screen
will appear. The DIC monitors and keeps track of the
maximum levels for acceleration, deceleration, and
lateral-acceleration achieved since the screen was last
reset. When trying to select this screen while the vehicle
is moving, the message MAXIMUM Gs NOT AVAILABLE
WHILE MOVING will display. To view the maximum
accelerations achieved since last reset, stop the vehicle.
The values will then display. To reset the values to zero,
press and hold the set/reset button.
Press the gages button again to advance to the next
screen.
3-56

ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. To reset
the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18.
Press the options button to advance to the next screen.
COMPASS CALIBRATION MODE:This menu
allows you to adjust for compass variance. SeeDIC
Compass (Uplevel DIC) on page 3-65for more
information.
Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
PERSONAL PROGRAMMING MODE:This menu
allows you to customize several features on your
vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-89
for more information.
Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.TIRE PRESSURE:This menu shows the tire pressure
for each tire. The tire pressure will be shown in
either pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the options button until the DIC shows the tire
pressure for the front tires. Press the options button
again to view the pressure for the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to
check the pressure in a specic tire will appear in the
display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Press the options button to advance to the next screen.
DISPLAY OFF will appear on the next screen.
The screen will count down and then go blank.
Press the options button to return to the main (date)
screen.
3-60

ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. To reset
the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18.
PERSONAL PROGRAMMING MODE:This menu
allows you to customize several features on your
vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-89
for more information.
Press the options button again to advance to the next
screen.
TIRE PRESSURE:This menu shows the tire pressure
for each tire. The tire pressure will be shown in
either pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the options button until the DIC shows the tire
pressure for the front tires. Press the options button
again to view the pressure for the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to
check the pressure in a specic tire will appear in the
display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.DISPLAY OFF will appear on the next screen.
The screen will count down and then go blank.
Press the options button to advance to a new screen.
Press the options button to return to the main (date)
screen.
DIC Compass (Uplevel DIC)
Your vehicle may have a compass in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Compass Zone
The zone is set to zone eight upon leaving the factory.
Your dealer/retailer will set the correct zone for your
location.
Under certain circumstances, such as during a long
distance cross-country trip or moving to a new state
or province, it will be necessary to compensate for
compass variance by resetting the zone through the
DIC if the zone is not set correctly.
Compass variance is the difference between the earth’s
magnetic north and true geographic north. If the compass
is not set to the zone where you live, the compass may
give false readings. The compass must be set to the
variance zone in which the vehicle is traveling.
3-65

AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when a door or the trunk is not
closed properly. If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, this message also displays when the hood is not
closed properly. The graphic highlights the area that
is not closed properly. Make sure that the area indicated
is closed completely.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds for two seconds when the gear
position is shifted out of PARK (P). 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.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that the
battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level.
The battery saver system starts reducing certain features
of the vehicle which you may be able to notice. At the point
that the features are disabled, this message is displayed.
It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge in
the battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow
the battery to recharge. The normal battery voltage range
is 11.5 to 15.5 volts. If your vehicle has the uplevel DIC,
you can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing
the gages button until BATTERY appears.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when service is required for the
vehicle. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
3-68

The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The ENGINE OIL
MONITOR SYSTEM screen under the options menu
on the DIC must also be reset. See “Engine Oil Monitor
System” in options underDIC Operation and Displays
(Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on page 3-55or
DIC Operation and Displays (Base Level DIC) on
page 3-62for more information.
This message displays 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 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.CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
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.
3-69

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

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up
under your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving
tips include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires on page 5-62.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full?
Windows clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel?
Have up-to-date maps?
4-15

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