wiper blades PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2008 Owners Manual

Windshield Wiper Lever
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
gently loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades
may not clear the windshield well, making it harder
to see and drive safely. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades or blade inserts. For more
information, seeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-61.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
N(Windshield Wipers):The lever with this symbol,
located on the right side of the steering column,
operates the windshield wipers.
9(Off):Lower the lever to its original position to turn
the wipers off.
&(Delay):Push the lever up once to this position
to set a delay between wiping cycles. Turn the
delay adjustment band to set the length of the delay.
3-10

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

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

Windshield Replacement
If your vehicle is equipped with the Head-Up Display
(HUD) system, keep in mind that your windshield is part
of the HUD system. If you ever have to get your
windshield replaced, be sure to get one that is designed
for HUD or your HUD image may look blurred or out
of focus.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information on wiper blade inspection.Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and
length, seeMaintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-13. Here is how to remove the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. While holding the wiper arm, pull the clip up from
the blade connecting point, and pull the blade
assembly down toward the windshield to remove it
from the wiper arm.
3. Install the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm and
snap the clip into place.
5-61

Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer uid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Use only approved cleaners on aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels.Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because the surface could be damaged. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
5-116

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.See footnote (m).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-75and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once
a Month on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
V6 Only: Inspect throttle system.See footnote (j).•
6-5

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning
the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser
is recommended at least once a year.(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-61andWindshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-116for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-66.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, console
door, and any folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the filter may require replacement more often.
6-7

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

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-22
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-89
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-119
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-120
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-7
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-36
Visors...........................................................2-18
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-38
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-67
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-82
Different Size..............................................5-80
Replacement...............................................5-82
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Windows.......................................................2-16
Power ........................................................2-17
Windshield
Replacement...............................................5-61
Washer Fluid..............................................5-40
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-61
Wiper Blades, Cleaning..............................5-116
Wiper Fuses.............................................5-121
Wiper Lever................................................3-10
Winter Driving................................................4-17X
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-114
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-118
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14