ABS PONTIAC GTO 2004 Owners Manual

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
To ensure that the warning
light is working, the symbol
is displayed for a short
time when the ignition is
turned to ON.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If there is a malfunction of the anti-lock brake system,
the symbol will illuminate and ABS Fault will appear
on the trip computer display. See your dealer for service.
The car’s brake system will still operate conventionally,
only the anti-lock operation is impaired.
The ABS Fault message will remain until the MODE
button on the trip computer is pressed, but the symbol
will remain until the problem is fixed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The temperature gage
shows the engine coolant
temperature when the
ignition is on.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the light
comes on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
3-28

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. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your 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 engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your 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 may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-28.
4-6

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.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to
the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
4-7

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to
slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface” — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-14

Hydraulic Clutch
The clutch fluid level should be checked weekly. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a problem. If the
clutch fluid requires constant filling up it could indicate a
leak. Have the system inspected and repaired by
your dealer. Adding fluid won’t correct a leak.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the
proper fluid. SeeOwner
Checks and Services
on page 6-9and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13.
How to Check and Add Fluid
To check the fluid level, look at the markings on the
reservoir. If the fluid level is between the MIN and the
MAX line, the fluid level is correct. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location. If the fluid level is between
these marks do not remove the cap, as the fluid
will quickly absorb moisture.
If fluid does need to be added, first turn the vehicle off.
Remove the cap and add the proper fluid. Remember
to replace the cap and clean up any spilled fluid.
5-24

After replacing the bulbs, remember to reinstall the
radiator cover and the four screws.
1. Open the hood. Access the bulbs by following the
previous instructions.
2. Turn the dust caps
counterclockwise and
remove from the rear of
the headlamp
assembly to gain
access to the bulb.
3. Remove the wiring harness connector by squeezing
the two tabs on the connector and pulling the
connector down.4. Remove the old bulb
by twisting the bulb
counterclockwise.
5. Carefully without touching it, install the new bulb by
reversing Steps 1 through 4.
6. Check the light operation.
5-48

Fuses Usage
ACC HTR
CONT INST.
TRIP COMPHeater Controls, Trip Computer
CIGAR
LIGHTERCigarette Lighter
CRUISE CONT.
PWR STEER,
MIRRORSCruise Control System, Power
Steering, Power Mirrors
RADIO,
CELLPHONERadio System, Cellphone
ACC SOCKET Accessory Power Outlet
FRONT WIPER Front Windshield Wipers
SPARE Spare
PWR DOOR
LOCKS, ANT.
& WINDOWSPower Door Locks, Antenna, Power
Windows
INSTRUMENTS
THEFT HORNTheft System, Horn
HEATED REAR
WINDOWRear Window Defogger
RADIO Radio SystemFuses Usage
SUB WOOFER
& AMPLIFIERSub Woofer and Amplifier
SPARE Spare
AIRBAG Airbag
ABS Anti-Lock Brake System
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
Relays Usage
ACC RELAY Accessory Power Outlet
IGNITION
RELAYIgnition Switch
POWER
WINDOW
RELAYPower Windows
BLOWER
INHIBIT RELAYBlower
PARK LAMPS
RELAYParking Lamps
INTERIOR
ILLUM RELAYInterior Light Controls
5-89

Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located in the
engine compartment and protects all electrical
loads. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on location.
For access to the main fuses, pull off the cover.
Fuses Usage
INJ/IGN Fuel Injectors and Ignition Modules
INJ/IGN Fuel Injectors and Ignition Modules
ENG
SENSORSEngine Sensors
AUTO TRANS Automatic Transmission
LH HEADLAMP Left Headlamp
RH
HEADLAMPRight Headlamp
ENG. CONT.
BCMEngine and BCM
FUEL PUMP Fuel Pump
SPARE Spare
RAD FAN 1 F/L Engine Cooling Small Fan
BLOWER F/L Blower Fan
MAIN F/L Main
ENGINE F/L Engine
ABS F/L Anti Lock Brakes
LIGHTING F/L Lighting
RAD FAN 2 F/L Engine Cooling Large Fan
REAR
WINDOWHeated Rear Window
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
T-RELAX Throttle Relaxer Module
5-90

A
Accessory Control...........................................3-16
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-17
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-37
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-87
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)..............3-45
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-46
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-50
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-52
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-50
What Will You See After an Air Bag
Inflates?..................................................1-50
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-49
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-48
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Altering Overspeed Presets..............................3-39
AM ...............................................................3-54
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-55
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28Appearance Care............................................5-78
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-81
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-84
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-79
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-82
Finish Damage............................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-84
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Arming the System.........................................2-14
ARRIVAL DEFAULT.........................................2-34
Ashtray.........................................................3-18
Ashtrays........................................................3-18
AUDIO DISTORTION LIMITER.........................2-35
Audio System(s).............................................3-42
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-53
Backglass Antenna......................................3-55
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-54
Care of Your CDs........................................3-54
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-43
Setting the Time..........................................3-42
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-52
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-54
AUTO HEADLIGHTS SENSITIVITY...................2-36
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