engine PONTIAC GTO 2005 Owner's Manual

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
•The ignition is on.
•The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO and
the light sensor detects daytime light.
•The exterior lamp control is turned to the off
position.
•The parking brake is released.
•For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the shift
lever is not in PARK (P).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights will not
be illuminated unless you have turned the exterior lamps
control to the parking lamp or headlamp position.
The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle is
in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged the first
time the ignition is turned on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic
Headlamp System will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the
top of the instrument panel under the defroster
grill. Make sure it is not covered, which will cause the
system to be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also be on when driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather, or a tunnel.
This is normal.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
The headlamps can be set to come on at different
levels. The sensitivity can be adjusted to Early, Normal,
or Late. SeeVehicle Personalization on page 2-30.
Leaving the headlamps and parking lamps on when the
engine is not running will eventually drain the battery.
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A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button on the left
dial to turn the air-conditioning system on or off.
When A/C is pressed, an indicator light in the button will
come on to let you know that air conditioning is
activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right control to select the defog or
defrost modes.
-(Defog):This mode directs the air to the windshield
and to the floor outlets. When you select this mode,
the system turns off recirculation automatically.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
To help clear the side windows quickly while using air
conditioning, do the following:
1. Select the bi-level mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the temperature.
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1(Defrost):This mode directs the air to the
windshield. When you select this mode, the system
turns off recirculation automatically. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defrost mode. Do
not drive the vehicle until the windscreen is clear
To help clear the windscreen quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
4. Select A/C.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
<(Rear Defogger):Press this button on the right
dial to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An
indicator light in the button will come on to let your know
that the rear window defogger is activated. Be sure to
clear as much snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off about 15 minutes
after the button is pressed. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Outlet Adjustment
Move the thumbwheel on the vents to change the
direction of the airflow. The center thumbwheel adjusts
the volume of the airflow.
There are also similar vents for the rear of the vehicle.
They are located at the rear of the center console.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into your vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect performance of the system.
•When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the vehicle through the
ventilation system. This can be helpful when driving
through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold or
cool weather can cause window fogging.
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Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly – and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle also has a trip computer that works along
with the warning lights and gages. The trip computer
display provides visual information. SeeTrip Computer
on page 3-33. The warning message are displayed
through the trip computer or as an illuminated symbol or
sometimes both ways.
If a Service Error Contact Dealer message appears on
the trip computer display while driving, a fault in the
instrument panel is indicated. Contact your dealer
as soon as possible. This message will remain until the
MODE button on the trip computer is pressed.
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Speedometer
The speedometer shows vehicle speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Tachometer
The tachometer shows
engine speed in
revolutions per
minute (rpm).
For automatic transmission vehicle’s, under wide open
throttle acceleration, when the accelerator pedal is
pushed flat to the floor, it is possible that the tachometer
needle may briefly enter the lower end of the
tachometer’s red zone just prior to automatically
upshifting into a higher gear. This is normal during wide
open throttle acceleration and will not harm the engine.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.Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to
ON, the safety belt light will
come on and stay on for
several seconds and a
chime will be sounded for
eight seconds, then it will
flash continuously until the
driver’s belt is buckled.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, the light will not
come on.
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Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on when you
turn on the ignition,
until the engine is started,
as a check to show
you it is working.
When the engine is running, the light should go out.
If the light illuminates and the Check Alternator message
on the trip computer stays on, or comes on while you
are driving you may have a problem with the electrical
charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose
generator drive belt or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on
could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
The Check Alternator message will remain until the
MODE button on the trip computer is pressed, but the
symbol will remain until the problem is fixed.
One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual
Transmission)
When this light comes on,
you can only shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4)
instead of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2).
You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off
this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel
economy.
After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
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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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The check engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
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Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake or fuel system of your
vehicle or replacement tires that do not match
your vehicle’s original tires can affect your vehicle’s
emission controls and may cause this light to
come on. Modications to these systems could lead
to costly repairs not covered by your warranty.
This may also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
•Light Flashing— A misfire condition has been
detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions
and may damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
•Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
•Reducing vehicle speed
•Avoiding hard accelerations
•Avoiding steep uphill grades
•If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops flashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
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If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.
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Trip Computer
The buttons for the trip
computer are located on
the instrument panel, to the
right of the instrument
panel cluster.
The trip computer displays are located directly beneath
the instrument panel cluster gages. Speed related
information appears in the left display, distance related
information appears in the center display, and fuel
related information appears in the right display.
The basic, more commonly used functions of the trip
computer are shown following. Tap the MODE button to
scroll between the different sets of displays.
When the ignition is turned to ON, the trip computer
displays the same functions as when the ignition
was last turned off.The trip computer can be reset when AVG SPEED or
TRIP TIME are shown on the left display. To reset, press
the SET button for less than two seconds. Resetting
does not affect the Odometer, Overspeed, Range, Time
to Arrival, Distance to Arrival, Instantaneous Fuel, or
Fuel Remaining.
Vehicle personalization is available through the trip
computer controls and display. SeeVehicle
Personalization on page 2-30.
AVG (Average) SPEED
This function shows the average speed, while the
engine is running, since the trip computer was reset.
Odometer
This function records miles travelled since the car
was built.
AVG (Average) FUEL
This function shows the average fuel used since the trip
computer was reset. After resetting, a high number
may initially be shown, due to the short distance
travelled and the high fuel used when accelerating.
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