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The 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual
1-1 Seats and Restraint SystemsThis section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains the ªSRSº system.
2-1 Features and ControlsThis section explains how to start and operate your vehicle.
3-1 Comfort Controls and Audio SystemsThis section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system.
4-1 Your Driving and the RoadHere you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions.
5-1 Problems on the RoadThis section tells you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or overheated engine, etc.
6-1 Service and Appearance CareHere the manual tells you how to keep your vehicle running properly and looking good.
7-1 Maintenance ScheduleThis section tells you when to perform vehicle maintenance and what fluids and lubricants to use.
8-1 Customer Assistance InformationThis section tells you how to contact Pontiac for assistance and how to get service and owner publications.
It also gives you information on ªReporting Safety Defectsº on page 8-12.
9-1 IndexHere's an alphabetical listing of almost every subject in this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read.
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For example,
these symbols
are used on an
original battery:
CAUTION
POSSIBLE
INJURY
PROTECT
EYES BY
SHIELDING
CAUSTIC
BATTERY
ACID COULD
CAUSE
BURNS
AVOID
SPARKS OR
FLAMES
SPARK OR
FLAME
COULD
EXPLODE
BATTERY
These symbols
are important
for you and
your passengers
whenever your
vehicle is
driven:
DOOR LOCK
UNLOCK
FASTEN
SEAT
BELTS
POWER
WINDOW
AIR BAG
These symbols
have to do with
your lamps:
MASTER
LIGHTING
SWITCH
TURN
SIGNALS
PARKING
LAMPS
HAZARD
WARNING
FLASHER
DAYTIME
RUNNING
LAMPS
FOG LAMPS
These symbols
are on some of
your controls:
WINDSHIELD
WIPER
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
WINDSHIELD
DEFROSTER
REAR
WINDOW
DEFOGGER
VENTILATING
FAN
These symbols
are used on
warning and
indicator lights:
ENGINE
COOLANT
TEMP
BATTERY
CHARGING
SYSTEM
BRAKE
COOLANT
ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE
ANTI-LOCK
BRAKES
Here are some
other symbols
you may see:
FUSE
LIGHTER
HORN
SPEAKER
FUEL
Vehicle Symbols
These are some of the symbols you may find on your vehicle.
2-
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Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Keys
2
-4 Door Locks
2
-8 Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-12 Multifunction Alarm Locks and
Lighting Choices
2
-22 Trunk
2
-23 Theft
2
-24 Content Theft-Deterrent (If Equipped)
2
-26 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-26 Ignition Positions
2
-28 Starting Your Engine
2
-30 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-32 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-36 Parking Brake
2
-37 Shifting Into PARK (P)
2
-40 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
2
-43 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-43 Engine Exhaust
2
-44 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
2
-45 Power Windows
2
-46 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-51 Exterior Lamps
2
-54 Interior Lamps
2
-57 Mirrors
2
-59 Storage Compartments
2
-64 OnStar System (Option)
2
-65 Sunroof (If Equipped)
2
-66 The Instrument Panel -- Your Information
System
2
-70 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-82 Head-Up Display (Option)
2
-86 Driver Information Center (DIC)
(If Equipped)
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The Content Theft-Deterrent system will disarm
when you unlock the doors with the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
NOTE: While this mode provides increased security, it
can be a problem if the remote keyless entry transmitter
is damaged, lost or if it fails to operate for any reason
while the Content Theft
-Deterrent system is armed. The
Content Theft
-Deterrent system must be disarmed for
the engine to run and while in Mode 2, the key can no
longer disarm the system.
Mode 3: Standard Arming and Disarming
The Content Theft
-Deterrent system will arm when
you lock the doors using either power door lock
switch while any door is open and the key is
removed from the ignition.
The Content Theft
-Deterrent system will arm when
you lock the doors with your remote keyless entry
transmitter. The key must be removed from the
ignition when you lock the doors or the Content
Theft
-Deterrent system will not arm.
The Content Theft
-Deterrent system will disarm
when you unlock the doors with the key or the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
Your vehicle comes with this feature in mode 1.To change the mode do the following:
1. Follow the instructions for ªEntering Programming
Modeº listed previously.
2. Insert your key fully into any door key cylinder and
turn it to the unlock position.
This step is necessary to prevent accidental
programming of this feature to Mode 2. Do not
program this feature to Mode 2 without first reading
the note contained in the description for that mode.
The door key lock cylinder must remain in the
unlock position during Steps 2 through 4.
3. Press the horn symbol on the remote keyless
entry transmitter.
4. Count the number of chimes you hear. The number
of chimes tells you which mode the vehicle is set for.
You change the mode by pressing the horn symbol
on the remote keyless entry transmitter again.
5. Repeat Step 3 until you hear the number of chimes
that matches the mode you want.
6. Remove the key from the door key cylinder.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
earlier in this section or program the next feature
available on your vehicle.
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Trunk
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk open
because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can come into
your vehicle. You can't see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
If you must drive with the trunk open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections must
pass through the seal between the body and
the trunk:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the setting
on VENT. That will force outside air into
your vehicle. See ªComfort Controlsº in
the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Trunk Lock
To unlock the trunk from the outside, insert the master
key and turn the key clockwise. You can also press the
trunk symbol on the remote keyless entry transmitter
(if equipped).
Remote Trunk Release (If Equipped)
Press the button behind the
glove box door to unlock
the trunk from inside the
vehicle. The shift lever must
be in PARK (P) for the
remote trunk release button
to work.
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ACCESSORY (A): This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
off. To use ACCESSORY, push in the key and turn it
toward you. The steering wheel will stay locked.
LOCK (B): Before you put the key into the ignition
switch, the switch is in LOCK. It's also the only position
from which you can remove the key. This position locks
the ignition, steering wheel and transaxle. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
OFF (C): This position lets you turn off the engine but
still turn the steering wheel. It doesn't lock the steering
wheel like LOCK. Use OFF if you must have the
vehicle pushed or towed.RUN (D): This position is where the key returns after you
start the vehicle. With the engine off, you can use RUN to
display some of the warning and indicator lights.
START (E): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's
door when the ignition is in OFF, LOCK or
ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. But turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
With Retained Accessory Power, the power windows,
audio system and sunroof will continue to work up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and
none of the doors are opened.
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Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
NOTICE:
If you can not remove your ignition key from the
ignition and gear shift is in PARK (P) (with the
shift knob button fully released, if console shift).
See ªShift Lock Releaseº in the Index.
Starting Your 3100 V6 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If your engine won't start (or starts but then stops), it
could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to 15 seconds. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
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NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
If you ever have to have your vehicle towed, see
the part of this manual that tells how to do it
without damaging your vehicle. See ªTowing
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Starting Your 3800 Series II V6 Engine
1. Without pushing the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as your
engine gets warm.
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it doesn't start right away, hold your key in
START for about three to five seconds at a time until
your engine starts. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try to help avoid draining your battery or
damaging your starter.