2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE Owners Manual

6-6
While refueling, hang the tethered cap on the hook on
the inside of the fuel door.
To remove the cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The cap has a spring in it; if you let
go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right.
CAUTION:
If you get gasoline on yourself and then
something ignites it, you could be badly burned.
Gasoline can spray out on you if you open the
fuel filler cap too quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in
hot weather. Open the fuel filler cap slowly and
wait for any ªhissº noise to stop. Then unscrew
the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill gasoline. Clean gasoline from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See ªCleaning the
Outside of Your Vehicleº in the Index.
When you put the cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make sure
you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.

6-7
NOTICE:
If you need a new cap, be sure to get the right
type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get
the wrong type, it may not fit properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light
and your fuel tank and emissions system may be
damaged. See ªMalfunction Indicator Lampº in
the Index.
Fuel Door Lock (Option)
On models equipped with the theft-deterrent system,
the fuel door is locked and unlocked together with the
driver's power door lock. Therefore, to unlock the fuel
filler door, you may use the inside power door lock
button or the remote keyless entry transmitter
(if equipped). To unlock the fuel door, unlock the
driver's door.
If your vehicle has a fuel
door lock, the fuel door
can be opened manually
in case of an electrical
power failure.
Open the trunk. The release mechanism is on the
driver's side of the vehicle, at the top of the trunk
compartment. Pull the tab to release the fuel door.
NOTICE:
Prying on a locked fuel filler door can damage it.
Use the remote fuel door manual release located
in the trunk.

6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
CAUTION:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can
be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:

Dispense gasoline only into
approved containers.

Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.

Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the
inside of the fill opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the filling is complete.

Don't smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under the Hood
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important underhood parts.
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.

6-9 Hood Release
1. To open the hood,
first pull the hood
release handle
inside the vehicle.
It is next to
the parking
brake pedal near
the floor.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and push up on
the secondary hood release.
3. Lift the hood.
4. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then pull the hood down and close
it firmly.

6-10 3800 V6 Series II Engine (L36)
When you open the hood on the 3800 (L36) engine, here's what you will see (3800 Supercharged (L67) engine similar):
A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid
C. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
D. Brake Master Cylinder
E. Windshield Washer Fluid ReservoirF. Radiator Pressure Cap
G. Engine Oil Dipstick
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-11
Supercharged Engine (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a 3800 V6 (L67) Supercharged
engine. The supercharger is a device designed to pump
more air into the engine than it would normally use.
This air, mixed with fuel, creates increased engine
power. Since the supercharger is a pump and is driven
from an engine accessory drive belt, increased pressure
is available at all driving conditions.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) works with a
vacuum control to regulate the increased pressure required
during specific driving conditions. When this increased
pressure or boost is not desired, such as during idling and
light throttle cruising, the excess air that the supercharger is
pumping is routed through a bypass. All of these controls,
working together, provide high performance character and
fuel efficiency in the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
Engine Oil
If the OIL LEVEL LOW
message appears on the DIC,
or the CHECK OIL LEVEL
light appears on the
instrument panel, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.For more information, see ªCheck Oil Level Lightº or
ªDIC Warnings and Messagesº in the Index.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It's a good idea to check your 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 is
located behind the engine
fans and in front of the
engine oil fill cap. The top
of the dipstick is a round
yellow loop.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.

6-12
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.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you'll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind of oil to use.
For crankcase capacity, see ªCapacities and
Specificationsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don't add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross
-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Add engine oil at the
engine oil fill cap near the
oil dipstick.
Be sure to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you're through.

6-13 What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the starburst symbol.
This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by
the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any
oil which does not carry this starburst symbol.
If you change your own oil,
be sure you use oil that has
the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container. If
you have your oil changed
for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is
American Petroleum
Institute certified for
gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart: