2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX oil dipstick

For
a More
Detailed Look at
What's Under the Hood
See Section 6
Tire Pressure
See Section 6
Service Station Guide
Oil Viscosity
Engine Oil
See Section 6
Engine Oil Dipstick
See Section 6Fuel
Use unleaded gas only,
87 Octane or higher.

See Section 6
Cooling System
See Section 5
Hood Release
See Section 6
Windshield Washer
Fluid
See Section 6
Spare Tire Pressure
See Section 5
Battery
See Section 6

2-82 Low Oil Level Light
The engine is equipped with
an oil level monitoring
system. When the ignition
key is turned to RUN, the
LOW OIL LEVEL light
will briefly flash.
If the light does not flash, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, stop the vehicle on a level surface
and turn the engine off. Check the oil level using the
engine oil dipstick. (See ªEngine Oilº in the Index).
The oil level monitoring system only checks the oil level
during the brief period when the ignition key is between
RUN and START. It does not monitor engine oil level
when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil level
check is only performed if the engine has been turned
off for a considerable period of time, allowing the oil
normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.
Fuel Gage
United States Canada
The fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have
left when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears
empty, you still have a little fuel left, but you should get
more soon.

6-10
When you open the hood of the 3100 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-11
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-12
When you open the hood of the 3800 V6 Supercharged engine, you'll see:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Radiator Fill Cap
D. Engine Coolant ReservoirE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment)
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil DipstickH. Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Dipstick
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

6-13
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then just pull the hood down and close
it firmly.
3800 V6 Supercharged Engine
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle may have a 3800 V6 Supercharged engine.
The supercharger is a device which is 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 LOW OIL LEVEL
message appears on the
instrument panel, it means
you need to check your
engine oil level right away.
For more information,
see ªLow Oil Level Lightº
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 handle is the yellow loop near
the front of the engine.

6-14
3100 V6 Engine 3800 V6 or 3800 V6
Supercharged Engine
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.
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.3100 V6 Engine
3800 V6 Engine or 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine

6-15 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.
3100 V6 Engine 3800 V6 or 3800 V6
Supercharged Engine
The engine oil fill cap is located on the front of the
engine, near the center of the engine compartment and
the yellow
-looped engine 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.