2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX engine oil

2-39
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug
and store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you don't, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you'll be parking your
vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice for
that particular area.Automatic Transaxle Operation
The automatic transaxle has a shift lever on the console
between the seats. There is also a display of the gear
positions on the instrument panel cluster near the
speedometer and tachometer.
Maximum engine speed is limited when your vehicle is
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline
components from improper operation.

2-88
Oil Pressure Light
United States Canada
If you have a problem with your oil pressure, this light
may stay on after you start your engine, or come on
when you are driving.
This indicates that oil is not going through your engine
quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could
be low on oil or could have some other oil problem.
Have it fixed right away.
The oil light could also come on in two other situations:

When the ignition is on but the engine is not running,
the light will come on as a test to show you it's
working. The light will go out when you turn the
ignition to RUN. If it doesn't come on with the
ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or
bulb. Have it fixed right away.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a
moment. This is normal.
CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.

2-89 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.
Security Light
This message is
displayed to monitor the
Pass
-Key
III system.
If the SECURITY message is displayed continuously
while driving, there may be a problem with the
Pass
-Key III system. Your vehicle will not be protected
by Pass
-Key III, and you should see your dealer for
service. For more information see ªPASS
-Key III

Systemº in the Index.

2-92
Functions
(Door Ajar): If one of the doors is ajar, this
light will appear next to that door on the vehicle outline.
CHANGE OIL SOON: This light will appear when the
system indicates that it's time for an oil change. The
system predicts remaining oil life using data from length
of drives, coolant temperature, engine rpm and vehicle
speed. It alerts you to change the oil on a schedule
consistent with the vehicle's driving conditions. After
changing the oil, the system must be reset. See ªHow to
Reset the GM Oil Life System
º in the Index.
LOW: This light will come on when the ignition is
on and the fluid in the washer fluid container is low.
AJAR: This light alerts you that the trunk is not
fully closed.LOW TRAC (Low Traction): This light will come on
when the enhanced traction system is limiting wheel
spin. See ªEnhanced Traction Systemº or ªLow Traction
Lightº in the Index.
TRAC OFF (Traction Off): This light lets you know
that the enhanced traction system has been disabled and
will not limit wheel spin. See ªEnhanced Traction
System Warning Lightº or ªLow Traction Lightº in
the Index.
TRAC (Traction): If the vehicle has the enhanced
traction system, you will have a disable button on the far
right side of the DIC. The enhanced traction system is
automatically activated when you turn the ignition on.
This button will activate/deactivate the system. If you
need to disable the system, such as when you are stuck
and are rocking the vehicle back and forth, push this
button. See ªStuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in
the Index.

2-95 Control Buttons
The trip computer has three buttons that control its
functions.
ENG/MET (English/Metric): Press this button to
change the display from English to metric units or
metric to English.
RESET: Press this button for two seconds to reset the
mode displayed.
MODE: Press this button to change the mode
being displayed.
Functions
FUEL USED: Shows the total amount of fuel used
since you last reset this mode. The amount can be
displayed in gallons or liters.
AVG ECON (Average Economy): Shows the average
fuel economy since you last reset this mode.
OIL LIFE: Shows a percentage of the oil's remaining
useful life. The system predicts remaining oil life using
data from length of drives, coolant temperature, engine
rpm and vehicle speed. Each time you get an oil change,
be sure to reset this function so that it will give you an
accurate percentage. See ªHow to Reset the GM Oil Life
System
º in the Index.RANGE: Shows how much farther you can travel with
the fuel you have remaining in the gas tank before
refueling. When the range displays L, for 40 to 50 miles
(64.36 to 80.45 km), the display will flash LOW
continuously. The range is calculated from the AVG
ECON value multiplied by the fuel remaining in
the tank.
LOW: This light will come on the vehicle outline when
the ignition is on and the fluid in the washer fluid
container is low.
DOOR AJAR: If one of the doors is left ajar, a light
will appear next to that door on the vehicle outline.
BOOST GAGE: If you have the 3800 V6 supercharged
engine, this gage will show the amount of boost the
engine is receiving.
TRUNK AJAR: If the trunk is not fully closed, the
trunk area will light up on the vehicle outline.
LOW TRAC (Low Traction): This light will come on
when the enhanced traction system (3100 or 3800 V6
engine) or the traction control system (3800
supercharged V6 engine) is limiting wheel spin. See
ªTraction Control Systemº ªEnhanced Traction Systemº
and ªLow Traction Lightº in the Index.

4-27
Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?

Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?

Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?

Lamps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?

Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble
-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long
-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?

Weather Forecasts: What's the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?

Maps: Do you have up
-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as ªhighway hypnosisº?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don't let it
happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.

If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.

4-44 When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

start your engine,

shift into a gear, and

release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transaxle fluid (don't overfill),
engine oil, drive belts, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If you're trailering, it's
a good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.

5-11
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage and a warning
light concerning an overheated engine condition on the
instrument panel cluster. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº and ªEngine Coolant Temperature
Lightº in the Index. You also have a low coolant light on
your instrument panel cluster. See ªLow Coolant Lightº
in the Index.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, you will notice
a significant loss in power and engine performance. The
low coolant light may come on and the temperature
gage will indicate an overheat condition exists. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine damage, allow
the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair
the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset
the oil life system. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.