2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Owners Manual

While refueling, let the fuel
cap hang by the tether
below the fuel
fill opening.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to
the right.
If you get fuel on yourself and then something
ignites
it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can
spray out on you
if you open the fuel cap too
quickly. This spray can happen
if your tank is
nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise
to stop. Then unscrew the cap
all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See Cleaning the Outside
of Your Vehicle on page 5-97. When filling the tank
do not overfill by squeezing in much more fuel after the
pump shuts
off.
5-8

When you put the fuel 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 Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page
3-32.
Notice: If you need a new fuel 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 may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. See “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” in
the Index.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
~ .-ver fil. - portable fL-- cc..-ainer 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.
5-9

Checking Things Under
the
Hood
Ar. Jectric fan unl,.' 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.
Hood Release
To open the hood do the following:
Things that burn can get on ..__ -.. 3"'- parts
and start
a fire. These include liquids like fuel,
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.
1. Pull the handle located
inside the vehicle near
the parking brake.
5-1 0

2. Next, go to the front of the vehicle and release the
secondary hood latch.
3. Lift the hood.
Before closing the hood
of your vehicle, be sure all the
filler caps are on properly. Then pull the hood down
and close
it firmly.
5-1 1

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of a vehicle with a 3100 V6 (Code J) engine, you’ll see:
5-1 2

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir
B. Battery
C. Underhood Fuse Block
B. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal
E. Radiator Pressure Cap
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment, below generator)
H. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap
J. Engine Oil Dipstick
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
L. Brake Fluid Reservoir
M. Engine Air CleanedFilter
5-1 3

When you open the hood of a vehicle with a the 3800 V6 (Code K) engine, you’ll see:
5-1 4

A. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Battery
C. Remote Positive
(+) Battery Terminal
D. Underhood Fuse Block
E. Radiator Fill Cap
F. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
(low in engine compartment, below generator)
H. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
I. Engine Oil Dipstick
J. Engine Oil Fill Cap
K. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick
1. Brake Fluid Reservoir
M. Engine Air CleanedFilter
5-1 5