
The 2003 Pontiac  Grand  Prix  Owner  Manual a 
Seats  and  Restpaint  Systems ........................... ? -1 
Front  Seats ............................................... 1-2 
Safety  Belts 
.............................................. 1-7 
Child  Restraints 
....................................... 1-29 
Supplemental  Restraint  System 
(SRS) ......... 1-51 
Restraint  System  Check 
............................ 1-58 
Keys 
........................................................ 2-3 
Doors  and  Locks 
....................................... 2-8 
Windows 
................................................. 2-1 3 
Theft-Deterrent  Systems 
............................ 2-1 5 
Starting  and Operating  Your Vehicle 
........... 2-19 
Mirrors 
.................................................... 2-33 
Onstar@  System 
...................................... 2-38 
Storage  Areas 
......................................... 2-40 
Sunroof 
.................................................. 2-42 
Vehicle  Personalization 
............................. 2-43 
Instrument Panel  Overview 
.......................... 3-2 
Climate  Controls 
...................................... 3-20 
Warning  Lights, Gages  and  Indicators 
......... 3-23 
Driver  Information Center  (DIC) 
.................. 3-38 
Trip  Computer 
......................................... 3-40 
Audio  System(s) 
....................................... 3-44 
Features  and Controls ..................................... 2-1 
Instrument  Panel ............................................. 3-1 
~rivingi yoerr Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 
Your  Driving, the  Road, and Your  Vehicle 
..... 4-2 
Towing 
................................................... 4-33 
Service 
..................................................... 5-3 
Fuel 
......................................................... 5-5 
Checking  Things  Under  the Hood 
............... 5-10 
Headlamp  Aiming 
..................................... 5-59 
Bulb  Replacement 
.................................... 5-60 
Windshield  Wiper  Blade  Replacement 
......... 5-67 
Tires 
...................................................... 5-68 
Appearance  Care 
..................................... 5-88 
Vehicle  Identification 
................................. 5-96 
Electrical  System 
...................................... 5-97 
Capacities  and Specifications 
................... 5-1 02 
Normal  Maintenance  Replacement  Parts .... 5-1  04 
Maintenance Schedule ........................... ,6-1 .. 
Maintenance  Schedule ................................ 6-2 
Customer Assistance  Information .................... 7-1 
Customer  Assistance  Information 
.................. 7-2 
Service and  Appearance  Care .......................... 5-1 
Reporting  Safety  Defects 
......................... 7-9 
Index ........................................ ..... 1  

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?  Turn the  key only  with 
your  hand.  Using a  tool to force  it could  break  the 
key or the  ignition  switch.  If  none 
of these works, 
then  your  vehicle  needs service. 
B (LOCK): This position locks  the ignition, steering 
wheel  and transaxle. It’s  a theft-deterrent feature. It’s also 
the  only  position from  which  you can remove  the key. 
C (OFF): 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. 
D (RUN): This position is  where the key returns to after 
you  start the vehicle.  With the engine 
off, you can  use 
RUN  to  display some of the warning  and indicator lights. 
E (START): This  position starts the engine. 
A  warning  chime  will  sound 
if you  open  the driver’s  door 
while  the ignition  is in 
OFF, LOCK  or  ACCESSORY 
and  the  key is in the  ignition. 
Retained  Accessory  Power  (RAP) 
With  Retained Accessory  Power,  (RAP),  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. 
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  while  you’re  already moving, 
use  NEUTRAL 
(N) only. 
Nofice: 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. 
Shift Lock  Release 
This vehicle  is equipped  with  an  electric shift  lock 
release  system.  The  shift  lock  release is designed to 
do  the following: 
Prevent ignition  key  removal unless the  shift  lever is 
in PARK  (P)  with the  shift  lever  button fully released. 
Prevent movement  of the  shift lever  out of  PARK  (P) 
unless the  ignition is in a position  other  than 
OFF or 
LOCK.  The  shift lock release  is  always  functional 
except  in the  case 
of a dead  or  low  voltage 
(less than 
9 V) battery. 
2-20  

Malfunction  indicator  Lamp 
Service Engine  Soon  Light in  the 
United  States or Check Engine  Light 
in  Canada 
SERVICE 
ENGINE SOON 
United  States 
~~ 
Canada 
Your  vehicle  is equipped  with a  computer  which 
monitors operation  of the  fuel,  ignition and emission 
control  systems. 
This  system  is called 
OBD II (On-Board 
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to 
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life 
of  the  vehicle, helping  to produce  a  cleaner environment.  The  SERVICE  ENGINE  SOON 
or CHECK  ENGINE 
light 
comes  on  to indicate  that  there  is a  problem  and  service 
is required. Malfunctions often will  be indicated by  the 
system  before any  problem is apparent.  This may  prevent 
more  serious  damage 
to your vehicle.  This  system  is also 
designed  to assist  your service technician in correctly 
diagnosing  any  malfunction. 
Notice: If  you  keep  driving  your  vehicle  with  this 
light 
on, after  a  while,  your  emission  controls 
may  not  work  as  well, your  fuel  economy  may  not 
be  as good  and  your  engine  may not  run  as 
smoothly.  This  could  lead  to  costly  repairs  that  may 
not  be  covered  by  your  warranty. 
Notice: Modifications  made  to the engine, 
transaxle,  exhaust,  intake  or  fuel  system  of your 
vehicle  or  the  replacement 
of the  original  tires  with 
other  than  those 
of the  same  Tire  Performance 
Criteria  (TPC) can  affect  your  vehicle’s  emission 
controls  and  may  cause  this  light  to  come  on. 
Modifications  to  these  systems  could  lead  to  costly 
repairs  not  covered  by  your  warranty.  This  may 
also  result 
in a  failure  to  pass  a  required  Emission 
Inspection/Maintenance  test. 
3-32  

Fuel  Gage 
United  States Canada 
The  fuel  gage tells you about  how  much  fuel you  have 
left  while  the  ignition is  on.  When the indicator nears 
empty,  you  still  have  a  little fuel  left, but you should get 
more  soon. 
Here  are four  things  owners  usually  ask  about  the fuel 
gage. 
All these  situations  are normal  and do  not 
indicate  a  problem  with  the fuel gage: 
At the  gas  station,  the  pump  shuts off before the 
gage  reads  full. 
It takes more  (or  less) fuel to fill up than the gage 
indicates.  For  example,  the gage  reads  half full, 
but  it took  more  (or  less)  than half the tank‘s 
capacity  to 
fill it. 
0 The gage pointer may move  while cornering, 
braking  or speeding  up. 
0 The gage  may not indicate full when the  ignition i? 
turned off. 
Low  Fuel  Warning  Light 
If your  fuel is low, 
the warning light near 
the  fuel  gage will 
go  on. 
LOW 
FUEL 
It will  also  come on for  a  few  seconds  when you 
first turn on the ignition  as  a check  to  show  you  it’s 
working properly. 
If it  doesn’t  come on  then,  see  your 
dealer  for  service. 
3-37  

Some  gasolines  that  are not reformulated for  low 
emissions  may  contain an octane-enhancing additive 
called methylcyclopentadienyl  manganese tricarbonyl 
(MMT); ask the attendant  where  you  buy  gasoline 
whether  the  fuel contains  MMT. General Motors  does 
not  recommend  the use  of  such  gasolines. Fuels 
containing  MMT  can reduce the  life  of  spark plugs and 
the  performance  of  the  emission control system  may 
be  affected.  The  malfunction indicator  lamp  may turn on 
If this  occurs,  return to your authorized  GM dealer  for 
service. 
Fuels  in Foreign  Countries 
If you plan  on driving in another country outside the 
United  States  or  Canada,  the proper fuel  may  be hard 
to  find.  Never  use  leaded gasoline  or  any other fuel 
not  recommended  in the  previous text  on  fuel. Costly 
repairs  caused  by use  of improper fuel  wouldn’t be 
covered by  your  warranty. 
To  check  the  fuel availability,  ask an auto club,  or 
contact  a  major  oil company  that does  business  in the 
country  where  you’ll  be  driving. 
Filling Your Tank 
Fuel \-$or  is highly  flammable. .. mrns 
violently, and  that  can cause very bad injuries. 
Don’t  smoke 
if you’re  near  fuel  or  refueling 
your  vehicle.  Keep  sparks,  flames and  smoking 
materials  away from fuel. 
Turn the vehicle off before  refueling. 
The  fuel cap  is  located 
behind  a hinged  door on 
the driver’s side 
of 
your vehicle. 
5-7  

Leaving Your Vehicle  With the  Engine  Running ...... 2-29 
Air  Bag  Readiness 
....................................... 3-26 
Anti-Lock  Brake  System  Warning 
................... 3-29 
Brake  System  Warning 
................................. 3-28 
Engine  Coolant  Temperature  Warning 
............. 3-31 
Warning  Light 
.......................................... 3-30 
Low  Fuel  Warning 
....................................... 3-37 
Light 
Charging  System 
......................................... 3-27 
Enhanced  Traction System  (ETS) 
Low  Oil  Level 
............................................. 3-36 
Low  Traction 
............................................... 3-30 
Malfunction Indicator 
.................................... 3-32 
Oil  Pressure 
............................................... 3-35 
Safety  Belt  Reminder 
................................... 3-26 
Security 
..................................................... 3-36 
TCS  Warning  Light 
...................................... 3-29 
Traction  Control  System  (TCS)  Warning 
.......... 3-29 
Loading  Your Vehicle 
....................................... 4-35 
Litter 
Bag or Purse  Holder 
............................... 2-41 
Lockout  Protection 
.................................. 2-10,  2-47 
Locks 
Automatic  Door 
........................................... 2-45 
Door 
........................................................... 2-8 
Last  Door  Closed  Locking 
.............................. 2-9 
Lockout  Protection 
....................................... 2-1 0 
Power  Door .................................................. 2-9 
Programmable  Automatic Door  Locks 
............. 2-1 0 
Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-1 1  Loss 
of Control 
.............................................. 4-16 
Low  Fuel  Warning  Light 
................................... 3-37 
Low  Traction  Light 
...................................... 3-30 
Lumbar  Power  Controls 
........... ........... ... 1-3 
M 
Maintenance.  Normal  Replacement  Parts .......... 5-1 04 
Maintenance  Schedule  At  Each  Fuel  Fill 
........................................... 6-9 
At  Least  Once a Month 
.................................. 6-9 
At  Least  Once  a  Year 
.................................. 6-10 
At  Least  Twice  a  Year 
.................................. 6-10 
Brake  System  Inspection 
.............................. 6-14 
Engine  Cooling  System Inspection 
................. 6-13 
Exhaust  System  Inspection 
........................... 6-13 
How This  Section is  Organized ....................... 6-3 
Introduction 
.................................................. 6-2 
Maintenance  Requirements 
............................. 6-2 
Part  A 
- Scheduled  Maintenance  Services ......... 6-4 
Part  B 
- Owner  Checks  and  Services ............... 6-9 
Part  C 
- Periodic  Maintenance  Inspections ...... 6-13 
Part  D 
- Recommended  Fluids and 
Lubricants 
............................................... 6-15 
Part  E 
- Maintenance  Record ........................ 6-16 
Scheduled  Maintenance 
................................. 6-5 
Fuel 
System  Inspection 
................................ 6-13 
a  

Maintenance  Schedule  (cont.) Steering.  Suspension  and  Front  Drive Axle 
Boot and  Seal Inspection .......................... 6-13 
Throttle System Inspection ............................ 6-1 4 
Your  Vehicle  and  the  Environment ................... 6-2 
Maintenance  When  Trailer  Towing ..................... 4-43 
Making  Turns ................................................. 4-41 
Malfunction  Indicator Light ................................ 3-32 
Manual  Seats ................................................... 1-2 
Matching  Transmitter(s)  to Your  Vehicle ............... 2-6 
Mexico,  Central  America  and Caribbean 
Using 
Your 
................................................... 6-4 
Islands/Countries 
(Except  Puerto  Rico  and 
U.S. Virgin Islands) ....... 7-4 
Mirror  Operation ..................................... 2-33,  2-35 
Mirrors  Automatic  Dimming  Rearview  with Compass 
Automatic  Dimming  Rearview  with  Onstar@, 
Manual  Rearview  Mirror 
................................ 2-33 
Outside  Convex  Mirror ................................. 2-37 
Outside  Power  Mirrors .................................. 2-37 
and  Temperature Display ........................... 2-34 
Compass  and  Temperature  Display ............. 2-33 
New  Vehicle Break-In ............................ ... 2-19 
Normal  Maintenance  Replacement  Parts ........... 5-1  04 
0 
Odometer ...................................................... 3-25 
Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-15 
Oil 
Engine .................................... .... 5-18 
Low Oil Level  Light ...................................... 3-36 
Pressure  Light ............................................. 3-35 
Supercharger,  Engine ................................... 5-24 
Older  Children,  Restraints ................................ 1-29 
Onstar@ Personal Calling ................................. 2-39 
Onstar@ Services ............................................ 2-38 
Onstat-@  System ............................................. 2-38 
Onstar@ Virtual Advisor .................................... 2-39 
Other  Warning  Devices ...................................... 3-4 
Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-22 
Outside 
Convex  Mirror 
............................................. 2-37 
Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-37 
Overhead  Console .......................................... 2-40 
Overhead  Console  Reading  Lamps .................... 3-14 
Overheated  Engine  Protection 
Operating  Mode 
.......................................... 5-33 
Owners,  Canadian ............................................... ii 
Owner’s Information ........................................ 7-10 
9  

Vehicle Identification 
Number  (VIN) 
............................................. 5-96 
Service  Parts  Identification Label 
................... 5-96 
Vehicle  Personalization .................................... 2-43 
Arming  and  Disarming  the  Content 
Theft-Deterrent  System 
............................. 2-52 
Automatic  Door  Locks 
.................................. 2-45 
Content  Theft-Deterrent  System 
..................... 2-51 
Delayed  Illumination and  Exit  Lighting 
............. 2-44 
Entering  Programming  Mode 
......................... 2-44 
Exiting  Programming  Mode 
........................... 2-53 
Last  Door  Closed Locking and  Lockout 
Protection 
............................................... 2-47 
Remote  Driver  Unlock  Control 
....................... 2-48 
Remote  Lock  and  Unlock Confirmation 
........... 2-49 
Vehicle  Storage 
.............................................. 5-53 
Ventilation  Adjustment 
...................................... 3-22 
Vinyl 
............................................................. 5-90 
Visor  Vanity  Mirror 
.......................................... 2-14 
Visors 
.............................. .............. 2-14 
Warning  Lights.  Gages  and  Indicators 
................ 3-23 
Hazard  Warning  Flashers 
............................... 3-3 
Other  Warning  Devices 
.................................. 3-4 
Warnings  Warnings 
(cont.) 
... 
Safety and  Symbols ......................................... III 
Vehicle  Damage .............................................. iv 
Washing  Your Vehicle 
...................................... 5-91 
Weatherstrip  Lubrication ................................... 6-10 
Weight  of the  Trailer 
........................................ 4-38 
Weight  of the  Trailer  Tongue 
............................. 4-39 
What  Kind of Engine 
Oil to  Use ........................ 5-20 
What  Kind of 
Oil to  Use .................................. 5-24 
What  to  Do  with Used Oil 
................................ 5-24 
What  to  Use 
.................................. 5-30,  5-47, 5-48 
Wheels  Alignment  and Tire  Balance 
.......................... 5-73 
When  to Add  Engine Oil 
.................................. 5-19 
When  to Change  Engine Oil 
(GM Oil  Life  SystemTM) ................................ 5-23 
When  to  Check 
...................................... 5-24,  5-69 
When  to  Check  and Change 
............................ 5-27 
When  to  Check  Power  Steering  Fluid 
................ 5-47 
When  You  Are  Ready to  Leave  After 
Parking  on a Hill 
......................................... 4-43 
Where  to  Put  the Restraint 
............................... 1-38 
Window  Lock-Out 
............................................ 2-14 
Windows 
....................................................... 2-13 
Power 
........................................................ 2-14 
Windshield and  Wiper Blades 
....................... 5-92 
Replacement 
............................................... 5-73 
Why  Safety  Belts Work 
..................................... 1-8 
15