2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM warning lights

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-9
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
.........1-54
Restraint System Check
............................1-61
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-35
Storage Areas
.........................................2-36
Sunroof
..................................................2-37
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-22
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-38Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
........ 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-32
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-50
Tires
......................................................5-51
Appearance Care
.....................................5-78
Vehicle Identification
.................................5-86
Electrical System
......................................5-87
Capacities and Specifications
.....................5-92
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2004 Pontiac Grand Am Owner ManualM

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will find these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage your
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the
damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION
and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in
different words.
There are also warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specific component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the
following topics:
•Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
•Features and Controls in Section 2
•Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
•Climate Controls in Section 3
•Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
•Audio System(s) in Section 3
•Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can
not 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 this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY):This position unlocks the transaxle.
It also lets you use things like the radio and windshield
wipers when the engine is not running. To use
ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise to the first
position. Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed
or towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
C (ON):This position is where the key returns to after
you start your engine and release the key. The
ignition switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use ON to operate your electrical accessories and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
D (START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF,
the radio will continue to work up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
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 when you’re already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
2-19

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-5
Horn.............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Windshield Wiper Lever...................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-25
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-26
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-26
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-28
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light...........................................3-28Enhanced Traction System
Active Light..............................................3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-30
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-30
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-31
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-34
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-35
Security Light...............................................3-35
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-36
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-36
Fuel Gage...................................................3-37
Audio System(s).............................................3-38
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-38
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-38
Radio with CD (Base Level)...........................3-39
Radio with CD (Up Level)..............................3-43
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-54
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-68
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-69
Radio Reception...........................................3-70
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-70
Care of Your CD Player................................3-70
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-71
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-71
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-71
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They are a big help.
3-22

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you have, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
United States Automatic Transaxle Cluster shown, Manual Transaxle Cluster and Canadian Cluster similar
3-23

How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, take
the cap off. If the fluid level reaches the top of the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct. It isn’t a good idea to
top off your clutch fluid. Adding fluid won’t correct a
leak. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-25.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-23

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-35
Parking Your...............................................2-32
Service Soon Light......................................3-36
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-86
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-86
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-41
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-21
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-16
Visors...........................................................2-16
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-22
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-36
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-81
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-42
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-42
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-16
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-19
What to Use..........................................5-24, 5-35
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-64
Replacement...............................................5-65
15