2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX towing

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services on page 6-4for more information. Things that
are especially important in trailer operation are automatic
transaxle ¯uid (don't over®ll), engine oil, drive belts,
cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you ®nd
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. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-29.
4-44

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
·In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
·In hilly or mountainous terrain.
·When doing frequent trailer towing.
·Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine or
exhaust system parts, starting a ®re. Too little ¯uid
could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
5-24

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 ®ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signi®cant loss in power and engine
performance. The engine coolant 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.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
CAUTION: (Continued)
5-30

37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
qInspect engine air cleaner ®lter. If necessary, replace
the ®lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect ®lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more
information.An Emission Control Service. (See
footnote ².)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
qReplace passenger compartment air ®lter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ®lter
may require replacement more often.
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the ¯uid and ®lter at 100,000 miles
(166 000 km).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-7

90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
qReplace engine air cleaner ®lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22for more information.An Emission Control Service.
qFor supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper
supercharger oil as needed (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs ®rst). See
Part D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-16.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote ².)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
qReplace passenger compartment air ®lter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the ®lter
may require replacement more often.
97,500 Miles (162 500 km)
qRotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-71for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)
qInspect spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
qReplace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
qChange automatic transaxle ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
þ In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or
higher.
þ In hilly or mountainous terrain.
þ When doing frequent trailer towing.
þ Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
qIf you haven't used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, haven't
changed your automatic transaxle ¯uid, change both
the ¯uid and ®lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
qDrain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs ®rst).
See
Engine Coolant on page 5-26for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap and neck. Pressure test the cooling system
and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
qInspect engine accessory drive belt.An Emission
Control Service.
6-9

Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Lever......................................... 3-8
CRUISE SET.................................................3-69
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-11
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.......................... 7-9
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-10
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-26
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-17
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-18
DELAYED LOCKING.......................................3-69
Dinghy Towing................................................4-34Disarming with the Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter.................................................2-15
Disarming with Your Key..................................2-15
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-34
Door
Last Door Closed Locking.............................. 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-45
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-65
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-19
City...........................................................4-23
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving On Grades..........................................4-42
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-29
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-22
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-22
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-41
4

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-99
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-11
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs.................................3-42
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-48
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-39
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-39
Coolant......................................................5-26
Cooling System Inspection............................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-19
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-21
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-10
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-44
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-19Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-10
Engine Oil Scheduled Maintenance..................... 6-5
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-11
Warning Light.............................................3-38
Entry Lighting.................................................3-17
Express-Down Window....................................2-13
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamp Control Lever.............................3-12
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-16
F
Fan ..............................................................3-25
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finding a PTY Station
(RDS and XMŸ).....................3-93, 3-104, 3-118
Finding a Station.........................3-91, 3-102, 3-116
Finish Care....................................................5-94
Finish Damage...............................................5-95
Flash-To-Pass Feature.....................................3-14
Flat Tire........................................................5-78
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-42
Windshield Washer......................................5-43
FM Stereo....................................................3-130
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-44
5

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Brake System Inspection..............................6-15
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-15
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-14
Fuel System Inspection................................6-14
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.............6-10
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-14
Part D - Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants.........................................6-16
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-17
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-5
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-14
Throttle System Inspection............................6-15
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-44
Making Turns.................................................4-42
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-40
Manual Climate Control System........................3-25
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle................. 2-5
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-65Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands) ± Customer Assistance....... 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
ž.............2-33
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-34
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-34
Mode............................................................3-25
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts...........5-105
O
Odometer......................................................3-33
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-16
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-16
Pressure Light.............................................3-43
Supercharger, Engine...................................5-21
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
žPersonal Calling.................................2-36
OnStaržServices............................................2-35
9