2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX warning

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-29
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-48
Restraint System Check
............................1-56
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-14
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-33
OnStar
žSystem
......................................2-35
Storage Areas
.........................................2-36
Sunroof
..................................................2-39
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-25
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
.........3-31
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-45
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-88Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-33
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-56
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-67
Tires
......................................................5-68
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identi®cation
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-99
Capacities and Speci®cations
...................5-104
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-105
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance Information
.................. 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
............................ 7-9
Index................................................................ 1
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner ManualM

Safety Warnings and Symbols
You will ®nd a number of safety cautions in this book.
We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about
things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the
warning.
{CAUTION:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is.
Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the
hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don't, you
or others could be hurt.
You will also ®nd a circle
with a slash through it in
this book. This safety
symbol means ªDon't,º
ªDon't do thisº or ªDon't let
this happen.º
iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will ®nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your 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.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle,
are shown along with the text describing the operation
or information relating to a speci®c component, control,
message, gage or indicator.
If you need help ®guring out a speci®c 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

Trunk Assist Handle
The trunk assist handle is
located inside the trunk lid
toward the driver's side
of the vehicle.
Notice:The trunk assist handle is not designed to
be used to tie down the trunk lid or as an anchor
point when securing items in the trunk. Improper
use of the trunk assist handle could damage it.
Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk lid. Then
close the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is not
properly closed, the AJAR message, along with a
trunk ajar graphic will appear on the DIC. See
DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-65for more
information.
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Notice:The emergency trunk release handle is not
designed to be used to tie down the trunk lid or as
an anchor point when securing items in the trunk.
Improper use of the emergency trunk release handle
could damage it.
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release
handle located on the latch inside the trunk lid. This
handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk from the inside.
2-11

PASS-KeyžIII Operation
Your vehicle is equipped
with PASS-KeyžIII
(Personalized Automotive
Security System)
theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
žIII is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This
means you don't have to do
anything special to arm or
disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove
the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
žIII system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle's
starter and fuel systems. The starter will not work and
fuel will stop ¯owing to the engine. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM warning message on the Driver's Information
Center (DIC) comes on, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-99. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the ®rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the PASS-Key
žIII to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Pontiac Roadside
Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
žIII decoder to ªlearnº
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for
the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the currently programmed
keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
žIII
to have keys made and programmed to the system.
2-16

Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a GM dealer can service PASS-KeyžIII to
have new keys made. To program additional keys,
you will need two current driver's keys. You must add a
step to the following procedure. After Step 2, repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver's key.
Then continue with Step 3.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the master key in the ignition and start
the engine. If the engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to RUN
within ®ve seconds of removing the original key.5. The SECURITY DISABLED DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM warning message on the DIC will turn off,
once the key has been programmed. It may not
be apparent that the SECURITY DISABLED DUE
TO THEFT SYSTEM warning message went on due
to how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY DISABLED
DUE TO THEFT SYSTEM warning message on the DIC
comes on and stays on, you will be able to restart
your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
žIII system,
however, is not working properly and must be serviced
by your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
žIII system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
žIII key, see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-KeyžIII
to have a new key made.
2-17

Notice:If your key seems stuck in OFF and you
can't turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the key
hard. 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.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers while the engine
is off.
R(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.
/(START):This position starts the engine. Let go of
the key when the engine starts. The key will return
to the RUN position.
A continuous warning chime will sound and a KEY IN
IGNITION warning message will display on the DIC
if the key is in the ignition in the OFF or ACCESSORY
positions and the driver's door is opened.
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
1. 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.
Notice: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.
2. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive
heat can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2-19

Parking Brake
The parking brake is
located to the left of the
brake pedal near the
driver's door. To set the
parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot.
Push down on the
parking brake pedal,
with your left foot.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your
left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the shift lever is not in PARK (P)
or NEUTRAL (N).
The brake light will also come on the instrument panel
when the parking brake is set. It will stay on if your
parking brake doesn't release fully.
The BRAKE ON message will also appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when the parking brake is set.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-37. That section shows
what to do ®rst to keep the trailer from moving.
2-27