2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE engine

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 briey 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.
Your vehicle may also have a DIC that works along with
the warning lights and gages. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-59.
The volume of your vehicle’s warning chimes can be
adjusted. For information seeChime Level Adjustment
on page 3-103.
Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel clusters are designed to let you
know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You
will know how fast you are going, how much fuel you
are using, and many other things you will need to drive
safely and economically.
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Your vehicle is equipped with one of these instrument panel clusters, which includes indicator warning lights and
gages that are explained on the following pages.
3.8L V6 Engine Standard Cluster (United States version shown, Canada similar)
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3.8L V6 Engine Cluster with Driver Information Center (DIC) (United States version shown, Canada similar)
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4.6L V8 Engine Cluster with Driver Information Center (DIC) (United States version shown, Canada similar)
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Tachometer
The tachometer shows your engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds,
then ash for several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, the light will come
on briey, but the chime will not sound.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows airbag or the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensors, the airbag modules, the wiring and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on
the airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-47. V6 Engine
V8 Engine
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Voltmeter Gage
When your engine is not running, but the ignition key is
turned to ON, this gage shows the state of the battery
charge in DC volts.When the ignition is running, the gage shows the
condition of the charging system. Readings between the
shaded warning zones indicate the normal operating
range. Readings in the shaded warning zones indicate a
possible problem in the electrical system.
On vehicles with the systems monitor, the CHECK
GAGES light will also come on, and a warning chime
will sound if there is a problem in the electrical system.
Have your vehicle serviced immediately.
On vehicles with a DIC, a CHECK CHARGE SYSTEM
message will be displayed and a warning chime will
sound if there is a problem in the electrical system. Have
your vehicle serviced immediately. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-62for more information.
V6 Engine
V8 Engine
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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
With the anti-lock brake system, the light(s) will come
on when your engine is started and may stay on
for several seconds. That is normal.If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. If the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on,
or comes on again while you are driving, your vehicle
needs service. If the regular brake system warning light
is not on, you still have brakes, but you do not have
anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-41.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition key to ON. This is
normal. If the light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. United States
Canada
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
For vehicles equipped with the traction control system,
this warning light should come on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there
may be a problem with your traction control system
and your vehicle may need service. When this warning
light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by pressing the
TRACTION CONTROL button located on the center
console, the warning light will come on and stay
on. To turn the system back on, press the button
again. The warning light should go off. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8for more
information.
If there is a brake system problem that is specically
related to traction control, the traction control
system will turn off and the warning light will come
on. If your brakes begin to overheat, the traction
control system will turn off and the warning light will
come on until your brakes cool down.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service. United States and V6 in
Canada
Canada (V8 Only)
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