2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX coolant temperature

{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-30.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your vehicle is a
pressure-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap line
up with the overow tube on the radiator ller neck.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle, near the diagonal cross brace. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature gage and a warning light
on the instrument panel that indicate an overheated
engine condition. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 3-43andEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-43.
5-27

If an overheat warning occurs without any sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Set the heater at the highest setting and the fan at
the highest speed and open the windows as
necessary.
If the overheat warning no longer exists, the vehicle can
be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not come back on, the
vehicle can be driven normally.
If the warning continues, and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while parked. If the warning is still there,turn
off the engine and get everyone out of the vehicleuntil it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this protection mode alternates ring groups
of cylinders to help prevent engine damage. In
this mode, there will be a signicant loss in power and
engine performance. The engine coolant temperature
gage indicator will move to the shaded area, and
the engine coolant temperature warning light will come
on, showing that an overheated engine condition
exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a
trailer in the overheated engine 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. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-14.
5-29

What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating the vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low, a
LOW WASHER FLUID message along with the washer
symbol, comes on in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-69
for more information.Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-39

(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
(The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-24for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger
oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
rst). See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
6-8

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-45
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-40
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-135
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-25
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-99
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-97
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-94
Finish Care.................................................5-98
Glass Surfaces............................................5-96
Instrument Panel.........................................5-96
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-96
Leather......................................................5-96
Tires..........................................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Vinyl..........................................................5-96
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-97
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-98
Climate Control System...................................3-26
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-33
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-33Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-26
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-93
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-40
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-43
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-43
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-48
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-38
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-13
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-12
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-13
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-15
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-18
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-19
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-49
DIC Controls and Displays....................3-49, 3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-69
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-18
City...........................................................4-22
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-19
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-33
Winter........................................................4-28
Dual Automatic Climate Control System.............3-29
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-103
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-104
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-43
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-29
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-23
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-19
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-10
Warning Light.............................................3-42
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
4

Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage.............................................5-100
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-82
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-91
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-38
Windshield Washer......................................5-39
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-47
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-6
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
Front Seat Storage Net....................................2-40
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6Fuel (cont.)
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-48
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-104
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-105
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-103
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-43
Fuel..........................................................3-48
Speedometer..............................................3-37
Tachometer.................................................3-37
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-38
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
5

L
Labelling, Tire Sidewall....................................5-59
Lamps
Battery Run-Down Protection.........................3-20
Courtesy....................................................3-18
Exterior......................................................3-14
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-17
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Front Reading.............................................3-19
Interior.......................................................3-17
Overhead Console Reading..........................3-19
Rear Assist Handle Reading..........................3-19
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-42
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-41
Brake System Warning.................................3-40
Cruise Control.............................................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-43
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-42Light (cont.)
Fog Lamp..................................................3-47
Highbeam On.............................................3-48
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-44
Oil Pressure...............................................3-47
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-38
TCS Warning Light......................................3-42
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-42
Up-Shift.....................................................3-39
Lighting
Delayed Entry.............................................3-18
Delayed Exit...............................................3-19
Entry.........................................................3-18
Lockout Protection..........................................2-12
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door................................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Lumbar
Power Controls............................................. 1-3
7