2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX check oil

Oil Pressure Light
If there is a problem with
the vehicle’s oil pressure,
this light may stay on
when the engine is started,
or it may come on while
the vehicle is being driven.
This indicates that oil is not going through the engine
quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine
could be low on oil or could have some other oil
problem. Have it xed right away.
The oil light could also come on in two other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to indicate
it is working. The light will go out when the
ignition is turned to RUN. If it does not come on
while the ignition is in the on position, there may be
a problem with the fuse or bulb. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-103.
If the brakes are applied quickly and the vehicle
makes a hard stop, the light may come on for a
moment. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for changing engine oil.
Fog Lamp Light
This light will come
on when the fog lamps
are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-16for more information.
3-47

Display Units:This menu allows selection of
measurements to be displayed in English or metric
units. The messages on the HUD, if equipped, and the
instrument panel cluster will also appear with the
type of measurement selected.
To set the measurement when Display Units is shown,
use the following procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button to select ENGLISH or
METRIC.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
DAYTIME DISPLAY ENHANCEMENTS:This menu
allows selection of the color of the display message.
When ON is selected for the daytime enhancement,
the messages will appear black on a red screen. This
combination makes it easier to see the DIC messages
during the daytime. When OFF is selected, or when
the headlamps are on, the messages will appear red
on a black background.
To set the daytime display enhancements, use the
following procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button to select OFF or ON.
2. Press the options button again to advance to
the next screen.ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
To reset the engine oil monitor system, use the following
procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button after an oil change to
reset the engine oil monitor system. The
conrmation, ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM
HAS BEEN RESET, will appear on the screen and
a chime will sound.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
Tire Ination Monitor System:If the vehicle has ABS,
this menu sets the tire ination monitor system. See “Tire
Ination Monitor System” underInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-64for more information.
To set or reset the tire ination monitor system, use the
following procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button to reset the tire ination
monitor system. The message, TIRE INFLATION
HAS BEEN SET, will appear on the screen if
the Check Tire Pressure message, indicating
an irregularity in the pressure of one of the
tires, had previously appeared on the DIC.
3-52

DAYTIME DISPLAY ENHANCEMENTS:This menu
allows selection of the color of the display message.
When ON is selected for the daytime enhancement,
the messages will appear black on a red screen. This
combination makes it easier to see the DIC messages
during the daytime. When OFF is selected, or when
the headlamps are on, the messages will appear red
on a black background.
To set the daytime display enhancements function,
use the following procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button to select OFF or ON.
2. Press the options button to advance to the
next screen.
ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
To reset the engine oil monitor system, use the following
procedure:
1. Press the set/reset button after an oil change to
reset the engine oil monitor system. The
conrmation, ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM
HAS BEEN RESET, will appear on the screen and
a chime will sound.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.Tire Ination Monitor System:If the vehicle has ABS,
this menu allows the tire ination monitor system to
be reset. See “Tire Ination Monitor System” under
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-64for more
information.
To set or reset the tire ination monitor system, use the
following procedures:
1. Press the set/reset button to reset the tire ination
monitor system. TIRE INFLATION HAS BEEN SET
will appear on the screen If the “Check Tire
Pressure” message, indicating an irregularity in the
pressure of one of the tires, had previously
appeared on the DIC. If the “Check Tire Pressure”
message did not appear, and the set/reset
button is pressed, the system will reset, but no
acknowledgement message will appear on
the screen.
2. Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
Select the set/reset button to return to the main
(date) screen.
COMPASS CALIBRATION MODE:This menu allows
you to adjust for compass variance.
3-62

This warning message indicates that service is required
for the vehicle. See your GM dealer. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-14andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The ENGINE OIL
MONITOR SYSTEM screen under the options menu on
the DIC must also be reset. See “Engine Oil Monitor
System” in options underDIC Controls and Displays
(Base Level DIC) on page 3-49orDIC Controls
and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on
page 3-57for more information.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this message
and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine is
turned off. It will also re-display for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
This symbol comes on with
the CHARGING SYSTEM
FAILURE warning
message.
This warning message indicates that there is a problem
with the generator and battery charging systems.
Have the electrical system checked by your GM dealer
as soon as possible.
This message will display while the ignition is in RUN.
A chime will sound for two seconds when this message
is displayed. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge
this message and to clear it from the screen.
This message will continue to display if it has not been
acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It will
also re-display for three seconds if the message has
been acknowledged, but the condition still exists
when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message will re-appear
when the engine is turned on.
3-71

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
4-24

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle will need service more often when it pulls
a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transaxle
uid, which should not be overlled, engine oil,
drive belts, cooling, and brake systems. Each of these
is covered in this manual, and the Index will help
locate them quickly. If trailering, it is a good idea to
review this information before starting on a trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27.
4-47

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-14
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Supercharger Oil..........................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-38
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-39
Brakes........................................................5-40
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps.................5-51
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps......5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-54
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-55
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-56
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-57
Tires..............................................................5-58
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-59
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-61
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-65
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Filling Your Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel re can
cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to
you and others, read and follow all the
instructions on the pump island. Turn off your
engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke
if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle.
Keep sparks, ames and smoking materials
away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended when refueling your vehicle — this
is against the law in some places. Keep
children away from the fuel pump; never let
children pump fuel.
5-7