2005 PONTIAC GTO clutch

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature that enables the radio, power
windows, windshield wipers, and accessory power outlet
to continue to work after the ignition key has been
turned to LOCK and removed from the ignition.
The radio, wipers and accessory power outlet will turn
off when the ignition key is turned to LOCK and
removed. By turning the radio back on, you will be able
to operate it, the windshield wipers, and the accessory
power outlet for up to one hour or until:
•The radio is turned off
•Either door is opened
The windows will also operate for 15 minutes or until
either door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and
start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a
safety feature.
2-17

Manual Transmission Operation
This is the shift pattern for
the six-speed manual
transmission.
Here is how to operate your transmission:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 40 mph (64 km/h). If you come to a complete stop
and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6):Shift
into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6)
the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on
the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift
to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Apply pressure to
get the lever past FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) into
REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
2-21

Pausing Cruise Control
To pause cruise control, press the brake pedal on either
an automatic or manual transmission, or the clutch
pedal on a manual transmission, or press the
ON-OFF/CANCEL switch once.
This deactivates the cruise control but retains the speed
in its memory. The CRUISE ACTIVE message and
cruise control symbol on the trip computer will turn off.
To regain the memory speed, momentarily turn the
lever up to the RES-ACCEL position, provided you are
travelling over 25 mph (40 km/h). Holding the lever
in the RES-ACCEL position for longer than one second
causes the vehicle to accelerate.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers find this to be too much trouble and do not
use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
Pressing the ON-OFF/CANCEL switch once pauses the
cruise control but keeps the system ready and the
speed in memory.
Press the ON-OFF/CANCEL switch twice to turn off
cruise control completely. The cruise control symbol and
message will turn off.
A third press turns the system back on to ready, without
any speed memory.
Turning off the ignition completely turns off cruise
control and wipes the speed memory clear.
Cruise control will be canceled if the Traction Control
System (TCS) becomes active. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8.
Erasing Speed Memory
Pressing the ON-OFF/CANCEL switch twice to turn off
the cruise control or turning off the ignition will erase
the cruise control set speed memory.
3-12

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 Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-29Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-35
Brakes........................................................5-36
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-45
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Headlamps..................................................5-47
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................5-56
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-64
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-66
Wheel Replacement......................................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-88.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-35.
C. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-39.
D. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-34.
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-36.
J. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-22.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
L. Engine Coolant Overflow Reservoir. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-23.Engine Oil
If the Check Oil message appears on the trip computer
display, it means you need to check your engine oil
level right away. For more information, seeTrip
Computer on page 3-33. You should check your engine
oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

How to Add Fluid
Here is how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
1. Remove the reverse light switch.
2. Add fluid at the switch hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of
the switch hole.
3. Install the reverse light switch. Be sure the switch is
fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
The clutch fluid level should be checked weekly. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a problem. If the
clutch fluid requires constant filling it could indicate a
leak. Have the system inspected and repaired by
your dealer. Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine the
proper fluid. SeeOwner
Checks and Services
on page 6-8and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
5-22

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard may be identified as
synthetic, and should also be
identified with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. You should look
for and use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM4718M. GM
Goodwrench
®oil meets all the
requirements for your vehicle. For
the proper viscosity, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-13.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and use only
DEX-COOL
®Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemHydraulic Brake Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake fluid.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specification”
on the label.
6-12

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-41
Top Strap...................................................1-35
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-36
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-34
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-18
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-81
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-80
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-77
Finish Care.................................................5-80
Glass Surfaces............................................5-79
Instrument Panel.........................................5-79
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-79
Leather......................................................5-79
Tires..........................................................5-82
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-83
Vinyl..........................................................5-78
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-80
Weatherstrips..............................................5-80
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-81
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-22Compact Spare Tire........................................5-76
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-28
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-15
Cruise Control Lever.......................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-29
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 Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-32
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
3