2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX coolant temperature

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating or if coolant needs to be added
to the radiator, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®engine coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 25,000 miles (41 500 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-25

Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
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 3-46andEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-46.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-30for information on driving
to a safe place in an emergency.
5-28

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 5-16.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Coolant Recovery Tank
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fan(s)
C. Pressure Cap3800 V6 Supercharged Engine shown, 3800 V6
Engine similar
5-30

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 3-72for 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.
5-41

(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. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25 for
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: Have your dealer
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.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

Child Restraints (cont.)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-48
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Chime Level Adjustment.................................3-142
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-25
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-106
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-105
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-101
Finish Care...............................................5-105
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-99
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-104
Leather....................................................5-103
Tires........................................................5-107
Ultra Lux Suede........................................5-103
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-108
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-105
Weatherstrips............................................5-104
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-106
Climate Control System...................................3-26
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-33
Dual Automatic............................................3-29
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-33Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-26
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-99
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-17
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-46
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-46
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Cooling System..............................................5-30
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-18
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-51
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-41
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....7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-13
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-14
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Entry Lighting.....................................3-19
Delayed Exit Lighting.......................................3-19
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Displacement on Demand™ (DoD™).................2-25
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
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-2
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-52
DIC Controls and Displays....................3-52, 3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-72
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-19
City...........................................................4-22
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20Driving (cont.)
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.....................................5-111
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-112
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-111
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-112
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-111
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-114
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-111
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-45
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-47
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-46
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-46
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-16
Oil Life System...........................................5-19
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-30
4

Engine (cont.)
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-23
Supercharger Oil.........................................5-20
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-11
Warning Light.............................................3-45
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-17
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage.............................................5-107
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-88
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-97
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Power Steering...........................................5-40
Windshield Washer......................................5-41
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-50
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-9
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-7Front Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Front Seat Storage Net....................................2-42
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-51
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-112
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-112
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-114
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-111
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-46
Fuel..........................................................3-51
Speedometer..............................................3-37
Tachometer.................................................3-37
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-40
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
5