2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX radiator cap

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-41.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-45.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-46.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-114.
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-30.
F. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-28.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in engine
compartment). SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 5-40.
H. Supercharger Oil Fill Location (If Equipped). See
Supercharger Oil on page 5-20.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-30.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
L. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling System on
page 5-30.
M. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-23.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-42.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
5-13

Checking Coolant
The coolant recovery tank
cap has this symbol on it.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on the location of the coolant
recovery tank.
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the cold ll line or a little higher. The cold ll line is
marked with the same symbol as the coolant recovery
tank cap.
Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank, but be
careful not to spill it.If the coolant recovery tank is completely empty, add
coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28.
{CAUTION:
Turning the 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 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.
5-27

When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
or above the cold ll line on the coolant recovery
tank. To check the coolant level, look for the cold ll line
on the side of the coolant recovery tank that faces the
engine. If the level is not correct, there may be a leak at
the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If
you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive
the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fan(s) are running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan(s) should be
running. If the fan(s) are not running, the vehicle
needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-30for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
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 30,000 miles (50 000 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.
5-32

If the overheat warning continues, there is one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator, but be sure the system
is cool before you do it.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the pressure cap, is
hot. Wait for the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
(3800 V6 Engines)
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.1. You can remove the pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot. Turn the cap slowly
counterclockwise.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap and remove it.3800 V6 Supercharged Engine shown, 3800 V6
Engine similar
5-34

5. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller
neck. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
If you see a stream of coolant coming from the air
bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise, close
the valve after the radiator is lled.6. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.
7. Replace the 3800 Series III V6 engine cover shield.
7.1. Remove the oil ll tube, with cap attached,
from the valve cover.
7.2. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield
under the bracket on the engine.
7.3. Place the hole in the cover shield over the
hole in the valve cover. Install oil ll tube and
cap by twisting clockwise.
8. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the cold
ll line.
9. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but
leave the pressure cap off. 3800 V6 Supercharged Engine shown, 3800 V6
Engine similar
5-37

10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan(s).11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.
12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
13. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the cold ll
line when the engine is cold.
3800 V6 Supercharged Engine shown, 3800 V6
Engine similar
5-38

How to Add Coolant to the Cooling
System (5.3L V8 Engine)
Notice:Your engine has a specic cooling system
drain and ll procedure. Failure to follow this
procedure could cause your engine to overheat
and be severely damaged. If your engine’s cooling
system needs to be drained and re-lled, please see
your dealer.
You can remove the
pressure cap when the
cooling system, including
the pressure cap and
upper radiator hose is no
longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise.
1. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means that there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap to remove the
pressure cap.
{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.
3. Fill the cooling system with the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller neck.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25for more
information about the proper coolant mixture.
4. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.
5. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the cold
ll line.
6. Install the coolant recovery tank cap and the
pressure cap.
7. If the coolant in the recovery tank is constantly low,
you should have a dealership service department
inspect your vehicle for leaks.
5-39

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
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.
6-7