2006 PONTIAC GTO check engine light

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the air¯ow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You may also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle's
acceleration may be slightly reduced, and you may notice
a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you may notice
a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine. If
you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Speci®cations
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM speci®cation
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 in
Canada. Some gasolines may contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). General Motors
recommends against the use of gasolines containing
MMT. See
Additives on page 5-6for additional
information.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

The level should never read over the HOT mark, so be
careful not to add too much. It does not take much
¯uid, generally less than 0.6 pints (0.3 L). Do not over®ll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
¯uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission ¯uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under ªHow to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,º earlier in this section.
·When the correct ¯uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Remember to always replace the dipstick and lock
the handle down.
·If ¯uid has to be added often, there may be a
problem or leak and you should see your dealer.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check Manual Transmission
Fluid
A good time to have your manual transmission ¯uid
checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the ¯uid in your manual transmission does not
require changing.
How to Check Manual Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at the dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Check the ¯uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place, and the transmission
is cool enough for you to rest your ®ngers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the reverse light switch.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the switch hole.
3. If the ¯uid level is good, install the switch and be
sure it is fully seated. If the ¯uid level is low, add
more ¯uid as described in the next steps.
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How to Check and Add Fluid
To check the ¯uid level, look at the markings on the
reservoir. If the ¯uid level is between the MIN and the
MAX line, the ¯uid level is correct. If the ¯uid level
is between these marks do not remove the cap, as the
¯uid will quickly absorb moisture. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on reservoir location.
If ¯uid does need to be added, ®rst turn the vehicle off.
Remove the cap and add the proper ¯uid. Remember
to replace the cap and clean up any spilled ¯uid.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is ®lled with
DEX-COOLžengine 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
žextended 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, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-26.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
žcoolant will:
·Give freezing protection down to-34ÉF (-37ÉC).
·Give boiling protection up to 265ÉF (129ÉC).
·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-COOLžmay
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the ®rst maintenance
service after each 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
ž(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is ®lled with
DOT-4 brake ¯uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake ¯uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The ®rst is that the
brake ¯uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the ¯uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that ¯uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system ®xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake ¯uid.
Adding brake ¯uid will not correct a leak. If you add ¯uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much ¯uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake ¯uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake ¯uid, it can spill on
the engine. The ¯uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
¯uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº
in this section.
When your brake ¯uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake ¯uid without taking off the cap.
Look at the brake ¯uid reservoir. The ¯uid level should
be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. If
it is not, have your brake system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
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Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by fuses, circuit breakers and thermal links
in the wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of
®res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the metallic band inside the fuse. If the band is
broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the correct size.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a
spare fuse, you can borrow one. Just pick some feature
of your vehicle that you can get along without Ð like the
radio or cigarette lighter Ð and use its fuse, if it is the size
you need. Replace it as soon as you can.
Before replacing a fuse, turn every vehicle electrical
switch off.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the instrument
panel fuse block and the engine compartment fuse
block.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
This fuse block is located under the driver's side of the
instrument panel. The fuses here protect each
separate circuit including headlamps. There are spare
fuses inside the fuse box. If you have electrical
failure, check here ®rst.
Fuses Usage
FLASHER
UNITHazard Warning Flashers
POWER
WINDOWSPower Window Switches
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B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-58
Battery..........................................................5-37
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Parking......................................................2-24
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-45
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-43
Headlamps.................................................5-45
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-63
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-90
Carbon Monoxide.....................2-9, 2-27, 4-24, 4-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-79
Your CD Player...........................................3-57
Your CDs ...................................................3-57
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-30
Chains, Tire...................................................5-67
Charging System Light....................................3-26
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-28
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-83
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-31
Infants and Young Children...........................1-28
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-37
Older Children.............................................1-25
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-41
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D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-32
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-16
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-12
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-28
Winter........................................................4-24
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-85
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-88
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-86
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-86
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-37
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-28
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-28
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-26
Starting......................................................2-18
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-21
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-29
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-29
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-14
O
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-16
Older Children, Restraints................................1-25
One-to-Four Shift Light....................................3-26
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outlet(s), Accessory Power...............................3-17Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-29
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-82
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-24
Shifting Out of............................................2-26
Parking
Brake........................................................2-24
Over Things That Burn.................................2-27
Passing.........................................................4-13
Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-17
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-17
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-13
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-24
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual