How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Over¯ow Reservoir
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle's coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch ®re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
žcoolant.If you have not found a problem yet, check the coolant
level on the coolant over¯ow reservoir dipstick. If
the coolant level is not at or above the bottom arrow on
the dipstick, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
žcoolant at the coolant over¯ow
reservoir. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for
more information.
Notice:In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
{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.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
To add coolant to the over¯ow reservoir, do the
following:
1. Remove the coolant over¯ow reservoir cap when
the cooling system is no longer hot.
2. Fill the coolant over¯ow reservoir with the proper
mixture, until it reaches the bottom arrow on the
dipstick.
3. Replace the dipstick, then press down on the
coolant reservoir cap while turning it clockwise until
it stops, to lock it into position.
{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 radiator
pressure cap Ð even a little Ð they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
See your dealer, if necessary.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
2. Remove the ®ve screws in the radiator cover.
3. Unclip and remove the radiator cover.
A hole is provided in the air intake duct so that the
bulbs can be accessed for replacement.
After following the procedure to replace the bulbs, clip
the radiator cover to the radiator fan shroud and reinstall
the ®ve screws.
Passenger's Side
To replace the passenger's side headlamp bulbs, ®rst
do the following:
1. Open the hood. See
Hood Release on page 5-11for more information.
2. Disconnectthe battery clamp.
3. Remove the battery retaining plate and slide the
battery out of the way toward the rear of the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the battery terminals. If your vehicle is
equipped with a larger battery, it must be completely
removed from the vehicle.
After following the procedure to replace the bulbs,
reinstall and reconnect the battery.
1. Access the bulbs by following the previous
instructions for either the driver's side or
passenger's side of the vehicle.
2. Turn the dust caps
counterclockwise and
remove from the rear of
the headlamp
assembly to gain
access to the bulb.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, cha®ng, 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, cha®ng, 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 your
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, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid hinges
and latches. 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.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
(g)Change automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
þIn heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
þIn hilly or mountainous terrain.
þWhen doing frequent trailer towing.
þUses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
þUses such as high performance operation.
(h)Drain, ¯ush, and re®ll cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ®ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(i)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.
(j)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(k)Drain, ¯ush, and re®ll brake hydraulic system (or
every two years, whichever occurs ®rst). This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Brakes on page 5-35
andRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals speci®ed to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
ždealer 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
in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ®ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radios..........................................................3-44
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-57
Care of Your CDs........................................3-57
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-46
Setting the Time..........................................3-45
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-55
Understanding Reception..............................3-57
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-22
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-19
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-34
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-71
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-70
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-49
Reporting Safety Defects
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-13
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-53
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-53Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-17
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-19
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-28
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-28
S
Safety Belt
Pretensioners..............................................1-24
Reminder Light............................................3-24
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-79
Driver Position............................................1-12
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-11
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-11
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides...................1-22
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-19
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-19
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-19
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-6
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster........................1-18
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-5
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual