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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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
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
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOLžcoolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If this coolant mixture is used, nothing
else needs to be added.
{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.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.If coolant needs to be added more than four times a
year, have your dealer check the cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or additives
in your vehicle's cooling system, you could
damage your vehicle. Use only the proper mixture
of the engine coolant listed in this manual for
the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
Checking Coolant
The coolant over¯ow reservoir is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Radiator Pressure Cap (Out of View)
B. Electric Engine Cooling Fan
C. Engine Coolant Over¯ow Reservoir{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If you can hear the coolant inside the coolant over¯ow
reservoir bubbling or boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. The vehicle should be parked
on a level surface.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
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
What to Add
When you do need brake ¯uid, use only DOT-4 brake
¯uid. Use new brake ¯uid from a sealed container
only. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
Always clean the brake ¯uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of ¯uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake ¯uid.
Notice:
·Using the wrong ¯uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of ¯uid.
·If you spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint ®nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake ¯uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. See
Washing
Your Vehicle on page 5-80.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are ®rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque speci®cations.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold In¯ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identi®cation Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum In¯ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be in¯ated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible in¯ation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
10. Install the compact spare tire.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If
you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall off, causing a serious accident.
11. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of
the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by
hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
12. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
{CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose
and even come off. This could lead to an
accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel
nuts. If you have to replace them, be sure to
get new GM original equipment wheel nuts.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have
the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the
proper torque speci®cation. See
Capacities
and Speci®cations on page 5-90
for wheel nut
torque speci®cation.
Notice:Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to
brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque
speci®cation. See
Capacities and Speci®cations on
page 5-90for the wheel nut torque speci®cation.
13. Tighten the wheel nuts
®rmly in a crisscross
sequence, as shown.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual