
Theft-Deterrent Feature
Your vehicle's radio has an electronically coded security
system. The system recognizes the vehicle which the
radio has been installed. If the radio is kept in the
vehicle, the PIN should not be required, even if the
battery or the radio has been removed and reinstalled.
If the link between your vehicle and the radio is
disrupted, the radio will prompt you for a four-digit PIN
code to be entered.
The PIN is supplied on the security card. As the pin is
the only means of enabling operation of the radio, place
the security card in a safe place. Do not leave the
security card in the glovebox. The PIN should also be
written down and kept with other important documents.
If the security card is lost and the PIN is not recorded,
the PIN can be requested from your GM dealer,
after supplying proof of ownership. There may be a
charge for this service.
When the radio and vehicle are turned off, the blinking
red light indicates that the radio is armed.
Security Release Procedure
To type in the PIN code, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON.
2. Turn the radio on. CODE____will appear on the
display.
3. Use the preset buttons to enter the PIN code.
If the wrong PIN code is entered, the radio will display
CODE ERR WAIT.
After a few seconds, the radio will display
CODE 2____,indicating that this is the second
attempt. The correct code should now be entered.
After three attempts, the radio will display
LOCK OUT 1 HR. After 1 hour, the radio will allow
another three attempts to enter the PIN.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

To turn the system off,
press the T/C button. On
manual transmission
vehicles, the button is
located on the driver's side
of the center console. On
automatic transmission
vehicles, the button is
located on the passenger's
side of the shift lever.
When you turn the system off, a Traction Ctrl Off
message is displayed on the trip computer. After
two seconds, the display goes back to the original trip
computer display with a small TRAC OFF message
on the right.
If the Traction Ctrl Off message does not display when
the button is pressed, or if it comes on during driving,
a problem is indicated in the system and traction
control is no longer operational. You should contact
your dealer for service.
Pressing the T/C button again or the next time the
ignition is turned on, will turn the system back on. The
Traction Ctrl On message is displayed on the trip
computer. After two seconds, the display goes back to
the original trip computer display. See
Trip Computer
on page 3-33for more information.Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle's
performance. See
Accessories and Modi®cations
on page 5-3for more information.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
4-10
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh Ð such as after
a day's work Ð do not plan to make too many miles that
®rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will ®nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
·Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
·Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
·Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
·Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
·Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all in¯ated to the
recommended pressure?
·Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
·Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
·Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
·Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
·If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-21
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle Ð such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as ªdinghy towingº, which is towing
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, and
ªdolly towingº which is towing your vehicle with
two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a ªdollyº.
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be
towed, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº earlier in this section.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow
a trailer.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modi®cations..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-39
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-44
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-46
Headlamps..................................................5-46
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and De®nitions.....................5-56
In¯ation - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-67
Wheel Replacement......................................5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Tire Chains..................................................5-69
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-69
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-71
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-72
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-77
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-78
Appearance Care............................................5-78
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-78
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-80
Leather.......................................................5-80
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-81
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-81
Weatherstrips...............................................5-82
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-82
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-82
Finish Care..................................................5-82Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-83
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-83
Tires...........................................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-84
Finish Damage.............................................5-84
Underbody Maintenance................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-85
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-86
Vehicle Identi®cation......................................5-87
Vehicle Identi®cation Number (VIN).................5-87
Service Parts Identi®cation Label.....................5-87
Electrical System............................................5-87
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-87
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-88
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-88
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-90
Capacities and Speci®cations..........................5-91
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Service
Your dealer knows your vehicle best and wants you to
be happy with it. We hope you will go to your dealer
for all your service needs. You will get genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service people.
We hope you will want to keep your GM vehicle all GM.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modi®cations
When you add non-GM accessories to your vehicle they
can affect your vehicle's performance and safety,
including such things as, airbags, braking, stability, ride
and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like anti-lock brakes,
traction control and stability control. Some of these
accessories may even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by warranty.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on your vehicle. Your GM
dealer can accessorize your vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer and
ask for GM Accessories, you will know that GM-trained
and supported service technicians will perform the
work using genuine GM Accessories.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle), many ¯uids, and
some component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.
5-3
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Doing Your Own Service Work
If you want to do some of your own service work, you
will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service manual,
see
Service Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-14.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, see
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-52.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-15.
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
·Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
·Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual