2006 PONTIAC GTO automatic transmission fluid

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

A. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-88.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See ªAdding
Washer Fluidº under
Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
C. Battery. See
Battery on page 5-37.
D. Radiator Pressure Cap (Out of View). See
Radiator
Pressure Cap on page 5-26.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See ªChecking Engine Oilº
under
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See ªWhen to Add Engine Oilº
under
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (If Equipped). See
ªChecking the Fluid Levelº under
Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See
Power Steering
Fluid on page 5-33.
I. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See ªBrake Fluidº under
Brakes on page 5-35.
J. Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch on page 5-22.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.
L. Engine Coolant Over¯ow Reservoir. See
Engine
Coolant on page 5-23.
Engine Oil
If the Service Engine Oil message appears on the trip
computer display, it means you need to check your
engine oil level right away. For more information, see
Trip Computer on page 3-33. You should check
your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/®lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ¯ames if the engine back®res. If it is not
there and the engine back®res, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air
cleaner/®lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/®lter is off, a back®re can
cause a damaging engine ®re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/®lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the ¯uid and ®lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission ¯uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little 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 on the dipstick.
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.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving in the
following conditions:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic Ð especially in hot weather.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to
200ÉF (82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-19
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50ÉF
(10ÉC). If it is colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), drive the vehicle
in DRIVE (D) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold ¯uid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for ®ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50ÉF (10ÉC) or more. If it is colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the ¯uid
level be low during this cold check, you must check the
¯uid hot before adding ¯uid. Checking the ¯uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the ¯uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in PARK (P).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The automatic transmission dipstick is located at the
rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger's side
of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
1. Unclip the handle and remove the dipstick; wipe it
clean with a clean rag or paper towel and re-insert
it fully. Remove it again and read the ¯uid level.
2. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area for
a cold check or in the cross-hatched HOT area
for a hot check.
3. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Remember to always replace the dipstick and lock
the handle down.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Add ¯uid only after checking the transmission ¯uid while
it is hot. A cold check is used only as a reference. If
the ¯uid level is low, add only enough of the proper ¯uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
5-20
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.
5-21
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Capacities and Speci®cations
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 1.81 lbs 0.8 kg
Automatic Transmission (Drain and Re®ll) 5.3 qt 5.0 L
Brake Fluid 0.65 qt 0.62 L
Cooling System 12.7 qt 12.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter (Drain and Re®ll) 6.5 qt 6.2 L
Fuel Tank 18.5 gal 70.0 L
Manual Transmission 4.6 qt 4.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ®ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck ¯uid level after ®lling
Engine Speci®cations
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap Firing Order
6.0L V8 (LS2) UAutomatic
Manual0.040 inch
(1.016 mm)1±8±7±2±6±5±4±3
5-90
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.
6-8
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identi®ed below by name, part
number, or speci®cation may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard may be identi®ed as
synthetic, and should also be
identi®ed with the American
Petroleum Institute Certi®ed for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. You should look
for and use only an oil that meets
GM Standard GM4718M. GM
Goodwrench
žoil meets all the
requirements for your vehicle. For
the proper viscosity, see
Engine Oil
on page 5-13.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
ž
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemHydraulic Brake Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake ¯uid.
Windshield
WasherGM Optikleen
žWasher Solvent.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemHydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only
GM Part No. U.S. 88958860, in
Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4
brake ¯uid.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
ž-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
ªApproved for the H-Speci®cationº
on the label.
6-12
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual