Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check
with your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the electrical equipment you install.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ¯ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ¯ammable items in
the ashtray.
Ashtray
The front ashtray is located in the center of the
instrument panel under the audio controls. The rear
ashtray is located at the rear of the center console. To
use the ashtray, push the cover inwards and the
ashtray will slide open.
To empty the ashtray, open it and grip it at the
depressions located on each side. Then pull the
ashtray out.
Cigarette Lighter
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
The cigarette lighter is located inside the ashtray and
can be operated whenever the ignition is turned on.
Press the lighter all the way in and release it. It will pop
back out once the element is ready for use.
The cigarette lighter can be used as an accessory
power outlet.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Cruise Enabled
This symbol, the Cruise
Enabled message, and the
CRUISE message come
on for a few seconds
whenever you turn on the
cruise control.
The message then returns to the original trip computer
display with a small CRUISE message on the right.
The CRUISE message will remain until the cruise control
is set or turned off. See
Cruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
Cruise Off
This symbol and the
Cruise Off message come
on for a few seconds
whenever you turn off the
cruise control.
The message then returns to the original trip computer
display. See
Cruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
Engine Temp (Temperature) Hot
If the Engine Temp Hot
message and this symbol
come on while driving,
it indicates that the engine
coolant temperature is
dangerously hot.
You should stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
The Engine Temp Hot message will display until the
MODE button is pressed. The message then returns to
the original trip computer display with a small over
temperature symbol on the left. The symbol will remain
until the condition is repaired. See
Engine Overheating
on page 5-26for more information.
Low Fuel
If the Low Fuel message comes on when driving, it
indicates that the fuel level is low. The Low Fuel
message is displayed until the MODE button is pressed.
The trip computer then displays its calculation of
miles to empty for 10 seconds.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
Speed-Dependent Volume (SDV)
With SDV, the audio system adjusts automatically to
make up for road or wind noise as you drive.
This feature will never completely compensate for
driving noise. There are other factors such as road
surface, wind noise, windows open, and engine speed
that may alter the interior noise for any given road
speed.
You can select compensation rates between 0 (off) and
5 (maximum compensation) in the options menu.
See ªOptions Menu Adjustmentº later in this section to
adjust SDV.
Dynamic Distortion Limiting (DDL)
The radio has a feature that limits the amount of
ampli®er distortion that you can hear. When this feature
is turned on, it continuously monitors the quality of
the signal to the speakers. When the signal distortion
exceeds the preset limits the radio will automatically limit
or reduce the volume until the distortion is minimized.
Under some circumstances, distortion may be heard for
a very short period of time until the system has taken
the necessary steps to limit it.The speakers may go off when the volume level is set
at a high or full volume for a long period of time in order
to protect the ampli®er from overheating. When the
ampli®er cools down, the radio will reset and you will
again hear sound through the speakers.
The main source of distortion in music is the low
frequency bass caused by drums or large instruments.
Music that features very strong bass may trigger the
distortion limiting system and the system will then
reduce the volume to minimize the distortion. Increasing
the bass control or the EQ boost may also result in a
reduced volume level due to the emphasized bass. See
ªSetting the Tone (Bass/Treble)º previously in this
section. The DDL can be turned off so that the radio will
deliver a higher volume level, but distortion will also
be increased.
See ªOptions Menu Adjustmentº later in this section to
adjust DDL.
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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
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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
If the coolant over¯ow reservoir is completely empty,
add coolant to the radiator. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap Ð even a little Ð when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Occasionally check the coolant in the radiator. For
information on how to add coolant to the radiator, see
Cooling System on page 5-29.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
information on location.
Engine Overheating
Immediate action is required if your engine overheats.
This is indicated by the coolant temperature gage
and the Engine Temp Hot message on the trip computer
display. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on
page 3-28andTrip Computer on page 3-33for more
information.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual
The coolant level should be at or above the bottom
arrow on the dipstick. If it is not, you may have a leak at
the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If
you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine ®re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak ®xed before you drive
the vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fan is running. If
the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If
it is not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:If you operate the engine without coolant
or fail to maintain the cooling system properly,
you could damage the engine. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for
maintaining your cooling system. See
Cooling
System on page 5-29for more information.
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 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
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer's booklet
included with your vehicle's Owner Manual.
{CAUTION:
·Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
·Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See
Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-29.
·Underin¯ated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
·
Overin¯ated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by a sudden
impact Ð such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
·Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58for
in¯ation pressure adjustment for high speed
driving.
Notice:If your vehicle has low-pro®le tires, they
are more susceptible to damage from road hazards
or curb impact than standard pro®le tires. Tire
and/or wheel assembly damage can occur when
coming into contact with road hazards like,
potholes, or sharp edged objects, or when sliding
into a curb. Your GM warranty does not cover
this type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
in¯ation pressure and, when possible avoid contact
with curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual