2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX open hood

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.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 346
for more information on location.
Engine Overheating
There is a coolant temperature gage and a
warning light on the instrument panel that indicate
an overheated engine condition. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 180
andEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
on page 179.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can
burn you badly, even if you just open the
hood. Stay away from the engine if you
see or hear steam coming from it. Turn it
off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant
before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles
engine is overheated, the liquids in it can
catch re. You or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 366for
information on driving to a safe place in
an emergency.
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Notice:If your engine catches re because
you keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle
can be badly damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 366for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
If No Steam is Coming From Your
Engine
An overheat warning can indicate a serious
problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too
hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.If an overheat warning occurs without any sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in
NEUTRAL (N) while stopped. If it is safe to do
so, pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) and let the engine idle.
2. Set the heater at the highest setting and the
fan at the highest speed and open the
windows as necessary.
If the overheat warning no longer exists, the
vehicle can be driven. Just to be safe, drive slower
for about 10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, the vehicle can be driven normally.
If the warning continues, and you have not
stopped, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get everyone out
of the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see
“Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get
service help right away.
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Notice:If you leave your radio or other
accessories on during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
Always turn off your radio and other
accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into
the cigarette lighter or the accessory power
outlet. Turn off the radio and all lamps that are
not needed. This will avoid sparks and help
save both batteries. And it could save
the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and
locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that vehicle.
You will not use your vehicle’s battery for jump
starting. It has a remote positive (+) jump
starting terminal, located on the underhood
fuse block, for that purpose.If your vehicle has one
of the 3800 V6 engines,
to uncover the remote
positive (+) terminal,
press the tab at
the bottom of the fuse
block and lift the
cover up.
3800 V6 and 3800 V6
Supercharged Engines
383

To adjust the vertical aim, do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on
page 345for more information.
Find the aim dot on the lens of the
low-beam lamp.
2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of the
low-beam headlamp.
3. Measure the distance from the ground to the
aim dot on the lamp. Record the distance.4. At the wall measure from the ground
upward (A) to the recorded distance
from Step 3 and mark it.
5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B) on the wall
the width of the vehicle at the height of the
mark in Step 4.
6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place a
piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the
headlamp not being aimed. This should
allow only the beam of light from the headlamp
being aimed to be seen on the at surface.
Notice:Do not cover a headlamp to improve
beam cut-off when aiming. Covering a
headlamp may cause excessive heat build-up
which may cause damage to the headlamp.
389

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see
Replacement Bulbs on page 398.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and can burst if you drop or
scratch the bulb. You or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps
To replace a headlamp or sidemarker bulb,
do the following:
A. High-Beam Headlamp
B. Low-Beam Headlamp
C. Sidemarker Lamp
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on
page 345for more information.
391

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage
your vehicle and the damage would not
be covered by your warranty. Some add-on
electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery,
even if your vehicle is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to your
vehicle, seeServicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 78.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp circuit is protected by individual
fuses in the underhood fuse block. An electrical
overload will cause the fuse to blow. If this
happens, have the headlamp system checked
right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats
due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop
until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by
some electrical problem, have it xed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the
power windows and other power accessories.
When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit
until the problem is xed.
459

(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
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. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the
body doors, hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, rear compartment, glove
box door, console door, and any folding seat
hardware. 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.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
the lter may require replacement more often.(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This
service can be complex; you should have
your dealer perform this service. See Engine
Coolant on page 360 for what to use. Inspect
hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or
binding and for damaged or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed. Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive wear. Do not
lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables.
478