2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX ECU

Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer uid, a rag, some
winter outer clothing, a small shovel, a ashlight,
a red cloth, and a couple of reective warning
triangles. And, if you will be driving under severe
conditions, include a small bag of sand, a piece of
old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags to help
provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these
items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where the tires
meet the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, you can have a very slippery
situation. You will have a lot less traction, or grip,
and will need to be very careful.
What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive on.
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If the vehicle is going to carry a heavy load,
spread it out. See “Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else are put inside the vehicle, they will
go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will
keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle.
In a trunk, put them as far forward as
you can. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
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Ask your dealer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Oces. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on
page 496for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total or
gross weight of the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle
Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo in it, and the people who will be
riding in the vehicle. If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle, it
will reduce the tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which will also reduce the trailer weight the vehicle
can tow. And if towing a trailer, the tongue load
must be added to the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 317for more information about
your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.When using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
After the trailer is loaded, weigh the trailer and then
the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. The correct weight could be achieved
simply by moving some items around in the trailer.
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Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to
read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do not try
to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you
do, both brake systems won’t work well, or
at all.
Even if your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock
brakes, don’t tap into your vehicle’s brake
system if the trailer’s brake system will
use more than 0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of uid
from your vehicle’s master cylinder. If it
does, both braking systems won’t work well.
You could even lose your brakes.
Will the trailer brake parts take 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure? If not, the
trailer brake system must not be used with
your vehicle.
If everything checks out this far, then make
the brake uid tap at the upper rear master
cylinder port. But don’t use copper tubing
for this. If you do, it will bend and break off.
Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
get to know the rig. Acquaint yourself with the
feel of handling and braking with the added weight
of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the
vehicle is now a good deal longer and not nearly
as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check the trailer hitch and platform
(and attachments), safety chains, electrical
connector, lamps, tires, and mirror adjustment. If
the trailer has electric brakes, start the vehicle and
trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check the electrical
connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can prevent situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
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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.
364

A. High-Beam Headlamp
B. Low-Beam Headlamp
C. Sidemarker Lamp5. Turn the bulb socket ring one-quarter of a turn
counterclockwise to remove it from the
headlamp assembly.
6. Pull the old bulb from the socket.
7. Place the new bulb into the socket.
8. Turn the bulb socket ring one-quarter turn
clockwise to reinstall it back into the
headlamp assembly.
9. Carefully reinstall the headlamp assembly.
10. Push down on the metal retaining clip
while pushing rearward on the headlamp,
making sure the headlamp assembly is
secure.
11. Reinstall the bolt and tighten to secure.
393

3. Turn the bulb socket one-quarter of a turn
counterclockwise to remove it from its
assembly.
4. Pull the old bulb from the socket and replace
it with a new one.
5. Turn the bulb socket a quarter turn clockwise
to reinstall it.
6. Reinstall the headlamp assembly.
7. Push down on the metal retaining clip while
pushing rearward on the headlamp, making
sure the headlamp assembly is secure.
8. Reinstall the bolt and tighten to secure.Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps
A. Taillamp
B. Taillamps, Turn
Signal and Stoplamps
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 96for
more information.
2. Remove the convenience net, if equipped, by
removing the net hook attachments.
3. Remove the plastic cap from the trunk trim.
4. Pull the trunk trim and carpet away from
the back of the trunk.
5. Remove the bottom bolt and two nuts.
395

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P225/55R17, P255/45R18
or P225/50R18 size tires, do not use tire
chains, there is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be
injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends
it for use on your vehicle and tire size
combination and road conditions. Follow
that manufacturer’s instructions.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and
do not spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle does not have
P225/55R17, P255/45R18 or P225/50R18 size
tires, use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class S-type
chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting your vehicle,
stop and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning the wheels with chains on
will damage your vehicle.
421