2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX power steering

While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment
to your vehicle, such as an audio system,
CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone,
or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer. Also,
check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be
added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has
been added.Notice:The chime signals related to safety
belts, parking brake, and other functions
of your vehicle operate through the
radio/entertainment system. If that equipment
is replaced or additional equipment is added
to your vehicle, the chimes may not work. Make
sure that replacement or additional equipment
is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 336.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition
is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 106for more information.
Setting the Time
The radio may have a button marked with an H or
HR to represent hours and an M or MIN to
represent minutes.
234

This symbol will appear
on the DIC.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®
Plus, this symbol along with the SERVICE
STABILITY SYSTEM warning message will
come on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 200.
When this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.
To turn the StabiliTrak
®system off (GXP only),
press and hold the traction control button for more
than ve seconds. A message will appear on the
DIC indicating that StabiliTrak
®has been turned off.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when StabiliTrak
®
Plus activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow safe use of
it, the cruise control can be used again. SeeCruise
Control on page 140for 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.
Variable Effort Steering
If your vehicle has this steering system, the system
provides less steering effort for parking and when
driving at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h). Steering
effort will increase at higher speeds for improved
road feel.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” 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.
296

Service........................................................ 336
Accessories and Modications................... 336
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 337
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 337
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 338
Fuel............................................................. 338
Gasoline Octane........................................ 338
Gasoline Specications.............................. 339
California Fuel........................................... 340
Additives................................................... 340
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 341
Filling the Tank......................................... 342
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 344
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 344
Hood Release........................................... 345
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 346
Engine Oil................................................. 350
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 353
Supercharger Oil....................................... 355
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 355
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 357Engine Coolant.......................................... 360
Pressure Cap............................................ 364
Engine Overheating................................... 364
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 366
Cooling System......................................... 366
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 376
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 377
Brakes...................................................... 378
Battery...................................................... 381
Jump Starting............................................ 382
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 388
Bulb Replacement....................................... 391
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 391
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps........... 391
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Fog Lamps............................................ 394
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps...... 395
Back-Up Lamps......................................... 397
License Plate Lamp................................... 398
Replacement Bulbs................................... 398
Windshield Replacement............................ 399
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
333

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 377.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 381.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 382.
D. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 462.
E. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling
System on page 366.
F. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 364.
G. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (low in
engine compartment). SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 376.
H. Supercharger Oil Fill Location (If Equipped).
SeeSupercharger Oil on page 355.I. Electric Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 366.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 350.
K. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 350.
L. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve. See “How to Add
Coolant to the Radiator” underCooling
System on page 366.
M. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 357.
N. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 378.
O. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 355.
347

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 377.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 381.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 462.
D. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 382.
E. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 364.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 376.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 350.H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 350.
I. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 357.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 378.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 355.
L. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling
System on page 366.
349

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 346for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power
steering uid unless a leak is suspected in the
system, or an unusual noise is heard. A uid loss
in this system could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir
clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the
uid level on the dipstick
The uid level should be between the ADD and
HOT marks when the engine is cold.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be at the HOT mark.
If the uid is at the ADD mark when the engine is
cold or hot, power steering uid should be added.
376

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic
transmission/transaxle, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 408.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 317.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 317.
405

Fuse Usage
RAP Retained Accessory Power
SUN ROOF Sunroof
CRUISE SW Cruise Switch
PK LP Parking Lamps
RR DEFOG Rear Window Defogger
DR LK/TRUNK Door Lock/Trunk
ONSTAR/ALDL Onstar
®/Diagnostic Link
Fuse Usage
CANISTER Fuel Tank Solenoid Canister
PK LAMPS Parking Lamps
RADIO/AMP Radio Amplier
RFA/MODRemote Function Activator
(Remote Keyless Entry)
DISPLAYSInstrument Panel Displays/Head-Up
Display (HUD), Driver Information
Center (DIC)
INT LIGHT Interior Lamps
HVAC Climate Controls
CHMSL/BKUPCenter High Mounted Stop
Lamp/Back-Up Lamps
PWR WDO Power Windows
SPRING
COIL 2Steering Wheel Control Switches
PWR SEAT Power Seat
TURN/HAZTurn Signals/Hazard
Warning Lamps
PWR MIRS Power Mirrors
HTD SEAT Heated Seat
To reinstall the end panel, position the lower
section with the edge of the instrument panel,
and press the sides of the panel until it snaps
into place.
461