2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX check engine

If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that
critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection. This can
happen if you have recently replaced the battery or
if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This can take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If there is a problem with
the vehicle’s oil pressure,
this light may stay on
when the engine is started.
It may also come on while the vehicle is being driven.
This indicates that the engine could be low on oil or could
have some other oil problem. Have it xed right away.
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The oil light could also come on in two other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to indicate
it is working. The light will go out when the
engine is started. If it does not come on while the
ignition is in the on position, there may be a problem
with the fuse or bulb. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-121.
If the brakes are applied quickly and the vehicle
makes a hard stop, the light may come on for a
moment. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for changing engine oil.
Fog Lamp Light
The fog lamp light will
come on when the fog
lamps are in use.
The light will go out when the fog lamps are turned off.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-18for more information.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on
whenever you set the
cruise control.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-12for more information.
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ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. To reset
the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18.
Press the options button to advance to the next screen.
COMPASS CALIBRATION MODE:This menu
allows you to adjust for compass variance. SeeDIC
Compass (Uplevel DIC) on page 3-65for more
information.
Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.
PERSONAL PROGRAMMING MODE:This menu
allows you to customize several features on your
vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-89
for more information.
Press the options button again to advance to the
next screen.TIRE PRESSURE:This menu shows the tire pressure
for each tire. The tire pressure will be shown in
either pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the options button until the DIC shows the tire
pressure for the front tires. Press the options button
again to view the pressure for the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to
check the pressure in a specic tire will appear in the
display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Press the options button to advance to the next screen.
DISPLAY OFF will appear on the next screen.
The screen will count down and then go blank.
Press the options button to return to the main (date)
screen.
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ENGINE OIL MONITOR SYSTEM:This menu allows
the engine oil monitor system to be reset. To reset
the engine oil monitor system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-18.
PERSONAL PROGRAMMING MODE:This menu
allows you to customize several features on your
vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-89
for more information.
Press the options button again to advance to the next
screen.
TIRE PRESSURE:This menu shows the tire pressure
for each tire. The tire pressure will be shown in
either pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the options button until the DIC shows the tire
pressure for the front tires. Press the options button
again to view the pressure for the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to
check the pressure in a specic tire will appear in the
display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.DISPLAY OFF will appear on the next screen.
The screen will count down and then go blank.
Press the options button to advance to a new screen.
Press the options button to return to the main (date)
screen.
DIC Compass (Uplevel DIC)
Your vehicle may have a compass in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Compass Zone
The zone is set to zone eight upon leaving the factory.
Your dealer/retailer will set the correct zone for your
location.
Under certain circumstances, such as during a long
distance cross-country trip or moving to a new state
or province, it will be necessary to compensate for
compass variance by resetting the zone through the
DIC if the zone is not set correctly.
Compass variance is the difference between the earth’s
magnetic north and true geographic north. If the compass
is not set to the zone where you live, the compass may
give false readings. The compass must be set to the
variance zone in which the vehicle is traveling.
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The CHANGE OIL SOON message is reset by
acknowledging the message. The ENGINE OIL
MONITOR SYSTEM screen under the options menu
on the DIC must also be reset. See “Engine Oil Monitor
System” in options underDIC Operation and Displays
(Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer) on page 3-55or
DIC Operation and Displays (Base Level DIC) on
page 3-62for more information.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE
This symbol comes on
with this message.
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds for two seconds when this message is
displayed. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display if it has not been
acknowledged when the engine is turned off. It also
re-displays for three seconds if the message has been
acknowledged, but the condition still exists when the
engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
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CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap is not on,
or is not fully tightened. Check the fuel cap to ensure it is
on and properly tightened. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should turn this message off.
SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8for more information.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
A chime sounds for two seconds when this message
is displayed and then the message continues to display.
Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. This
message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT,LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire
needs to be checked. You can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. To read the other messages
that may have been sent at the same time, press the
set/reset button. If a tire pressure message appears on
the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have the tire pressures
checked and set to those shown on the Tire Loading
Information label. SeeTires on page 5-62,Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-22, andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-69. The DIC also shows the tire pressure values.
SeeDIC Operation and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip
Computer) on page 3-55orDIC Operation and Displays
(Base Level DIC) on page 3-62. If the tire pressure is low,
the low tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 3-49.
This message displays while the ignition is in ON/RUN.
Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and to clear it from the screen.
This message continues to display for three seconds
if it has not been acknowledged when the engine
is turned off. It also re-displays for three seconds if the
message has been acknowledged, but the condition
still exists when the engine is turned off.
If the condition still exists, the message re-appears
when the engine is turned on.
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Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed. Always
keep your eyes on the road and your mind
on the drive — avoid engaging in extended
searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
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/retailer. 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 5-3.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This
is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That
means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If you do, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, you will still have some power
brake assist. But you will use it when you brake.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer
to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle might have the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on
the instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start the engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a
momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you might even notice that the brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you.
You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
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