2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX service indicator

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-29
Airbag System
.........................................1-52
Restraint System Check
............................1-66
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-23
Mirrors
....................................................2-38
OnStar
®System
......................................2-40
Storage Areas
.........................................2-43
Sunroof
..................................................2-44
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-38
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-55
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-94Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-27
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-51
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-54
Windshield Replacement
...........................5-61
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-61
Tires
......................................................5-62
Appearance Care
...................................5-109
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-119
Electrical System
....................................5-120
Capacities and Specications
...................5-128
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner ManualM

The passenger sensing system may suppress the
airbag deployment when liquid soaks into the seat.
If this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag
status indicator and the airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel will be lit. The system should resume
normal operation after the seat is allowed to dry. If
the system operates incorrectly after the seat has dried,
have your dealer/retailer check the system.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an airbag when
it inates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
1-64

If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to
left and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none
of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position allows things
like the radio and windshield wipers to operate while
the engine is off.
R(ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns
to after the vehicle is started. With the engine off,
the ON/RUN position displays some of the warning
and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. Let go
of the key when the engine starts. The key will return
to the ON/RUN for normal driving.
A continuous warning chime will sound and a KEY IN
IGNITION message will display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) if the key is turned to LOCK/OFF or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the driver’s door is opened.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it
is an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you
leave the key in the ignition and park your vehicle,
a chime will sound, when you open the driver’s door.
Always remember to remove your key from the ignition
and take it with you. This will lock your ignition and
transmission. Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not
be able to start your vehicle after it has been parked
for an extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these features will continue to operate for
up to 10 minutes after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF
until a door is opened.
2-24

{CAUTION:
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing
child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no
one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off. We recommend that
rear-facing child restraints be secured in the
rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal
airbag. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-60
for more on this, including important safety information.If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-42for more on this, including
important safety information.
3-44

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine
light comes on to
indicate that there is
an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system
on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
3-50

Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under your
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the
emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be
covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-7

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.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
The overheated engine protection operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition
exists, this protection mode alternates ring groups
of cylinders to help prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there will be a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The engine coolant temperature gage
indicator will move to the shaded area, and the engine
coolant temperature warning light will come on, showing
that an overheated engine condition exists. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheated engine protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15.
5-29

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the
time your vehicle is moving, except when you are pushing
on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-128.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
5-43