2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX torque

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-34.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully released,
and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
2-35

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

The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that your vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
vehicle’s tires as soon as possible and check the
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires
or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on
page 5-77andWheel Replacement on page 5-82
for more information.
The correct rotation pattern shown here is only for
non-GXP tires.
Do not include a compact spare tire, if your
vehicle has one, in the vehicle’s tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label, and reset the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-71for additional
information.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-128.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When
you change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but
be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-96.
Rotation Pattern for Non-GXP Tires Only
5-76

{CAUTION:
Incorrect or improperly tightened wheel nuts
can cause the wheel to come loose and even
come off. This could lead to a crash. If you
have to replace them, be sure to get new
original equipment wheel nuts. Stop
somewhere as soon as you can and have the
nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the
proper torque specication. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-128for wheel nut
torque specication.
Notice:Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specication. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-128for the wheel nut
torque specication.12. Tighten the wheel nuts
rmly in a crisscross
sequence as shown.
Notice:Wheel covers will not t on your vehicle’s
compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover
on the compact spare, the cover or the spare could
be damaged.
5-106

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Fuel Tank
3.8L Engine (with NU6 emissions) sold new in CA, ME,
VT, NY, MA (see your dealer/retailer for bordering states)17.0 gal 64.4 L
3.8L Engine (without NU6 emissions) sold new in all other
states (see your dealer/retailer for more information)17.5 gal 66.2 L
5.3L V8 Engine sold new in all states 17.5 gal 66.2 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 ft lb 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding uid, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.8 V6 Engine 2 Automatic .060 inches (1.52 mm)
5.3 V8 Engine with Active Fuel
Management™C Automatic .040 inches (1.01 mm)
5-129