Home » Pontiac Manuals » 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix » Manual Viewer

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 264

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Manual

Get 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix PDF manuals and user guides

View all 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix manuals

Page 264 highlights

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer Here are some important points: • There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. • Consider using a sway control. Ask a hitch dealer/retailer about sway controls. • Do not tow a trailer at all during the ﬁrst 1,000 miles (1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle, or other parts could be damaged. • Then, during the ﬁrst 500 miles (800 km) that the vehicle tows a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. • Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle's parts. Three important considerations have to do with weight: • The weight of the trailer Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature, and how much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any special equipment that is on the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See "Weight of the Trailer Tongue" later in this section for more information. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 7-5 for more information. • The weight of the trailer tongue • The total weight on your vehicle's tires 4-30

Section	Page
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Power Seat	7
Power Lumbar	8
Heated Seats	8
Reclining Seatbacks	9
Head Restraints	11
Passenger Folding Seatback	12
Rear Seats	13
Split Folding Rear Seat	13
Safety Belts	14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Lap-Shoulder Belt	26
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Safety Belt Extender	32
Child Restraints	33
Older Children	33
Infants and Young Children	36
Child Restraint Systems	39
Where to Put the Restraint	42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	53
Airbag System	56
Where Are the Airbags?	59
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	61
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	62
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	62
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	62
Passenger Sensing System	64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	68
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	69
Restraint System Check	70
Checking the Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	71
Features and Controls	73
Keys	74
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	75
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	76
Remote Vehicle Start	79
Doors and Locks	82
Door Locks	82
Power Door Locks	83
Delayed Locking	83
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	84
Rear Door Security Locks	84
Lockout Protection	85
Trunk	86
Windows	88
Power Windows	89
Sun Visors	90
Theft-Deterrent Systems	90
Content Theft-Deterrent	90
PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer	92
PASS-Key® III Electronic Immobilizer Operation	93
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	95
New Vehicle Break-In	95
Ignition Positions	95
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	96
Starting the Engine	97
Engine Coolant Heater	98
Active Fuel Management™	100
Automatic Transmission Operation	100
Parking Brake	105
Shifting Into PARK (P)	106
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	107
Parking Over Things That Burn	108
Engine Exhaust	108
Running the Vehicle While Parked	109
Mirrors	110
Manual Rearview Mirror	110
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	110
Outside Power Mirrors	111
Outside Convex Mirror	111
OnStar® System	112
Storage Areas	115
Glove Box	115
Cupholder(s)	115
Sunglasses Storage Compartment	116
Center Console Storage	116
Convenience Net	116
Sunroof	116
Instrument Panel	117
Instrument Panel Overview	120
Hazard Warning Flashers	122
Other Warning Devices	122
Horn	122
Tilt Wheel	123
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	123
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	124
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	125
Flash-to-Pass	125
Windshield Wiper Lever	126
Cruise Control	128
Exterior Lamps	132
Headlamps on Reminder	133
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	133
Fog Lamps	134
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver	135
Interior Lamps	135
Instrument Panel Brightness	135
Courtesy Lamps	135
Dome Lamp	136
Entry Lighting	136
Delayed Entry Lighting	136
Delayed Exit Lighting	137
Front Reading Lamps	137
Overhead Console Reading Lamps	137
Rear Assist Handle Reading Lamps	137
Electric Power Management	138
Battery Run-Down Protection	138
Head-Up Display (HUD)	139
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	142
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	143
Climate Controls	144
Climate Control System	144
Dual Automatic Climate Control System	148
Outlet Adjustment	152
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	152
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	154
Instrument Panel Cluster	155
Speedometer and Odometer	156
Tachometer	156
Safety Belt Reminders	157
Airbag Readiness Light	158
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	159
Up-Shift Light	161
Brake System Warning Light	161
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	163
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	163
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	164
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	164
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	165
Tire Pressure Light	165
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	166
Oil Pressure Light	168
Fog Lamp Light	169
Cruise Control Light	169
Highbeam On Light	170
Fuel Gage	170
Driver Information Center (DIC)	171
DIC Operation and Displays (Uplevel DIC with Trip Computer)	171
DIC Operation and Displays (Base Level DIC)	178
DIC Compass (Uplevel DIC)	181
DIC Warnings and Messages	183
DIC Vehicle Customization	205
Audio System(s)	210
Setting the Clock	211
Radio(s)	211
Using an MP3	225
XM Radio Messages	230
Theft-Deterrent Feature	231
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	231
Radio Reception	232
Backglass Antenna	233
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	234
Chime Level Adjustment	234
Driving Your Vehicle	235
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	236
Defensive Driving	236
Drunk Driving	236
Control of a Vehicle	237
Braking	237
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	238
Braking in Emergencies	239
Traction Control System (TCS)	240
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	241
StabiliTrak® Plus System	242
Steering	244
Off-Road Recovery	246
Passing	246
Loss of Control	246
Driving at Night	248
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	248
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	249
Highway Hypnosis	250
Hill and Mountain Roads	250
Winter Driving	251
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	255
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	256
Loading Your Vehicle	256
Towing	261
Towing Your Vehicle	261
Recreational Vehicle Towing	261
Towing a Trailer	263
Service and Appearance Care	271
Service	273
Accessories and Modifications	273
California Proposition 65 Warning	273
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	274
Doing Your Own Service Work	274
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	275
Fuel	275
Gasoline Octane	275
Gasoline Specifications	276
California Fuel	276
Additives	276
Fuels in Foreign Countries	277
Filling the Tank	278
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	280
Checking Things Under the Hood	280
Hood Release	281
Engine Compartment Overview	282
Engine Oil	285
Engine Oil Life System	288
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	290
Automatic Transmission Fluid	292
Engine Coolant	294
Pressure Cap	297
Engine Overheating	297
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	299
Cooling System	300
Power Steering Fluid	309
Windshield Washer Fluid	310
Brakes	311
Battery	315
Jump Starting	316
Headlamp Aiming	321
Bulb Replacement	324
Halogen Bulbs	324
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps	324
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps	327
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	328
Back-Up Lamps	329
License Plate Lamp	330
Replacement Bulbs	330
Windshield Replacement	331
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	331
Tires	332
Tire Sidewall Labeling	333
Tire Terminology and Definitions	336
Inflation - Tire Pressure	339
Tire Pressure Monitor System	341
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	342
Tire Inspection and Rotation	345
When It Is Time for New Tires	347
Buying New Tires	348
Different Size Tires and Wheels	350
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	350
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	352
Wheel Replacement	352
Tire Chains	354
If a Tire Goes Flat	355
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (GXP)	356
Changing a Flat Tire	366
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	368
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	370
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	377
Compact Spare Tire	379
Appearance Care	379
Interior Cleaning	379
Fabric/Carpet	381
Leather	382
Ultra Lux Suede	383
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	383
Care of Safety Belts	384
Weatherstrips	384
Washing Your Vehicle	384
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	385
Finish Care	385
Windshield and Wiper Blades	386
Aluminum Wheels	386
Tires	387
Sheet Metal Damage	387
Finish Damage	387
Underbody Maintenance	387
Chemical Paint Spotting	388
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	388
Vehicle Identification	389
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	389
Service Parts Identification Label	390
Electrical System	390
Add-On Electrical Equipment	390
Headlamp Wiring	390
Windshield Wiper Fuses	391
Power Windows and Other Power Options	391
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	391
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	392
Underhood Fuse Block	394
Capacities and Specifications	398
Maintenance Schedule	401
Maintenance Schedule	402
Introduction	402
Maintenance Requirements	402
Your Vehicle and the Environment	402
Using the Maintenance Schedule	403
Scheduled Maintenance	404
Additional Required Services	406
Maintenance Footnotes	407
Owner Checks and Services	408
At Each Fuel Fill	408
At Least Once a Month	409
At Least Once a Year	409
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	412
Maintenance Replacement Parts	413
Engine Drive Belt Routing	414
Maintenance Record	415
Customer Assistance Information	419
Customer Assistance and Information	420
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	420
Online Owner Center	422
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	423
Customer Assistance Offices	423
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	424
Roadside Assistance Program	424
Scheduling Service Appointments	427
Courtesy Transportation	427
Collision Damage Repair	429
Reporting Safety Defects	432
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	432
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	432
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	432
Service Publications Ordering Information	433
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	434
Event Data Recorders	434
OnStar®	435
Navigation System	435
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	435

Match case Limit results 1 per page

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer

Here are some important points:

•

There are many different laws, including speed limit

restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure

your rig will be legal, not only where you live

but also where you will be driving. A good source

for this information can be state or provincial police.

•

Consider using a sway control. Ask a hitch

dealer/retailer about sway controls.

•

Do not tow a trailer at all during the ﬁrst 1,000 miles

(1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,

axle, or other parts could be damaged.

•

Then, during the ﬁrst 500 miles (800 km) that the

vehicle tows a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph

(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.

This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle

wear in at the heavier loads.

•

Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.

Do not drive faster than the maximum posted

speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph

(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

•

The weight of the trailer

•

The weight of the trailer tongue

•

The total weight on your vehicle’s tires

Weight of the Trailer

How heavy can a trailer safely be?

It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg).

But even that can be too heavy.

It depends on how you plan to use your rig.

For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside

temperature, and how much the vehicle is used to

pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend

on any special equipment that is on the vehicle,

and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can

carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in

this section for more information.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming

only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all

the required trailering equipment. The weight of

additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo

in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the

maximum trailer weight.

Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information

or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance

Offices. See

Customer Assistance Offices on page 7-5

for more information.

4-30