Pontiac Grand Am (2002 year). Manual - part 8

2-54

Instrument Panel Cluster

Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you have, and many other things you’ll need to drive safely and economically.

Your vehicle is equipped with this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that
are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.

Automatic Transaxle Cluster shown Manual Transaxle Cluster and Canada Cluster similar

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Speedometer and Odometer

Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both 
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).

Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States) or
kilometers (used in Canada).

Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The
digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone tries to
turn it back.

You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to the
mileage total of the old odometer, then it must be. But if
it can’t, then it’s set at zero and a label must be put on
the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading when
the new odometer was installed.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer can tell you how far you have driven
since you last reset it.

The reset button is located next to the trip odometer. To
reset the trip odometer to zero, press and hold the reset
button for one to two seconds while the trip odometer is
displayed. Also by pressing this button, for less than one
second you can toggle between the odometer and the
trip odometer.

Tachometer

The tachometer shows your engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).

NOTICE:

Do not run your engine at speeds in the red area,
or engine damage may occur.

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Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators

This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.

Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.

Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you 
are familiar with this section, you should not be 
alarmed when this happens.

Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.

When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly 

--

 and even

dangerous. So please get to know your warning 
lights and gages. They’re a big help.

Safety Belt Reminder Light

When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.

The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about 20 seconds, then 
it will flash for about 
55 seconds.

If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.

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Air Bag Readiness Light

There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows AIR BAG. The system checks the
air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical problem. The system
check includes the air bag modules, the wiring and the
crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more
information on the air bag system, see “Air Bag” 
in the Index.

This light will come on
when you start your vehicle,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.

CAUTION:

If the air bag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the air bag system
may not be working properly. The air bags in
your vehicle may not inflate in a crash, or they
could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the air bag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.

The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

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Charging System Indicator Light

The charging system
indicator light will come on
when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check to
show you it is working.

When the engine is running, the light should go out.

If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and you
hear a chime, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while 
this light is on could drain your battery.

If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

Up-Shift Light (Manual Transaxle) 
(If Equipped)

This light comes on when
you need to shift to the next
higher gear. See “Manual
Transaxle” in the Index.

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Brake System Warning Light

Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.

United States

Canada

This light should come on briefly when you turn 
the ignition key to ON. If it doesn’t come on then, 
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s 
a problem.

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. See “Towing Your Vehicle” in
the Index.

CAUTION:

Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.

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Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light

With the anti

-

lock brake

system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay on 
for three seconds. 
That’s normal.

If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or
comes on again while you’re driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light isn’t
on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have anti

-

lock

brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, you don’t have anti

-

lock brakes and there’s a

problem with your regular brakes. See “Brake System
Warning Light” earlier in this section.

The anti

-

lock brake system warning light should come

on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

Enhanced Traction System Warning Light

With the Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this warning
light should come on briefly
as you start the engine.

If the warning light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

If the warning light stays on, or comes on when you’re
driving, there may be a problem with your Enhanced
Traction System and your vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come
on for the following reasons:
D If you turn the system off by pressing the ETS button

located on the instrument panel above the audio
system, the warning light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the button again.
The warning light should go off. See “Enhanced
Traction System” in the Index for more information.

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D If the traction control system is affected by an

engine

-

related problem, the system will turn off and

the warning light will come on.

D If the vehicle is driven on an extremely rough 

road, the warning light may come on momentarily
but will go off again when the vehicle leaves the
rough surface.

If the Enhanced Traction System warning light comes
on and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on and the parking brake is fully
released, your vehicle needs service.

Enhanced Traction System Active Light

When your Enhanced
Traction System is 
limiting wheel spin, 
this light will come on.

Slippery road conditions may exist if the Enhanced
Traction System active light comes on, so adjust your
driving accordingly.

The light will stay on for a few seconds after the
Enhanced Traction System stops limiting wheel spin.

The Enhanced Traction System active light also comes
on briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be
there to tell you when the system is active.

2-62

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage

United States

Canada

This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes on
and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot! It means
that your engine coolant has overheated.

The “Problems on the Road” section of this manual
shows what to do. See “Engine Overheating” in 
the Index.

Low Coolant Warning Light

This light comes on 
briefly when you turn 
your ignition on.

If this light comes on and stays on and you hear a 
chime, the coolant level in your vehicle is low. See
“Engine Coolant” in the Index. If the light is on 
along with an overheat warning, you may have a serious
overheating problem. See “Engine Coolant Temperature
Gage” in the Index.

NOTICE:

Damage to your engine from neglected coolant
problems can be costly and is not covered by 
your warranty.

See “Engine Overheating” in the Index for information
on what to do. Your vehicle should be serviced as soon
as possible.

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Malfunction Indicator Lamp 
(Service Engine Soon Light)

Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.

This system is called OBD II (On

-

Board

Diagnostics

-

Second Generation) and is intended 

to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for 
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service
is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
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, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.

NOTICE:

Modifications made to the engine, transaxle,
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 may cause the SERVICE ENGINE SOON
light to come on. Modifications to these systems
could lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

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This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not
running. If the light doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
D Light Flashing 

--

 A misfire condition has been

detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

D Light On Steady 

--

 An emission control 

system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.

If the Light Is Flashing

The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
D Reducing vehicle speed.
D Avoiding hard accelerations.
D Avoiding steep uphill grades.
D If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of

cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.

If the light stops flashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.

If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart the
engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the Light
Is On Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.

If the Light Is On Steady

You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:

Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?

If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. See “Filling Your Tank” in the Index. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been
left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A
few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.

Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?

If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.

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Have you recently changed brands of fuel?

If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
“Fuel” in the Index. Poor fuel quality will cause your
engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You may
notice this as stalling after start

-

up, stalling when you

put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.

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,
have your dealer or qualified service center check the
vehicle. Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Some state/provincial and local governments have 
or may 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 in order to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
SERVICE ENGINE SOON 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 your battery or if your battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate
critical emission control systems during normal driving.
This may 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, see your
dealer or qualified service center to prepare the vehicle 
for inspection.

2-66

Oil Pressure Light

If you have a low engine oil
pressure problem, this light
will stay on after you start
your engine, or come on
and you will hear a chime
when you are driving.

This indicates that your engine is not receiving enough
oil. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it fixed immediately.

When the ignition is on but the engine is not running,
the light will come on as a test to show you it is
working, but the light will go out when the engine is
running. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you
may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed
right away.

CAUTION:

Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have 
your vehicle serviced.

NOTICE:

Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by 
your warranty.

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Low Oil Light (If Equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped
with a 3400 V6 engine, then
you will have a LOW OIL
light on your instrument
panel cluster.

This light will come on briefly when you start 
your vehicle.

If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes
on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil
level should be checked.

Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has
been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring it
to the proper level. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.

A false LOW OIL light may be generated when parking
on steep grades.

The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between when the key is on and
the engine is cranking. It does not monitor engine oil
level when the engine is running. Additionally, an oil
level check is only performed if the engine has been
turned off for a considerable period of time allowing the
oil normally in circulation to drain back into the oil pan.

Change Oil Light

The CHANGE OIL light
should come on briefly 
as a bulb check when 
you start the engine. If the
light doesn’t come on, 
have it serviced.

If the CHANGE OIL light comes on and stays on after
you start the engine, have the oil changed.

For additional information, see “Engine Oil, When to
Change” in the Index. To reset the Oil Life Monitor, see
“Engine Oil Life Monitor” in the Index.

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Security Light

This light will come on
when you turn the key to
ON and will stay on until
the vehicle starts.

If you’re driving and the security light comes on and
remains on, your Passlock

R

 system is not working

properly. Your vehicle is not protected by Passlock and
you should see your dealer.

Cruise Light (If Equipped)

The CRUISE light comes
on whenever you set your
cruise control.

Low Washer Light

This light will come on
briefly when you turn on 
the ignition.

It will also stay on, or come on and a chime will sound,
if the windshield washer fluid reservoir is less than
one

-

third full.

Service Vehicle Soon Light

This light will come on
briefly when you turn on 
the ignition.

It will stay on, or come on and a chime will sound if 
it detects a problem on the vehicle, such as a Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) or an Automatic Light Control
(ALC) malfunction. If this happens, see your dealer as
soon as possible.

2-69

Fuel Gage

United States

Canada

Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you 
have left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator
nears empty, the light will come on and you will hear a
chime. You still have a little fuel left, but you should get
more soon.

Here are four things that some owners ask about. None
of these show a problem with your fuel gage:
D At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before

the gage reads full.

D It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the

gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill
the tank.

D The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or

speed up.

D The gage goes back to empty when you turn off 

the ignition.