🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Grand Prix Year: 2004-2008 Market Segment: Full-size/Large Sedan Codes Chassis Code: W-Body (GMT360/3600) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Pontiac Grand Prix was positioned as a comfortable and stylish American large sedan, often appealing to buyers seeking a blend of performance and practicality, with a focus on comfort for longer journeys. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300 (later models), Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon. Key Features Design Philosophy: The Grand Prix of this era emphasized a sleek, aerodynamic design characteristic of Pontiac's 'performance' image, often featuring aggressive styling cues. Value Proposition: Offers a comprehensive owner's manual for essential vehicle operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, enabling DIY maintenance and cost savings. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Sections Covered: Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories Page Count Estimated Page Count: Highly Variable (Typically 200-400 pages for OEM manuals) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Downloadable: Yes Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (oil, fuel, air filter), Lubricant Specifications, Refill Capacities Electrical: Instrument Cluster, Lights, Battery Interior: Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints Chassis: Brake system operation (implied by 'Driving'), Suspension and steering basics (implied) Body: Locks and Security, Cleaning, Accessories Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks (oil, battery), Air filter replacement guidance, Fluid refill procedures Operation: Vehicle operation, Use of climate control, Use of entertainment systems, Use of driver controls, Safety restraint usage Troubleshooting: Basic instrument cluster warning lights interpretation, Customer Assistance contact information Safety: Safety Restraints, Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) Technical Depth Level: Owner-level: basic operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in service manuals. Diagnostic Coverage: Limited to understanding dashboard warning lights and basic vehicle behavior. Repair Coverage: Focuses on fluid checks, filter replacement, and basic accessory installation. Does not cover internal component repair or complex system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Searchability: Likely text-searchable, enabling quick information retrieval. Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: 3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated and Supercharged) Engine Code 3.8L Na: L36 Engine Code 3.8L Sc: L67 (Supercharged) Performance Hp 3.8L Na: Approx. 200-205 hp Torque 3.8L Na: Approx. 225-230 lb-ft Hp 3.8L Sc: Approx. 235-240 hp Torque 3.8L Sc: Approx. 275-280 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Octane Recommendation: 87 Octane (minimum for NA), 91 Octane (recommended for Supercharged for optimal performance) Maintenance Related Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic recommended) Engine Oil Capacity Approx: 4.5 US quarts (with filter) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E) Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic with Tap-Up/Tap-Down Shifter (on select performance models) Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx: Varies by drain and fill vs. overhaul. Typical drain & fill: 4-5 US quarts. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 197.3 inches Width: Approx. 71.4 inches Height: Approx. 55.8 inches Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3,400 - 3,700 lbs (depending on trim and engine) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: Good (for 2004 models) NHTSA Side Impact Rating: N/A (Not Rated for all years/configurations) IIHS Front Offset Rating: Acceptable (for 2004 models) Active Features ABS: Standard Traction Control: Available (often on Supercharged models, some trims) Stability Control: Not typically available on this generation. Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags Airbags Side: Available: Front Side-Impact Airbags (Optional on most trims) Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional CD changer, and premium Monsoon audio system available on some trims. Climate Control: Manual climate control and available Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Parking Assist: Not typically available. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not typically available on factory head units of this era; aftermarket solutions would be required. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil, consult manual for specifics). Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Air Filter Replacement: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles). Fluid Specifications Coolant Type: GM P/N 12346290 (or equivalent orange silicate-inhibited engine coolant) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Type: GM P/N 1050017 or Dexron III/VI ATF Known Issues Headgaskets 3800 Sc: While less common than in earlier supercharged 3800s, early signs of...
The Pontiac Grand Prix was positioned as a comfortable and stylish American large sedan, often appealing to buyers seeking a blend of performance and practicality, with a focus on comfort for longer journeys.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300 (later models), Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
The Grand Prix of this era emphasized a sleek, aerodynamic design characteristic of Pontiac's 'performance' image, often featuring aggressive styling cues.
Value Proposition:
Offers a comprehensive owner's manual for essential vehicle operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, enabling DIY maintenance and cost savings.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Sections Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Highly Variable (Typically 200-400 pages for OEM manuals)
Manual Type
Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
Downloadable:
Yes
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine (oil, fuel, air filter), Lubricant Specifications, Refill Capacities
Electrical:
Instrument Cluster, Lights, Battery
Interior:
Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints
Chassis:
Brake system operation (implied by 'Driving'), Suspension and steering basics (implied)
While less common than in earlier supercharged 3800s, early signs of coolant leaks or overheating could indicate head gasket issues.
Fuel Pump Failures:
Some model years experienced fuel pump failures.
Window Regulator Failures:
Power window regulators can be a common point of failure.
Supercharger Belt Wear:
Regular inspection of the supercharger belt on L67 engines is recommended.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was historically positioned as GM's performance-oriented brand, known for iconic models like the GTO and Firebird.
Model Evolution
Generation Context:
This generation of Grand Prix is part of the third and final generation for the model, built on the W-body platform.
Facelift Years:
Minor styling updates occurred throughout this generation, most notably a significant facelift for the 2004 model year, which this manual covers extensively.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kansas
Production Span For This Generation:
1997-2008 (with significant updates in 2004)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward 10 Best Engines:
The 3.8L Series II Supercharged V6 engine was a multiple recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award during its production life, including years relevant to this Grand Prix.