๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Bonneville Year: 2004 Codes Vin Prefix: 1G Platform: GM G ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size sedan Target Audience: Consumers seeking comfortable, spacious, and stylish transportation with a focus on V6 power and a refined ride. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300M (earlier versions), Buick Park Avenue. Key Features Design Philosophy: Emphasis on American luxury, comfort, and V6 performance. Value Proposition: Provides a blend of spaciousness, a comfortable ride, and available V6 power at a competitive price point for its class. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language: English Format: PDF (Electronic) Page Count Estimated: Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this model and year) Digitization Quality: High-resolution, searchable text ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, starting and charging, fuel system, exhaust system. Transmission: Automatic transmission operation, fluid level checks, basic maintenance. Chassis: Braking system (ABS), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires. Electrical: Lighting system, instrument panel and indicators, audio system, climate control, power accessories, fuses and fusible links, battery. Body: Doors, windows, seats, mirrors, exterior lighting, interior trim, locks, security system. Procedures Included Operation: Starting and driving, parking, fuel economy, climate control operation, use of convenience features (power seats, windows, locks), audio system operation. Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, basic cleaning. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues. Technical Depth Depth: Designed for the vehicle owner, covering safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Fully searchable text Print Quality Printability: Printable on standard printers Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Electronic Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not Applicable (Electronic Format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: L36 Engine Type: 3.8L V6 (Series II Supercharged available on GTP) Displacement: 3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches) Horsepower Est: 205 hp @ 5200 rpm (non-supercharged) Torque Est: 230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (non-supercharged) Performance Supercharged Engine Code: L67 (GTP model) Supercharged Horsepower Est: 240 hp @ 5200 rpm Supercharged Torque Est: 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type Recommended: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (E.D.I.) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic (4T65-E) Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed automatic with overdrive and traction control (specific to GTP trim with supercharged engine) Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-III (or equivalent meeting GM specification) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length Est: 201.0 inches Width Est: 73.5 inches Height Est: 55.4 inches Wheelbase Est: 112.2 inches Interior Passenger Volume Est: 103.1 cubic feet Cargo Trunk Volume Est: 16.1 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight Est: 3500-3800 lbs (depending on trim and options) ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Est: 5-Star NHTSA Front Passenger Est: 5-Star NHTSA Side Driver Est: 4-Star NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Est: 4-Star Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional (Traction Control System - TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; optional side-impact airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats; three-point seatbelts for rear seats. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System Options: Available AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player, and premium sound systems (e.g., Bose). Climate Control: Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Keyless Entry: Optional keyless entry and remote start. Connectivity Onstar: Optional OnStar telematics system available on most trims. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend or full synthetic oil) Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Engine Coolant Flush Interval: Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill, then as specified) Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles, or as indicated by maintenance minder/severe service schedule. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type Capacity: SAE 5W-30, 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter change Coolant Type Capacity: GM P/N 12346175 (Orange Long-Life) or equivalent Dex-Cool, 12.2 quarts (11.5 L) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Type: GM P/N 1050017 or equivalent Dexron-VI Known Issues Head Gasket Leaks: While not as prevalent as some other GM V6 engines, the 3800 Series II can develop head gasket leaks over time, particularly if maintenance is neglected. Transmission Solenoids: The 4T65-E transmission can sometimes experience issues with shift solenoids, leading to rough shifting or failure to engage gears. Power Steering Pump Noise: The power steering pump can sometimes become noisy, often due to low fluid levels or the pump itself nearing the end of its service life. Window Regulator Failure: Power window regulators can wear out, causing windows to become inoperable...
Starting and driving, parking, fuel economy, climate control operation, use of convenience features (power seats, windows, locks), audio system operation.
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, covering safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle functions. Does not include in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Fully searchable text
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable on standard printers
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Electronic Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Electronic Format)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
L36
Engine Type:
3.8L V6 (Series II Supercharged available on GTP)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cubic inches)
Horsepower Est:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm (non-supercharged)
Torque Est:
230 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (non-supercharged)
Performance
Supercharged Engine Code:
L67 (GTP model)
Supercharged Horsepower Est:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Supercharged Torque Est:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (E.D.I.)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (4T65-E)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic with overdrive and traction control (specific to GTP trim with supercharged engine)
While not as prevalent as some other GM V6 engines, the 3800 Series II can develop head gasket leaks over time, particularly if maintenance is neglected.
Transmission Solenoids:
The 4T65-E transmission can sometimes experience issues with shift solenoids, leading to rough shifting or failure to engage gears.
Power Steering Pump Noise:
The power steering pump can sometimes become noisy, often due to low fluid levels or the pump itself nearing the end of its service life.
Window Regulator Failure:
Power window regulators can wear out, causing windows to become inoperable or slow to move.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its performance-oriented vehicles and American muscle car heritage, evolving into a brand that also offered comfortable and stylish sedans.
Model Evolution
Bonneville Legacy:
The Bonneville nameplate has a long history, dating back to the late 1950s, representing Pontiac's flagship full-size luxury coupe and sedan offerings.
2000-2005 Generation:
This generation (introduced for 2000) was based on the GM G platform, sharing components with the Oldsmobile Aurora and Buick Riviera. It focused on comfort, a refined ride, and updated styling.
Production
Production Years:
1999-2005 (for this specific generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Award History:
While specific awards for the 2004 Bonneville are not prominently documented, the 3800 V6 engine it used was a Ward's 10 Best Engines recipient multiple times in prior years, recognized for its reliability and smooth operation.