🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Aztek Year: 2002 Codes Vin Prefix: 1G2 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Crossover SUV (Unique styling and configuration) Target Audience: Individuals and families seeking a versatile vehicle with a distinctive design, often emphasizing utility and cargo space. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (Liberty). Key Features Styling: Radical, polarizing 'New Edge' design language; distinctive plastic body cladding; unique silhouette. Utility: Modular cargo system (Versatility Package often included a configurable cargo area with a small refrigerator/cooler and a slide-out tailgate/work surface). Powertrain Options: 3.4L V6 engine available across most trims; FWD and AWD configurations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Languages: English Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for a 2002 US-market owner's manual) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Format Format: Electronic (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, emissions controls. Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, transmission operation. Chassis: Brake system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires. Electrical: Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation and gauges, warning indicators, audio system, climate control system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), battery and charging system basics. Body: Doors, windows, mirrors, seats, seat belts, airbags, cargo area, roof rack system (if equipped), jack and tool kit location. Procedures Included Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, using cruise control, operating climate controls, using the audio system, operating lighting, using power accessories. Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning and care, refueling instructions, tire changing procedure, jump-starting procedures. Troubleshooting: Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery, flat tire). Technical Depth Depth: Designed for the vehicle owner. Covers operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if scanned from an original printed manual with OCR, allowing users to quickly find specific information. Print Quality Print Recommendation: Printable on standard home or office printers (A4/Letter size). Quality will depend on the user's printer and chosen settings. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: LA1 (GM 3400 SFI V6) Displacement: 3.4 Liters (3387 cc) Configuration: Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6 Bore X Stroke: 3.50 in x 3.57 in (89 mm x 90.5 mm) Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 Performance Horsepower: 185 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Minimum) Engine Management ECM: GM Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Gear Ratios: Specific ratios not detailed in owner's manual but typical for GM 4T65-E family. Optional Drive Type: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available. Features Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with ABS and engine management for FWD and AWD models. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III (or equivalent, often Dexron VI is backward compatible) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 184.7 inches (4691 mm) Width: 71.2 inches (1808 mm) Height: 65.7 inches (1669 mm) Wheelbase: 106.4 inches (2703 mm) Ground Clearance: Approx. 7.0 inches (178 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approx. 23.7 cubic feet (671 L) Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: Approx. 63.9 cubic feet (1809 L) Weights Curb Weight FWD: Approx. 3600-3700 lbs (1633-1678 kg) Curb Weight AWD: Approx. 3800-3900 lbs (1724-1769 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 4700-4900 lbs (2132-2223 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: Not rated or poor for 2002 models (due to design and testing protocols of the era). NHTSA Side Impact Driver: Acceptable to Good (depending on specific test and year, but generally varied). IIHS Ratings: Generally rated as Marginal or Poor in frontal offset tests. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models. Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) standard on AWD models, optional or standard on some FWD trims. Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; available side-impact airbags. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front outboard occupants; LATCH child seat anchors. Rollover Protection: Designed with a focus on SUV stability, though specific rollover ratings vary by model year and testing body. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional premium sound system. Cassette player was also available. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control systems, with standard air conditioning. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system for highway driving comfort. Rear Parking Assist: Optional rear parking assist sensors. Connectivity Onstar: OnStar communication system available as an option on certain trims. 🔧...
Modular cargo system (Versatility Package often included a configurable cargo area with a small refrigerator/cooler and a slide-out tailgate/work surface).
Powertrain Options:
3.4L V6 engine available across most trims; FWD and AWD configurations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Languages:
English
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for a 2002 US-market owner's manual)
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, transmission operation.
Chassis:
Brake system (ABS operation), steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrumentation and gauges, warning indicators, audio system, climate control system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), battery and charging system basics.
Body:
Doors, windows, mirrors, seats, seat belts, airbags, cargo area, roof rack system (if equipped), jack and tool kit location.
Procedures Included
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, using cruise control, operating climate controls, using the audio system, operating lighting, using power accessories.
Interpretation of dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery, flat tire).
Technical Depth
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner. Covers operation, basic maintenance, and safety features. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typical of a service manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if scanned from an original printed manual with OCR, allowing users to quickly find specific information.
Print Quality
Print Recommendation:
Printable on standard home or office printers (A4/Letter size). Quality will depend on the user's printer and chosen settings.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
LA1 (GM 3400 SFI V6)
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (3387 cc)
Configuration:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 60-degree V6
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.57 in (89 mm x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio:
9.8:1
Performance
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Minimum)
Engine Management
ECM:
GM Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios not detailed in owner's manual but typical for GM 4T65-E family.
Optional
Drive Type:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available.
Features
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with ABS and engine management for FWD and AWD models.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent, often Dexron VI is backward compatible)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
184.7 inches (4691 mm)
Width:
71.2 inches (1808 mm)
Height:
65.7 inches (1669 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 inches (2703 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.0 inches (178 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 23.7 cubic feet (671 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 63.9 cubic feet (1809 L)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3600-3700 lbs (1633-1678 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 3800-3900 lbs (1724-1769 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4700-4900 lbs (2132-2223 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not rated or poor for 2002 models (due to design and testing protocols of the era).
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
Acceptable to Good (depending on specific test and year, but generally varied).
IIHS Ratings:
Generally rated as Marginal or Poor in frontal offset tests.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard on AWD models, optional or standard on some FWD trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; available side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front outboard occupants; LATCH child seat anchors.
Rollover Protection:
Designed with a focus on SUV stability, though specific rollover ratings vary by model year and testing body.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player and optional premium sound system. Cassette player was also available.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, with standard air conditioning.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system for highway driving comfort.
Rear Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Onstar:
OnStar communication system available as an option on certain trims.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12347744 (Green, Conventional) or Dex-Cool (Orange, Extended Life) if specified for newer fills. Consult manual for original fill.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM P/N 1050017 or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid.
Known Issues
Headliner Sagging:
Common issue due to adhesive failure in the headliner fabric.
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets can lead to coolant leaks and engine misfires on the 3400 V6.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators is a relatively common complaint.
ABS Sensor Failures:
ABS wheel speed sensor failures can trigger ABS and traction control warning lights.
Body Cladding Issues:
Plastic body cladding can fade, warp, or detach over time due to UV exposure and material fatigue.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM).
Pontiac Legacy:
Known for performance-oriented vehicles and bold styling (e.g., Firebird, GTO, Trans Am).
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
2001
Design Philosophy:
Conceptualized as a versatile crossover with unique styling, aiming to blend SUV practicality with minivan-like interior space and car-like driving dynamics.
Platform:
GMT263 platform, shared with the Buick Rendezvous and Chevrolet Venture/Trans Sport/Montana.
Production
Production Years:
2001-2005
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors (GM) Cami Assembly Plant, Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.
Sales Performance:
Polarizing styling led to lower-than-expected sales and a mixed critical reception, despite its practical features.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Auto Interior Of The Year:
Awarded for the Aztek's innovative and flexible interior design in 2001.
Ratings
Critics Perception:
Often cited in lists of 'ugliest cars' or 'most unusual designs,' despite practical features.