๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Aztek Year: 2003 Codes Vin Prefix: 1G2 ๐ Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Mid-size crossover SUV, positioned as a versatile and utility-focused vehicle. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2003: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra. Key Features Design Philosophy: Unique, polarizing styling; emphasis on modularity and cargo versatility, including optional accessories like a camping tent and side-mounted cargo carrier. Unique Offerings: Optional 'Versatrak' all-wheel-drive system, 'Global' platform shared with the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Operation, maintenance, safety, controls, features, comfort, convenience, cargo, towing, troubleshooting, tire care, jump starting, fluid checks, light bulb replacement. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era). Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Electronic (PDF) ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Information on engine operation, basic checks, and advice related to the transmission. Chassis: Details on brakes, steering, suspension, and tire maintenance. Electrical: Includes information on lighting, instrument panel indicators, fuses, and basic electrical features. Comfort Convenience: Operation of climate control, audio system, power accessories, interior lighting, and seating adjustments. Safety Security: Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraints, vehicle security system, and emergency procedures. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, replacing windshield wiper blades. Troubleshooting: Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic tips for common issues (e.g., starting problems, overheating). Emergency Procedures: Jump starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, basic emergency preparedness. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Covers user-level operations and maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or wiring diagrams typical of a service manual. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High resolution, suitable for printing all pages. Binding Type Binding Type: Not Applicable (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Format) Compatibility Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: LA1 (GM Ecotec LE5 replacement for 2003) Engine Type: 3.4L V6 (3400 SFI) Displacement: 3.4 liters (3430 cc) Cylinders: 6 Valvetrain: Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower: 185 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approximately 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) with engine oil cooler. ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Identifier: 4T65-E Optional Optional Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - 'Versatrak' system Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-III/VI (GM P/N 88861950 or equivalent) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: 181.0 inches (4597 mm) Width: 71.1 inches (1806 mm) Height: 65.9 inches (1674 mm) Wheelbase: 106.5 inches (2705 mm) Front Track: 60.5 inches (1537 mm) Rear Track: 60.7 inches (1542 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: 33.7 cubic feet (954 liters) Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row: 63.0 cubic feet (1784 liters) Weights Curb Weight FWD: 3,636 lbs (1649 kg) Curb Weight AWD: 3,789 lbs (1719 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,828 lbs (2190 kg) FWD / 4,960 lbs (2250 kg) AWD Towing Capacity: Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with proper equipment and engine. ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating: Four Stars (2003 model year) NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating: Four Stars (2003 model year) IIHS Frontal Offset Rating: Good (for 2002 and later redesigns) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels. Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) on FWD models. Passive Features Airbags: Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags. Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system with amplifier and steering wheel audio controls. Climate Control: Manual climate control. Optional automatic climate control. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Connectivity Auxiliary Inputs: Typically no standard auxiliary audio input (requires aftermarket adapter). ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended). Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles). Cabin Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles). Spark Plugs: Platinum tipped spark plugs rated for 100,000 miles (check specific replacement intervals). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM P/N 12345816 or equivalent) Engine Oil Capacity: 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter. Coolant Type: GM Dex-Coolยฎ (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377992 or equivalent) Known Issues Common Problems: Issues can include dashboard delamination, HVAC blend door actuator failure, rear differential leaks (AWD models), and occasional electronic...
Mid-size crossover SUV, positioned as a versatile and utility-focused vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2003:
Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Unique, polarizing styling; emphasis on modularity and cargo versatility, including optional accessories like a camping tent and side-mounted cargo carrier.
Unique Offerings:
Optional 'Versatrak' all-wheel-drive system, 'Global' platform shared with the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix.
Explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic diagnostic tips for common issues (e.g., starting problems, overheating).
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, basic emergency preparedness.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Covers user-level operations and maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or wiring diagrams typical of a service manual.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing all pages.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
Windows, macOS, Linux
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
LA1 (GM Ecotec LE5 replacement for 2003)
Engine Type:
3.4L V6 (3400 SFI)
Displacement:
3.4 liters (3430 cc)
Cylinders:
6
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) with engine oil cooler.
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Identifier:
4T65-E
Optional
Optional Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - 'Versatrak' system
Features
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III/VI (GM P/N 88861950 or equivalent)
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
181.0 inches (4597 mm)
Width:
71.1 inches (1806 mm)
Height:
65.9 inches (1674 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches (2705 mm)
Front Track:
60.5 inches (1537 mm)
Rear Track:
60.7 inches (1542 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
33.7 cubic feet (954 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
63.0 cubic feet (1784 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
3,636 lbs (1649 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
3,789 lbs (1719 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4,828 lbs (2190 kg) FWD / 4,960 lbs (2250 kg) AWD
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (1588 kg) with proper equipment and engine.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
Four Stars (2003 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
Four Stars (2003 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for 2002 and later redesigns)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on FWD models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags. Optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belt pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio system with amplifier and steering wheel audio controls.
Typically no standard auxiliary audio input (requires aftermarket adapter).
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Platinum tipped spark plugs rated for 100,000 miles (check specific replacement intervals).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM P/N 12345816 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Coolยฎ (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377992 or equivalent)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Issues can include dashboard delamination, HVAC blend door actuator failure, rear differential leaks (AWD models), and occasional electronic module failures. The 3.4L V6 is generally reliable but can experience oil leaks with age.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling from its founding in 1926 until its discontinuation in 2010.
Model Evolution
Aztek Introduction:
The Pontiac Aztek was introduced for the 2001 model year. It was designed to be a versatile 'sport-custom' vehicle, blending elements of an SUV, minivan, and wagon.
Aztek Redesign:
Received a significant styling update and platform improvements for the 2005 model year, though it maintained its core concept.
Production
Production Period:
2001-2005
Assembly Location:
Fairfax, Kansas, USA (GM Fairfax Assembly)
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Design Recognition:
The Aztek's polarizing design earned it a spot on 'Most Hated Cars' lists from various automotive publications, but also garnered attention for its unconventional approach and utility.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received average to below-average ratings for predicted reliability across most categories.