🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Grand Prix Year: 1996 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan (Personal Luxury/Performance Oriented) Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Key Features Platform: W-body platform Design Emphasis: Aerodynamic styling, comfortable ride, available performance variants 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Type: Owner's Manual Page Count Estimated Page Count: ~150-200 Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Electronic) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain Management: Engine operation, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system Transmission Operation: Automatic transmission operation and basic care Chassis Systems: Braking system, steering system, suspension system Electrical Systems: Lighting, instrumentation, climate control, audio system, power accessories, dashboard indicators Safety Features: Seat belts, airbags (SRS), child seat LATCH system Interior Controls: Driver controls, convenience features, seating adjustments, interior lighting Exterior Features: Door operation, hood and trunk release, mirrors, windows, wipers Wheels And Tires: Tire pressure, rotation, basic care Vehicle Care: Cleaning, appearance care, basic fluid checks Procedures Included Basic Operation: Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, driving techniques Instrumentation Interpretation: Understanding dashboard lights and gauges Climate Control Operation: Using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems Infotainment System: Radio operation, speaker settings, antenna control Lighting Control: Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps (if equipped) Wiper And Washer Operation: Front and rear wipers, washer fluid system Fueling Procedures: Correct fuel type, fuel door operation Tire Maintenance: Checking tire pressure, understanding tire wear Fluid Level Checks: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid Safety Belt Usage: Proper adjustment and use of seat belts Child Restraint Installation: Information on installing child safety seats Emergency Procedures: Breakdown assistance, flat tire changing, jump starting Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Readability: High-resolution scans suitable for digital reading and printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 3.1L V6 (L82) Displacement: 3.1 Liters (189 cu in) Configuration: V6 Valvetrain: Overhead Valve (OHV) Horsepower: 160 hp @ 5200 rpm Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm Performance Engine Option 2 Code: 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67) Engine Option 2 Displacement: 3.8 Liters (231 cu in) Engine Option 2 Configuration: Supercharged V6 Engine Option 2 Horsepower: 240 hp @ 5200 rpm Engine Option 2 Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E) Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E) - often paired with L67 Features Overdrive: Yes Torque Converter Lockup: Yes 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 197.0 inches Width: 71.5 inches Height: 54.4 inches Wheelbase: 107.5 inches Interior Front Headroom: ~38.8 inches Front Legroom: ~42.2 inches Rear Headroom: ~37.8 inches Rear Legroom: ~35.0 inches Cargo Trunk Volume: ~15.0 cu ft Weights Curb Weight Base Model: ~3200 lbs Curb Weight Supercharged: ~3350 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact: Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim) NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact: Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim) Active Features ABS: Available Traction Control: Available (often with Supercharged models) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags Seat Belts: Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear 3-point belts Child Seat Anchors: LATCH system introduced in later models; likely features anchored tether points 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD Player, 6-speaker sound system available. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Connectivity Onstar: Not available on 1996 models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions) Tire Rotation Interval: Every 7,500 miles Transmission Fluid Change Interval: Check manual for severe service, generally around 30,000-50,000 miles Coolant Flush Interval: Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-50,000 miles Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature) Engine Oil Capacity: ~4.5 quarts with filter Coolant Type: Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM Specification) Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Power Steering Fluid Type: GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Known Issues Intake Manifold Gasket: Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on 3.1L L82) due to plastic construction leading to coolant leaks or vacuum leaks. Window Regulators: Failure of power window regulators and motors. Idler Pulley: Noise from the idler pulley or tensioner pulley on the serpentine belt system. Transmission Hard Shifts: Some transmission solenoid issues causing hard shifts or slipping, especially on higher mileage units. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Pontiac Legacy: Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling....
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Readability:
High-resolution scans suitable for digital reading and printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
3.1L V6 (L82)
Displacement:
3.1 Liters (189 cu in)
Configuration:
V6
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV)
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Performance
Engine Option 2 Code:
3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)
Engine Option 2 Displacement:
3.8 Liters (231 cu in)
Engine Option 2 Configuration:
Supercharged V6
Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine Option 2 Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T60-E)
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E) - often paired with L67
Features
Overdrive:
Yes
Torque Converter Lockup:
Yes
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
197.0 inches
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
54.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Interior
Front Headroom:
~38.8 inches
Front Legroom:
~42.2 inches
Rear Headroom:
~37.8 inches
Rear Legroom:
~35.0 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
~15.0 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight Base Model:
~3200 lbs
Curb Weight Supercharged:
~3350 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim)
Active Features
ABS:
Available
Traction Control:
Available (often with Supercharged models)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear 3-point belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system introduced in later models; likely features anchored tether points
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD Player, 6-speaker sound system available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Connectivity
Onstar:
Not available on 1996 models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Check manual for severe service, generally around 30,000-50,000 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-50,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM Specification)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gasket:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on 3.1L L82) due to plastic construction leading to coolant leaks or vacuum leaks.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
Idler Pulley:
Noise from the idler pulley or tensioner pulley on the serpentine belt system.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some transmission solenoid issues causing hard shifts or slipping, especially on higher mileage units.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling.
Model Evolution
Gp Lineage:
The Grand Prix has a long history, evolving from a full-size personal luxury coupe to a mid-size performance-oriented sedan.
Third Generation Gnp:
The 1996 model is part of the third generation of the FWD Grand Prix (introduced 1988), which was heavily restyled for 1994.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
While the Grand Prix was a popular model, it did not consistently appear on Car and Driver's 10Best list in this generation, though its sporty GT and GTP trims offered competitive performance.