Vehicle Segment:
Full-size sedan
Target Audience:
Families, executives, individuals seeking comfortable and spacious transportation.
Competitors:
Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Toyota Avalon, Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler LHS/Concorde.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Comfort, spaciousness, quiet ride, V6 or V8 power options, distinctive American styling.
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maximizing vehicle enjoyment, understanding features, and performing basic care.
Vehicle Operation:
Driving controls, convenience features, instrumentation, safety systems, climate control, audio system, security system.
Maintenance:
Recommended maintenance schedule, fluid checks, tire care, basic checks.
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in case of a flat tire, jump starting, towing, warning lights.
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning, interior care, exterior care.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for a 2000 model year owner's manual).
Powertrain Controls:
Engine operation, transmission operation, fuel system basics.
Chassis Systems:
Braking system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, wipers, horn, instrument panel, power accessories, battery maintenance basics.
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (manual/automatic), power windows/locks/seats, mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control.
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS) indicator, traction control indicator, vehicle anti-theft system.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating lights, wipers, climate control, audio system, power features.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, understanding the purpose of various indicators.
Emergency Situations:
Changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery, using emergency tools.
Depth:
Consumer-focused, explaining operation and basic maintenance. Does not include diagnostic procedures or detailed repair instructions typical of a service manual.
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick finding of information.
Printability:
Designed to be printed on standard home or office printers (letter/A4 size).
Binding:
N/A (Electronic PDF - no physical binding).
Paper:
N/A (Electronic PDF - no physical paper).
Engine Type:
3.8L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum
Valvetrain:
Overhead Valve (OHV), 12 valves
Optional Engine Type:
4.6L V8 (Northstar)
Optional Engine Code:
L37/LD8
Optional Engine Performance
Optional Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5200 rpm (L37), 235 hp @ 5600 rpm (LD8)
Optional Torque:
280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (L37), 275 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (LD8)
Optional Engine Valvetrain
Optional Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 32 valves
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
4T65-E
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Heavy Duty)
Optional Transmission Model:
4T65-E HD (with Supercharged V6 or V8)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
Good (for 1999-2000 models)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
Good (for 1999-2000 models)
ABS:
Standard on all models
Traction Control:
Optional (often tied to V8 or higher trims)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, height-adjustable front belts.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Premium sound systems available.
Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls available on some trims.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional on higher trims
Keyless Entry:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Anti Theft System:
Factory-installed alarm and immobilizer system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (recommended, consult manual for exact Diesel/Gasoline specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (for Dex-Cool coolant)
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (3.8L V6), 150,000 miles for Northstar V8.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (3.8L V6), 4.5 quarts (4.6L V8) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) or Dex-Cool (Long-life) for Northstar.
Common Problems V6:
Intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant leaks (especially with Dex-Cool if not properly maintained), occasional sensor failures (e.g., Crankshaft Position Sensor).
Common Problems V8 Northstar:
Head gasket failures (older revisions), coolant leaks, oil filter housing leaks.
Common Problems General:
Window regulator failures, power antenna issues, dashboard pixel degradation (on some models).
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its performance-oriented vehicles, though the Bonneville leaned more towards luxury and comfort in its later years.
Bonnesville Lineage:
The Bonneville was a long-running nameplate for Pontiac, evolving from a large, sporty coupe to a comfortable, front-wheel-drive sedan.
Generation Designation:
L47 (9th Generation)
Production Years:
1992-2005 (L47 platform)
