🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Bonneville

Year:

2002

Vehicle Code:

GM G-body platform (specifically, a variant of the GM H platform for front-wheel drive sedans, though Bonneville historically shared roots with RWD G-bodies before transitioning)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size, front-wheel drive sedan, positioned as a comfortable, spacious, and somewhat upscale American car.

Competitors:

Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler Concorde.

Features Highlighted In Manual:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior, powerful V6 engine options, available luxury features (leather, premium audio, sunroof).

Manual Value:

Enables owners to maximize the enjoyment and utility of their 2002 Pontiac Bonneville by understanding its controls and maintenance requirements.

Purpose Of Manual:

To educate the owner on the proper operation, maintenance, and safety features of their specific vehicle model year.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Vehicle operation, safety features, comfort and convenience, maintenance, specifications, warning lights, troubleshooting basics.

Estimated Page Count:

~150-200 pages (typical for a 2002 owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Basic overview of engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system. Does not cover in-depth repair or diagnostics.

Chassis:

Information on steering, suspension, brakes (basic operation and maintenance tips), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Explanation of dashboard indicators, lighting systems, basic electrical features (e.g., power windows, locks), battery care. Does not include wiring diagrams.

Comfort And Convenience:

Detailed explanations of climate control, audio system, seating adjustments, interior lighting, keyless entry, cruise control.

Safety Systems:

Explanation of airbags, seat belts, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, child seat installation. May include basic information on vehicle security.

Operation:

Startup procedures, driving techniques, parking, operating various vehicle features.

Maintenance:

Recommended maintenance schedule, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Identification and explanation of dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common issues (e.g., jump starting, changing a flat tire).

Depth:

Covers essential information for the vehicle owner to safely and effectively operate and maintain their vehicle. Focuses on 'what' and 'how' for the user, not 'why' for the technician.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if generated from a digital source or scanned with OCR, allowing users to quickly find specific topics.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear viewing and printing on standard office printers. High-resolution images and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital product)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Standard:

3.8L (3800 cc) V6 (Series II Supercharged or naturally aspirated)

Engine Code Example:

L36 (Naturally Aspirated), L67 (Supercharged)

Horsepower L36:

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque L36:

230 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower L67:

235 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque L67:

275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded (91 Octane for Supercharged recommended for optimal performance)

Bore X Stroke:

3.80 in x 3.39 in (96.5 mm x 86.0 mm)

Compression Ratio L36:

9.4:1

Compression Ratio L67:

8.5:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A (4-speed auto was standard across most trims)

Traction Control:

Often equipped with traction control, integrated with ABS system.

Performance Shift Modes:

Some models may feature a 'Performance' or 'Sport' mode for altered shift points.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~201.1 inches (5108 mm)

Width:

~72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Height:

~56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Wheelbase:

~110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Passenger Volume:

~102.0 cubic feet (2888 liters)

Trunk Volume:

~17.0 cubic feet (481 liters)

Curb Weight:

~3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg), depending on trim and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

Good (4-star rating in some tests for 2002 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

Good (4-star rating in some tests for 2002 model year)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:

Acceptable (based on common ratings for vehicles of this era)

ABS:

Standard on most, if not all, trims.

Traction Control:

Available or standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger. Side curtain airbags may be optional on some trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, with pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or CD player. Optional Bose premium audio system available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional dual-zone automatic climate control.

Cruise Control:

Standard feature.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking assist sensors were an option on some higher trims.

Keyless Entry:

Available with remote keyless entry fob.

Headlights:

Composite halogen headlights with automatic on/off feature. Fog lights were optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions).

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (typically concurrent with oil changes).

Coolant Flush:

Refer to manual, typically around 30,000-50,000 miles or as specified by GM.

Spark Plugs:

Typically platinum-tipped plugs rated for 100,000 miles (refer to specific plug type in manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic

Engine Oil Capacity:

~4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Coolant Type:

GM DEX-COOL® (Orange)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Intake manifold gasket leaks (3800 V6), power steering pump leaks, fuel pump issues, occasional transmission issues (particularly with higher mileage), window regulator failures, front suspension component wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Pontiac Legacy:

Pontiac was known for performance-oriented models and 'excitement' in its marketing, though the Bonneville leaned more towards comfort and luxury in its later iterations.

Bonneville Lineage:

The Bonneville nameplate has a long history, dating back to the 1950s, evolving from large, RWD coupes and sedans to the FWD full-size sedan of the early 2000s.

Production Period:

The specific generation for the 2002 model year (the G-platform) ran from 1992 to 2005.

Assembly Location:

Wentzville, Missouri, USA; Detroit, Michigan, USA (Lordstown Assembly)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

While specific major awards for the 2002 model year are not prominently cited, the 3800 V6 engine itself was a Ward's 10 Best Engines winner multiple times in prior years, indicating its reputation for reliability and smoothness.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, often falling into the average to below-average category for this era of GM vehicles, as per typical consumer reporting.