🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Pontiac

Model:

Aztek

Year:

2002

Vin Prefix:

1G2

👋 Introduction

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.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (Liberty).

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

Languages:

English

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for a 2002 US-market owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

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).

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 Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if scanned from an original printed manual with OCR, allowing users to quickly find specific information.

Print Recommendation:

Printable on standard home or office printers (A4/Letter size). Quality will depend on the user's printer and chosen settings.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (Minimum)

ECM:

GM Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios not detailed in owner's manual but typical for GM 4T65-E family.

Drive Type:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system available.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) integrated with ABS and engine management for FWD and AWD models.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent, often Dexron VI is backward compatible)

📐 Dimensions

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 Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 23.7 cubic feet (671 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 63.9 cubic feet (1809 L)

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system for highway driving comfort.

Rear Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Onstar:

OnStar communication system available as an option on certain trims.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

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.

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

Manufacturer:

Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM).

Pontiac Legacy:

Known for performance-oriented vehicles and bold styling (e.g., Firebird, GTO, Trans Am).

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 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

Ward Auto Interior Of The Year:

Awarded for the Aztek's innovative and flexible interior design in 2001.

Critics Perception:

Often cited in lists of 'ugliest cars' or 'most unusual designs,' despite practical features.