Vehicle Segment:
Two-seater sports car/roadster.
Brand Strategy:
Pontiac's attempt to capture a share of the affordable sports car market, competing with Mazda Miata and similar vehicles.
Key Competitors:
Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan 350Z (though higher price point), Ford Mustang (convertible variants).
Design Philosophy:
Rear-wheel drive, sporty styling, convertible top, driver-focused cockpit.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealer-level repair information, enabling owners to perform advanced maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine assembly, disassembly, internal components, timing, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams, ECUs.
Emission Control:
Emissions systems, catalytic converters, evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulator, fuel tank, evaporative emissions.
Clutch System:
Clutch assembly, hydraulic system, release bearing, flywheel.
Manual Transaxle:
Gearbox components, shifting mechanism, differential, fluid service.
Automatic Transaxle:
Automatic transmission components, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid service.
Driveshaft And Axle:
Propeller shaft, CV joints, half-shafts, differential assembly.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings.
Steering System:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods.
Restraint System:
Airbags, seatbelts, pretensioners, SRS module, diagnostics.
Brake System:
Disc brakes (front and rear), ABS, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake fluid.
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, console, door panels, headliner.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, glass.
Body Electrical System:
Lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, security system, body control modules.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, blower motor, refrigerant, controls.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plugs, belts, hoses.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, rebuilding (e.g., transmission), replacement of worn parts.
Diagnostics:
Use of scan tools, electrical multimeter usage, circuit testing, component testing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required specialized tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Code Base:
2.4L Ecotec (LA1)
Engine Configuration Base:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Base:
Approximately 173 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque Base:
Approximately 160 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine Code Gxp:
3.6L V6 VVT (HFV6)
Engine Configuration Gxp:
V6, DOHC, 24-valve
Horsepower Gxp:
Approximately 260 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque Gxp:
Approximately 250 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum, 91 recommended for optimal performance, especially GXP)
ECU:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil recommended.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Consider more frequent replacement in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.4L Ecotec: ~100,000 miles. 3.6L V6: ~60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 100,000 miles or 5 years for Dex-Cool coolant, or as specified by manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.4L Ecotec: ~4.5 quarts (4.3 L). 3.6L V6: ~5.5 quarts (5.2 L). Always check dipstick.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (refer to owner's manual for exact specifications based on temperature).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact requirement).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, convertible top mechanism lubrication/adjustment, wheel bearings.
Engine Specifics:
Early models may have had minor oil consumption issues with the Ecotec. VVT system on the 3.6L requires proper maintenance.
Electrical Issues:
Infrequent electrical gremlins or sensor failures can occur, often resolved with specific diagnostic procedures in the manual.
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., ACDelco PF457G or equivalent (always verify with part lookup).
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., ACDelco A3128C or equivalent.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles, often with sporty styling and affordable price points (e.g., Firebird, GTO).
Platform Origin:
Built on GM's Kappa platform, shared with the Saturn Sky and Opel GT. Designed as a global platform.
Design Inspiration:
Influenced by classic roadsters and modern sports car design cues.
Production Years:
2005 (for 2006 model year) to 2009.
Manufacturing Location:
Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
Discontinuation Reason:
Discontinued due to the dissolution of the Pontiac brand in 2010 and the discontinuation of the Kappa platform.
