Target Audience:
Owners seeking to understand their vehicle's features and operation, as well as perform basic owner-level maintenance.
Competitors 2005:
Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, Dodge Intrepid.
Pontiac Bonneville Appeal:
Comfortable ride, spacious interior, powerful V6 engine options, distinctive American styling.
Enhancement:
Enhances vehicle enjoyment through understanding of controls and features, promotes proactive ownership.
Vehicle Systems:
Vehicle operation, driving controls, convenience features, safety systems, basic maintenance, dashboard indicators, audio system, climate control, seating and storage, exterior and interior features, security features.
Estimated Page Count:
~200
Powertrain:
General operation and basic information regarding engine and transmission, but not detailed repair procedures.
Chassis:
Information on brakes, steering, suspension operation and dashboard indicators, but not detailed component repair.
Electrical:
Operation of lights, wipers, power accessories, and basic fuse identification.
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, audio system, seating adjustments, power windows and locks, sunroof operation, remote keyless entry.
Safety:
Seat belt operation, airbag system overview, child restraint system installation, child safety locks.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance.
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic operational troubleshooting for common features.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, operating hazard lights, emergency towing procedures.
Depth:
Intended for the vehicle owner, focusing on operation, features, and basic care; not a comprehensive repair or service manual.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Readability:
Readable on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Printability:
Printable on standard office printers.
Quality:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual, clarity may vary based on original scan quality.
Binding:
N/A (Digital File)
Paper:
N/A (Digital File)
NHTSA Frontal Driver 2005:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2005:
★★★★★ (5-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Front 2005:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear 2005:
★★★★☆ (4-star)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
N/A for 2005 model
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), available side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioner seat belts, rear 3-point seat belts.
Child Safety:
LATCH child seat anchors, rear door child security locks.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems with Monsoon or Bose speakers, available steering wheel audio controls.
Navigation:
N/A (No factory navigation system offered)
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking assist sensors
Bluetooth:
N/A (No factory Bluetooth integration)
Auxiliary Input:
N/A (No factory auxiliary audio input)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or under severe driving conditions more frequently.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
100,000 miles (for platinum-tipped plugs)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 3.8L (3800) V6: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Coolant (GM specification 6277M)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Common Pontiac Bonneville Issues:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (common on 3800 Series II), power steering pump leaks, occasional alternator issues, transmission solenoid issues (4T65-E), window regulator failures, climate control blend door actuator failures.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles and sporty styling within General Motors.
Bonneville History:
The Bonneville nameplate has a long history, evolving from a full-size luxury coupe to a large sedan. The 2000-2005 generation was the last, featuring the GM G platform.
Production Years:
1957-1981, 1987-2005
Assembly Location:
Orion Assembly, Michigan, USA
Major Awards:
The Bonneville was generally well-regarded for its comfortable ride and powerful V6 engines, often praised for its value proposition in the large sedan segment. Specific annual awards are less prominent than for some competitors.
Consumer Reports Typical Ratings:
Variable, often cited for good powertrain reliability (especially the 3800 V6) but with average or below-average ratings in areas like electronics and body hardware.
