🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Pontiac Model: Grand Prix Year: 2006 Generation Generation: Eighth Generation (W-Body) Codes Platform Code: W-body 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Full-size/Large Sedan Competitors: Ford Five...
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic advice for common minor issues.
Emergency:
Information on spare tire and jack usage, emergency roadside assistance contact.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Consumer-level operation and basic maintenance; does not include diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Availability:
Likely available as a PDF download from manufacturer archives or third-party sites, but this product is specified as printed.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Standard OEM quality, designed for readability and durability.
Binding Type
Binding:
Staple-bound or perfect bound (typical for owner's manuals).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Standard paper stock, may include glossy inserts for color diagrams or special features.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.8L (3800 Series III)
Horsepower:
200-205 hp (depending on specific variant)
Torque:
225-230 lb-ft (depending on specific variant)
Performance
Optional Engine Gt:
Supercharged 3.8L V6 (3800 Series III Supercharged)
Horsepower Gt:
260 hp
Torque Gt:
280 lb-ft
Optional Engine Gxp:
4.6L V8 (Northstar)
Horsepower Gxp:
260 hp
Torque Gxp:
280 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Octane Requirement V6:
87 Octane (minimum)
Fuel Octane Requirement Supercharged V6:
91 Octane (recommended for optimal performance)
Fuel System Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)
Optional
Transmission Type Gxp:
4-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift (4T65-E HD)
Features
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Performance Shifting:
The GXP featured enhanced shift programming for sportier feel.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 203.1 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.7 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110.5 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 17.3 cubic feet
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,900 lbs (varies by engine and trim)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Good (for both driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
Good (front passenger and rear passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Impact:
Acceptable (for most configurations, some received 'Good')
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard on most trims, optional on some base models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Stability Control:
Optional on some models, standard on GXP.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems, including Monsoon, were available. Steering wheel audio controls often included.
Navigation:
Factory navigation system was an optional feature on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on all models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional on some trims, standard on GXP.
Connectivity
Onstar:
Available as an option, providing telematics services.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Typically every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Approx. 100,000 miles (for Platinum-tipped spark plugs used in 3800 Series III).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic or synthetic blend recommended for 3800 Series III and Northstar V8)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (V6), 5.0 quarts (V8) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI (or Dexron III compatible if specified, but VI is preferred).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid
Known Issues
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Leaking plastic intake manifold gaskets (especially on 3800 Series II and early Series III) are a common failure point.
Supercharger Pulley Bearing:
Supercharger pulley bearing failure on supercharged models.
Power Steering Pump:
Premature failure of the power steering pump.
Fuel Pump:
Potential for fuel pump failure over time.
Window Regulators:
Window regulator failures leading to inoperable power windows.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was known for its sporty image and performance-oriented vehicles within General Motors.
Model Evolution
Grand Prix Lineage:
The Grand Prix nameplate has a long history, evolving from a personal luxury coupe to a full-size sedan with a focus on performance options.
Eighth Gen Wbody:
The 2006 model is part of the eighth generation of the W-body platform, which debuted in 2004, offering significant updates in styling and chassis.
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Oshawa Car Assembly, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years:
2004-2008 (for this generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward S 10 Best Engines:
The 3800 Series III Supercharged engine received Ward's 10 Best Engines award multiple times in previous years, highlighting its technology and performance.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings varied, with common critiques often focusing on interior materials and some reliability concerns, while praising the performance of supercharged models.