Powertrain Management:
Engine operation, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Transmission Operation:
Automatic transmission operation and basic care
Chassis Systems:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, instrumentation, climate control, audio system, power accessories, dashboard indicators
Safety Features:
Seat belts, airbags (SRS), child seat LATCH system
Interior Controls:
Driver controls, convenience features, seating adjustments, interior lighting
Exterior Features:
Door operation, hood and trunk release, mirrors, windows, wipers
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, rotation, basic care
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning, appearance care, basic fluid checks
Basic Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, driving techniques
Instrumentation Interpretation:
Understanding dashboard lights and gauges
Climate Control Operation:
Using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Infotainment System:
Radio operation, speaker settings, antenna control
Lighting Control:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps (if equipped)
Wiper And Washer Operation:
Front and rear wipers, washer fluid system
Fueling Procedures:
Correct fuel type, fuel door operation
Tire Maintenance:
Checking tire pressure, understanding tire wear
Fluid Level Checks:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid
Safety Belt Usage:
Proper adjustment and use of seat belts
Child Restraint Installation:
Information on installing child safety seats
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdown assistance, flat tire changing, jump starting
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
Not rated or rated as acceptable/good (specific rating varies by test year and trim)
Traction Control:
Available (often with Supercharged models)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear 3-point belts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system introduced in later models; likely features anchored tether points
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Check manual for severe service, generally around 30,000-50,000 miles
Coolant Flush Interval:
Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on ambient temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.5 quarts with filter
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM Specification)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent
Intake Manifold Gasket:
Leaking intake manifold gaskets (especially on 3.1L L82) due to plastic construction leading to coolant leaks or vacuum leaks.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
Idler Pulley:
Noise from the idler pulley or tensioner pulley on the serpentine belt system.
Transmission Hard Shifts:
Some transmission solenoid issues causing hard shifts or slipping, especially on higher mileage units.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for performance-oriented vehicles and distinctive styling.
Gp Lineage:
The Grand Prix has a long history, evolving from a full-size personal luxury coupe to a mid-size performance-oriented sedan.
Third Generation Gnp:
The 1996 model is part of the third generation of the FWD Grand Prix (introduced 1988), which was heavily restyled for 1994.
Manufacturing Location:
Lake Orion, Michigan, USA