Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
Fuel: Description and Operation
FUEL (PREMIUM REQUIRED)
The following information appears in the General Motors Owner's Manual for this vehicle.
Use premium unleaded gasoline rated at 91 octane or higher. At a minimum, it should meet specifications ASTM D4814 in the United States and CGSB
3.5-M93 in Canada. Improved gasoline specifications have been developed by the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for better
vehicle performance and engine protection. Gasoline meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system
protection compared to other gasoline. Be sure the posted octane for premium is at least 91. If the octane is less than 91, you may get a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. (In an emergency, you may be able to use a lower octane - as low as 87 - if heavy knocking does not occur If you're using 91 or
higher octane unleaded gasoline and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the underhood tune-up label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels
meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may
turn on and/or your vehicle may tail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to a qualified service outlet for diagnosis to determine the cause of failure. In
the event it is determined that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Somegasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadlenyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMI); ask your service station operator whether or not this fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasoline.
If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to a qualified service outlet for service.
To provide cleaner air, all gasoline in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine
and fuel system, allowing your emission control system to function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. In addition,
gasoline containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasoline may be available in your area to help clean the air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasoline if they comply with the specifications described earlier.
CAUTION: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under your warranty.
