Grand Prix V8-5.3L (2007)
Fuel: Specifications
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3800 V6 engine (VIN Code 2), use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is
less than 87, you may notice an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 3800 Supercharged V6 engine (VIN Code 4) or the 5.3L V8 engine (VIN Code C), use premium unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but your vehicle's acceleration may be
slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you may
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specification D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). General Motors recommends against the use of gasolines
containing MMT.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. See the
underhood emission control label. If this fuel is 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 may turn on and
your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, diagnose vehicle. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent engine and fuel system deposits
from forming, allowing your emission control system to work properly. In most cases, you should not have to add anything to your fuel. However,
some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean, or if your vehicle experiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in your area. General Motors recommends
that you use these gasolines if they comply with the specifications described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels.
Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the
fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors recommends against the use of such
gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any
other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by your warranty. To
check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you will be driving.
