How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

You can change the power steering fluid in your 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix by taking off the reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and filling it with new Prestone fluid.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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You can change the power steering fluid in your 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix by emptying the old fluid and adding new Prestone fluid. In Grand Prix, the power steering reservoir is near the firewall in the engine compartment.
If your Grad Prix’s steering wheel suddenly gets stiff or makes a loud noise when you turn, it's probably time to change the power steering fluid! If you've never done this before, it might seem hard, but
Jerry
—the
trustworthy comparison shopping super app
for
car insurance
—has put together this guide to help you through the process.
We'll talk about everything you need to know, like how to change the power steering fluid in your Pontiac Grand Prix, which brand is best, how to tell when it's time for a replacement, and even how to reduce your
Pontiac Grand Prix insurance costs
.
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How do I replace my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix’s power steering fluid?

As it turns out, replacing power steering fluid in a Pontiac Grand Prix is a pretty simple process. You can follow these steps:
  • Look for the power steering reservoir. The reservoir is a black cap near the firewall on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Wipe the cap and nearby area clean to remove any debris
  • Remove the reservoir's cap and connect a pump. The pump might be anything from a shampoo tube to a turkey baster! Anything capable of sucking the old fluid out will suffice
  • Remove the previous power steering fluid reservoir. Catch any extra fluid in a container
  • Refill the reservoir with your fresh fluid and replace the cap
And there you have it! After you've changed the power steering fluid in your Pontiac Grand Prix, it'll be ready to go. If you want to be a little extra—and consider yourself a bit of a grease monkey—you can also do the following:
  • Take off the fluid line
  • Empty your system. You can get the last bit of fluid out of your Grand Prix by jiggling the steering wheel
Don't worry if you don't know how to fix your Pontiac at home. It's just as easy and effective to take it to a repair shop! There are both advantages and disadvantages to having your power steering fluid changed professionally.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

If you want to change your power steering fluid the right way, you can't go wrong with a mechanic. They should be able to finish the
power steering fluid service
in less than an hour, but it will cost you about $120 for them to do it.
But if you want to save money and are willing to do the work, give it a try! Power steering fluid will cost between $10 and $20, but there won't be any additional expenses for the mechanic's work.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?

When it comes time to replace your power steering fluid, you have a large variety of options. But it is critical to use the correct type, as using fluid that isn’t suited for your vehicle can result in more leaks and damage to your vehicle's components.
Some of our recommendations are:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$4.49
Lubegard Synthetic PSF
1 quart
$15.99
Pentosin ATF 44
5 liters (170 ounces)
$71.99
Peak Full Synthetic North American PSF
12 ounces
$13.29
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Pro Tip Make certain that the power steering fluid you buy is suitable for your car, regardless of the brand!

When do I need to replace my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix’s power steering fluid?

Every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first, you should change the power steering fluid in your Pontiac Grand Prix. This makes sure your steering system works well and your wheel can turn easily.
In some instances, you may need to change your fluid sooner than planned. If any of these things happen, it's time to get a replacement:
  • Strange sounds are coming from the wheel (screeching, whining, etc.)
  • It's hard to steer
  • The power steering fluid has bubbles in it
  • Fluid is leaking
  • Color change from transparent to yellow
Keep in mind that using the proper power steering fluid not only makes driving easier but also extends the life of your car! Your Grand Prix can last many, many years if you perform
car maintenance
regularly.

How to save money on Pontiac insurance

It can be expensive to take your Pontiac to the mechanic for a power steering fluid change or any other form of service, especially over time. If you're seeking to save money on other aspects of your car ownership, like your
Pontiac car insurance costs
, then look no further than
Jerry
.
It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, our
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You can save money without sacrificing coverage, and Jerry users save up to $800 per year on average!
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FAQs

Yes! It's a straightforward procedure that entails removing the reservoir cover, dumping the old fluid, and refilling your Pontiac Grand Prix with a new power steering fluid.
In general, you should change the power steering fluid in your Grand Prix every three years or every 30,000 miles. If you're having trouble with the steering, you might want to fix it sooner.
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