coolant PONTIAC G5 2010 Owner's Manual

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 4-29 .
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when you:
•Climb a long hill on a hot day.
•Stop after high-speed driving.
•Idle for long periods in traffic.
•Tow a trailer.
If you get the engine coolant temperature warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so: 1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) for automatic transmission or NEUTRAL for manual
transmission, while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull
off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan speed and open the windows as necessary. If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still have
the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
6-28

Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer fluid until the tank is
full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-12 for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder and, on manual
transmission vehicles,
the clutch hydraulic system
use the same reservoir
filled with DOT 3
brake fluid.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
•The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the fluid level goes back up.
•A fluid leak in the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system can also cause a low fluid level. Have
the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system fixed, since
a leak means that sooner or later the brakes
and/or clutch will not work well.
6-29

Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and negative ( −) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
You will not see the battery of your vehicle under
the hood. It is located in the trunk. You will not need
to access your battery for jump starting. The vehicle
has a remote positive (+) and a remote negative ( −)
jump starting terminal. Locate the remote
positive (+) terminal which
is located under a red
tethered cap on the engine
compartment fuse block.
Lift the cap to access
the terminal.
Locate the remote
negative (−) ground
terminal, marked GND ( −),
which is located behind
the engine coolant
surge tank.
See Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12
for more information on the location of the
positive (+) and negative ( −) terminals on the
vehicle.
6-35

Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Ination - Tire Pressure on
page 6-55.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5-24 .
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-24 .
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-24 .
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle. Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible inflation pressure
for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See Loading the Vehicle on
page 5-24.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated seating
positions.
6-53

Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service for
new tires be performed when they have 8 000 to
13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles). SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6-62 .
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Oil Soon Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil on
page 6-13. An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Oil Soon message displays, service
is required for the vehicle as soon as possible, within
the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a
year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last
service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. See Engine Oil Life System on page 6-16 .When the Change Oil Soon message displays, certain
services, checks, and inspections are required. The
services described for Maintenance
Ishould be
performed at every engine oil change. The services
described for Maintenance IIshould be performed when:
•Maintenance Iwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
•It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Oil Soon message has displayed or since the last
service.
Maintenance I
•Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil on
page 6-13. An Emission Control Service.
•Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolant on
page 6-24.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-28 .
•Tire inflation check. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-55.
•Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-62 .
•Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-62.
7-3

Additional Required Services
At Each Fuel Stop•
Engine oil level check. See Engine Oil on page 6-13.
•Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolant on
page 6-24.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-28 .
Once a Month
•
Tire inflation check. See Ination - Tire Pressure on
page 6-55.
•Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-62 .
Once a Year
•
Starter switch check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7-8 .
•Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7-8 .
•Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services on
page 7-8.
•Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7-8 .
•Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenser
outside cleaning. SeeCooling System on
page 6-20.
•Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•Throttle system inspection for interference, binding
or for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have
high effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate
accelerator or cruise control cables.
•If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit, check the sealant expiration date printed on
the instruction label of the kit. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 6-72 .
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
7-5

First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-18 .
•Automatic transmission fluid change (severe service
only) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous terrain,
when frequently towing a trailer, or used for taxi,
police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-19 .
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Spark plug replacement. An Emission Control
Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs
first). See Engine Coolant on page 6-24 .An
Emission Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed. An Emission Control
Service.
7-6

Scheduled Maintenance
ServiceMaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system. ••
Engine coolant level check. ••
Windshield washer fluid level check. ••
Tire inflation pressures check. ••
Tire wear inspection. ••
Rotate tires. ••
Fluids visual leak check. ••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only). ••
Brake system inspection. ••
Steering and suspension inspection. •
Engine cooling system inspection. •
Windshield wiper blades inspection. •
Body components lubrication. •
Restraint system components check. •
Passenger compartment air filter replacement. •
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions). •
7-7

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certified for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. To
determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, see
Engine
Oil on page 6-13.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on
page 6-24.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Hydraulic
Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Manual
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
7-10

Carbon MonoxideEngine Exhaust ........................................... 3-33
Trunk ......................................................... 3-11
Winter Driving ............................................. 5-21
Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 6-96
CD, MP3 ....................................................... 4-63
Center Console Storage ................................... 3-36
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ...........6-43
Chains, Tire ................................................... 6-70
Charging System Light .................................... 4-25
Check Engine Lamp .............................................. 4-30
Checking Things Under the Hood ......................6-10
Chemical Paint Spotting .................................6-100
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children ...........................2-35
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children ..........2-43
Older Children ............................................. 2-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position .................................................. 2-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ........................................... 2-52
Systems ..................................................... 2-39
Where to Put the Restraint ...........................2-41
Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 4-14
Circuit Breakers ............................................ 6-103Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ..............6-99
Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................. 6-97
Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 6-95
Finish Care ................................................. 6-98
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ................................................. 6-96
Interior ....................................................... 6-94
Leather ...................................................... 6-96
Tires ........................................................ 6-100
Underbody Maintenance .............................6-100
Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 6-97
Weatherstrips .............................................. 6-97
Windshield

and Wiper Blades ........................6-98
Climate Control System ................................... 4-14
Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 4-17
Climate Controls ............................................. 1-14
Clock, Setting ................................................. 4-50
Clutch, Hydraulic ............................................. 6-19
Collision Damage Repair .................................. 8-11
Compact Spare Tire ........................................ 6-93
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant ............................6-72
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 3-15
Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 5-3
Convenience Net ............................................ 3-36
Coolant Engine ....................................................... 6-24
Engine Temperature Warning Light .................4-29
3