tow PONTIAC G5 2010 Service Manual
Page 327 of 422
When rotating the vehicle’s tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeIn ation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-55 andLoading the Vehicle on
page 5-24.
If the vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), reset the TPMS sensors after
rotating the tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 6-58 . Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Speci cations on page 6-109
.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure
to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire on page 6-80.
6-63
Page 334 of 422
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P205/55R16 or P205/50R17
size tires, do not use tire chains. They can
damage your vehicle because there is not enough
clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive
slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.Notice:
If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P205/55R16 or P205/50R17, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use only SAE
Class S-type chains that are the proper size for
your tires. Install them on the front tires and tighten
them as tightly as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow down until
it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain the tires properly. See
Tires on page 6-48 . If air goes out of a tire, It is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
6-70
Page 343 of 422
4. Turn the sealant canister (B) so the inflator fillinghose is aligned with the slot in the compressor.
5. Lift the sealant canister (B) from the compressor and replace with a new sealant canister. See your
dealer/retailer for more information. To install a new sealant canister:
1. Align the sealant/air hose (F) with the slot in the air compressor.
2. Push the sealant canister (B) down and turn it clockwise.
3. Wrap the sealant/air hose (F) around the air compressor channel to stow it in its original location.
4. Push the air compressor inflator hose (F) onto the sealant canister inlet and push the lever down.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
Storage
The tire sealant and compressor kit is located in the
trunk.
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on page 3-11.
2. Lift the trunk liner.
6-79
Page 353 of 422
WARNING: (Continued)
or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 6-80.
10. Remove any rust or dirtfrom the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces, and
spare wheel. 11. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting
surface.{WARNING:
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because
the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
12. Reinstall the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut
clockwise by hand until the wheel is held against
the hub.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
6-89
Page 355 of 422
A. Cover
B. Retainer
C. Jack and Wheel Wrench
D. Stow Bolt Extension Rod E. Flat Tire F. Bolt
Base Model
6-91
Page 356 of 422
A. Cover
B. Retainer
C. Jack and Wheel Wrench
D. Stow Bolt Extension Rod E. Flat Tire F. Foam Support
G. Bolt
To store a flat tire and tools: 1. Remove the stow bolt extension rod and sleeve from the jack.
2. Screw the stow bolt extension rod and the sleeve into the existing spare tire hold-down bolt.
3. If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, first remove the center cap with your hand or the wheel wrench.
4. Place the flat tire face down into the spare tire tub.
5. Re-attach the wheel wrench to the jack.
6. Place the jack into the center of the flat tire, being careful not to scratch the inside of the wheel.
7. Remove the plastic sleeve from the stow bolt extension rod. Secure the jack and road wheel
using the larger plastic retainer.
8. If used in the vehicle, place the smaller jack retainer nut in a safe place until you are ready
to store the compact spare tire in the trunk again.
Uplevel Model
6-92
Page 357 of 422
To store the compact spare tire and tools, follow the
previous procedure without using the stow bolt extension
rod and seeRemoving the Spare Tire and Tools on
page 6-81 and follow the removal procedure, in reverse,
for the proper jack storage instructions for this vehicle.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon
as possible.
Compact Spare Tire
{WARNING:
Driving with more than one compact spare tire at a
time could result in loss of braking and handling.
This could lead to a crash and you or others could
be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
This vehicle may have a compact spare tire. Although the
compact spare tire was fully inflated when the vehicle
was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, if the
vehicle has one, stop as soon as possible and make
sure the spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact
spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have the full-size
tire repaired or replaced at your convenience. Of course,
it is best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as
soon as possible. The spare tire will last longer and be
in good shape in case it is needed again.
Notice:
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get
caught on the rails which can damage the tire,
wheel and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice: Tire chains will not t the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and can damage
the chains too. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
6-93
Page 359 of 422
•Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per
gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide. Use
only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
•Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
•Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For
any soil, always try to remove it first with plain water or
club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much
of the soil as possible using one of the following
techniques:
•For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
•For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or
spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
6-95
Page 361 of 422
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather frequent application may be required. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain chemicals that can
damage the emblems or nameplates on the vehicle.
Check the cleaning product label. If it states that
it should not be used on plastic parts, do not use it
on the vehicle or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Use a car
washing soap. Do not use cleaning agents that
are petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives,
as they can damage the paint, metal or plastic on the vehicle. Approved cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to
remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are
allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the
vehicle. Avoid using high pressure washes closer
than 12 inches (30 cm) to the surface of the vehicle.
Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274 kPa)
can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under
Washing Your Vehicle on
page 6-97.
6-97
Page 362 of 422
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from
the paint finish. Approved cleaning products can be
obtained from your dealer/retailer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish, the
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish on the vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint finish looking
new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish,
steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of
wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all
bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly
when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
•Extreme dusty conditions
•Sand and salt
•Heat and sun
•Snow and ice, without proper removal
6-98