check engine PONTIAC G6 2008 Workshop Manual

(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)Change automatic transmission fluid if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid does not require changing.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-21.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-30.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
6-9

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-68. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-86.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-77.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-31.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If
the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-10

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-31.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only
when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out only in
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
6-11

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and the transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-12

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provideantilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your
dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some
modules may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or
near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The
EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were operating
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety
belts were buckled/fastened
How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal
How fast the vehicle was traveling
7-16

Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-23
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-11
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-27, 5-30
Operation...................................................2-27
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-69
Battery..........................................................5-45
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-11
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-42
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-52Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-58
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................5-55, 5-56, 5-57
Buying New Tires...........................................5-79
C
Calibration.............................................2-37, 2-39
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-119
Carbon Monoxide...................2-13, 2-35, 4-15, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-103
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-54
Chains, Tire...................................................5-85
Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-107
2

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-14
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-5
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-11
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-43
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-12
Before a Long Trip......................................4-13
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-14
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-14
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-12
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Winter........................................................4-15
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-9
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-109
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-112
Fuses......................................................5-110
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-110
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-116
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-110
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Coolant......................................................5-30
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-21
Oil Life System...........................................5-24
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-35
Overheating................................................5-33
Running While Parked..................................2-36
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
4

M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®
and Compass..........................................2-37Mirrors (cont.)
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-37
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-40
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-17
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-29
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-29
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-21
Pressure Light.............................................3-41
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-24
Older Children, Restraints................................1-33
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-41
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
8

Outlet Adjustment............................................3-26
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-18
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-41
Power Mirrors.............................................2-40
Overhead Console Reading Lamps....................3-17
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-35
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-107
Parade Dimming.............................................3-17
Park Brake....................................................2-31
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-32
Shifting Out of............................................2-34
Park (P) Headlamps Off in Park (P)..................3-14
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-35
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-31
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-68
Passing.........................................................4-10
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-20Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-5
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-110
Lift Seat.....................................................1-11
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-23
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-40
Windows....................................................2-16
Pressure Cap.................................................5-33
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-17
OnStar.......................................................7-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-17
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............2-12
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-17
Radios..........................................................3-52
Radio(s)........................................................3-54
Radios
Reception...................................................3-68
Setting the Clock.........................................3-53
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-67
Raising the Retractable Hardtop........................2-49
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-12
9

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass....................................................2-39
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®and Compass.................................2-37
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-37
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-88
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-58
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-75Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Retractable Hardtop........................................2-45
Lowering....................................................2-46
Raising......................................................2-49
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-20
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-15
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-36
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-30
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-103
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-18
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-26
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-32
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-32
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-13
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-8
10