headlamp PONTIAC G8 2008 User Guide

While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try your best to
avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You
might not realize the surface is
slippery until your vehicle is
skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to
make a mirrored surface — and
slow down when you have any
doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake
System (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking skid.Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than
day driving because some drivers
are likely to be impaired — by alcohol
or drugs, with night vision problems,
or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by
adjusting the inside rearview
mirror.
Slow down and keep more space
between you and other vehicles
because headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into
approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass
on your vehicle clean — inside
and out.
Keep your eyes moving,
especially during turns or curves.
No one can see as well at night as
in the daytime. But, as we get
older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need
at least twice as much light to see
the same thing at night as a
20-year-old.
8-22 Driving and Operating
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

{CAUTION
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can
cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and
kill you. You cannot see it or
smell it, so you might not know
it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust
pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
Open a window just a little on
the side of the vehicle that is
away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you
must. This saves fuel. When you run
the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less
fuel for the heat that you get and it
keeps the battery charged. You will
need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with the
headlamps. Let the heater run
for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close
the window almost all the way to
preserve the heat. Start the engine
again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. But do it as little as possible.
Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly
vigorous exercises every half hour or
so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out on page 8-28.
{CAUTION
If you let your vehicle’s tires
spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an
engine compartment re or
other damage. Spin the wheels
as little as possible and avoid
going above 35 mph (55 km/h)
as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, seeTire
Chains on page 9-62.
Driving and Operating 8-27
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Vehicle Service
and Care
Service
Service...............................9-2
Accessories and
Modications.....................9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................9-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....9-3
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................9-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......9-4
Owner Checks
Owner Checks....................9-5
Hood Release.....................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview...........................9-6
Engine Oil..........................9-8
Engine Oil Life System.....9-10
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .9-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-13
Engine Coolant.................9-13
Radiator Pressure Cap......9-15
Engine Overheating...........9-16
Cooling System.................9-17
Power Steering Fluid.........9-21
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .9-22
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-23
Brakes..............................9-24
Battery..............................9-26
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-27
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-29
Halogen Bulbs..................9-29
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-29
Taillamps..........................9-31
Replacement Bulbs...........9-32
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-32
Headlamp Wiring..............9-33
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-33
Power Windows and
Other Power Options. . . . . . .9-33
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...............................9-33
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-35
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block...............................9-38
Tires
Tires.................................9-39
Tire Sidewall Labeling. . . . . . .9-40
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-43
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-46
High-Speed Operation. . . . . . .9-48
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-49
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-51
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-54
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................9-56
Buying New Tires.............9-56
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................9-58
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Headlamp Aiming
The optical headlamp aiming system
has been preset at the factory
and should need no further
adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged
adjustment may be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles ash their high
beams at you, this may also mean
the vertical aim needs to be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle
is taken to your dealer/retailer
for service if the headlamps need to
be re-aimed. It is possible however,
to re-aim the headlamps as
described.
The vehicle should:
Be placed so the headlamps
are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light
colored wall.
Have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface which is level all
the way to the wall.
Be placed so it is at a right angle
to the wall.
Not have any snow, ice, or
mud on it.
Be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp
aiming is being done.
Have a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) on
the driver seat.
Have all tires properly inated.
Headlamp aiming is done with
the vehicle’s low-beam headlamps.
The high-beam headlamps will
be correctly aimed if the low-beam
headlamps are aimed properly.To adjust the vertical aim on the
headlamps:
1. Open the hood.Hood Release
on page 9-5.
2. Locate the aim dot on the lens of
the low-beam headlamp.
3. Record the distance from the
ground to the aim dot on the
low-beam headlamp.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-27
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

4. At the wall, measure from the
ground upward (A) to the
recorded distance from Step 3
and mark it.
5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B)
on the wall the width of the
vehicle at the height of the mark
in Step 4.
Notice:Do not cover a headlamp
to improve beam cut-off when
aiming. Covering a headlamp may
cause excessive heat build-up
which may cause damage to the
headlamp.6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps
and place a piece of cardboard
or equivalent in front of the
headlamp not being adjusted.
Do not place it directly on
the headlamp. This allows only
the beam of light from the
headlamp being adjusted to be
seen on the at surface.
7. Locate the vertical headlamp
aiming screws, which are
under the hood near each
headlamp assembly.The adjustment screw can be
turned with a 6 mm socket
wrench.
8. Turn the vertical aiming screw
clockwise or counterclockwise
until the headlamp beam is
aimed to the horizontal tape line.
9. Make sure that the light from the
headlamp is positioned at the
bottom edge of the horizontal
tape line. The lamp on the left (A)
shows the correct headlamp aim.
The lamp on the right (B) shows
the incorrect headlamp aim.
10. Repeat Steps 7 through 9 for
the opposite headlamp.
Driver Side (Passenger
Side Similar)
9-28 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs
on page 9-32.
For any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact
your dealer/retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have
pressurized gas inside and can
burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the
bulb package.
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
If the front turn signal lamp
or parking lamp needs to be
changed, see your dealer/retailer.
A. Front Turn Signal Lamp/
Parking Lamp
B. Low Beam Headlamp
C. High Beam Headlamp1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 9-5.
2. Remove the radiator support by
turning the head screws
counterclockwise and then
pulling them straight out.
3. For the passenger side pull up
on the coolant bottle ller neck
to remove it and place it to
one side.
Let the ller neck drain before
pulling it all the way out. Place a
clean towel over the opening
of the coolant bottle after
removing it.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-29
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

9. Push the new bulb into the
socket and turn it clockwise
to lock it into place.
10. Push the bulb socket straight in
and turn it clockwise to lock it
into place.
11. Make sure the seals are applied
to the taillamp assembly and
screws.12. Raise the spare tire cover.
13. Turn the trunk lining securing
pins clockwise to lock into
place.
14. Return the plastic trunk trim to
its original location.
15. Reinstall the plastic
retaining pins.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior LampBulb
Number
High-Beam
HeadlampH9
Low-Beam
HeadlampH11
Stoplamp/Taillamp P21/5W
Rear Turn
Signal LampPY21W
Back-up Lamp P21W
For replacement bulbs not listed
here, contact your dealer/retailer.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything
electrical to your vehicle unless
you check with your
dealer/retailer rst. Some
electrical equipment can damage
your vehicle and the damage
would not be covered by your
warranty. Some add-on electrical
equipment can keep other
components from working as
they should.
Add-on equipment can drain your
vehicle’s battery, even if your vehicle
is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to your vehicle, see
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-30.
9-32 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by
fuses in the fuse block. An
electrical overload will cause the
lamps to turn off. If this happens,
have your headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is
protected by a circuit breaker and a
fuse. If the motor overheats due
to heavy snow, etc., the wiper
will stop until the motor cools. If the
overload is caused by some
electrical problem, have it xed.
Power Windows and
Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse block
protect the power windows and
other power accessories. When the
current load is too heavy, the
circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until the
problem is xed or goes away.
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block
The instrument panel fuse block is
located on the end of the
instrument panel, on the driver’s
side of the vehicle. To access
the fuses, open the fuse panel door
by pulling out.
To reinstall the door, push the door
back into its original location.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-33
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Fuses Usage
F10Driver Side
Low-Beam
Headlamp
F11 Spare
F12Passenger Side
Low-Beam
Headlamp
F13 Spare
F14 Spare
F15 Front Wiper
F16 Spare
F17 Theft Horn
F18 Spare
F19Passenger Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
F20 Spare
F21 Windshield Washer
F22Canister Vent
Solenoid
F23Driver Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
F24 SpareFuses Usage
F25 Reverse Lockout
F26 Spare
F27 Spare
F28Engine Control
Module 1
F29 Even Coils/Injectors
F30 Spare
F31 Spare
F32 Emission 2
F33 Emission 1
F34 Spare
F35 Odd Coils/Injectors
F36 Spare
F37 HVAC Ignition
F38Heated
Seats/OnStar
®
Ignition
F39 Engine Ignition
F40 Airbags
F41 Spare
F42Passenger Side
Park Lamp
Fuses Usage
F43Driver Side
Park Lamp
FUSE
PULLERFuse Puller
Relays Usage
R1 Spare
R2 Comm Enable
R3 Spare
R4 Back-up Lamps
R5 Fog Lamp
R6Low-Beam
Headlamps
R7 Spare
R8 Defogger
R9Windshield
Wiper High
R10Windshield
Wiper Low
R11High-Beam
Headlamps
R12 Crank
R13 Powertrain
R14 Ignition Main
Vehicle Service and Care 9-37
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

the alignment might need to be
checked. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels
might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for proper
diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose,
the wheel, wheel bolts and
wheel nuts should be replaced. If
the wheel leaks air, replace it
(except some aluminum wheels,
which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer/retailer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the
kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the one
it replaces.If you need to replace any of the
wheels, wheel bolts or wheel
nuts, replace them only with new
GM original equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have
the right wheel, wheel bolts and
wheel nuts for the vehicle.
{CAUTION
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air
and make you lose control. You
could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire (V6
Engine) on page 9-71for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You
cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been
driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have
to replace a wheel, use a new
GM original equipment wheel.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-61
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual