PONTIAC G8 2008 Owners Manual

A. Engine Compartment FuseBlock. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 9-8 .
E. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
F. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-22 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-17 .
V8 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with
a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove
it again, keeping the tip down and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum)
mark, add at least one quart/liter
of the recommended oil. This
section explains what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Notice:Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine
could be damaged.SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for the location of
the engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the
level somewhere in the proper
operating range. Push the dipstick
all the way back in when you
are through.
9-8 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

What Kind of Engine Oil to UseLook for three things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil
meeting GM Standard
GM6094M. Look for and use
only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart,
SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle.
These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or
thickness. Do not use other
viscosity oils such as
SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst
symbol on the container. This
symbol indicates that the oil has
been certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).Look for this information on the oil
container, and use only those
oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and
have the starburst symbol on the
front of the oil container.
Notice:Use only engine oil
identied as meeting GM
Standard GM6094M and showing
the American Petroleum
Institute Certied For Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol. Failure
to use the recommended oil
can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-9
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

If you are in an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature
falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either
an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or
an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better
protection for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all
you need for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system
that lets you know when to change
the engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change will
be indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, you must reset the system
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it will
indicate that an oil change is
necessary. The Service Engine Oil
message will be displayed. Change
the oil as soon as possible within the
next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is
possible that, if you are driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change
is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter
must be changed at least once a
year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will
perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level.If the system is ever reset
accidentally, you must change the
oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since your last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
The Engine Oil Life System
calculates when to change the
engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Whenever the oil is changed,
reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is
required. If a situation occurs where
you change the oil prior to the
Service Engine Oil message being
displayed, reset the system.
9-10 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

After changing the engine oil, reset
the system:
1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within ve seconds.
If the Service Engine Oil
message does not appear, the
system is reset.
If the Service Engine Oil message
displays, you will need to reset
the system again.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap andwater, or a good hand cleaner.
Wash or properly dispose of clothing
or rags containing used engine
oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings
about the use and disposal of oil
products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the lter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of used
oil, ask your dealer/retailer, a
service station, or a local recycling
center for help.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6for the
location of the engine air
cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
See “Schedule Maintenance”
in Service and Maintenance for
more information. If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-11
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter,
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 9-5.
2. Locate the air lter housing on
the front of the driver side of
the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
3. On the V8 engine, remove the
airow sensor connector by
pushing in the tab and pulling
straight back.
4. Remove the ve retaining clips
on the air lter housing.5. Pull straight up on cover, while
holding the cover remove the
air lter.
6. Install the air lter.
7. Close the air lter housing cover
and clip the ve retaining clips.
8. On the V8 engine push in the
airow sensor connector.
{CAUTION
Operating the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off can cause
you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the
air; it helps to stop ames if the
engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres,
you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the
air cleaner/lter off.
9-12 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is
off, a backre can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. A
transmission uid leak is the only
reason for uid loss. If a leak occurs,
take your vehicle to a dealer/retailer
and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
Change the uid and lter at the
intervals listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4. Be sure
to use the transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission uid may
damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is
lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life
coolant.
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on page 9-16.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and
corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing
sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-13
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL
®coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you
use this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be
dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as
alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the
engine could get too hot but
would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could
catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.If you have to add coolant more
than four times a year, have
your dealer/retailer check your
cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra
inhibitors and/or additives in your
vehicle’s cooling system, you
could damage your vehicle. Use
only the proper mixture of the
engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12for
more information.
9-14 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Checking Coolant
The coolant reservoir and dipstick is
located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for more information
on location.
1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Turn the coolant dipstick
cap one-eighth of a turn
counterclockwise and slowly
pull the dipstick straight up.3. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be at or
above the Min mark on the
dipstick.
After the vehicle has been driven
and the engine is at normal
operating temperature, the level
should be somewhere between
half full and the Max mark.
4. If the coolant level is correct,
replace the dipstick and turn
the cap one-eighth of a
turn clockwise.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the
proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
at the coolant reservoir, but only
when the engine is cool. If the
coolant reservoir is empty, a special
ll procedure is necessary. See
Engine Overheating on page 9-16
for instructions on “How to Add
Coolant to the Cooling System.”
{CAUTION
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene
glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot
engine.
When replacing the coolant reservoir
cap, make sure it is hand-tight
and fully seated.
Radiator Pressure Cap
Notice:The radiator cap on your
vehicle is a pressure-type cap
and must be tightly installed
to prevent coolant loss and
possible engine damage from
overheating. Be sure the cap is
properly closed.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for more information
on location.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-15
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Engine Overheating
There is an engine coolant
temperature warning light on your
vehicle’s instrument panel. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 4-17.
If Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
{CAUTION
Steam from an overheated
engine can burn you badly,
even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if
you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle
until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open
the hood.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the
liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly
burned. Stop your engine if it
overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If the engine catches re
because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An engine coolant temperature
warning can indicate a serious
problem. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 4-17.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.
If you get the engine coolant
temperature warning with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn
it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle
in N (Neutral) 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.
9-16 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual