PONTIAC G8 2008 Owners Manual

{CAUTION
Performing maintenance work
on a vehicle can be dangerous.
In trying to do some jobs, you
can be seriously injured. Do
your own maintenance work
only if you have the required
know-how and the proper tools
and equipment for the job. If
you have any doubt, see your
dealer/retailer to have a
qualied technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work on page 9-4.Some maintenance services can be
complex. So, unless you are
technically qualied and have the
necessary equipment, you
should have your dealer/retailer do
these jobs.
When you go to your dealer/retailer
for your service needs, you will
know that trained and supported
service technicians will perform the
work using genuine parts.
If you want to purchase service
information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on
page 12-15.
Owner Checks and Services on
page 11-9tells you what should be
checked, when to check it, and
what you can easily do to help keep
your vehicle in good condition.The proper replacement parts,
uids, and lubricants to use
are listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12
andMaintenance Replacement
Parts on page 11-13. When
your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should
be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We
recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Service and Maintenance 11-3
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Scheduled Maintenance
When the Service Engine Oil
message comes on, it means that
service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced 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 engine oil life system may not
indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However,
your 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 technicians who will perform
this work using genuine parts and
reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever
reset accidentally, you must
service your vehicle within
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last service. Remember to reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 9-10for information
on the Engine Oil Life System
and resetting the system.
When the Service Engine Oil
message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are
described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service
be MaintenanceI, your second
service be MaintenanceII, and that
you alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However,
in some cases, MaintenanceII
may be required more often.MaintenanceI— Use
MaintenanceIif the Service Engine
Oil message comes on within
10 months since the vehicle was
purchased or MaintenanceII
was performed.
MaintenanceII— Use
MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was
MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the
Service Engine Oil message comes
on 10 months or more since the
last service or if the message
has not come on at all for one year.
11-4 Service and Maintenance
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on page 9-8. Reset oil life
system. See Engine Oil Life System on page 9-10 .An Emission Control
Service. ••
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j). ••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-11 .See footnote (k). •
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-54 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month
on page 11-9 . ••
Inspect brake system. See footnote (a). ••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed. ••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section. ••
Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b). •
Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c). •
Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d). •
Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e). •
Lubricate body components. See footnote (f). •
Replace passenger compartment air lter. See footnote (l). •
Service and Maintenance 11-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (Ior II) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers) 25,000
(40 000) 50,000
(80 000) 75,000
(120 000) 100,000
(160 000) 125,000
(200 000) 150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or
leaks. • •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components. • •••••
Replace engine air cleaner lter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 9-11 .•••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (severe service).
See footnote (h). •••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (normal service). •
Replace spark plugs. An Emission
Control Service. •
Engine cooling system service (or
every ve years, whichever occurs
rst). An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i). •
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Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000) 50,000
(80 000) 75,000
(120 000) 100,000
(160 000) 125,000
(200 000) 150,000
(240 000)
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (g). •
Change brake hydraulic uid at a
regular maintenance service every
two years. See footnote (m).
Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b) Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
(c)
Visually inspect hoses and have
them replaced if they are cracked,
swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings and clamps;
replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning
condenser is recommended at least
once a year. (d)
Inspect wiper blades for wear,
cracking, or contamination.
Clean the windshield and wiper
blades, if contaminated. Replace
wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 9-23
and “Windshield and Wiper Blades”
under Exterior Cleaning on
page 9-94 for more information.
Service and Maintenance 11-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

(e)Make sure the safety belt
reminder light and safety belt
assemblies are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If
you see anything that might keep
a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also see Airbag System Check
on page 1-31.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
door hinges and latches, hood
hinges and latches and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer,
seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.(h)Change automatic transmission
fluid and filter 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.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling
system. This service can be
complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Engine Coolant on page 9-13 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap,
and filler neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system
could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add
fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, the filter may require
replacement more often.
(m)Drain, flush, and refill brake
hydraulic system at a regular service
interval (IorII) every two years.
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Brakes
on page 9-24.
11-8 Service and Maintenance
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Owner Checks and
Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission
control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever
any uids or lubricants are added to
the vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
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 the
vehicle warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
Engine Oil on page 9-8.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-13.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the 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 9-46. Check to
make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
(V6 Engine) on page 9-71.
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 9-54.
Service and Maintenance 11-9
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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 8-9.
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.
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 8-9.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.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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.
Service and Maintenance 11-11
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute Certied for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,
see
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-13 .
Hydraulic Brake System Hydraulic Brake Fluid. Use only GM Part No. U.S. 88958860,
in Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4 brake uid.
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic Power Steering System DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)
or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
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