check engine PONTIAC G8 2008 Service 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.
11-10 Service and Maintenance
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

In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on engines,
transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle.
The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio:
Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model
Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, specify
year and model name of the vehicle.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: 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.
Customer Information 12-15
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets........ 4-9
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . 1-30
Additives, Fuel.....................8-34
Add-On Electrical
Equipment .......................9-32
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine .......9-11
Air Conditioning...............7-1, 7-4
Airbag
Passenger Status
Indicator .......................4-14
Readiness Light . ...............4-13
System, Replacing Parts
After a Crash . ...............1-32
Airbag System.....................1-19
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . .......................1-30
Check . . . . .........................1-31
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-24Airbag System (cont.)
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-30
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-24
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates? . ............1-24
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-22
Where Are the
Airbags?..............1-21, 1-26
Antenna, Fixed Mast . ...........6-24
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-15
Anti-lock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-17
Appearance Care
Chemical Paint Spotting.....9-98
Exterior Cleaning . . ............9-94
Finish Damage.................9-98
Interior Cleaning . . .............9-91
Sheet Metal Damage........9-98
Underbody Maintenance....9-98
Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials......................9-99
Appointments, Scheduling
Service . ..........................12-8
Audio System . . ...................... 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls .......................6-23
Fixed Mast Antenna ..........6-24
Radio Reception . . .............6-24
Setting the Clock . . . . . . .......... 6-2
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . 6-23
Audio System(s) . . . ................. 6-3
Automatic Climate Control
System ............................. 7-4
Automatic Headlamp System . . . 5-2
Automatic Transmission
Fluid...............................9-13
Operation . . . ....................... 8-6
B
Battery...............................9-26
Run-Down Protection . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Brakes...............................9-24
System Warning Light . . . . . . . 4-16
Braking...............................8-14
Break-In, New Vehicle............ 8-2
INDEX i-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Bulb Replacement................9-29
Halogen Bulbs . . ................9-29
Headlamp Aiming ..............9-27
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps . ........................9-29
Replacement Bulbs...........9-32
Taillamps . ........................9-31
Buying New Tires . . ...............9-56
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . ...............2-16
California Fuel . . . ..................8-33
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements....... 9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning ............................ 9-3
Canadian Owners..................... ii
Capacities and
Specications . . . ................10-2
Carbon
Monoxide . . ......2-10, 8-12, 8-25
Care, Safety Belts................1-18
Cautions and Notices............... iii
CD, MP3 ............................6-19
Center Console
Storage Area..................... 3-1
Chains, Tire . . . . . ...................9-62
Charging System Light . . ........4-15Check
Engine Light....................4-18
Chemical Paint Spotting........9-98
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems.....1-37
Infants and Young
Children.......................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children..................1-40
Older Children..................1-32
Securing ..................1-46, 1-48
Where to Put the
Restraint......................1-38
Cleaning
Exterior...........................9-94
Interior............................9-91
Underbody Maintenance....9-98
Climate Control System.......... 7-1
Automatic.......................... 7-4
Outlet Adjustment............... 7-8
Clock, Setting . . ...................... 6-2
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 12-10
Compact Spare Tire . ............9-79
Compass............................2-16
Compressor Kit, Tire
Sealant...........................9-64
Content Theft-Deterrent.........2-13
Control of a Vehicle . . ............8-14
Convenience Net................... 3-1Coolant
Engine . ...........................9-13
Engine Temperature Gage . . . 4-17
Cooling System . . . . ...............9-17
Cruise Control . . ..................... 4-5
Customer Assistance
Information
Courtesy
Transportation.......12-4, 12-9
Customer Assistance
Offices .........................12-4
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure....................12-1
GM Mobility
Reimbursement
Program . . . ....................12-5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors...........12-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
the Canadian
Government ................12-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
the United States
Government ................12-14
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . ....................12-6
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . 12-15
i-2 INDEX
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

D
Daytime Running Lamps......... 5-2
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator Light..................4-21
Defensive Driving . . ...............8-13
DIC Vehicle Customization . . . . 4-32
Disc, MP3 . . .........................6-19
Doing Your Own
Service Work..................... 9-4
Dome Lamps........................ 5-4
Door
Ajar Light . .......................4-21
Locks . . . . . . . ........................ 2-8
Power Door Locks.............. 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . 2-9
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . ...........4-23, 4-32
DIC Operation and
Displays .......................4-23
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-27
Driving
At Night ..........................8-22
Before a Long Trip............8-24
Defensive . .......................8-13
Drunken ..........................8-13
Highway Hypnosis............8-24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . 8-24Driving (cont.)
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................8-23
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................8-28
Winter .............................8-25
E
EDR .................................12-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment . ...........9-32
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block...........................9-35
Headlamp Wiring . . ............9-33
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................9-33
Power Windows and Other
Power Options . . ............9-33
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-38
Windshield Wiper Fuses....9-33
Electronic Stability Program . . . 8-16
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . .............9-11
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light...................4-18
Coolant...........................9-13
Coolant Heater................... 8-5Engine (cont.)
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........4-17
Drive Belt Routing...........11-14
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . .................. 9-6
Exhaust . ..........................8-12
Oil ................................... 9-8
Oil Life System.................9-10
Overheating.....................9-16
Starting ............................. 8-4
Event Data Recorders .........12-16
Extender, Safety Belt ............1-17
Exterior Lamps . ..................... 5-1
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner ............9-11
Finish Damage....................9-98
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . .........6-24
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . 4-4
Flat Tire . . . ...........................9-62
Flat Tire, Changing . . .............9-71
Flat Tire, Storing . . . . ..............9-78
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-13
Power Steering.................9-21
Windshield Washer . ..........9-22
INDEX i-3
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Scheduled Maintenance.....11-4
Using ..............................11-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment . . ...............11-2
Malfunction Indicator Light.....4-18
Manual
Shift Lock Release............9-84
Manual Seats . . . . . ................... 1-2
Manual, Using . . . ....................... ii
Message
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-27
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-16
Outside Convex Mirror.......2-18
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-17
MP3 ...................................6-19
MyGMLink.com....................12-3
N
Navigation System, Privacy . . . 12-17
New Vehicle Break-In............. 8-2
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts..........11-13
Notices and Cautions............... iii
O
Off-Road Recovery...............8-20
Oil
Engine.............................. 9-8
Pressure Gage.................4-22
Oil, Engine Oil Life System....9-10
Older Children, Restraints......1-32
Online Owner Center............12-3
OnStar, Privacy . .................12-17
OnStar
®System, see
OnStar®Manual...............4-36
Outlet Adjustment.................. 7-8
Outlets
Accessory Power................ 4-9
Outside
Convex Mirror..................2-18
Power Mirrors..................2-17
Owner Checks and
Services..........................11-9
Owner Checks, Service.......... 9-5
Owners, Canadian.................... ii
P
Paint, Damage.....................9-98
Park
Shifting Into.....................8-10
Shifting Out of..................8-11
Park Brake........................... 8-9
Parking
Over Things That Burn......8-11
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . .........................4-14
Passing . . ............................8-21
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California . . . . . . 9-3
Perimeter Lighting . ................. 5-4
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . .............. 2-9
Electrical System . . . . . . ........9-33
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 8-3
Seat................................. 1-2
Steering Fluid . . . . ...............9-21
Windows .........................2-15
Privacy.............................12-16
Event Data Recorders . . . . . 12-16
Navigation System . . . . . .....12-17
OnStar..........................12-17
Radio Frequency
Identication ................12-17
i-6 INDEX
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

R
Radiator Pressure Cap.........9-15
Radio Frequency Identication
(RFID), Privacy . . .............12-17
Radio(s) . . . . . . . ........................ 6-3
Radios
Reception . .......................6-24
Setting the Clock................ 6-2
Theft-Deterrent . . ...............6-23
Reading Lamps..................... 5-4
Rear Door Security Locks....... 2-9
Rear Heated Seats................ 1-5
Rear Seat Operation.............. 1-5
Rearview Mirrors..................2-16
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . ................11-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 9-85
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . ....................... 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start............. 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.....9-73Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................9-72
Replacement Bulbs . . ............9-32
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash...........1-45
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . 12-14
General Motors ...............12-14
United States
Government ................12-14
Restraint System Check
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash........1-32
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After
a Crash.......................1-18
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)..................... 8-3
Roadside
Assistance Program ..........12-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................8-28
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . 11-14
Running the Vehicle While
Parked............................8-12
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light.................4-12
Safety Belts . . . ....................... 1-5
Care of . ..........................1-18
Check . . . . .........................1-18
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . ...................... 1-8
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . .........1-14
Replacing Parts After
a Crash .......................1-18
Safety Belt Extender.........1-17
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy....................1-17
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . 11-4
Seats
Front . . .............................. 1-2
Head Restraints . . . . . . ........... 1-4
Heated Seats - Rear........... 1-5
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Power Seats . ..................... 1-2
Rear Seat Operation........... 1-5
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-3
Securing Child
Restraints . . . . ............1-46, 1-48
INDEX i-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual