engine PONTIAC G8 2008 Owners Manual

L(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm):Press and release one time
to locate your vehicle. The exterior
lamps will ash and the horn
will chirp.
Press and hold
Lfor at least
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn will sound and the
turn signals will ash until
Lis
pressed again or the key is placed
in the ignition and turned to
ON/RUN.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):If the
vehicle has this feature, press
/to start the engine from outside
the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle
Start on page 2-6for additional
information.
Personal Identity Keys
This system stores electronic
settings for two different keys. The
settings are stored when a
personal identity key is removed
from the ignition and recalled when
Qon the RKE transmitter is
pressed. For information on storing
climate control settings, radio
settings and trip computer settings,
see “Personal Identity Memories”
underRadio(s) on page 6-3,
“Ignition Keys” underClimate
Control System on page 7-1and
“Trip Computer” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 4-32.
Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from
unlocking your vehicle. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. Bringany additional transmitters so they
can also be re-coded to match
the new transmitter. Once your
dealer/retailer has coded the new
transmitter, the lost transmitter
will not unlock your vehicle.
Battery Replacement
The RKE transmitter has a lithium
battery which should last about
three years.
Have the battery replaced if the
Replace Battery in Remote
Key message displays in the DIC or
if the transmitter will not work at
the normal range in any location.
See “Replace Battery in Remote
Key” underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-27.
The battery is not rechargeable.
See your dealer/retailer to replace
the battery.
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have this feature
which allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This
button will be on the RKE transmitter
if you have remote start.
To enable and disable remote start,
see “Remote Start” underDIC
Vehicle Customization on page 4-32.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during
a remote start. When the key
is turned to ON/RUN, the climate
control system will turn on at
the setting the vehicle was set to
when the vehicle was last turned off.Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not
use the remote start feature. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. PressQon the RKE transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/for about
two seconds. The turn signal
lamps will briey ash to conrm
the vehicle has been started.
The parking lamps will turn
on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The vehicle’s
doors will be locked.
3. After entering the vehicle during
a remote start, insert and turn
the key to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine
will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done or
the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 and 2
while the engine is still running.
The engine run time can only be
extended if it is the rst remote start
since the vehicle has been driven.
Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the remote start procedure is used
again before the rst 10 minute
time frame has ended, the rst
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons
are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for a total of
15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.After your vehicle’s engine has been
started two times using the remote
start button, the vehicle’s ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN
and then back to LOCK/OFF
using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again.
Shutting the Engine Off After
a Remote Start
To manually shut off the engine
after a remote start, do any of the
following:
Press/until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning
ashers.
Insert the vehicle’s key into the
ignition switch and turn the
switch to ON/RUN and then back
to LOCK/OFF.Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if any of the following
occur:
The vehicle’s key is in the
ignition.
The vehicle’s hood or doors are
not closed.
The hazard warning ashers
are on.
There is an emission control
system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have
already been used. The
maximum number of remote
starts or remote start attempts
between ignition cycles with
the key is two.
The vehicle is not in PARK (P).
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Trunk
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to drive
with the trunk lid open because
carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You
cannot see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive
with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through
the seal between the body and
the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows
are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating
or cooling system to its
highest speed and select the
control setting that will force
outside air into your vehicle.
See Climate Control System.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
If you have air outlets on or
under the instrument panel,
open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-12.
Remote Trunk Release
To open the trunk from the outside
the vehicle, press the
Vbutton
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
From inside the vehicle, press the
Vbutton located in the glove box.
The trunk can only be opened
while the vehicle is in PARK (P),
and when the doors are unlocked.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice:Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the
trunk from the inside.
2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from
the ignition.
The system is disarmed when the
key is turned to ON/RUN.
You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.
The key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit
in your vehicle and automatically
disarms the system. Only the correct
key will start the vehicle. If the
key is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
If the vehicle does not start:
Make sure the fold away key is
fully extended.
Avoid attaching several keys with
the ignition key.
Avoid attaching keys from other
vehicles to the ignition key.
Do not attempt to start the
vehicle with a non-approved key.
Do not disassemble the key.
When trying to start the vehicle, if
the engine does not start, the
key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key.
If the engine still does not start,
your vehicle needs service.
See your dealer/retailer to service
the theft-deterrent system and
have a new key made.
The following procedure is for
programming additional keys only. If
all vehicle keys are lost or no
longer work, see your dealer/retailer.
A new key must be made prior to
programming.
A maximum of four keys can be
programmed for your vehicle.The key is purchased as two
sections: the key blade and
immobilizer section (A) and the
remote keyless entry and remote
start system section (B).
Do not join the two key sections
until programming is complete.
To program a new section (A):
1. Insert the original, already
programmed key into the ignition
and start the engine.
If the engine does not start, see
your dealer/retailer.
2. Remove the key from the
ignition.
2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Manually fold the mirrors inward to
prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. To
fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return to its original position.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION
A convex mirror can make
things (like other vehicles) look
farther away than they really
are. If you cut too sharply into
the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on your right. Check
your inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror’s surface
is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat. It also makes
things, like other vehicles, look
farther away than they really are.
Sunroof
The sunroof control is located
between the sun visors. It works
when the ignition is in ON/RUN. The
sunroof will not operate after the
engine is turned off.
From the closed position
9, turn
the control clockwise to one of
the six open positions. The
sunshade opens with the sunroof.
Tilt the sunroof by turning the control
counter-clockwise.
Obstruction Detection
When the sunroof encounters an
obstruction while closing, it
immediately returns to the fully open
or tilt position. The sunroof will
not move again until the control is
pressed upward, or a different
position is selected.
2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Instruments and
Controls
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................4-2
Hazard Warning
Flashers............................4-4
Horn...................................4-4
Tilt Wheel...........................4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................4-4
Cruise Control....................4-5
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................4-7
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........4-7
Windshield Wipers..............4-8
Windshield Washer.............4-8
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)............................4-9
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................4-10
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .4-11
Speedometer....................4-12
Tachometer.......................4-12
Safety Belt Reminders......4-12
Airbag Readiness Light.....4-13
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................4-14
Voltmeter Gage.................4-15
Charging System Light......4-15
Brake System Warning
Light................................4-16
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......4-17
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........4-17
Tire Pressure Light...........4-18
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................4-18
Security Light....................4-21
Fog Lamp Light................4-21
Highbeam On Light...........4-21
Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Indicator Light. . . . . . .4-21
Door Ajar Light.................4-21
Oil Pressure Gage............4-22
Fuel Gage........................4-22
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Driver Information
Center (DIC)...................4-23
DIC Operation and
Displays..........................4-23
DIC Warnings and
Messages........................4-27
DIC Vehicle
Customization..................4-32
OnStar®System
OnStar®System................4-36
Instruments and Controls 4-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Cruise Control
For vehicles with cruise control, the
lever is located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
The cruise control maintains the
vehicle’s speed without having your
foot on the accelerator pedal.
The cruise control only works at
speeds above 21 mph (33 km/h)
(V6 engines) or above 24 mph
(38 km/h) (V8 engines).
{CAUTION
Cruise control can be
dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in
tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you
could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery
roads.Setting Cruise Control{CAUTION
If you leave your cruise control
on when you are not using
cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do
not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch
off until you want to use cruise
control.
1. Press the
OQbutton at the
end of the cruise control lever.
The CRUISE ON light comes on
in the instrument panel cluster.
SeeInstrument Panel Cluster on
page 4-11.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
Instruments and Controls 4-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

3. Turn the band down to SET−
and then release it. The
CRUISE ACTIVE light comes on
in the instrument panel cluster.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and
the Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) becomes active, the cruise
control automatically disengages.
SeeElectronic Stability Program on
page 8-16. When road conditions
allow the cruise control can be
used again.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or the
OQbutton
is pressed once, the cruise control
shuts off.Once the vehicle speed is 21 mph
(33 km/h) (V6 engines) or 24 mph
(38 km/h) (V8 engines) or greater,
turn the band briey to RES+
position. The vehicle returns to the
previously set speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a
higher speed:
Turn theIband up to the
RES+ position. Hold it there until
the desired speed is reached,
then release it.
To increase the vehicle speed in
very small amounts, turn the
band to RES+ briey and then
release it. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) faster.Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce the
vehicle speed while using cruise
control:
Turn theIband down to the
SET−position. Hold it there
until the lower speed desired is
reached, then release it.
To slow down in very small
amounts, turn the band to
SET−briey and then release it.
Each time this is done, the
vehicle will go about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle slows down to the cruise
control speed set earlier.
4-6 Instruments and Controls
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Warning Lights,
Gages, and Indicators
This section describes the warning
lights and gages on the vehicle.
Warning lights and gages can signal
that something is wrong before it
becomes serious enough to
cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gages could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there
may be or is a problem with one
of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when
the engine is started to indicate
they are working.Gages can indicate when there may
be or is a problem with one of the
vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to
indicate a problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
4-10 Instruments and Controls
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual