radiator cap PONTIAC G8 2008 Owners 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

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, this is what you will see:A. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
F. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
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 .
V6 Engine
9-6 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner 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

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

If you no longer have the overheat
warning, you can drive. Just to
be safe, drive slower for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you
have not stopped, pull over, stop,
and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you
can idle the engine for three minutes
while you are parked. If you still have
the warning, turn off the engine and
get everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood
but to get service help right away.Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, this is what you see:
A. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick
B. Radiator Pressure CapV6 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-17
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick
B. Radiator Pressure Cap
{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up
even when the engine is not
running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
The coolant level should be at or
above the top mark on the coolant
reservoir dipstick. If it is not,
you may have a leak at the radiator
pressure cap or in the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
V8 Engine
9-18 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Notice:In cold weather, water
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended
coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.
{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.
1. Check the engine coolant
reservoir (A) level and, if
required, top with coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-13.2. Locate the radiator pressure
cap (B).
{CAUTION
Steam and scalding liquids
from a hot cooling system can
blow out and burn you badly.
They are under pressure, and if
you turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — they can
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the radiator
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and radiator
pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.
3. Cover the cap with a thick
cloth and turn it slowly
counterclockwise and remove.
4. If there is no coolant or the level
is low, slowly ll the system
through the radiator pressure cap
opening with a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and
a DEX-COOL
®coolant until full.
Wait 30 seconds for coolant
to settle and top off if the
level drops.
Do not spill coolant on the
accessory drive belts.
If a spill occurs, rinse the belt
with fresh water.
9-20 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

5. Start the engine.
6. With the engine idling, top off the
coolant through the radiator
pressure cap opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the
coolant to settle and top off, if
the level drops.
7. Once the system is full, put the
radiator pressure cap back on
by turning clockwise.
8. Turn off the ignition.
9. Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and ll it until the
level is at the top of the dipstick.Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Level
Power steering uid is used in
all vehicles.
Check the level after the vehicle has
been driven for at least twenty
minutes so the uid is warm.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. The power steering uid reservoir
is located on the driver side
toward the front of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6.3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
V6 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-21
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

12. Turn the dust cap clockwise to
lock it into place.
13. For the driver side reinstall the
air cleaner/lter cover.
14. For the passenger side reinstall
the coolant bottle ller neck.
15. Reinstall the radiator support
screws.
Taillamps
A. Turn Signal Lamp
B. Stoplamp/Taillamp
C. Back-up LampTo replace one of these bulbs:
For any lamp not listed here, see
your dealer/retailer to replace.
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on
page 2-10.
2. Raise the spare tire cover. See
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools on page 9-72for more
information.
3. Turn the four convenience net
hooks securing the plastic
trunk trim counterclockwise.
4. Pull the trunk trim straight up to
remove.5. Turn the trunk lining securing
pins counterclockwise and
pull down at the same time to
remove.
6. Lower the spare tire cover.
7. Turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise to remove it
from the rear lamp housing.
8. Lightly press the bulb and turn it
counterclockwise to remove it
from the bulb holder.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-31
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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