service indicator PONTIAC G8 2009 User Guide

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to
warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature warning light on
your vehicle’s instrument panel.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 4-17.
You may decide not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 12-6.
If you do decide to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on
a level surface.Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are
not, do not continue to run the
engine and have the vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
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 Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
{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.
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.
9-20 Vehicle Service and Care

What to Add
Use only new DOT-4 brake uid
from a sealed container. It is
recommended that the brake
hydraulic system be ushed and
relled with new DOT-4 uid
at a regular maintenance service
every two years. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 11-6
andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION
With the wrong kind of uid in
the brake hydraulic system,
the brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash.
Always use the proper brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly
damage brake hydraulic system
parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so
badly that they will have to be
replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake
uid on the vehicle. If you do,
wash it off immediately. See
Exterior Cleaning on page 9-98.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
9-26 Vehicle Service and Care

Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid
at 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a
tire and upon which the
tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed
at which a tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called
wear bars, that show across
the tread of a tire when only
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
remains. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 9-59.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire’s traction, temperature,
and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-62.Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated
cargo load. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-30.
Vehicle Maximum Load on
the Tire
:Load on an individual
tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended ination pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-30.
9-48 Vehicle Service and Care

Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-ination
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltalewill ash for approximately one
minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-54for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-53

The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air
pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmit the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS turns on the
7
low tire pressure warning light.
At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed bythe driver. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 4-22andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 4-26.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the vehicle’s
original equipment tires and the
correct ination pressure for the
vehicle’s tires when they are cold.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-30, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its
location on the vehicle. Also see
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-49.
9-54 Vehicle Service and Care

If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See the dealer/retailer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes
on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time one or
more of the TPMS sensors are
replaced or the vehicle’s tires are
rotated, the identication codes
need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
lock and unlock buttons, at the
same time, for about ve secondsto start the TPMS learn mode.
The horn chirps two times
indicating the TPMS receiver is
ready and in learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front
indicator lamp also comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor
is ready to be learned.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirps one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
9-56 Vehicle Service and Care

6. The driver side front indicator
lamp turns off and the
passenger side front indicator
lamp comes on to indicate
that corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side front tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. The passenger side front
indicator lamp turns off and the
passenger side rear indicator
lamp comes on to indicate that
corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side rear tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. The passenger side rear indicator
lamp turns off and the driver side
rear indicator lamp comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor is
ready to be learned. Proceed to
the driver side rear tire, and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.9. After the driver side rear TPMS
sensor has been learned the
horn chirps two times. The driver
side rear indicator lamp turns
off and the TPMS sensor
matching process is done. Turn
the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
If no tires are learned after
entering the TPMS learn mode, or
if communication with the receiver
stops, or if the time limit has
expired, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF and start over
beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-59for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000
to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that your vehicle
continues to perform most like it
did when the tires were new.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-57

When It Is Time for
New Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time
for new tires is to check the
treadwear indicators, which will
appear when the tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less
of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out beforethey degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed on
your vehicle, when it was new, were
designed to meet General Motors
Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that you
get tires with the same TPC Spec
rating. This way, your vehicle will
continue to have tires that are
designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the
original tires.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-59

A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets........ 4-9
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-32
Additives, Fuel.....................8-36
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-36
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................1-33
Airbag System.....................1-20
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-32
Check.............................1-33
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-25Airbag System (cont.)
Passenger Sensing
System........................1-27
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-31
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-25
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inates?........1-25
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-23
Where Are the Airbags?.....1-22
Antenna, Fixed Mast............6-37
Antenna, XM™ Satellite
Radio Antenna System......6-37
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-18
Antilock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-16
Appearance Care
Chemical Paint
Spotting.....................9-102
Exterior Cleaning..............9-98Appearance Care (cont.)
Finish Damage...............9-102
Interior Cleaning...............9-95
Sheet Metal Damage.......9-102
Underbody Maintenance . . . 9-102
Appointments, Scheduling
Service...........................12-8
Audio System........................ 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.......................6-36
Fixed Mast Antenna..........6-37
Radio Reception...............6-36
Setting the Clock................ 6-2
Theft-Deterrent Feature......6-35
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System............6-37
Audio System(s).................... 6-3
Automatic Climate Control
System............................. 7-4
Automatic Headlamp
System............................. 5-2
Automatic Transmission
Operation.......................... 8-6
INDEX i-1

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.....12-15D
Daytime Running Lamp.......... 5-2
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator Light..................4-21
Defensive Driving.................8-16
DIC Vehicle Customization....4-31
Disc, MP3...........................6-20
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)............4-22, 4-31
DIC Operation and
Displays.......................4-22
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-26Driving
At Night..........................8-24
Before a Long Trip............8-26
Defensive........................8-16
Drunken..........................8-16
Highway Hypnosis............8-26
Hill and Mountain Roads....8-26
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................8-25
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................8-30
Winter.............................8-27
E
EDR .................................12-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment............9-36
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-38
Headlamp Wiring..............9-36
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................9-36
INDEX i-3