Block PONTIAC G8 2009 Owners Manual

Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger’s side.
The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
{CAUTION
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the airbag
might not inate properly or it might
force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inating
airbag must be kept clear. Do not
put anything between an occupant
and an airbag, and do not attach or
put anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other airbag
covering.
Do not use seat accessories that
block the ination path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
Driver Side shown, Passenger
Side similar
1-22 Seats and Restraints

Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. 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.This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry 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.If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range, try this:Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle. Stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few
steps to the left or right, hold
the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery.
See “Battery Replacement”
later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualied
technician for service.
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is located on the right side of
the steering column.
The ignition must be turned to the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY
position to use the windshield wipers.
Move the lever to the following
positions:
z(Mist):Hold the lever in this
position for continuous wiping cycles.
((Off):Turns the wipers off.
&(Intermittent):For a delayed
wiping cycle. Turn the
&band
forward or rearward for more
frequent or less frequent wipes.
The frequency of wipes also
depends on the vehicle speed.
As the vehicle speed increases,
so does the wiper rate.
1 (Low):For steady wiping at
low speed.
2 (High):For steady wiping at
high speed.
Never use the wipers on dry glass,
as this could damage the wiper
blade inserts and scratch the glass.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from
the wiper blades before using them.
If the blades are frozen to the
windshield, carefully loosen or thaw
them. If they become damaged, get
new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wipers. A circuit breaker stops them
until the motor cools. Clear away
snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you to spray
washer uid on the windshield.
The spray continues until the lever
is released. The wipers will run
a few times. SeeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 9-23for information
on lling the windshield washer uid
reservoir.
{CAUTION
In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
4-8 Instruments and Controls

l(Forward):Press to go to the
next track or press
lmultiple times
until the desired track is reached.
g(Reverse):Press to go back to
the start of the current track or
press
gmultiple times until
the desired track is reached.
XM Radio Messages
XL (Explicit Language Channels):
These channels, or any others, can
be blocked at a customer’s request,
by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
XM Updating:The encryption code
in the receiver is being updated,
and no action is required. This
process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
No XM Signal:The system is
functioning correctly, but the vehicle
is in a location that is blocking
the XM™ signal. When the vehicle
is moved into an open area, the
signal should return.Loading XM:The audio system is
acquiring and processing audio and
text data. No action is needed. This
message should disappear shortly.
Channel Off Air:This channel is
not currently in service. Tune
in to another channel.
Channel Unauth:This channel is
blocked or cannot be received
with your XM Subscription package.
Channel Unavail:This previously
assigned channel is no longer
assigned. Tune to another station.
If this station was one of the presets,
choose another station for that
preset button.
No Artist Info:No artist information
is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working
properly.
No Title Info:No song title
information is available at this time
on this channel. The system is
working properly.No CAT Info:No category
information is available at this time
on this channel. The system is
working properly.
No Information:No text or
informational messages are
available at this time on this
channel. The system is working
properly.
CAT Not Found:There are no
channels available for the selected
category. The system is working
properly.
XM Theftlocked:The XM™
receiver in your vehicle could have
previously been in another vehicle.
For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped
between vehicles. If this message is
received after having your vehicle
serviced, check with your
dealer/retailer.
6-24 Infotainment

Personal Identity Keys
For vehicles with the Personal
Identity Key Locking System,
the system remembers the last
climate control settings used with
different keys.
When the unlock button is pressed,
the system remembers the key
and sets the climate control system
to the last settings used with that
key. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The vehicle has a passenger
compartment air lter that lters the
outside air entering the vehicle.
The lter removes contaminants,
such as pollen and dust. See
your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Outlet Adjustment
The air outlets have adjustable
vanes to move up or down and left or
right to change the direction of the
airow. Use the thumbwheels
located near the air outlets on the
instrument panel, to shut off the
airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or
leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the ow of air into
the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood
deectors may adversely affect
performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of
the vehicle more effectively.
Outside air is drawn into the
vehicle, unless recirculation
mode is selected.
Climate Controls 7-9

Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again,
repeat the procedure. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if
available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting your
vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use The Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment, behind the
air cleaner for V8 models.
The electrical cord is located
on the passenger side of
the engine compartment, behind
the engine compartment fuse
block for V6 models.3. Plug it into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a re. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep
it away from moving engine
parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.
Driving and Operating 8-5

Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before you get out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into
R (Reverse), and rmly apply the
parking brake. Once the shift lever
has been placed into R (Reverse)
with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key and release the
clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if the
vehicle is pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 9-89.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over
papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION
Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
(Continued)
8-14 Driving and Operating

Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 8-18improves vehicle
stability during hard stops on
a slippery roads, but apply the
brakes sooner than when on
dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches
can occur on otherwise clear roads
in shaded areas. The surface of
a curve or an overpass can remain
icy when the surrounding roads
are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped,
on slippery surfaces.Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside
Assistance Program on page 12-6.
To get help and keep everyone
in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning
Flashers on page 4-4.
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{CAUTION
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from
around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window about
two inches on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
8-28 Driving and Operating

CAUTION (Continued)
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
Climate Control System in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, seeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-14.
Snow can trap exhaust gases
under your vehicle. This can cause
deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome
you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it
is in your vehicle. Clear away snow
from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is
blocking the exhaustRun the engine for short periods
only as needed to keep warm,
but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat
this until help arrives but only when
you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine
runs faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do
this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out on page 8-30.
{CAUTION
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin
at high speed, they can explode,
and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment
re or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and
avoid going above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, seeTire
Chains on page 9-65.
Driving and Operating 8-29

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
Cooling System.................9-13
Engine Coolant.................9-15
Pressure Cap....................9-19
Engine Overheating...........9-20
Power Steering Fluid.........9-21
Windshield Washer Fluid. . . .9-23
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-24
Brakes..............................9-25
Battery..............................9-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-28
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-31
Halogen Bulbs..................9-31
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-31
Front Turn Signal Lamps. . .9-33
Taillamps..........................9-34
License Plate Lamp..........9-35
Replacement Bulbs...........9-35
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-36
Headlamp Wiring..............9-36
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-36
Power Windows and
Other Power Options.......9-36
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block......................9-36
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-38
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-41
Tires
Tires.................................9-42
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......9-42
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-46
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-49
High-Speed Operation.......9-51
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-52
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-54
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-57
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................9-59
Buying New Tires.............9-59
Different Size Tires
and Wheels.....................9-61
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1