change time PONTIAC G3 2009 User Guide

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, a computer
system that indicates when to change the engine oil
and lter. This is based on engine revolutions and
engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on
driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system
to work properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light displays. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must
be changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
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How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition key to
ON/RUN.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within ve seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, then start the vehicle.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when
the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system has
not reset. Repeat the reset procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
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Brake Adjustment
Every moderate brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for
wear. If rarely making moderate or heavier brake stops,
the brakes might not adjust correctly. Very carefully
making a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles (1 600 km) will adjust the brakes properly.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes and the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, the rear drum brakes
might need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and
rmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes mightnot work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, see your dealer/retailer for one
that has the replacement number shown on the original
battery’s label. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
5-35

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the tire
and loading information label. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 4-18for an example of the tire and
loading information label and where it is located on
your vehicle. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-93.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-70.
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 your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of
tread remaining.
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The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-14. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light displays, service is
required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate
that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. See for information
on the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the
system.When the change engine oil light displays, certain
services, checks, and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that the rst service be MaintenanceI, the
second service be MaintenanceII, and then alternate
MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter. However,
in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be required more
often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the change
engine oil light displays within 10 months since
the vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the change engine oil light
displays 10 months or more since the last service or if
the message has not come on at all for one year.
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Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes rst.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered.
In Canada, a person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Pontiac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to make any changes
or discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Pontiac and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are made too often, or
the same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or Highway:
Tow to the nearest Pontiac dealer for warranty
service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot
be driven. Assistance is also given when the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inated.
It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain warranty
period. Items considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
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In addition, for U.S. customers, should you arrange
transportation through a friend or relative, limited
reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses may be
available. Claim amounts should reect actual costs and
be supported by original receipts. See your dealer for
information regarding the allowance amounts for
reimbursement of fuel or other transportation costs.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy
rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle that
you obtain if your vehicle is kept for an overnight warranty
repair. Rental reimbursement will be limited and must
be supported by original receipts. This requires that you
sign and complete a rental agreement and meet state/
provincial, local, and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include minimum age
requirements, insurance coverage, credit card, etc.
You are responsible for fuel usage charges and may
also be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees,
excessive mileage, or rental usage beyond the
completion of the repair.
It may not be possible to provide a like-vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service, may not be
available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer
for specic information about availability. All Courtesy
Transportation arrangements will be administered
by appropriate dealer personnel.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at
any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described
herein at its sole discretion.
Collision Damage Repair
If your vehicle is involved in a collision and it is damaged,
have the damage repaired by a qualied technician
using the proper equipment and quality replacement
parts. Poorly performed collision repairs diminish your
vehicle’s resale value, and safety performance can be
compromised in subsequent collisions.
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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.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example, your
vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and control
engine and transmission performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a
crash and, if so equipped, to provide antilock braking to
help the driver control the vehicle. These modules may
store data to help your dealer/retailer technician service
your vehicle. Some modules may also store data about
how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel
consumption or average speed. These modules may also
retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as radio
pre-sets, seat positions, and temperature settings.
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Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-37
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Fuel Warning Light................................3-37
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-90
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-88
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-89
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-88
G
Gage
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-30
Fuel..........................................................3-37
Trip Odometer.............................................3-25
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-37
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-7
H
Halogen Bulbs................................................5-42
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-2
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-42
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-87
Headlamps....................................................5-43
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-42
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).....................3-14
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-44
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Heater...........................................................3-18
Engine.......................................................2-19
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-5
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-36
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-12
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-13
Hold Mode Light.............................................3-30
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
6

Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-20
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-21
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Immobilizer....................................................2-13
Immobilizer Operation......................................2-14
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.......................3-15
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-36
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-57
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-24
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Introduction...................................................... 6-2
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-36
K
Keyless Entry, Remote Operation........................ 2-4
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-51
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-32
Lamps
Daytime Running (DRL)................................3-14
Dome ........................................................3-15
License Plate..............................................5-48
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-28
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-44
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide........................................2-10
Lights
Airbag Readiness........................................3-26
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-30
Brake System Warning.................................3-28
Change Engine Oil......................................3-35
Charging System.........................................3-28
Cruise Control.............................................3-36
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-36
Door Ajar...................................................3-36
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-35
Highbeam On.............................................3-36
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Hold Mode .................................................3-30
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