stop start PONTIAC G3 2009 User Guide

If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the engine
is too hot. It means that the engine coolant has
overheated.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-28.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the tire
pressure light, it comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
It provides information about tire pressures and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are
signicantly underinated.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do,
and inate them to the proper pressure. SeeTires on
page 5-50for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes
for about a minute and then stays on steady for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat
with every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-58for more information.
3-31

The following can prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run
as efficiently as designed and may cause: stalling
after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed
into gear, misring, hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration. These conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change
the fuel brand used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, have
your dealer/retailer check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
3-33

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in the ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if the battery has
recently been replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take several days of routine
driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still
does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer/retailer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If the vehicle has low
engine oil pressure, this
light will stay on after
the engine has been
started, or come on
while driving.
This indicates that the engine is not receiving enough
oil. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it xed immediately by your
dealer/retailer.
The oil light could also come on in three other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to show it is
working. It goes out when the ignition is turned
on. If it does not come on with the ignition on, there
may be a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it
xed right away.
If the vehicle comes to a hard stop, the light may
come on for a moment. This is normal.
3-34

XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service that is based in the
48 contiguous United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM Satellite Radio has a wide variety
of programming and commercial-free music,
coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality sound. During your
trial or when you subscribe, you will get unlimited
access to XM Radio Online for when you are not in
the vehicle. A service fee is required to receive the
XM service. For more information, contact XM at
xmradio.com or call 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S. and
xmradio.ca or call 1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
Radio Messages for XM Only
SeeXM Radio Messages on page 3-54later in this
section for further detail.
Playing a CD
Insert a CD partway into the slot, label side up.
The player pulls it in and the CD begins playing.
A CD can be loaded while the ignition is in the
OFF position.
When the CD is inserted, CDP appears on the display.
As the CD is loading, LOADING appears on the
display. As each new track starts to play, the track
number displays.If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD in the
player, it will stay in the player. When a CD is in
the player and the ignition is in the ON/RUN position,
the radio must be turned on before the CD will start
playing. When the ignition and radio are turned on,
the CD will start playing where it stopped, if it was the
last selected audio source.
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)
single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the
smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner.
[TUNE (Next Track):Press[TUNE to go to the
next track. The track number will appear on the display.
The player will continue moving forward through the
CD with each press of
[TUNE.
rTUNE (Previous Track):Press to go to the start of
the current track. The track number will appear on
the display. The player will continue moving backward
through the CD with each press of
rTUNE.
BAND:Press to listen to the radio while a CD is playing.
The CD remains inside the radio for future listening.
CD/AUX:Press to play a CD when listening to the
radio. CDP appears on the display when the CD player
has been selected. The CD symbol will appear on
the display when a CD is loaded.
3-48

Press CD/AUX while a CD is playing to pause the CD.
PAUSE ashes on the display. Press CD/AUX again
to start playing the CD.
Press CD/AUX to play a CD when listening to the audio
contents from other device (AUX mode). CDP appears
on the display when the CD player has been selected.
The CD symbol will appear on the display when a CD
is loaded.
EJECT:Press to eject a CD. The CD can be ejected
when the ignition or the radio is turned off.
RPT (Repeat):Press the pushbutton under the RPT tab
on the display to repeat the current track, RPT appears
on the display. Press the pushbutton again to stop repeat.
RDM (Random):Press the pushbutton below the RDM
tab on the display to play tracks in random, rather
than sequential order, RDM appears on the display.
Press the pushbutton again to stop random play.
INT (Scan):Press the pushbutton below the INT tab
on the display to listen to the rst few seconds of
each track on the CD, INTRO appears on the display.
Press the pushbutton again to stop scanning and
the current track begins to play.Playing an MP3/WMA CD-R Disc
The radio has the MP3/WMA CD-R disc capability.
For more information, seeUsing an MP3 on page 3-51
later in this section.
CD Messages
CHECK CD:If this message displays and/or the CD
comes out, it could be for one of the following reasons:
It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
normal, the CD should play.
The road is very rough. When the road becomes
smoother, the CD should play.
The CD is dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
The format of the CD might not be compatible.
SeeUsing an MP3 on page 3-51later in this section.
There could have been a problem while burning
the CD.
The label could be caught in the CD player.
3-49

Playing an MP3/WMA
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, insert a CD
partway into the slot, label side up. The player pulls the
disc in. LOADING, and then MP3 or WMA appears
on the display. The CD should begin playing. As each
new track starts to play, the track number, and the song
name will appear on the display. If the ignition or
radio is turned off with a CD in the player, it will stay
in the player. When a CD is in the player and the ignition
is turned on, the radio must be turned on before the
CD will start playback. When the ignition and radio are
turned on, the CD will start playing where it stopped,
if it was the last selected audio source.
The CD player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm)
single CDs with an adapter ring. Full-size CDs and the
smaller CDs are loaded in the same manner.
Sound quality may be reduced due to CD-R quality,
the method of recording, the quality of the music
that has been recorded, and the way the CD-R has
been handled.
DIR (Directory):Press to repeat the tracks in the
current directory. DIR displays.
Press DIR again to repeat the tracks in all of the
directories. ALL displays.
Press DIR again to turn off repeat play.
uSEEKt(Next/Previous Folder) (in MP3/WMA
Mode):Press to change the folder. If CD-R does not
have any folders, “ROOT” ashes on the display for a
short time.
[TUNE (Next Track):Press the up TUNE arrow
to go to the next track. The track number displays.
The player continues moving forward through the CD
each time TUNE is pressed.
rTUNE (Previous Track):Press the down TUNE
arrow to go to the start of the current track. The track
number displays. The player continues moving backward
through the CD each time TUNE is pressed.
INFO/DISP (Information/Display):Press to display
additional text information related to the current
MP3/WMA song. A choice of additional information such
as: Song Title, Album Title, and Artist. Bit rate might
also display.
When information is not available, No Info displays.
Press this button for longer than two seconds to change
display mode.
SCROLL (MP3/WMA Mode Only):Press the SOUND
button for longer than two seconds. The song title or
other available information of a song scrolls on/off.
The offset is scroll on. The scroll mode can be changed
only when the SOUND button is pressed for longer
than two seconds.
3-53

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is
to wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are
for Everyone on page 1-14.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The vehicle might have the Antilock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
If the vehicle has ABS, this
warning light comes on
briey when the vehicle is
started.
The warning light is on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 3-30.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. A slight brake pedal
pulsation might be felt or some noise might be
heard, but this is normal.
4-5

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions.It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
If the vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If the
vehicle does not have ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release enough
pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again.
This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, you will have steering control.
4-9

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-21
Cooling System............................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23Engine Overheating.......................................5-28
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-30
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-31
Brakes........................................................5-32
Battery........................................................5-35
Jump Starting...............................................5-36
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-42
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-42
Halogen Bulbs
..............................................5-42
Headlamps..................................................5-43
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Hatchback)..............................................5-46
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Sedan)...................................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-47
License Plate Lamp......................................5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Tires..............................................................5-50
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-51
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-54
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-57
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1