warning light PONTIAC G3 2009 Owner's Manual

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.
5-17

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The vehicle has one
reservoir for both the
brake and clutch hydraulic
systems. It is lled with
DOT 3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake or clutch hydraulic system
can also cause a low uid level. Have the brake or
clutch hydraulic system xed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding brake uid does
not correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much uid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove uid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake or clutch
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on
the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned, and the vehicle
could be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-28.
5-32

Brake Wear
This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear
drum brakes or rear 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.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-93.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When the
front brake pads are replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
5-34

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn
the driver when a low tire pressure condition exists.
If your vehicle has this feature, the 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
your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light on the instrument
panel cluster.
The low tire pressure warning light comes on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inated to the correct
ination pressure.The 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 tire pressures are getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-18, for an example of the tire
information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-57.
Your vehicle’s TPMS system can warn you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-62andTires on page 5-50.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire sealant is not
covered by your warranty. Do not use liquid tire
sealants.
5-60

TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. The low tire warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle until the problem is
corrected. Some of the conditions that can cause the
malfunction light to come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the
road tire containing the TPMS sensor.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The TPMS malfunction light should
go off when the TPMS sensors are installed and the
sensor matching process is performed successfully.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-64.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Identication Codes
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors,
or rotate the vehicle’s tires, the identication codes need
to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel positions, 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.
5-61

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-71
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-6
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-87
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment....................3-22
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Airbag System................................................1-58
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-71
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-70
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-64
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-62
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-60
Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-27AM-FM Radio.................................................3-39
Antenna
Backglass...................................................3-56
Fixed Mast.................................................3-56
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Warning Light.............................................3-30
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-84
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-82
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-83
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-80
Finish Care.................................................5-83
Finish Damage............................................5-85
Glass Surfaces............................................
5-82
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-81
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-79
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-81
Leather......................................................5-81
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-85
Tires..........................................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-82
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-84
Ashtray.........................................................3-17
1

Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 7-7
Audio System.................................................3-38
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-54
Radio with CD............................................3-44
Audio Systems
Radio Reception..........................................3-55
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-56
Battery..........................................................5-35
Inadvertent Power Saver..............................3-15
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................6-15
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-6
Brake Fluid....................................................5-32
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Antilock....................................................... 4-5
Parking......................................................2-26
System Warning Light..................................3-28
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-6Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-46
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-14
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-42
Headlamps.........................................5-42, 5-43
License Plate Lamps....................................5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps.................5-47
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements................. 5-4
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-93
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust...........................................2-30
Liftgate......................................................2-10
Trunk.......................................................... 2-8
Winter Driving.............................................4-14
2

Electrical System (cont.)
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-89
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-88
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-32
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-30
Cooling System...........................................5-22
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Heater................................................2-19
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage...............................................5-85
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-56
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-70
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-78
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-14
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-35
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Economy Driving........................................... 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
5

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
7