spare wheel PONTIAC G3 2009 Owners Manual

Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-58
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-60
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-66
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-68
Wheel Replacement......................................5-68
Tire Chains..................................................5-69
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-70
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-72
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-73
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-78
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-78
Appearance Care............................................5-79
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-79
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-80
Leather.......................................................5-81
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-81
Interior Plastic Components............................5-81
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-82Care of Safety Belts......................................5-82
Weatherstrips...............................................5-82
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-82
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-83
Finish Care..................................................5-83
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-84
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-84
Tires...........................................................5-85
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-85
Finish Damage.............................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance................................5-86
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-86
Vehicle Identication......................................5-86
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-86
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-87
Electrical System............................................5-87
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-87
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-87
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-88
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-88
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-88
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-89
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-90
Capacities and Specications..........................5-93
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire or
compact spare tire should be inated to 60 psi
(420 kPa). For more information on tire pressure
and ination seeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-57.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination of letters and
numbers dene a tire’s width, height, aspect
ratio, construction type and service description.
The letter T as the rst character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary use only.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger car tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the rst character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U. S. Tire and Rim Association.(B) Tire Width
:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 70, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 70% as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load.
5-53

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

Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs
of wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-63for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeAdditional Required
Services on page 6-6.
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.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires
as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen
It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-63andWheel
Replacement on page 5-68for more information.When rotating your tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire
rotation.
5-62

{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes,
brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands, or types may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the
correct size, brand, and type of tires on all
wheels. It is all right to drive with your compact
spare temporarily, as it was developed for use
on your vehicle. SeeCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-78.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle,
the wheel rim anges could develop cracks
after many miles of driving. A tire and/or
wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate low-pressure warning if tires
not recommended for your vehicle are installed. Tires
that do not match the original equipment tires could
give a low-pressure warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level you would get with original
equipment tires. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-58.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-18, for more information about
the Tire and Loading Information label and its location
on your vehicle.
5-65

Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may affect
the way your vehicle performs, including its braking, ride
and handling characteristics, stability, and resistance
to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic
systems such as, antilock brakes, traction control, and
electronic stability control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may
not provide an acceptable level of performance and
safety if tires not recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase the chance that you
will crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly installed by a GM
certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-64andAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum selection width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the Unites States National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements.
5-66

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The compact spare tire and tools you will need are
located in the trunk.
A. Jack
B. Wheel WrenchC. Jack Handle
D. Screwdriver
(if equipped)
1. Open the trunk or liftgate. SeeTrunk (Sedan) on
page 2-8orLiftgate (Hatchback) on page 2-10.
2. Lift the trim cover.3. Remove the foam tray.
4. Remove the jack, the jack handle and the wheel
wrench from the foam tray.
5-72

5. Turn the retainer counterclockwise and remove it
from the compact spare.
6. Remove the compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-78for more information.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. SeeChanging
a Flat Tire on page 5-70.
2. If your vehicle has wheel covers, turn the four
plastic caps counterclockwise by hand or by
using the wheel wrench. The plastic nuts do
not come off of the cover.3. Remove the wheel cover using the at end of the
jack handle. Pry along the edge of the wheel cover
until it comes off.
Store the wheel cover in the cargo area until you
have the at tire repaired or replaced.
4. Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen
them. Do not remove them yet.
5-73

5. Locate the notch in the frame near each wheel
which the jack head ts in.
6. Position the jack and raise the jack head until it ts
rmly into the notch in the vehicle’s frame nearest
the at tire.
7. Put the compact spare tire near you. Hatchback
Sedan
5-74