check engine PONTIAC G3 2010 Owner's Manual

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Check the automatic transmission fluid level at least
twice a year. Add fluid if needed. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 7‑3.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice: Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or
exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid. Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
.When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
.At high speed for quite a while.
.In heavy traffic
—especially in hot weather.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 158°F to 176°F (70°C
to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50°F
(10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C), you may have to
drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows: 1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
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Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:1. Locate the automatic transmission dipstick which is located toward the front of the engine
compartment, near the power steering fluid
reservoir.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for more information on location.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way, wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick. The fluid shouldbe between MIN (A) and MAX (B) mark of the hot
area of the dipstick.
5. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the area between the two
dimples in the hot range on the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L). Do not overfill.
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
fluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all the way.
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Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealer/
retailer service department and have it repaired as soon
as possible. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 7‑12for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
There is one reservoir for both the brake and the
hydraulic clutch fluid. See Brakeson page 6‑34for
more information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in the vehicle is
self-adjusting. The master cylinder reservoir is
filled with hydraulic fluid.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the fluid level in the master cylinder
reservoir and for the proper fluid. See Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 7‑3and Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 7‑12.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The reservoir is located near the back of the engine
compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for more
information on location.
To check the fluid level, look on the side of the
reservoir. If the fluid reaches the MAX (A) mark on the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct. If the fluid does not
reach the MIN (B) mark on the reservoir, then fluid
needs to be added.
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{WARNING:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If you
do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you run
the engine, it could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you could be burned.
Get any leak fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Notice: Using coolant other than DEX‐COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the first maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX‐COOL
®(silicate‐free) coolant in
the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑30.
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What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature. Notice:
If an improper coolant mixture is used, the
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑12for more information.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not between
the Minimum and Maximum marks, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at
the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system
is cool before this is done. See Engine Coolant
on
page 6‑25for more information.
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4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, startthe engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower than
the Maximum mark, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level
reaches the mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of the engine
overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gage on the instrument
panel cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
on page 4‑28.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 8‑6.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running.
If it is not, do not continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
Notice:
Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being
driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is
no sign of steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
(Continued)
6-30

Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located toward the
front of the engine compartment on the driver's side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑14for reservoir location.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
The level should be between the MIN (B) and MAX (A)
marks on the reservoir. If the level drops below the
MIN (B) mark, add power steering fluid. Do not overfill
the reservoir and remember to replace the cap tightly
when you are finished and clean up any spilled fluid.
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4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find thepositive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
each vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for more information on location.
{WARNING:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{WARNING:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a flashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has filler caps, be
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
sure the right amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that first. If you don't,
explosive gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do
not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place with water
and get medical help immediately.
{WARNING:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
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Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantson page 7‑12for more information.
Application Capacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System 6.7 qt6.3 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.8 qt4.5 L
Fuel Tank 11.9 gal45.0 L
Transmission, Automatic 6.2 qt5.87 L
Transmission, Manual 1.9 qt1.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 81 lb ft110Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
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Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
7-1