tow PONTIAC G5 2009 Workshop Manual

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage the vehicle’s nish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. To help keep the paint nish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging
protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or
caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed
to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
5-99

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim may
be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed with magnesium,
calcium or sodium chloride. These chlorides are
used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the vehicle’s chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Notice:Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes
on them because they could damage the surface.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Use chrome
polish on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice:Driving the vehicle through an automatic car
wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes,
could damage the aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels. The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never drive a vehicle that has
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes.
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the paint nish
and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing, always
wipe off any overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
5-100

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If the vehicle is not used under any of these conditions,
the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
6-8

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.
7-8

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.
Services Specic to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be restricted.
Propane and other fuels are not provided through
this service.
Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
Trip Routing Service:Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
There is a limit of six requests per year.
Additional travel information is also available.
Allow three weeks for delivery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:Must
be over 250 kilometres from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada Limited
requires pre-authorization, original detailed receipts,
and a copy of the repair orders. Once authorization
has been received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and explain how to
receive payment.
Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistance
advisor may give you permission to get local
emergency road service. You will receive payment,
up to $100, after sending the original receipt to
Roadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and labor for
repairs not covered by the warranty are the owner
responsibility.
7-9

If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of
the damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states/provinces
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer
or a private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully
and make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-14

Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by
your GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must
live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may initially value the repair
using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember
if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have
the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if
your insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for
the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with
that company. In such cases, you can have control of
the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open
an investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual problems between
you, your dealer/retailer, or General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to safercar.gov;
or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington D.C., 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from safercar.gov.
7-15

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-28
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 7-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-6
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-86
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-82
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-47
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-16
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government................................................7-16
Reporting Safety Defects to the U.S.
Government................................................7-15
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-66
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-67
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Ride Control Systems....................................... 4-6
Electronic Stability (ESC)................................ 4-6
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-22
Roof
Sunroof......................................................2-42
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-35S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-25
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-97
Extender....................................................1-28
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Use During Pregnancy.................................1-28
Safety Defects
Reporting to Canadian Government................7-16
Reporting to General Motors.........................7-16
Reporting to the U.S. Government.................7-15
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
Scheduling Appointments.................................7-10
Sealant Kit, Tire..............................................5-72
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Easy Entry Seat............................................ 1-8
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-3
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Split Folding Rear Seat.................................. 1-9
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................1-45
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-48
11

Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-53
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit.......................5-80
Tires.............................................................5-48
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-100
Buying New Tires........................................5-65
Chains.......................................................5-70
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-80
Cleaning...................................................5-100
Compact Spare...........................................5-93
Different Size..............................................5-67
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-71
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-55
Inspection and Rotation................................5-63
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-86
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-58
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-56
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-86
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-82
Sealant and Compressor Kit..........................5-72
Sidewall Labeling.........................................5-49
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-90
Terminology and Denitions...........................5-52
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-67Tires (cont.)
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-64
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-28
Towing a Trailer..................................4-31, 4-38
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-7
Traction Control System...................................
3-31
Traction System
Enhanced...................................................3-31
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-28
Transportation Program, Courtesy......................7-10
Trunk............................................................2-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-67
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-28
13