service indicator PONTIAC G8 2008 User Guide

Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid
at 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed
at which a tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on
page 9-56.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire’s traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-59.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-28.Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire
:Load on an individual
tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended ination pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-28.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-45
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate
them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a signicantly under-inated
tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltalewill ash for approximately
one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-51for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
9-50 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. 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 the vehicle’s tires and
transmit the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS turns on the
7
low tire pressure warning light.
At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on
at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed bythe driver. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 4-23andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 4-27.
The low 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 air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressure for the
vehicle’s tires when they are
cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-28, for an example of
the Tire and Loading Information
label and its location on the vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 9-46.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-51
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See the dealer/retailer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes
on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time one or
more of the TPMS sensors are
replaced or the vehicle’s tires are
rotated, the identication codes
need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, 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.The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
lock and unlock buttons, at the
same time, for about ve seconds
to start the TPMS learn mode.
The horn chirps two times
indicating the TPMS receiver is
ready and in learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front
indicator lamp also comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor
is ready to be learned.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirps one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-53
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

6. The driver side front indicator
lamp turns off and the
passenger side front indicator
lamp comes on to indicate
that corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side front tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. The passenger side front
indicator lamp turns off and the
passenger side rear indicator
lamp comes on to indicate that
corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side rear tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. The passenger side rear indicator
lamp turns off and the driver side
rear indicator lamp comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor is
ready to be learned. Proceed to
the driver side rear tire, and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.9. After the driver side rear TPMS
sensor has been learned the
horn chirps two times. The driver
side rear indicator lamp turns
off and the TPMS sensor
matching process is done. Turn
the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
If no tires are learned after
entering the TPMS learn mode,
or if communication with the
receiver stops, or if the time limit
has expired, turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF and
start over beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-56for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to
13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4.
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.
9-54 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out beforethey degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the
original tires.
9-56 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets........ 4-9
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . 1-30
Additives, Fuel.....................8-34
Add-On Electrical
Equipment .......................9-32
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine .......9-11
Air Conditioning...............7-1, 7-4
Airbag
Passenger Status
Indicator .......................4-14
Readiness Light . ...............4-13
System, Replacing Parts
After a Crash . ...............1-32
Airbag System.....................1-19
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . .......................1-30
Check . . . . .........................1-31
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-24Airbag System (cont.)
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-30
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-24
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates? . ............1-24
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-22
Where Are the
Airbags?..............1-21, 1-26
Antenna, Fixed Mast . ...........6-24
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-15
Anti-lock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-17
Appearance Care
Chemical Paint Spotting.....9-98
Exterior Cleaning . . ............9-94
Finish Damage.................9-98
Interior Cleaning . . .............9-91
Sheet Metal Damage........9-98
Underbody Maintenance....9-98
Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials......................9-99
Appointments, Scheduling
Service . ..........................12-8
Audio System . . ...................... 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls .......................6-23
Fixed Mast Antenna ..........6-24
Radio Reception . . .............6-24
Setting the Clock . . . . . . .......... 6-2
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . 6-23
Audio System(s) . . . ................. 6-3
Automatic Climate Control
System ............................. 7-4
Automatic Headlamp System . . . 5-2
Automatic Transmission
Fluid...............................9-13
Operation . . . ....................... 8-6
B
Battery...............................9-26
Run-Down Protection . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Brakes...............................9-24
System Warning Light . . . . . . . 4-16
Braking...............................8-14
Break-In, New Vehicle............ 8-2
INDEX i-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

D
Daytime Running Lamps......... 5-2
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator Light..................4-21
Defensive Driving . . ...............8-13
DIC Vehicle Customization . . . . 4-32
Disc, MP3 . . .........................6-19
Doing Your Own
Service Work..................... 9-4
Dome Lamps........................ 5-4
Door
Ajar Light . .......................4-21
Locks . . . . . . . ........................ 2-8
Power Door Locks.............. 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . 2-9
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . ...........4-23, 4-32
DIC Operation and
Displays .......................4-23
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-27
Driving
At Night ..........................8-22
Before a Long Trip............8-24
Defensive . .......................8-13
Drunken ..........................8-13
Highway Hypnosis............8-24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . 8-24Driving (cont.)
In Rain and on
Wet Roads...................8-23
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ....................8-28
Winter .............................8-25
E
EDR .................................12-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment . ...........9-32
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block...........................9-35
Headlamp Wiring . . ............9-33
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................9-33
Power Windows and Other
Power Options . . ............9-33
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-38
Windshield Wiper Fuses....9-33
Electronic Stability Program . . . 8-16
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . .............9-11
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light...................4-18
Coolant...........................9-13
Coolant Heater................... 8-5Engine (cont.)
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........4-17
Drive Belt Routing...........11-14
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . .................. 9-6
Exhaust . ..........................8-12
Oil ................................... 9-8
Oil Life System.................9-10
Overheating.....................9-16
Starting ............................. 8-4
Event Data Recorders .........12-16
Extender, Safety Belt ............1-17
Exterior Lamps . ..................... 5-1
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner ............9-11
Finish Damage....................9-98
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . .........6-24
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . 4-4
Flat Tire . . . ...........................9-62
Flat Tire, Changing . . .............9-71
Flat Tire, Storing . . . . ..............9-78
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-13
Power Steering.................9-21
Windshield Washer . ..........9-22
INDEX i-3
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

I
Ignition Positions . . ................. 8-2
Immobilizer ..........................2-11
Immobilizer Operation...........2-12
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . .......................1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure.........9-46
Inator Kit, Tire....................9-64
Instrument Panel
Brightness ......................... 5-3
Cluster............................4-11
Overview........................... 4-2
J
Jump Starting......................9-80
K
Keyless Entry System . . .......... 2-3
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . ........9-40
Lamps
Dome . . . . . . . ........................ 5-4
Reading . . . . . . . ..................... 5-4
Lap-Shoulder Belt . ...............1-14LATCH System
Child Restraints................1-40
Replacing Parts After
a Crash.......................1-45
Light
Airbag Readiness . ............4-13
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . ............4-17
Brake System Warning......4-16
Charging System . . ............4-15
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator.......................4-21
Door Ajar .........................4-21
Fog Lamp........................4-21
Highbeam On...................4-21
Malfunction Indicator.........4-18
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator.......................4-14
Safety Belt Reminders.......4-12
Security...........................4-21
Tire Pressure...................4-18
Lighting
Perimeter.......................... 5-4
Lights
Exterior Lamps................... 5-1
High/Low Beam Changer ..... 4-7
Loading Your Vehicle . ...........8-28Locks
Door................................. 2-8
Power Door . . . . . .................. 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . 2-9
Loss of Control....................8-21
Lumbar Seat Adjustment......... 1-2
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services .......................11-6
At Each Fuel Fill..............11-9
At Least Once a Month . . . . . 11-9
At Least Once a Year......11-10
Introduction . .....................11-1
Maintenance Footnotes . . . . . . 11-7
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . 11-15
Maintenance
Requirements . . .............11-2
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts.......11-13
Owner Checks and
Services .......................11-9
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . ................11-12
INDEX i-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Scheduled Maintenance.....11-4
Using ..............................11-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment . . ...............11-2
Malfunction Indicator Light.....4-18
Manual
Shift Lock Release............9-84
Manual Seats . . . . . ................... 1-2
Manual, Using . . . ....................... ii
Message
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-27
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-16
Outside Convex Mirror.......2-18
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-17
MP3 ...................................6-19
MyGMLink.com....................12-3
N
Navigation System, Privacy . . . 12-17
New Vehicle Break-In............. 8-2
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts..........11-13
Notices and Cautions............... iii
O
Off-Road Recovery...............8-20
Oil
Engine.............................. 9-8
Pressure Gage.................4-22
Oil, Engine Oil Life System....9-10
Older Children, Restraints......1-32
Online Owner Center............12-3
OnStar, Privacy . .................12-17
OnStar
®System, see
OnStar®Manual...............4-36
Outlet Adjustment.................. 7-8
Outlets
Accessory Power................ 4-9
Outside
Convex Mirror..................2-18
Power Mirrors..................2-17
Owner Checks and
Services..........................11-9
Owner Checks, Service.......... 9-5
Owners, Canadian.................... ii
P
Paint, Damage.....................9-98
Park
Shifting Into.....................8-10
Shifting Out of..................8-11
Park Brake........................... 8-9
Parking
Over Things That Burn......8-11
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . .........................4-14
Passing . . ............................8-21
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California . . . . . . 9-3
Perimeter Lighting . ................. 5-4
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . .............. 2-9
Electrical System . . . . . . ........9-33
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 8-3
Seat................................. 1-2
Steering Fluid . . . . ...............9-21
Windows .........................2-15
Privacy.............................12-16
Event Data Recorders . . . . . 12-16
Navigation System . . . . . .....12-17
OnStar..........................12-17
Radio Frequency
Identication ................12-17
i-6 INDEX
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual