transmission PONTIAC G8 2008 User Guide

Sport Shift Mode
The automatic transmission has a
Sport Shift Mode. When you
are in the Sport Shift Mode the
vehicle will still shift automatically.
The transmission may remain
in a gear longer than it would in the
normal driving mode based on
braking, throttle input, and vehicle
lateral acceleration. To use this
feature, move the shift lever
over from D (Drive) to the right
quadrant. The Sport Shift message
in the DIC displays. If the shift
lever is not moved forward or
rearward, the vehicle remains in
sport mode.
Performance Mode Lift Foot Mode
Within Sport Shift Mode there is
a further performance feature called
Performance Mode Lift Foot (PMLF)
Mode. The feature is activated
automatically when sports oriented
driving is detected, based on
cornering and on/off throttleapplication. PMLF allows the
transmission to hold the current
gear instead of upshifting when the
throttle is lifted.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive your vehicle
at high RPMs without upshifting
while using DSC, you could
damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while
using DSC.
The automatic transmission has
DSC that allows gear changes
similar to a manual transmission.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever over from
D (Drive) to the right quadrant.
The Sport Shift message in
the DIC displays.
2. To enter DSC, press the shift
lever forward to upshift or
rearward to downshift. The Active
Select On message in the DIC
will come on.The DIC will indicate the requested
gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward.
While using DSC, the vehicle has
rmer shifting and increased
performance. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing
or descending hills, to stay in gear
longer, or to down shift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow the
driver to shift into gears appropriate
for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next lower
gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the currently selected gear
will ash multiple times, indicating
that the transmission has not
shifted gears.
While in DSC, the transmission
automatically downshifts when the
vehicle comes to a stop.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
1st, 2nd or 3rd gear starts can
be selected from a standing start.
This is useful for gentle acceleration
on slippery surfaces.
To return to Normal Shift mode,
slide the shift lever over from
the right quadrant to the left into
D (Drive). A Normal Shift message
will be displayed in the DIC.
Normal Shift Mode is recommended
for normal or freeway driving, as
it provides optimum fuel economy.
Powertrain Braking
For vehicles with a 6 speed
automatic transmission, there is
an additional feature known
as Powertrain Braking. When driving
on steep descents where frequent
braking is required, the vehicle
will automatically downshift to
provide engine braking assistance.
This feature also reduces brake
temperatures and wear.Downshifting will only occur when
the driver’s foot is applied to the
brake. Driver Shift Control can
be switched on to override the
feature and gain complete control
of shifts if desired.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on
the parking brake handle. If the
ignition is in the ON/RUN position,
the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 4-16.To release the parking brake:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up
until you can press the release
button.
3. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake handle all the
way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the
brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is
fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Driving with the park brake applied
will cause a warning chime to
sound and the Park Brake message
to appear in the DIC. The message
will remain on until:
the park brake is released
the vehicle comes to a stop.
If you are towing a trailer and you
are parking on a hill, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 9-85.
Driving and Operating 8-9
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the shift lever
is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly
level ground, use the steps that
follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 9-85.Use this procedure to shift into
P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-9
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the
lever all the way toward the
front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it
with you. If you can leave
your vehicle with the ignition
key in your hand, your vehicle
is in P (Park).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave
the vehicle with the engine
running. The vehicle could
move suddenly if the shift lever
is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle
with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch
re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle
with the engine running, be
sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and
your parking brake is rmly set
before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park),
hold the brake pedal down.
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Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without
rst pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift your automatic
transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may
put too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. You
may nd it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of P (Park). This is
called torque lock. To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into P (Park) properly
before you leave the driver seat.
To nd out how, see “Shifting
Into Park” previously in the section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle
push yours a little uphill to take
some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out
of P (Park).Shifting Out of Park
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out
of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), seeShift Lock
Manual Release on page 9-84.
Parking Over Things
That Burn
{CAUTION
Things that can burn could
touch hot exhaust parts under
your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry
grass, or other things that
can burn.
Driving and Operating 8-11
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of your vehicle if the shift lever
is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your
vehicle can roll. Do not leave
your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level
ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure
your vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 8-10.
If you are parking on a hill and if
you are pulling a trailer, also
seeTowing a Trailer on page 9-85.
Driving Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The
rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt, seeSafety
Belts on page 1-5.
{CAUTION
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
Drunk Driving
{CAUTION
Drinking and then driving is
very dangerous. Your reexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by
even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you
drive after drinking. Do not
drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you
are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that
anyone needs to drive a vehicle:
judgment, muscular coordination,
vision, and attentiveness.
Driving and Operating 8-13
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

on and the ESP CTRL message
will be displayed at the bottom of
the DIC.
The STABILITY CONTROL
ASSISTANCE message will remain
on while the system is working
until the
3button is pressed to
display the trip computer. The ESP
CTRL message stays on at the
bottom of the DIC while the system
is working.
You may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
When this light and the STABILITY
CTRL OFF message is on and
the ESP OFF message is displayed,
the system will not limit wheel spin.Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-27for more information.
ESP is automatically enabled
whenever you start your vehicle.
To limit wheel spin, especially
in slippery road conditions, you
should always leave the system
enabled. You can turn ESP off if you
ever need to.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if your
vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to rock your
vehicle to attempt to free it. It may
also be necessary to turn off the
system when driving in extreme
off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 8-27.The ESP button is located in front of
the transmission gear selector lever.
To turn the system off or on, press
and release the ESP button.
The DIC will briey display the
appropriate message and then
return to the trip computer display.
Driving and Operating 8-17
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When this light and the STABILITY
CTRL OFF message is on briey
and the ESP OFF message is
displayed at the bottom of the DIC,
the system will not limit wheel spin.
If the ESP OFF message is
always displayed at the bottom of
the DIC when the button is pressed
to turn the system on or off, the
system needs repair. Contact your
dealer/retailer.
The system is on when this light
and the STABILITY CTRL ON
message is displayed briey on
the DIC.
ESP Operation
ESP limits wheel spin by reducing
engine power to the wheels and
by applying brakes to each
individual wheel as necessary.
The ESP system is enabled
automatically when you start your
vehicle, and it will activate the
STABILITY CONTROL
ASSISTANCE light and the ESP
CTRL message on the DIC if
it senses that any of the wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose
traction while driving.
Notice:If you allow the wheel(s)
of one axle to spin excessively
while the ESC/TCS, ABS and
Brake warning lights and
the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages
are displayed, you could damagethe differential. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty.
Reduce engine power and do
not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this
message are displayed.
The traction control system may
activate on dry or rough roads
or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or
abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this happens,
you may notice a reduction in
acceleration, or may hear a noise or
vibration. This is normal.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 9-3for
more information.
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Before Leaving on a
Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, consider having it serviced
by your dealer/retailer before
departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:
All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are
lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires
inated to recommended
pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to
travel? Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on at or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that
they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking
or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to
let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
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Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left
and right to clear the area around
the front wheels. Turn off any
stability system. SeeElectronic
Stability Program on page 8-16.
Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the
transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions, you will
cause a rocking motion that could
free your vehicle. If that does not get
your vehicle out after a few tries,
it might need to be towed out. If your
vehicle does need to be towed
out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 9-84.
Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle show
how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certication label.{CAUTION
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause
you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the
vehicle.
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Vehicle Service
and Care
Service
Service...............................9-2
Accessories and
Modications.....................9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................9-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....9-3
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................9-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......9-4
Owner Checks
Owner Checks....................9-5
Hood Release.....................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview...........................9-6
Engine Oil..........................9-8
Engine Oil Life System.....9-10
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .9-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-13
Engine Coolant.................9-13
Radiator Pressure Cap......9-15
Engine Overheating...........9-16
Cooling System.................9-17
Power Steering Fluid.........9-21
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .9-22
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-23
Brakes..............................9-24
Battery..............................9-26
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-27
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-29
Halogen Bulbs..................9-29
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-29
Taillamps..........................9-31
Replacement Bulbs...........9-32
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-32
Headlamp Wiring..............9-33
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-33
Power Windows and
Other Power Options. . . . . . .9-33
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...............................9-33
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-35
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block...............................9-38
Tires
Tires.................................9-39
Tire Sidewall Labeling. . . . . . .9-40
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-43
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-46
High-Speed Operation. . . . . . .9-48
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-49
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-51
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-54
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................9-56
Buying New Tires.............9-56
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................9-58
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual