brakes PONTIAC G8 2008 Owner's Manual

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can
badly damage brake hydraulic
system parts. For example,
just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system
parts so badly that they will
have to be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do,
wash it off immediately. See
Exterior Cleaning on page 9-94.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is
moving, except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead
to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound,
have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are
rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have to
be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have
really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with
top-quality brake parts. When you
replace parts of the braking
system — for example, when the
brake linings wear down and
you need new ones put in — be
sure you get new approved
replacement parts. If you do not, the
brakes might not work properly.
For example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong for
your vehicle, the balance between
the front and rear brakes can
change — for the worse. The
braking performance you have come
to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance
free battery. When it is time
for a new battery, see your
dealer/retailer for one that has the
replacement number shown on
the original battery’s label.
The battery is located in the trunk
behind a trim panel on the
driver’s side.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals,
and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{CAUTION
Batteries have acid that can
burn you and gas that can
explode. You can be badly hurt
if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 9-80for tips
on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If you drive your
vehicle infrequently, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended
storage of your vehicle, remove the
black, negative (−) cable from
the battery or use a battery trickle
charger. This will help maintain
the charge of the battery over an
extended period of time.
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Tire Terminology and
Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means
the combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are,
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between the
plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard
and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.DOT Markings
:A code
molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) motor
vehicle safety standards.
The DOT code includes the Tire
Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire
manufacturer, production
plant, brand, and date of
production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 8-28.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-28.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give
an inaccurate low-pressure warning
if non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a
low-pressure warning that is higher
or lower than the proper warning
level you would get with TPC Spec
rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-49.
Your vehicle’s original equipment
tires are listed on the Tire and
Loading Information Label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28,
for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information Label
and its location on your vehicle.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 9-56
andAccessories and Modifications
on page 9-3for additional
information.
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Tire Chains
{CAUTION
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to
the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control
of the vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size
combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To
help avoid damage to the
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust
or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do
not spin the vehicle’s wheels. If
you do nd traction devices
that will t, install them on the
front tires.
Tire Changing
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 9-39. If air goes out
of a tire, It is much more likely
to leak out slowly. But if you should
ever have a blowout, here are a
few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
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6. Press the select button and
move the transmission gear
selector to the N (Neutral)
position (G).
7. Release the lever (F).
8. After the vehicle has been
moved, align the shift lock
manual release cover plate (D)
and install the retainer (E) so the
automatic transmission can
operate properly.
9. Place the trim panel (A) and the
wires in their original position
and gently press down around
the outside until it clicks in place.
10. Check the operation of the
switches (B) before operating
the vehicle.
The transmission selector locks if it
is moved back to the P (Park)
position.Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Notice:Dolly towing or dinghy
towing your vehicle may
cause damage because of
reduced ground clearance.
Always put your vehicle on a
atbed truck.
The vehicle was neither designed
nor intended to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If the
vehicle must be towed, see “Towing
Your Vehicle” earlier in this
section.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION
If you do not use the correct
equipment and drive properly,
you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy, the brakes
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
may not work well — or even at
all. You and your passengers
could be seriously injured. You
may also damage your vehicle;
the resulting repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this
section. Ask your dealer/retailer
for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is
equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. To identify the
trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information
in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
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Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s
Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are
inated to the upper limit for cold
tires. You will nd these numbers on
the Tire-Loading Information label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-28. Then be sure you do not
go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds,
large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch
that does not attach to the
bumper.
Will you have to make any holes
in the body of your vehicle when
you install a trailer hitch? If you
do, then be sure to seal the holes
later when you remove the hitch.
If you do not seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-12. Dirt and water can
also enter the vehicle.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your
trailer. Cross the safety chains under
the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Alwaysleave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required
for your trailer lighting system
can be accessed at the driver’s side
rear lamp connector. This connector
is located under the carpet on
the rear corner of the trunk
compartment.
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Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that
the vehicle you are driving is now a
good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets
you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Towing with the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®)
When towing, the sound of the ESP
modulator might be heard. The
ESP is reacting to the vehicle
movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up
ahead when you are towing a
trailer. And, because the vehicle is
longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, just move
that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move the hand to
the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause
the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making
very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a
trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer will
not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road
signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
Signal well in advance.
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Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle
may need a different turn signal
asher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer/retailer. The arrows
on your instrument panel will
ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked
up, the trailer lamps will also ash,
telling other drivers you are
about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows
on your instrument panel will
ash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you
may think drivers behind you are
seeing your signal when they
are not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning
lights. When you plug a trailer
lighting system into your vehicle’s
lighting system, its bulb warning
lights may not let you know if one of
your lamps goes out. So, whenyou have a trailer lighting system
plugged in, be sure to check
your vehicle and trailer lamps from
time to time to be sure they are
all working. Once you disconnect the
trailer lamps, the bulb warning
lights again can tell you if one of
your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforeyou start down a
long or steep downgrade. If you do
not shift down, you might have
to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down to
a lower gear and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h)
to reduce the possibility of engine
and transmission overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
You really should not park your
vehicle, with a trailer attached,
on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to
move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig
on a hill, here is how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes.
Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to P (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
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When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and
hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, drivebelt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
Your cooling system may
temporarily overheat during severe
operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 9-16.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned
often. Although not always visible,
dust and dirt can accumulate
on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic
surfaces. Regular vacuuming
is recommended to remove particles
from the upholstery. It is important
to keep your upholstery from
becoming and remaining heavily
soiled. Soils should be removed as
quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s
interior may experience extremes of
heat that could cause stains to
set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home
furnishings may also transfer color
to your vehicle’s interior.
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