engine oil PONTIAC G8 2008 Owner's Manual

{CAUTION
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 re, and
you could be burned. Get any
leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric
engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both
fans should be running. If they are
not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free)
coolant in the vehicle.
How to Add Coolant to the
Cooling System
Notice:This vehicle has a
specic coolant ll procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.If no coolant is visible in the coolant
reservoir, add coolant as follows:
{CAUTION
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 re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50
mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-19
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner 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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-25
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Fuses Usage
F10Driver Side
Low-Beam
Headlamp
F11 Spare
F12Passenger Side
Low-Beam
Headlamp
F13 Spare
F14 Spare
F15 Front Wiper
F16 Spare
F17 Theft Horn
F18 Spare
F19Passenger Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
F20 Spare
F21 Windshield Washer
F22Canister Vent
Solenoid
F23Driver Side
High-Beam
Headlamp
F24 SpareFuses Usage
F25 Reverse Lockout
F26 Spare
F27 Spare
F28Engine Control
Module 1
F29 Even Coils/Injectors
F30 Spare
F31 Spare
F32 Emission 2
F33 Emission 1
F34 Spare
F35 Odd Coils/Injectors
F36 Spare
F37 HVAC Ignition
F38Heated
Seats/OnStar
®
Ignition
F39 Engine Ignition
F40 Airbags
F41 Spare
F42Passenger Side
Park Lamp
Fuses Usage
F43Driver Side
Park Lamp
FUSE
PULLERFuse Puller
Relays Usage
R1 Spare
R2 Comm Enable
R3 Spare
R4 Back-up Lamps
R5 Fog Lamp
R6Low-Beam
Headlamps
R7 Spare
R8 Defogger
R9Windshield
Wiper High
R10Windshield
Wiper Low
R11High-Beam
Headlamps
R12 Crank
R13 Powertrain
R14 Ignition Main
Vehicle Service and Care 9-37
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on
the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The
wheel could come off and
cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you
can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if needed, to get all the
rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on
page 9-71.10. Remove any rust or dirt from
the wheel bolts, mounting
surfaces and spare wheel.
11. Place the compact spare tire on
the wheel-mounting surface.
{CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on
bolts or nuts. Because the nuts
might come loose. The
vehicle’s wheel could fall off,
causing a crash.
12. Reinstall the wheel nuts with
the rounded end of the nuts
toward the wheel. Tighten each
nut as much as possible
using the wheel wrench until
the wheel is held rmly against
the hub.
Use your free hand to prevent
the wheel from turning while
you are tightening.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the
jack handle counterclockwise.
Lower the jack completely.
9-76 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-91
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12 for 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.
Automatic Transmission 5 Speed Automatic, 3.6L V6 Engine 9.4 qt 8.9 L
6 Speed Automatic, 6.0L V8 Engine 12.4 qt 11.7 L
Cooling System 3.6L V6 Engine 10.6 qt 10.0 L
6.0L V8 Engine 11.6 qt 11.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter 3.6L V6 Engine 7.1 qt 6.7 L
6.0L V8 Engine 8.8 qt 8.3 L
10-2 Technical Data
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Service and
Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
Introduction.......................11-1
Maintenance
Requirements..................11-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment....................11-2
Using the Maintenance
Schedule.........................11-2
Scheduled Maintenance. . . .11-4
Additional Required
Services..........................11-6
Maintenance Footnotes.....11-7
Owner Checks and
Services..........................11-9
At Each Fuel Fill...............11-9
At Least Once a Month. . . .11-9
At Least Once a Year.....11-10
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants...............11-12
Maintenance
Replacement Parts........11-13
Engine Drive Belt
Routing..........................11-14
Maintenance Record........11-15
Service and
Maintenance
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the
proper level and change as
recommended.
Have you purchased the GM
Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle
warranties. See your Warranty and
Owner Assistance booklet or
your dealer/retailer for details.
Service and Maintenance 11-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Scheduled Maintenance
When the Service Engine Oil
message comes on, it means that
service is required for your vehicle.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon
as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However,
your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained
service technicians who will perform
this work using genuine parts and
reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever
reset accidentally, you must
service your vehicle within
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last service. Remember to reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 9-10for information
on the Engine Oil Life System
and resetting the system.
When the Service Engine Oil
message appears, certain services,
checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are
described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and
“MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service
be MaintenanceI, your second
service be MaintenanceII, and that
you alternate MaintenanceIand
MaintenanceIIthereafter. However,
in some cases, MaintenanceII
may be required more often.MaintenanceI— Use
MaintenanceIif the Service Engine
Oil message comes on within
10 months since the vehicle was
purchased or MaintenanceII
was performed.
MaintenanceII— Use
MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was
MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the
Service Engine Oil message comes
on 10 months or more since the
last service or if the message
has not come on at all for one year.
11-4 Service and Maintenance
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenance II
Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on page 9-8. Reset oil life
system. See Engine Oil Life System on page 9-10 .An Emission Control
Service. ••
Visually check for any leaks or damage. See footnote (j). ••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-11 .See footnote (k). •
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-54 and “Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month
on page 11-9 . ••
Inspect brake system. See footnote (a). ••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed. ••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section. ••
Inspect suspension and steering components. See footnote (b). •
Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c). •
Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d). •
Inspect restraint system components. See footnote (e). •
Lubricate body components. See footnote (f). •
Replace passenger compartment air lter. See footnote (l). •
Service and Maintenance 11-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

(e)Make sure the safety belt
reminder light and safety belt
assemblies are working properly.
Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If
you see anything that might keep
a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any
torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also see Airbag System Check
on page 1-31.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
door hinges and latches, hood
hinges and latches and trunk lid
hinges and latches. More frequent
lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer,
seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious
damage. Replace belt if necessary.(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.
(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 9-13 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 you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, the filter may require
replacement more often.
(m)Drain, flush, and refill brake
hydraulic system at a regular service
interval (IorII) every two years.
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Brakes
on page 9-24.
11-8 Service and Maintenance
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual