service PONTIAC G8 2008 Owner's Manual

Service Charging System
This message is displayed when
there is a fault in the battery
charging system, see your
dealer/retailer.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
"Low Batt will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
:Service Engine Oil
This message is displayed when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
When you change the engine oil, be
sure to reset the Oil Life System.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 9-10for information on how to
reset the message. SeeEngine
Oil on page 9-8andScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4for more
information.
vService Vehicle Soon
This message is displayed when
there is a problem with the vehicle,
see your dealer/retailer.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
*Service will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
DSport Shift
This message is displayed when the
automatic transmission is operating
in sport shift mode.
SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 8-6.
LStability Ctrl (Control)
Assistance
This message is displayed when the
Electronic Stability Program
(ESP
®) is actively helping the
vehicle with road grip and stability.
ESP CTRL appears at the bottom
of the display and remains
illuminated as long as the ESP is
actively helping with road grip
and stability. SeeElectronic Stability
Program on page 8-16.
FStability Ctrl (Control) Off
This message is displayed when the
ESP has been turned off.
SeeElectronic Stability Program on
page 8-16. If this message is
displayed and you have not turned
off the ESP, it means there is a
problem with the ESP, see
your dealer/retailer.
Instruments and Controls 4-31
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

You can press3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but ESP OFF will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
7Check XX Tire Pressure
This message is displayed when the
ination pressure is low or very
low in the indicated tire.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
7LF Tire,7RF
Tire,
7LR Tire, or7RR Tire will
continue to appear in the bottom
of the DIC display until the tire
pressure is at a normal level. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 9-49for more information.
7Tire Pressure System
Fault
This message is displayed when
there is a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
7Tire Fault will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the tire
pressure is at a normal level. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 9-49for more information.
xVery Low Fuel
This message is displayed when the
fuel level is very low.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
.V.Low Fuel will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until enough fuel
tank has been lled above the
low fuel level.
DIC Vehicle
Customization
Your vehicle has features that you
can customize through the DIC.
Using the Customization Menu
Press3until you see Customize
Options and then press
8. The
customization options will only be
available when the vehicle speed is
less than 6 mph (10 km/h). If the
vehicle is moving faster than that the
display will show Not Available.
Move the thumbwheel up
Q
or downRto scroll through the
available options. Press
8to select
an item. To exit the current
menu, or go back, use the
thumbwheel to select
qat the top
of the screen and then press
8.
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OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative
technologies and live advisors to
provide a wide range of safety,
security, information, and
convenience services. If the airbags
deploy, the system is designed to
make an automatic call to OnStar
Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent
to your location. If the keys are
locked in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send
a signal to unlock the doors. For
roadside assistance, press the
OnStar button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.OnStar service is provided to you
subject to the OnStar Terms
and Conditions. OnStar service can
be canceled at any time by
contacting OnStar. A complete
OnStar Owner’s Guide and
the OnStar Terms and Conditions
are included in the vehicle’s OnStar
Subscriber glove box literature.
For more information, visit
onstar.com or onstar.ca, contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or TTY
1-877-248-2080, or press the
OnStar button to speak with an
OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Not all OnStar features are available
on all vehicles. To check if the
vehicle has the services described
below, or for a full description of
OnStar services and system
limitations, see the OnStar Owner’s
Guide in the glove box or visit
onstar.com.
OnStar Services
For new vehicles with OnStar, the
Safe & Sound Plan, or the Directions
& Connections Plan is included for
one year from the date of purchase.
This plan can be extended beyond
the rst year, or can be upgraded to
the Directions & Connections Plan.
For more information, press the
OnStar button to speak with an
advisor. Some OnStar services (such
as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen
Vehicle Location Assistance) are not
available until you register with
OnStar.
Available Services with Safe &
Sound Plan
Automatic Notication of Airbag
Deployment
Advanced Automatic Crash
Notication (AACN) (If equipped)
Link to Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location
Assistance
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle
Alert
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics
GM Goodwrench On Demand
Diagnostics
OnStar Hands-Free Calling with
30 complimentary minutes
OnStar Virtual Advisor
(U.S. Only)
Available Services included with
Directions & Connections Plan
All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions - Advisor
delivered or OnStar Turn-by-Turn
Navigation (If equipped)
RideAssist
Information and Convenience
Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows
eligible OnStar subscribers to
make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling
is fully integrated into the vehicle,
and can be used with OnStar
Pre-Paid Minute Packages.
Hands-Free Calling can also be
linked to a Verizon Wireless service
plan in the U.S. or a Bell Mobility
service plan in Canada, depending
on eligibility. To nd out more,
refer to the OnStar Owner’s Guide
in the vehicle’s glove box, visit
www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca,
or speak with an OnStar advisor
by pressing the OnStar button
or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature
of OnStar Hands-Free Calling
that uses minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic
reports, and stock quotes. Press
the phone button and give afew simple voice commands to
browse through the various topics.
See the OnStar Owner’s Guide
for more information (only available
in the continental U.S.).
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
The vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
On some vehicles, you may have to
hold the button for a few seconds
and give the command “ONSTAR” in
order to activate the OnStar
Hands-Free Calling feature.
On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s
Guide for more information.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and
transmit vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to
an OnStar Call Center when the
OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed, or if
the airbags or AACN system deploy.
The vehicle information usually
includes your GPS location and, in
the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the accident
that the vehicle has been involved in
(e.g. the direction from which the
vehicle was hit). When the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the
vehicle also sends OnStar your GPS
location so that we can provide
services where you are located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless you are in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired forthat area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and
technology that is compatible with
the OnStar service. Not all services
are available everywhere,
particularly in remote or enclosed
areas, or at all times.
Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are available
and unobstructed.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system (including adequate
battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are
other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar from
providing OnStar service to you at
any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in an accident,
hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather
or wireless phone network
congestion.Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
you cannot hear the OnStar advisor.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system is not
functioning properly and should be
checked by your dealer/retailer.
If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), the OnStar subscription
has expired. Press the blue
OnStar button to conrm that the
OnStar equipment is active.
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Radio Message
Security Lockout Active:
This message displays when the
coded security system has been
activated. Take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service.
Using the CD Player
The CD player plays standard sized
CDs. Using CDs of a different
size can damage the drive or disc,
even if an adapter is used.
The CD player has a memory
buffer that holds approximately
seven seconds of music to prevent
interruption while driving over
bumpy surfaces. If the interruption
lasts longer than seven seconds, the
memory buffer can become empty
and playback will be interrupted until
the player has time to refocus, read
the disc, and ll the buffer again.When the player reaches the end of
a CD, it automatically returns to
the start and plays the CD again.
CDs can be loaded with the
ignition and the radio on or off.
CDs will stay in the player if the
ignition or radio is turned off.
If the CD was the last source
selected, it resumes playing
when the radio is turned on.
Loading CDs
To load a CD with the radio with a
single CD player:
1. Insert a CD label side up
partway into the slot.
2. The CD player will pull the CD
in and begin playing if the
radio is on.To load CDs with the radio with a
six-disc CD player:
#LOAD:Press to load CDs into
the CD player. The display shows
DISC and six numbers that
correspond to the six CD storage
locations. When a storage location
has no disc loaded a dash
displays.
To insert one CD:
1. Press
#LOAD and Insert Disc
displays.
2. The load indicator light ashes,
and the radio beeps twice.
3. Insert a CD label side up partway
into the slot.
4. The CD player will pull the CD
in and begin playing if the
radio is on.
Infotainment 6-9
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
During the rst 600 miles
(1 000 km), avoid using
more than moderate
acceleration in lower gears and
avoid vehicle speeds above
68 mph (110 km/h).
Between the rst 600 miles
(1 000 km) and 3,000 miles
(5 000 km), heavy acceleration
in lower gears can be used.
Vehicle speeds above 68 mph
(110 km/h) should be limited
to ve minutes per use.
Avoid making hard stops for the
rst 200 miles (322 km) or so.
During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can
mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTowing a Trailer
on page 9-85for the trailer
towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the
key from the ignition switch
could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and
turn the key only with your hand.
Make sure the key is in all the
way. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only
position from which you can remove
the key. This locks the steering
wheel, ignition and automatic
transmission.
On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever must be
in P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK/OFF position.
The ignition switch can bind in
the LOCK/OFF position with your
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs
service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This
position provides power to some
of the electrical accessories.
It unlocks the steering wheel and
ignition. The transmission is
also unlocked in this position
on automatic transmission
vehicles. To move the key from
ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF,
push in the key and then turn it
to LOCK/OFF.C (ON/RUN):The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can
be used to operate the electrical
accessories, including the ventilation
fan and 12 volt power outlet, as
well as to display some warning and
indicator lights.
The battery could be drained
if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off.
You may not be able to start the
vehicle if the battery is allowed
to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START):This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened when the
ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition.Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after
the engine is turned off.
Audio System
Power Windows
The power windows will continue to
work for up to 10 minutes or until
any door is opened. The radio
will work when the key is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the
key is turned from ON/RUN to
LOCK/OFF, the radio will continue
to work for 10 minutes or until
the driver’s door is opened.
Driving and Operating 8-3
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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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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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