steering PONTIAC G8 2008 Owner's Guide

5. Start the engine.
6. With the engine idling, top off the
coolant through the radiator
pressure cap opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the
coolant to settle and top off, if
the level drops.
7. Once the system is full, put the
radiator pressure cap back on
by turning clockwise.
8. Turn off the ignition.
9. Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and ll it until the
level is at the top of the dipstick.Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Level
Power steering uid is used in
all vehicles.
Check the level after the vehicle has
been driven for at least twenty
minutes so the uid is warm.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. The power steering uid reservoir
is located on the driver side
toward the front of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6.3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
V6 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-21
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

4. Turn the cap counterclockwise
and pull it straight up.
5. When the engine is hot, the level
should be at the hot MAX level.
When the engine is cold, the
uid level should be between
MIN and MAX on the dipstick.
6. Replace the cap.
Adding Power Steering Fluid
To determine what kind of uid
to use, seeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure
to use the proper uid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
2. Top off with power steering
uid. Do not overll the reservoir.
3. Push the cap straight down
and turn clockwise to tighten.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer
uid, be sure to read the
manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating
your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing,
use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer uid
until the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for reservoir location. V8 Engine
9-22 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Fuses Usage
F15Outside Rearview
Mirrors
F16Sunroof/Automatic
Transmission
Shift Lock
F17 Sunroof
F18Automatic Occupant
Sensor
F19Driver Side
Heated Seat
F20Passenger Side
Heated Seat
F21Daytime Running
Lamps
F22Front Cigarette
Lighter
F23Steering Wheel
Controls
Backlighting
F24 Power Window
FUSE
PULLERFuse PullerCircuit
BreakersUsage
B1 Spare
B2 Power Windows
B3 Power Seats
B4 Spare
Relays Usage
R1Retain Accessory
Power 1
R2 Door Locks
R3Passenger Side
Door Lock
R4 Spare
R5 Trunk Release
R6 Driver Side Lock
R7Retain Accessory
Power 2
R8 Accessory
R9 Blower
R10 Spare
R11Daytime Running
Lamps
R12 Fuel Pump
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
To open the fuse block cover,
remove the clip on cover.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any
electrical components on
your vehicle may damage it.
Always keep the covers on any
electrical component.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-35
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-43
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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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A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid
and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any
rear blowout, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the
vehicle under control by steering the
way you want the vehicle to go. It
may be very bumpy and noisy,
but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road if
possible.
If a tire goes at, and your vehicle
has a compact spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on
page 9-71. This information shows
you how to use the vehicle’s
tire changing equipment and how to
change a at tire safely.{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting
under it to do maintenance or
repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided
with your vehicle is designed
only for changing a at tire. If it
is used for anything else, you or
others could be badly injured or
killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. Use the jack provided with
your vehicle only for changing a
at tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
If your vehicle has a factory installed
Tire Sealant and Compressor kit,
there is no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment and no place to
store a tire.If a tire goes at, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place and stopping.
1. Turn on the hazard warning
ashers. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 4-4.
2. Park your vehicle. Set the
parking brake rmly and put the
shift lever in PARK (P). See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 8-10.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a puncture larger than a
14inch (6 mm), the tire is too
severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 12-6.
If the tire has a puncture less than a
14inch (6 mm) in the tread area
of the tire, seeTire Sealant
and Compressor Kit (V8 Engine) on
page 9-64.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-63
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-89
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

Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000) 50,000
(80 000) 75,000
(120 000) 100,000
(160 000) 125,000
(200 000) 150,000
(240 000)
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (g). •
Change brake hydraulic uid at a
regular maintenance service every
two years. See footnote (m).
Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b) Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
(c)
Visually inspect hoses and have
them replaced if they are cracked,
swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings and clamps;
replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the
radiator and air conditioning
condenser is recommended at least
once a year. (d)
Inspect wiper blades for wear,
cracking, or contamination.
Clean the windshield and wiper
blades, if contaminated. Replace
wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement on page 9-23
and “Windshield and Wiper Blades”
under Exterior Cleaning on
page 9-94 for more information.
Service and Maintenance 11-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute Certied for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s engine,
see
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-13 .
Hydraulic Brake System Hydraulic Brake Fluid. Use only GM Part No. U.S. 88958860,
in Canada 88901244, Super DOT-4 brake uid.
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Hydraulic Power Steering System DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)
or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
11-12 Service and Maintenance
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