transmission PONTIAC G8 2008 Owner's Guide

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

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Fuel Tank 19.3 gal 73.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 125 lb ft 170 Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L V6 Engine 7 Automatic 0.043 in (1.10 mm)
6.0L V8 Engine Y Automatic 0.040 in (1.02 mm)
Technical Data 10-3
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service (Ior II) after the indicated miles
(kilometers) shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
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 fuel system for damage or
leaks. • •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components. • •••••
Replace engine air cleaner lter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 9-11 .•••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (severe service).
See footnote (h). •••
Change automatic transmission uid
and lter (normal service). •
Replace spark plugs. An Emission
Control Service. •
Engine cooling system service (or
every ve years, whichever occurs
rst). An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (i). •
11-6 Service and Maintenance
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

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you
have enough room around
the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-9.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts.3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle
starts in any other position,
contact your dealer/retailer for
service.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you
have enough room around
the vehicle. It should be parked
on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-9.Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to
move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If
the shift lever moves out of
PARK (P), contact your
dealer/retailer for service.Ignition Transmission Lock
Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF in each shift
lever position.
The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
The ignition key should come out
only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if
service is required.
11-10 Service and Maintenance
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P)
Mechanism Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this check,
your vehicle could begin to
move. You or others could be
injured and property could be
damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready
to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission
in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until
the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P)
mechanism’s holding ability: With
the engine running, shift to
PARK (P). Then release the
parking brake followed by
the regular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if
service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain
water to ush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to clean thoroughly any
areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Service and Maintenance 11-11
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
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on engines,
transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle.
The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio:
Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model
Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, specify
year and model name of the vehicle.ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit
Helm, Inc. on the World Wide
Web at: helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change
without notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for
delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers:
All listed prices are quoted in
U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable
in U.S. funds.
Customer Information 12-15
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Vehicle Data
Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of
sophisticated computers that
record information about the
vehicle’s performance and how it is
driven. For example, your vehicle
uses computer modules to monitor
and control engine and transmission
performance, to monitor the
conditions for airbag deployment
and deploy airbags in a crash and,
if so equipped, to provide antilock
braking to help the driver control the
vehicle. These modules may store
data to help your dealer/retailer
technician service your vehicle.
Some modules may also store data
about how you operate the vehicle,
such as rate of fuel consumption
or average speed. These modules
may also retain the owner’s personal
preferences, such as radio pre-sets,
seat positions, and temperature
settings.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle has an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose
of an EDR is to record, in certain
crash or near crash-like situations,
such as an airbag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that
will assist in understanding how
a vehicle’s systems performed.
The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and
safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or
less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your
vehicle were operating
Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened
How far, if at all, the driver was
pressing the accelerator and/or
brake pedal
How fast the vehicle was travelingThis data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances
in which crashes and injuries occur.
Important:EDR data is recorded
by your vehicle only if a non-trivial
crash situation occurs; no data
is recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no
personal data (e.g., name, gender,
age, and crash location) is
recorded. However, other parties,
such as law enforcement, could
combine the EDR data with the type
of personally identifying data
routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR,
special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to
the vehicle manufacturer, other
parties, such as law enforcement,
that have the special equipment, can
read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR.
12-16 Customer Information
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual