lock PONTIAC G8 2008 Service Manual

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

l(Forward):Press to go to the
next track or press
lmultiple times
until the desired track is reached.
g(Reverse):Press to go back to
the start of the current track or
press
gmultiple times until
the desired track is reached.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
The radio has an electronically
coded security system that links the
radio to the vehicle. When the
ignition is off, a ashing red light on
the upper left side of the radio
indicates the security system is on.
If the radio is moved to a different
vehicle, it will not operate and
Security Lockout Active displays.
Contact your dealer/retailer to
unlock the radio.
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls
The vehicle has audio steering
wheel controls.
Some audio controls can be
adjusted at the steering wheel.
Several functions of the audio
system can be operated with the
audio remote control buttons and the
rotary control wheel.
SRCE (Source):Press to select
between FM1, FM2, AM, CD, Front
AUX (auxiliary), or Rear AUX.
QR(Scroll Wheel Control):
Push to select the next disc in the
changer.
Turn the scroll wheel up or down to:
Select the next or previous
preset radio station.
Select the next or previous track.
%(Voice In):Press to interact
with the OnStar®system.
{(Call End):Press to end an
OnStar®phone call.
+−(Scroll Wheel Control):Turn
the scroll wheel control up or
down to increase or decrease the
volume. Press to mute the audio
system, press again to turn
the sound back on.
Infotainment 6-23
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try
reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about
10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically
works to reduce interference,
some static can occur, especially
around tall buildings or hills.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The AM-FM antenna is located on
the roof of the vehicle.
Driving through an automatic car
wash without removing the antenna
could damage it.
To remove the antenna, turn it
counterclockwise. To replace the
antenna, turn it clockwise until hand
tightened.
6-24 Infotainment
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control System......7-1
Automatic Climate Control
System............................ .7-4
Outlet Adjustment...............7-8
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
Fan Control
9(Fan):Turn the left knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
Turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise to turn the
system off. Temperature Control
Turn the center knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside
the vehicle.
Climate Controls 7-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Manual Operation
Fan Control
+
A−(Fan):Press + or−to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan speed and indicator
appears in the display.
The climate control system sets
the fan speed automatically.
When the fan speed is adjusted the
system goes into semi-automatic
operation. Press the AUTO button to
return to automatic operation.
Temperature Control
Temperature Controls:The
temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and
the passenger. Turn the
temperature controls clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature.
The temperature can be set
between 63°F (17°C) and
176°F (30°C). A setting between
72°F (22°C) and 75°F (24°C)
is recommended.The temperature settings for each
side are shown in the display.
If the temperature control is past
86°F (30°C), the display shows
H (hottest). Turning it past
63°F (17°C), shows C (coolest).
The EXT TEMP (Exterior
Temperature) can be displayed in
Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C).
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 4-32.
ZONE:Press to set the climate
control to single-zone (SZ) mode or
dual-zone (DZ) mode. SZ or DZ
appears in the display when a mode
is set.
Single-Zone (SZ) Mode:All zones
are set to the same temperature.
The temperature is shown in the
display. Turn the ZONE control to
set the temperature.
Dual-Zone (DZ) Mode:Allows
different temperatures to be set for
the driver and passenger sides
or to link them. When linked,the passenger side temperature
uses the same temperature setting
as the driver side.
Turn the AUTO control to set a
different temperature for the
passenger.
Press and hold the AUTO button
for at least three seconds to link
the passenger and driver side
temperatures. Linking automatically
occurs if the passenger and
driver sides are set to the same
temperature when the ignition
is turned on.
Air Delivery Mode Control
e*(Mode):Press to change the
current airow mode. The current
mode selection appears in the
display screen. Changing the mode
cancels the automatic operation and
the system goes into semi-automatic
operation. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
Climate Controls 7-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

By monitoring the solar radiation,
the air inside the vehicle and
air moving across the outside
sensor, the selected temperature
can be maintained while using
the AUTO mode by adjusting the
temperature, fan speed, and
air delivery system. The system
may also supply cooler air to
the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also
be activated, as necessary. Do not
cover the sensors or the automatic
climate control system will not
work properly.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation
For vehicles with the remote start
feature and it is activated, the climate
control system will automatically set
the temperature to 73°F (23°C).
When the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN the climate control system
heats and cools the inside of the
vehicle using the modes that were
set before the vehicle was turned off.
Personal Identity Keys
For vehicles with the Personal
Identity Key Locking System,
the system remembers the last
climate control settings used with
different keys.
When the unlock button is pressed,
the system remembers the key
and sets the climate control system
to the last settings used with that
key. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The vehicle has a passenger
compartment air lter that lters the
outside air entering the vehicle.
The lter removes contaminants,
such as pollen and dust. See your
dealer/retailer for more information.
Outlet Adjustment
The air outlets have adjustable
vanes to move up or down and left
or right to change the direction
of the airow. Use the thumbwheels
located near the air outlets on
the instrument panel, to shut off
the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or
leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the ow of air into
the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood
deectors may adversely affect
performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of
the vehicle more effectively.
Outside air is drawn into the
vehicle, unless recirculation mode
is selected.
7-8 Climate Controls
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Driving and
Operating
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In.........8-2
Ignition Positions................8-2
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP).....................8-3
Starting the Engine.............8-4
Engine Coolant Heater.......8-5
Automatic Transmission
Operation..........................8-6
Parking Brake.....................8-9
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic
Transmission)
..................8-10
Shifting Out of Park..........8-11
Parking Over Things
That Burn........................8-11
Engine Exhaust.................8-12
Running the Vehicle
While Parked..................8-12
Driving Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving..............8-13
Drunk Driving....................8-13
Control of a Vehicle..........8-14
Braking.............................8-14
Antilock Brake
System (ABS).................8-15
Electronic Stability
Program..........................8-16
Steering............................8-19
Off-Road Recovery............8-20
Passing.............................8-21
Loss of Control.................8-21
Driving at Night.................8-22
Driving in Rain and on
Wet Roads......................8-23
Before Leaving on a
Long Trip........................8-24
Highway Hypnosis.............8-24
Hill and Mountain Roads. . . .8-24
Winter Driving...................8-25
If Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
..........................8-27
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out.......................8-28
Loading the Vehicle..........8-28
Fuel
Fuel..................................8-32
Gasoline Octane...............8-33
Gasoline Specications. . . . .8-33
California Fuel..................8-33
Additives...........................8-34
Fuels in Foreign
Countries........................8-34
Filling the Tank.................8-35
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container........................8-36
Driving and Operating 8-1
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

Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart
when you are already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to
P (Park) if your vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle
speed will go down as your
engine gets warm. Do not race
the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently to allow
the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists
in starting the engine and
protects components. If the
ignition key is turned to
the START position, and then
released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will
continue cranking for a few
seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not start
and the key is held in START
for many seconds, cranking
will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor
damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also
prevents cranking if the engine
is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by
turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.Notice:Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after 5-10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded
with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold
the key in START for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
8-4 Driving and Operating
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briey but then
stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race
the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed
to work with the electronics
in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if
available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting your
vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use The Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment, behind the
air cleaner for V8 models.
The electrical cord is located on
the passenger side of the
engine compartment, behind the
engine compartment fuse
block for V6 models.3. Plug it into a normal, grounded
110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a
re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord
will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord
rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be
sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.
Driving and Operating 8-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual