cooling PONTIAC G8 2008 Owners Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have this feature
which allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This
button will be on the RKE transmitter
if you have remote start.
To enable and disable remote start,
see “Remote Start” underDIC
Vehicle Customization on page 4-32.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during
a remote start. When the key
is turned to ON/RUN, the climate
control system will turn on at
the setting the vehicle was set to
when the vehicle was last turned off.Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not
use the remote start feature. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. PressQon the RKE transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/for about
two seconds. The turn signal
lamps will briey ash to conrm
the vehicle has been started.
The parking lamps will turn
on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The vehicle’s
doors will be locked.
3. After entering the vehicle during
a remote start, insert and turn
the key to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine
will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done or
the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Trunk
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to drive
with the trunk lid open because
carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You
cannot see or smell CO. It can
cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive
with the trunk lid open or if
electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through
the seal between the body and
the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows
are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating
or cooling system to its
highest speed and select the
control setting that will force
outside air into your vehicle.
See Climate Control System.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
If you have air outlets on or
under the instrument panel,
open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-12.
Remote Trunk Release
To open the trunk from the outside
the vehicle, press the
Vbutton
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
From inside the vehicle, press the
Vbutton located in the glove box.
The trunk can only be opened
while the vehicle is in PARK (P),
and when the doors are unlocked.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice:Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the
trunk from the inside.
2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows
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

Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system. For vehicles with the remote start feature, the climate control
system will turn on with a remote start. SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 2-6.
O(OFF):Press to turn the climate
control system off. Press any
button to turn the system on again.
While the climate control system is
off the recirculation and rear window
defogger can still be turned on.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic): When this
button is pressed, the system
automatically controls the inside
temperature, the air delivery mode,
the air conditioning compressor, and the fan speed. When AUTO
appears in the display, the system is
in full automatic operation. If any
of the controls are manually
adjusted, the AUTO indicator turns
off in the display.
1. Press the AUTO button, if the
AUTO indicator does not
appear on the display.
2. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting between
72°F (22°C) and 75°F (24°C). Choosing the coldest or warmest
temperature setting will not
cause the system to heat or cool
any faster.
3. Let the system stabilize for a few minutes.
4. Adjust the air outlets or temperature.
In cold weather, the system starts in
the recirculation mode with the
fan off. As the engine warms up,
warm air is directed to the oor
outlets, before automatically
changing to bi-level mode with a
reduced fan speed.
Do not cover the solar sensor
located in the center of the
instrument panel, near the
windshield. For more information
on the solar sensor, see “Sensors”
later in this section.
7-4 Climate Controls
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.
8-24 Driving and Operating
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Vehicle Service
and Care
Service
Service...............................9-2
Accessories and
Modications.....................9-3
California Proposition 65
Warning............................9-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....9-3
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................9-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......9-4
Owner Checks
Owner Checks....................9-5
Hood Release.....................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview...........................9-6
Engine Oil..........................9-8
Engine Oil Life System.....9-10
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . .9-11
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-13
Engine Coolant.................9-13
Radiator Pressure Cap......9-15
Engine Overheating...........9-16
Cooling System.................9-17
Power Steering Fluid.........9-21
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .9-22
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-23
Brakes..............................9-24
Battery..............................9-26
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-27
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-29
Halogen Bulbs..................9-29
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-29
Taillamps..........................9-31
Replacement Bulbs...........9-32
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-32
Headlamp Wiring..............9-33
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-33
Power Windows and
Other Power Options. . . . . . .9-33
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...............................9-33
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-35
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block...............................9-38
Tires
Tires.................................9-39
Tire Sidewall Labeling. . . . . . .9-40
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-43
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-46
High-Speed Operation. . . . . . .9-48
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-49
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-51
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-54
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................9-56
Buying New Tires.............9-56
Different Size Tires and
Wheels............................9-58
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, this is what you will see:A. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
F. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
on page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-22 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-17 .
V6 Engine
9-6 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

A. Engine Compartment FuseBlock. See Engine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 9-35 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-17 .
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-8 .
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 9-8 .
E. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 9-21 .
F. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes
on page 9-24 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-22 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-17 .
V8 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is
off, a backre can cause a
damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine,
which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission uid level. A
transmission uid leak is the only
reason for uid loss. If a leak occurs,
take your vehicle to a dealer/retailer
and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
Change the uid and lter at the
intervals listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4. Be sure
to use the transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission uid may
damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is
lled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years
or 150,000 miles (240 000 km),
whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life
coolant.
The following explains your cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on page 9-16.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down
to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and
corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine
temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing
sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-13
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL
®coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you
use this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{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.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
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
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.
Notice:If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and
other parts.If you have to add coolant more
than four times a year, have
your dealer/retailer check your
cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra
inhibitors and/or additives in your
vehicle’s cooling system, you
could damage your vehicle. Use
only the proper mixture of the
engine coolant listed in this
manual for the cooling system.
SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11-12for
more information.
9-14 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual