automatic transmission PONTIAC G8 2009 User Guide

Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured.
Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it.
After you have moved the shift lever
into P (Park), hold the brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without
rst pushing the button.If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked
into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and
you do not shift the automatic
transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too
much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may nd it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To nd out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” previously in the
section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle
push yours a little uphill to takesome of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out
of P (Park).Shifting Out of Park
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), seeShift Lock
Manual Release on page 9-88.
Driving and Operating 8-13

CAUTION (Continued)
The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system
has been modied, damaged
or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or after-market
modications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, see Engine
ExhaustEngine Exhaust on
page 8-14.
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the automatic
transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure
the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 8-12.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 9-89.
Driving and Operating 8-15

The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
When this light and the STABILITY
CTRL OFF message is on and
the ESP OFF message is
displayed, the system will not
limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-26for more information.ESP is automatically enabled
whenever the vehicle is started.
To limit wheel spin, especially
in slippery road conditions, always
leave the system enabled. ESP
can be turned off if needed.
It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the
vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to rock the
vehicle to attempt to free it. It may
also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme
off-road conditions where high
wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 8-29.The ESP button is located in front of
the transmission gear selector lever.
To turn the system off or on, press
and release the ESP button.
The DIC will briey display the
appropriate message and then
return to the trip computer display.
8-20 Driving and Operating

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 the vehicle
is started, 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 the wheel(s) of one axle
are allowed to spin excessively
while the ESC/TCS, ABS and
Brake warning lights and the
SERVICE ESC and/or SERVICE
TRACTION messages are
displayed, the differential could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
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,
a noise, vibration, or a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed.
This is normal.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 9-3for
more information.
Driving and Operating 8-21

Fuses Usage
F14 Auxiliary Power
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
the vehicle may damage it.
Always keep the covers on any
electrical component.
9-38 Vehicle Service and Care

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 9-49.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 8-30.
9-46 Vehicle Service and Care

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 P (Park). See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 8-12.3. 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 9-67.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
(V8 Engine)
This vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit in place of a jack or
spare tire. It is located in a foam
container in the trunk. The tire
sealant and compressor kit can be
used to repair a at tire by sealing
small punctures in the tread of the
tire. It can also be used to inate an
underinated tire. The vehicle must
be driven for ve miles (8 kilometers)
after the tire is sealed and inated
to the recommended pressure to
ensure the sealant is distributed
evenly. For detailed instructions
see “Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Repair a Punctured Tire” later in
this section.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-67

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the
hazard warning ashers.
{CAUTION
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack
and roll over or fall on you or other
people. You and they could be
badly injured or even killed. Find a
level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put an automatic
transmission shift lever in
P (Park), or shift a manual
transmission to 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine and do
not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
To be certain the vehicle will not
move, put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from
the one being changed. That
would be the tire on the other
side, at the opposite end of the
vehicle.When you have a at tire, place the
wheel block at the tire diagonally
across from the at tire.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-75

The jump start positive (A) and
negative posts (B) are located in the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle.These posts are used instead of a
direct connection to the battery.The positive jump start connection
is covered by a red cap. Remove to
expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice: If the other vehicle’s
system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only
use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump
start your vehicle.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake rmly and put the shift lever in P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 8-12 .
Vehicle Service and Care 9-85

6. Press the select button and
move the transmission gear
selector to the N (Neutral)
position (G).
7. Release the lever (F).
8. After the vehicle has been
moved, align the shift lock
manual release cover plate (D)
and install the retainer (E) so the
automatic transmission can
operate properly.
9. Place the trim panel (A) and the
wires in their original position
and gently press down around
the outside until it clicks in place.
10. Check the operation of the
switches (B) before operating
the vehicle.
The transmission selector locks if it
is moved back to the P (Park)
position.Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Notice:Dolly towing or dinghy
towing the vehicle may cause
damage because of reduced
ground clearance. Always put the
vehicle on a atbed truck.
The vehicle was neither designed
nor intended to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If the
vehicle must be towed, see “Towing
Your Vehicle” earlier in this section.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too heavy,
the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
passengers could be seriously
injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have
been followed. Ask your
dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is
equipped with the proper trailer
towing equipment. To identify the
trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information
in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just
driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-89