trunk PONTIAC G8 2009 Owner's Manual

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s
Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are
inated to the upper limit for cold
tires. You will nd these numbers on
the Tire-Loading Information label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-30. Then be sure you do not
go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds,
large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes
in the body of your vehicle when
you install a trailer hitch? If you
do, then be sure to seal the holes
later when you remove the hitch.
If you do not seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-14. Dirt and water can
also enter the vehicle.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your
trailer. Cross the safety chains under
the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may
be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Alwaysleave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required
for your trailer lighting system can be
accessed at the driver’s side rear
lamp connector. This connector is
located under the carpet on the rear
corner of the trunk compartment.
9-92 Vehicle Service and Care

(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 1-33.
(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 9-15
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 9-25.
11-8 Service and Maintenance

Towing
Recreational Vehicle..........9-89
Towing a Trailer................9-89
Your Vehicle.....................9-88
Transmission Operation,
Automatic.......................... 8-6
Transmission Operation,
Manual............................8-10
Trunk.................................2-10
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 4-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................ 4-4
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................9-62
V
Vehicle
Control............................8-17
Loading...........................8-30
Parking Your....................8-14
Running While Parked.......8-15Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy....................12-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)...................10-1
Service Parts Identication
Label...........................10-1
Vehicle, Remote Start............. 2-6
Ventilation Adjustment............. 7-9
Visors.................................2-15
Voltmeter Gage....................4-15
W
Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators........................4-10
Warnings
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-26
Hazard Warning Flashers.... 4-4
Wheels
Alignment and Tire
Balance.......................9-64
Different Size...................9-61
Replacement....................9-64
Where to Put the Restraint....1-40Windows.............................2-14
Power.............................2-15
Windshield
Washer............................. 4-8
Washer Fluid....................9-23
Wiper Blade
Replacement................9-24
Wiper Fuses....................9-36
Wipers.............................. 4-8
Winter Driving......................8-27
X
XM Radio Messages............6-24
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System...............6-37
Y
Your Vehicle and the
Environment.....................11-2
i-10 INDEX