engine coolant PONTIAC G8 2009 Owners Manual

Extending Engine Run Time
To extend the engine run time by
10 minutes, repeat Steps 1 and 2
while the engine is still running.
The engine run time can only
be extended if it is the rst remote
start since the vehicle has been
driven. Remote start can be
extended one time.
If the remote start procedure is used
again before the rst 10 minute
time frame has ended, the rst
10 minutes will immediately expire
and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
For example, if the lock button and
then the remote start buttons
are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing
the engine to run for a total of
15 minutes.A maximum of two remote starts or
remote start attempts are allowed
between ignition cycles.
After your vehicle’s engine has been
started two times using the remote
start button, the vehicle’s ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN
and then back to LOCK/OFF
using the key before the remote
start procedure can be used again.
Shutting the Engine Off After
a Remote Start
To manually shut off the engine
after a remote start, do any of the
following:
Press/until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning
ashers.
Insert the vehicle’s key into the
ignition switch and turn the
switch to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF.Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature
will not operate if any of the
following occur:
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood or doors are
not closed.
The hazard warning ashers
are on.
There is an emission control
system malfunction.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have
already been used. The maximum
number of remote starts or remote
start attempts between ignition
cycles with the key is two.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

Instruments and
Controls
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................4-2
Hazard Warning
Flashers............................4-4
Horn...................................4-4
Tilt Wheel...........................4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................4-4
Cruise Control....................4-5
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................4-7
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........4-7
Windshield Wipers..............4-8
Windshield Washer.............4-8
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)............................4-9
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................4-10
Instrument Panel
Cluster............................4-11
Speedometer....................4-12
Tachometer.......................4-12
Safety Belt Reminders......4-12
Airbag Readiness Light.....4-13
Passenger Airbag
Status Indicator...............4-14
Voltmeter Gage.................4-15
Charging System Light......4-15
Brake System Warning
Light................................4-15
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......4-16
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........4-17
Tire Pressure Light...........4-17
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................4-18
Security Light....................4-20
Fog Lamp Light................4-20
Highbeam On Light...........4-20
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
Indicator Light
.................4-21
Door Ajar Light.................4-21
Oil Pressure Gage............4-21
Fuel Gage........................4-21
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Driver Information
Center (DIC)...................4-22
DIC Operation and
Displays..........................4-22
DIC Warnings and
Messages........................4-26
DIC Vehicle
Customization..................4-31
OnStar®System
OnStar®System................4-35
Instruments and Controls 4-1

If the light remains on after resetting
the system or comes on again
while driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the ABS light is on,
but the regular brake system
warning light is not on, the antilock
brakes are not working properly,
but the regular brakes are still
functioning. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. If both brake
lights are on, you do not have
antilock brakes, and there’s a
problem with your regular brakes as
well. Have your vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 9-88.
The ABS Fault message will remain
until
3(Trip/Fuel) or8(Enter)
are pressed, but the warning
light will remain until the problem is
xed. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-26for more
information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer
moves into the red area, the engine
is too hot. It means that the engine
has overheated. Pull off the road,
stop the vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating on page 9-20.
Tire Pressure Light
TPMS Light
This light comes on briey when the
engine is started and provides
information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.When the Light is On Steady
This light will also come on when
one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated. A CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE DIC message
will accompany the light.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-26for more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon
as it is safe to do so. If underinated,
inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 9-42for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System.
The light ashes for about a minute
and stays on on steady for the
remainder of the ignition cycle.
This sequence will repeat with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-52
andTire Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 9-54for more information.
Instruments and Controls 4-17

:Check Oil
This message is displayed if the oil
pressure or oil level is low. Stop
when safe, turn off the engine and
check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 9-8. Do not run
the engine when this warning is
illuminated. If the oil level is normal,
have the system checked at your
dealer/retailer.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
:Check Oil will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
X Contact Dealer
This message is displayed when
there is a fault in the instrument
panel, see your dealer/retailer.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, butXService willcontinue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
ICruise On, Cruise Off,
Cruise Active, and Cruise
Inactive
These messages display the
status of the cruise control system.
SeeCruise Control on page 4-5
for more information.
Engine Immobilized Refer to
Owners Manual
This message is displayed when the
engine has been shutdown due to
the theft-deterrent system. See
Immobilizer Operation on page 2-12
for more information.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
AEng Immo will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
BEngine Temp
(Temperature) Hot
This message is displayed when the
engine coolant temperature is
excessively hot. Stop the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. See
Engine Overheating on page 9-20.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
BTemp Hot will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the vehicle
has been serviced.
.Low Fuel
This message is displayed when the
fuel level is low.
You can press
3or8to
acknowledge that you received the
message, but
.Low Fuel will
continue to appear in the bottom of
the DIC display until the fuel
tank has been lled above the low
fuel level.
4-28 Instruments and Controls

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
Manual Transmission
Operation........................8-10
Parking Brake...................8-11
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic
Transmission)
..................8-12
Shifting Out of Park..........8-13
Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission). . . .8-14
Parking Over Things
That Burn........................8-14
Engine Exhaust.................8-14
Running the Vehicle
While Parked..................8-15
Driving Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving..............8-16
Drunk Driving....................8-16
Control of a Vehicle..........8-17
Braking.............................8-17
Antilock Brake
System (ABS).................8-18
Electronic Stability
Program..........................8-19
Steering............................8-22
Off-Road Recovery............8-23
Passing.............................8-23
Loss of Control.................8-23
Driving at Night.................8-24
Driving in Rain and
on Wet Roads.................8-25
Before Leaving on
a Long Trip.....................8-26
Highway Hypnosis.............8-26
Hill and Mountain Roads. . . .8-26
Winter Driving...................8-27
If Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow
..........................8-29
Rocking Your Vehicle
to Get It Out...................8-30
Loading the Vehicle..........8-30
Fuel
Fuel..................................8-34
Gasoline Octane...............8-35
Gasoline Specications.....8-35
California Fuel..................8-35
Additives...........................8-36
Fuels in Foreign
Countries........................8-36
Filling the Tank.................8-37
Filling a Portable
Fuel Container................8-38
Driving and Operating 8-1

Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again,
repeat the procedure. 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

One to Four Shift Light
When this light comes on, you can
only shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth)
instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
The light will be displayed on theinstrument panel cluster and a
message will be displayed in
the Driver Information Center.
You must complete the shift into
4 (Fourth) to turn off this feature.
This helps you get the best possible
fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), you may
downshift to a lower gear if you
prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever
into any gear except FOURTH (4)
when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light
comes on may damage the
transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the
light comes on.
This light will come on when:
The engine coolant temperature
is higher than 169°F (76°C),
you are going 15 to 19 mph
(24 to 31 km/h) and
you are 21 percent throttle
or less.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on
the parking brake handle. If the
ignition is in the ON/RUN position,
the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 4-15. Instrument Panel
Cluster
Driver Information
Center
Driving and Operating 8-11

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
Cooling System.................9-13
Engine Coolant.................9-15
Pressure Cap....................9-19
Engine Overheating...........9-20
Power Steering Fluid.........9-21
Windshield Washer Fluid. . . .9-23
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-24
Brakes..............................9-25
Battery..............................9-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-28
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-31
Halogen Bulbs..................9-31
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-31
Front Turn Signal Lamps. . .9-33
Taillamps..........................9-34
License Plate Lamp..........9-35
Replacement Bulbs...........9-35
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-36
Headlamp Wiring..............9-36
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-36
Power Windows and
Other Power Options.......9-36
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block......................9-36
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-38
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-41
Tires
Tires.................................9-42
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......9-42
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-46
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-49
High-Speed Operation.......9-51
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-52
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-54
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-57
When It Is Time for
New Tires.......................9-59
Buying New Tires.............9-59
Different Size Tires
and Wheels.....................9-61
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1

Owner Checks
{CAUTION
An electric fan under the hood
can start up and injure you even
when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{CAUTION
Things that burn can get on hot
engine parts and start a re.
These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake uid, windshield
washer and other uids, and
plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to
drop or spill things that will burn
onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood:
1. Pull the release handle with the
above symbol on it. It is located
below the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel.2. Pull up on the secondary hood
release. The lever is located
near the middle of the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
4. Release the hood prop rod from
its retainer and put it into the
slot in the hood. To insert
the hood prop rod into the slot.
Before closing the hood, be sure all
the ller caps are on properly.
Make sure to return the hood prop
rod carefully back to its retainer
to avoid damaging the vehicle.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-5

Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, this is what you will see:A.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 9-38 .
B. Coolant Reservoir and Dipstick. See Cooling System on
page 9-13 .
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 9-25 .
F. Power Steering Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on page 9-21 .
G. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-11 .
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Windshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-23 .
I. Radiator Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 9-13 .
V6 Engine
9-6 Vehicle Service and Care