hood 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

The main components of the
instrument panel are the following:
A.Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 4-4.
B.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 6-36andDIC Operation
and Displays on page 4-22.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on
page 4-11.
D.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 6-36.
E.Windshield Wipers on page 4-8.
F.Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 4-4.
G. Voltmeter, Oil Gage.Voltmeter
Gage on page 4-15.
H.Outlet Adjustment on page 7-9.I.Exterior Lamps Controls on
page 5-1.Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 5-3.Fog
Lamps on page 5-3(If Equipped).
J.Hood Release on page 9-5.
K.Tilt Wheel on page 4-4.
L.Horn on page 4-4.
M.Ignition Positions on page 8-2.
N.Climate Control System on
page 7-1.Automatic Climate
Control System on page 7-4
(If Equipped).
O. Shift Lever.Automatic
Transmission Operation on
page 8-6.
P.Power Door Locks on page 2-9.Q.Outside Power Mirror(s) on
page 2-17.
R.Power Windows on page 2-15.
S. Traction Control System (TCS)
Disable Button.Electronic
Stability Program on page 8-19.
T.Heated Seats on page 1-5
(If Equipped).
U.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on
page 4-9.
V.Audio System(s) on page 6-1.
W.Glove Box on page 3-1.
Instruments and Controls 4-3

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.
Climate Controls 7-9

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

Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has a V8 engine, use
regular unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 87 or higher.
If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking
noise when you drive, commonly
referred to as spark knock. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher as soon as possible.
If you are using gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. For best performance
or trailer towing, you could choose
to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane
rating is less than 87, you might
notice an audible knocking noise
when you drive, commonly referredto as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher as soon as possible. If you
are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specication D 4814
in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada.
Some gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeAdditives on
page 8-36for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California emissions
standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specications, but emission control
system performance might be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
might fail a smog-check test. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 4-18. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer/retailer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driving and Operating 8-35

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

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the
MaintenanceIIintervals and replace
it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval.
See “Schedule Maintenance”
in Service and Maintenance for
more information. If you are driving
in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter,
remove the lter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter
remains caked with dirt, a new lter
is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/lter:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 9-5.
2. Locate the air lter housing on
the front of the driver side of
the engine compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-11

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, this is what you see:
A. Engine Coolant Reservoir
B. Radiator CapV6 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-13