2008 PONTIAC G6 check engine light

If your 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 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 your vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B),
use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but
your vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced,
and you might notice a slight audible knocking
noise, commonly referred to as spark knock. If the
octane is less than 87, you might notice a heavy
knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you could damage the engine. 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. See
Additives on page 5-8for additional information.
California Fuel
If your 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, your
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 your vehicle might fail
a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-38. 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 your warranty.
5-7

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L and 3.6L V6 Engines)
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 the
dealer/retailer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
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 in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
For the 3.5L and 3.6L engines, the transmission uid
will not reach the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating temperature. If you need to
check the transmission uid level, please take your
vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
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 the cooling system and how to add
coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-33.
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
®may
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 your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-30

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When the
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark or slightly higher.
5-32

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-59 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-105 for more information.
(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 Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-74.
(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)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(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 5-30
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.
6-8

Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-23
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-11
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................5-27, 5-30
Operation...................................................2-27
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-69
Battery..........................................................5-45
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-11
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-42
System Warning Light..................................3-34
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-21
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-51
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-54
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-52Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-58
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-58
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................5-55, 5-56, 5-57
Buying New Tires...........................................5-79
C
Calibration.............................................2-37, 2-39
California Fuel.................................................. 5-7
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-119
Carbon Monoxide...................2-13, 2-35, 4-15, 4-28
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-103
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-54
Chains, Tire...................................................5-85
Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-12
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-107
2

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-14
Delayed Locking.............................................2-11
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-5
Dome Lamp...................................................3-17
Door
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-11
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-43
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-50
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-12
Before a Long Trip......................................4-13
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-14
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-14
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-12
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Winter........................................................4-15
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-9
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-109
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-112
Fuses......................................................5-110
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-110
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-110
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-116
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-110
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-38
Coolant......................................................5-30
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-21
Oil Life System...........................................5-24
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-35
Overheating................................................5-33
Running While Parked..................................2-36
Starting......................................................2-23
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-17
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
4

M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass....2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®
and Compass..........................................2-37Mirrors (cont.)
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-37
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-40
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-17
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-29
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-29
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-21
Pressure Light.............................................3-41
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-24
Older Children, Restraints................................1-33
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-41
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
8

Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass....................................................2-39
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®and Compass.................................2-37
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-37
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-37
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-88
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-58
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-15
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-75Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-23
Retractable Hardtop........................................2-45
Lowering....................................................2-46
Raising......................................................2-49
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-20
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-15
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-36
S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-30
Safety Belts
Care of....................................................5-103
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-18
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-26
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-32
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-32
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-13
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-8
10