2008 PONTIAC G8 trailer

Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................9-59
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance...........................9-60
Wheel Replacement..........9-61
Tire Chains.......................9-62
Tire Changing
If a Tire Goes Flat............9-62
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
(V8 Engine)
.....................9-64
Changing a Flat Tire
(V6 Engine).....................9-71
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................9-72
Removing the Flat Tire
and Installing the
Spare Tire
.......................9-73
Storing a Flat or Spare
Tire and Tools.................9-78
Compact Spare Tire..........9-79
Jump Starting
Jump Starting...................9-80
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle.........9-84
Shift Lock Manual
Release...........................9-84
Recreational Vehicle
Towing............................9-85
Towing a Trailer................9-85
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning................9-91
Exterior Cleaning..............9-94
Sheet Metal Damage........9-98
Finish Damage..................9-98
Underbody Maintenance. . . .9-98
Chemical Paint Spotting. . . .9-98
Vehicle Care/Appearance
Materials.........................9-99
Service
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer/retailer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one
of these marks:
9-2 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

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 your vehicle may
cause damage because of
reduced ground clearance.
Always put your 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
If you do not use the correct
equipment and drive properly,
you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy, the brakes
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
may not work well — or even at
all. You and your passengers
could be seriously injured. You
may also damage your vehicle;
the resulting repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
Pull a trailer only if you have
followed all the steps in this
section. Ask your dealer/retailer
for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your
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.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it
are many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules. Many
of these are important for your
safety and that of your passengers.
So please read this section
carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such
as the engine, transmission, wheel
assemblies and tires are forced
to work harder against the drag of
the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater
loads, generating extra heat.
Also, the trailer adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the
pulling requirements.If You Do Decide To Pull A
Trailer
If you do, here are some important
points:
There are many different laws,
including speed limit restrictions,
having to do with trailering.
Make sure your rig will be legal,
not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A
good source for this information
can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control.
You can ask a hitch dealer
about sway controls.
Do not tow a trailer at all during
the rst 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
your new vehicle is driven.
Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) that you tow a trailer, do
not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at fullthrottle. This helps your engine
and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Use the Sport Shift mode and the
cruise control when towing. The
Active Select (A/S) may also be
used under light load conditions.
Obey speed limit restrictions
when towing a trailer. Do not drive
faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than
55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear
on your vehicle’s parts.
Three important considerations have
to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer.
The weight of the trailer tongue.
The total weight on your
vehicle’s tires.
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Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
2,000 lbs (907 kg). But even
that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use
your rig. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your
vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can also depend on
any special equipment that you have
on your vehicle, and the amount
of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” later in this section for
more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
form the maximum trailer weight.You can ask your dealer/retailer for
our trailering information or
advice, or you can write us at our
Customer Assistance Offices.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
on page 12-4for more information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total or gross
weight of your vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo you may carry in it, and the
people who will be riding in the
vehicle. If you have a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo
in your vehicle, it will reduce
the tongue weight your vehicle can
carry, which will also reduce the
trailer weight your vehicle can tow.
And if you tow a trailer, you
must add the tongue load to the
GVW because your vehicle will be
carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 8-28
for more information about your
vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
If you are using a weight-carrying
hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you have loaded your
trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they are not,
you may be able to get them
right simply by moving some items
around in the trailer.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-87
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner 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 8-28. 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 8-12. 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.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that
the vehicle you are driving is now a
good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check all trailer
hitch parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment.
If the trailer has electric brakes,
start your vehicle and trailer moving
and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets
you check your electrical connection
at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure,
and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Towing with the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP®)
When towing, the sound of the ESP
modulator might be heard. The
ESP is reacting to the vehicle
movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as when driving
your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed up
ahead when you are towing a
trailer. And, because the vehicle is
longer, it is necessary to go
much farther beyond the passed
vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. Then, to move
the trailer to the left, just move
that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move the hand to
the right. Always back up slowly
and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause
the trailer to come in contact with
the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making
very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a
trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer will
not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road
signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
Signal well in advance.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle
may need a different turn signal
asher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer/retailer. The arrows
on your instrument panel will
ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked
up, the trailer lamps will also ash,
telling other drivers you are
about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows
on your instrument panel will
ash for turns even if the bulbs on
the trailer are burned out. Thus, you
may think drivers behind you are
seeing your signal when they
are not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning
lights. When you plug a trailer
lighting system into your vehicle’s
lighting system, its bulb warning
lights may not let you know if one of
your lamps goes out. So, whenyou have a trailer lighting system
plugged in, be sure to check
your vehicle and trailer lamps from
time to time to be sure they are
all working. Once you disconnect the
trailer lamps, the bulb warning
lights again can tell you if one of
your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforeyou start down a
long or steep downgrade. If you do
not shift down, you might have
to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down to
a lower gear and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h)
to reduce the possibility of engine
and transmission overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
You really should not park your
vehicle, with a trailer attached,
on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to
move. People can be injured,
and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig
on a hill, here is how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes.
Then apply your parking
brake, and then shift to P (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and
hold the pedal down while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, drivebelt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
Your cooling system may
temporarily overheat during severe
operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 9-16.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned
often. Although not always visible,
dust and dirt can accumulate
on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic
surfaces. Regular vacuuming
is recommended to remove particles
from the upholstery. It is important
to keep your upholstery from
becoming and remaining heavily
soiled. Soils should be removed as
quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s
interior may experience extremes of
heat that could cause stains to
set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home
furnishings may also transfer color
to your vehicle’s interior.
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2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual