2008 PONTIAC G8 Owners Manual

Tire SizeRecommended Cold Tire Ination
Occupant and Cargo Weight: 573 lbs (260 kg) or Less Occupant and Cargo Weight:
Up to 917 lbs (416 kg)
(Vehicle Capacity Weight)
Front Tires Rear Tires Front Tires Rear Tires
P245/45R18 96V 35 psi (240 kPa) 35 psi (240 kPa) 39 psi (270 kPa) 44 psi (300 kPa) 245/45R18 96V 36 psi (250 kPa) 36 psi (250 kPa) 39 psi (270 kPa) 44 psi (300 kPa)
245/40R19 94W 36 psi (250 kPa) 36 psi (250 kPa) 39 psi (270 kPa) 44 psi (300 kPa)
When you end this high-speed
driving, return the tires to the cold tire
ination pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28
and Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-46 .
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your vehicle’s
tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the
vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inated to the
ination pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire ination pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
ination pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is signicantly
under-inated.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-49
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate
them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a signicantly under-inated
tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltalewill ash for approximately
one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your
vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-51for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
9-50 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modications to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and
wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air
pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmit the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS turns on the
7
low tire pressure warning light.
At the same time a message to
check the pressure in a specic tire
appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on
at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed bythe driver. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation
and displays seeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 4-23andDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 4-27.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct ination pressure for the
vehicle’s tires when they are
cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-28, for an example of
the Tire and Loading Information
label and its location on the vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 9-46.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-51
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

The vehicle’s TPMS system can
warn about a low tire pressure
condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 9-54andTires on page 9-39.
Notice:Using non-approved
tire sealants could damage
the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the GM approved
tire sealant available through your
dealer/retailer.
TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS
sensors are missing or not
operating.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the
7low tire warning
light ashes for about one minute
and then stays on for the remainderof the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message also displays. The low tire
warning light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause the malfunction light and DIC
message to come on are:
One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message should go
off once the road tire containing
the TPMS sensor is re-installed.
The TPMS sensor matching
process was started but not
completed or not completed
successfully after installing
replacement tires or rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light
should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is
performed successfully.
One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The DIC
message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off
when the TPMS sensors are
installed and the sensor matching
process is performed
successfully. See the dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the vehicle’s original
equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those
recommended for the vehicle
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires on page 9-56.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
9-52 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See the dealer/retailer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes
on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time one or
more of the TPMS sensors are
replaced or the vehicle’s tires are
rotated, the identication codes
need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
lock and unlock buttons, at the
same time, for about ve seconds
to start the TPMS learn mode.
The horn chirps two times
indicating the TPMS receiver is
ready and in learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front
indicator lamp also comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor
is ready to be learned.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirps one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-53
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

6. The driver side front indicator
lamp turns off and the
passenger side front indicator
lamp comes on to indicate
that corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side front tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. The passenger side front
indicator lamp turns off and the
passenger side rear indicator
lamp comes on to indicate that
corner’s sensor is ready to
be learned. Proceed to the
passenger side rear tire and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.
8. The passenger side rear indicator
lamp turns off and the driver side
rear indicator lamp comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor is
ready to be learned. Proceed to
the driver side rear tire, and
repeat the procedure in Step 5.9. After the driver side rear TPMS
sensor has been learned the
horn chirps two times. The driver
side rear indicator lamp turns
off and the TPMS sensor
matching process is done. Turn
the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
If no tires are learned after
entering the TPMS learn mode,
or if communication with the
receiver stops, or if the time limit
has expired, turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF and
start over beginning with Step 2.
10. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure level
as indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems.Tire Inspection and
Rotation
We recommend that you
regularly inspect the vehicle’s
tires, including the spare tire, for
signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-56for more
information.
Tires should be rotated every
5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to
13 000 km). SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 11-4.
The purpose of a regular tire
rotation is to achieve a uniform
wear for all tires on the vehicle.
This will ensure that your vehicle
continues to perform most like it
did when the tires were new.
9-54 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Any time you notice unusual
wear, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-56andWheel
Replacement on page 9-61.
When rotating the vehicle’s tires,
always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.The compact spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, is not included
in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated,
adjust the front and rear ination
pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-46andLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-28.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 9-51.
Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 10-2.{CAUTION
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or
on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after
time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident.
When you change a wheel,
remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do
this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust
or dirt off. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on
page 9-71.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-55
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions inuence when you
need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being
used. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this
aging takes place, including
temperatures, loading conditions,
and ination pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance
tires typically wear out beforethey degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace
the tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more
information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for your vehicle.
The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system
rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that
you get tires with the same TPC
Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that
are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the
original tires.
9-56 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual