2008 PONTIAC G8 tow

Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with
a paper towel or cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove
it again, keeping the tip down and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN (minimum)
mark, add at least one quart/liter
of the recommended oil. This
section explains what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Notice:Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil
that the oil level gets above the
upper mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine
could be damaged.SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for the location of
the engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the
level somewhere in the proper
operating range. Push the dipstick
all the way back in when you
are through.
9-8 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

5. Start the engine.
6. With the engine idling, top off the
coolant through the radiator
pressure cap opening until full.
Wait 30 seconds for the
coolant to settle and top off, if
the level drops.
7. Once the system is full, put the
radiator pressure cap back on
by turning clockwise.
8. Turn off the ignition.
9. Check the coolant level in the
reservoir and ll it until the
level is at the top of the dipstick.Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Level
Power steering uid is used in
all vehicles.
Check the level after the vehicle has
been driven for at least twenty
minutes so the uid is warm.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering uid,
do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. The power steering uid reservoir
is located on the driver side
toward the front of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6.3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
V6 Engine
Vehicle Service and Care 9-21
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Notice:
When using concentrated
washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage your
washer uid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in your windshield
washer. It can damage the
vehicle’s windshield washer
system and paint.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
To replace the windshield wiper
blades:
1. Turn the wiper switch to the off
position.
2. Turn the ignition to the
LOCK/OFF position.
3. Raise the wiper arm away from
the windshield.4. Press the two clips at either side
of the wiper blade then tilt the
wiper blade at 90° to the
wiper arm and remove.
5. Replace the wiper blade by
pressing in the clip and turning
the blade toward the arm to reset
the clip with the wiper arm.
6. Lower the wiper arm on to the
windshield.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-23
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, seeReplacement Bulbs
on page 9-32.
For any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact
your dealer/retailer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION
Halogen bulbs have
pressurized gas inside and can
burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the
bulb package.
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
If the front turn signal lamp
or parking lamp needs to be
changed, see your dealer/retailer.
A. Front Turn Signal Lamp/
Parking Lamp
B. Low Beam Headlamp
C. High Beam Headlamp1. Open the hood. SeeHood
Release on page 9-5.
2. Remove the radiator support by
turning the head screws
counterclockwise and then
pulling them straight out.
3. For the passenger side pull up
on the coolant bottle ller neck
to remove it and place it to
one side.
Let the ller neck drain before
pulling it all the way out. Place a
clean towel over the opening
of the coolant bottle after
removing it.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-29
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

Tire Chains
{CAUTION
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to
the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control
of the vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size
combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To
help avoid damage to the
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust
or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do
not spin the vehicle’s wheels. If
you do nd traction devices
that will t, install them on the
front tires.
Tire Changing
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 9-39. If air goes out
of a tire, It is much more likely
to leak out slowly. But if you should
ever have a blowout, here are a
few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of the
traffic lane.
9-62 Vehicle Service and Care
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

11. Unplug the air compressor
accessory plug (B) from the
accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
12. Turn the sealant/air hose (E)
counterclockwise to remove.
13. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
14. Stow the sealant/air hose (E)
and air compressor accessory
plug (B) in their original
locations.
15. If the at tire was able to be
inated to the recommended
ination pressure, remove
the maximum speed label from
the sealant canister and
place it in a highly visible
location.The maximum speed label
reminds you to drive cautiously
and not to exceed 55 mph
(90 km/h) until you have
the damaged tire inspected and
repaired.
{CAUTION
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle
could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike
someone. Store the tire sealant
and compressor kit in its
original location.
16. Return the equipment to its
original storage location in
the trunk.
17. Immediately drive the vehicle
5 miles (8 km) to distribute the
sealant evenly in the tire.18. Stop at a safe location and
check the tire pressure, refer
to Steps 1 through 9 under
“Using the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inate an
Underinated Tire” later in this
section.
If the tire pressure has fallen
more then 10 psi (68 kPa),
below the recommended
ination pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant and compressor
cannot seal the tire. See
Roadside Assistance Program
on page 12-6if you need
assistance.
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 10 psi
(68 kPa) from the recommended
ination pressure, inate the tire
back up to the recommended
ination pressure.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-67
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual

{CAUTION
Idling the engine in a closed-in
place or with the climate
control system off can cause
deadly carbon monoxide (CO).
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-12.
5. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using
the air compressor.
{CAUTION
Overination could cause the
tire to rupture, and you or
others could be injured. Be
sure to read the inator
instructions, and inate the tire
to its recommended pressure.
Do not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa).6. Push the On/Off switch (G) to the
I (on) position.
Check the pressure gage (F). If
there is not a pressure reading
while the compressor is running,
check for leaks at the connection
between the hose and the tire
valve stem.
7. Inate the tire up to the
recommended ination pressure
using the air pressure gage (F)
on the top of the unit. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-46.
The pressure gage (F) reads
slightly high while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off to
get an accurate reading. The
compressor may be turned on
and off until the correct pressure
is reached.
8. Push the On/Off switch (G) to the
O (off) position.
Be careful while handling the tire
sealant and compressor kit as
they could be hot after usage.9. Unplug the air compressor
accessory plug (A) from the
accessory power outlet in the
vehicle and stow it in its original
location.
10. Disconnect the air-only hose (E)
from the tire valve stem and
stow it back in its original
location.
11. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
{CAUTION
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle
could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike
someone. Store the tire sealant
and compressor kit in its
original location.
12. Place the equipment in the
original location in the trunk
of your vehicle.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-69
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual