The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
{CAUTION
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not in ate
properly or it might force the
object into that person causing
severe injury or even death.
The path of an in ating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant
and an airbag, and do not
attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or
near any other airbag covering.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Do not use seat accessories
that block the in ation path of a
seat-mounted side impact
airbag.
Never secure anything to the
roof of a vehicle with roof-rail
airbags by routing a rope or tie
down through any door or
window opening. If you do, the
path of an in ating roof-rail
airbag will be blocked.
When Should an Airbag
In ate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
in ate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver’s or right
front passenger’s head and chest.
However, they are only designed toin ate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe
a crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to in ate and help restrain
the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you
hit, the direction of the impact, and
how quickly your vehicle slows
down.
Frontal airbags may in ate at
different crash speeds. For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could
in ate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a
moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could
in ate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an
object that does not deform.
1-22 Seats and Restraints
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have this feature
which allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):This
button will be on the RKE transmitter
if you have remote start.
To enable and disable remote start,
see “Remote Start” underDIC
Vehicle Customization on page 4-32.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during
a remote start. When the key
is turned to ON/RUN, the climate
control system will turn on at
the setting the vehicle was set to
when the vehicle was last turned off.Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not
use the remote start feature. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. PressQon the RKE transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/for about
two seconds. The turn signal
lamps will brie y ash to con rm
the vehicle has been started.
The parking lamps will turn
on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The vehicle’s
doors will be locked.
3. After entering the vehicle during
a remote start, insert and turn
the key to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine
will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done or
the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
The vehicle has a manual rearview
mirror with a compass display
and OnStar
®control buttons located
at the bottom of the mirror. See
your dealer/retailer for more
information on the system and how
to subscribe to OnStar. See
OnStar
®System on page 4-36for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Adjust the mirror to see clearly
behind your vehicle. Hold it in the
center to move it up or down
and side to side.
Headlamp Glare
1. To reduce headlamp glare from
vehicles following from behind,
pull the lever toward you.
The rear view clarity is reduced
when the mirror is set to
reduce headlamp glare.2. Return the lever back to its
original position as soon as
the glare has disappeared to
restore the rear view.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a paper towel
or similar material dampened
with glass cleaner.
Compass
Compass Display
Y(On/Off):Press to turn the
compass on or off. The compass
display can show a maximum of two
characters. For example, NE is
displayed for north-east.
When the ignition and the compass
feature are on, a character box
displays for about two seconds.
After two seconds, the mirror
displays the direction the vehicle is
facing.
Compass Calibration
When on, the compass automatically
calibrates as the vehicle is driven. If,
after two seconds, the display does
not show a compass direction, (N for
North, for example), there may be a
strong magnetic eld interfering with
the compass. Interference can be
caused by a magnetic antenna
mount, magnetic note pad holder, or
a similar magnetic item. If CAL
should ever display in the compass
window, the compass might need
calibration.
Press and hold
Yfor several
seconds to activate the compass
calibration mode. CAL displays
in the compass window on
the mirror.
The mirror can be calibrated by
driving the vehicle in circles
at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the
display shows a direction.
2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
distance. When driving, the
computer constantly updates the
time to arrival, based on changing
driving speeds. Use the thumbwheel
to adjust the distance any time
this display is shown. Time to go is
shown in hours and minutes and
is only shown if the distance to go is
more than zero.
This display can be turned on or off
and the default setting can be
changed.
Range
Press
3until Range is displayed.
This display shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be
driven without refueling. The fuel
range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle’s fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining
in the fuel tank. Fuel range cannot
be reset.Avg (Average)Speed/Avg
(Average) Fuel
Press
3until Avg Speed/Avg
Fuel is displayed.
Avg Speed shows the average
speed (while the engine is running)
since the last reset.
Avg Fuel shows average fuel used
since the last reset.
To reset only the Avg Speed or Avg
Fuel, press and hold
8while
either value is highlighted. If
8is
only pressed brie y, the Trip
Odometer will be reset as well.OverSpeed
OverSpeed allows the driver to set
a speed that they do not want
to exceed. OverSpeed will illuminate
in the display and a chime will
sound to warn that the vehicle’s
speed is equal or has exceeded the
preselected value. During an
OverSpeed warning, the OverSpeed
display is shown, allowing the
driver to make adjustments.
To set the OverSpeed warning
press3when OverSpeed
is displayed to highlight the
OverSpeed mode. Move the
thumbwheel up
Qor downRto
scroll through and highlight one
of the following options:
Off:No OverSpeed warning set.
Manual:Allows you to manually set
the OverSpeed warning. See
“Manual OverSpeed” following.
Preset 1:Default setting 30 MPH
(48 km/h)
Instruments and Controls 4-25
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
Preset 2:Default setting 45 MPH
(72 km/h)
Preset 3:Default setting 55 MPH
(89 km/h)
Preset 4:Default setting 70 MPH
(113 km/h)
The selection is set automatically
after a few seconds.
The corresponding value of the
presets will be shown on the display.
The preset OverSpeed warnings
can be reprogrammed. See
“Programming the OverSpeed
Presets” later in this section.
Manual OverSpeed
To manually set the OverSpeed
warning:
1. Use the thumbwheel to select
Manual for OverSpeed.
2. Press
8to highlight the current
value.3. Use the thumbwheel to adjust
the value in 5 MPH or km/h
increments and press
8
to con rm the setting.
To set the OverSpeed warning to
the vehicle’s current speed:
1. Use the thumbwheel to select
Manual as described in the
OverSpeed section.
2. Press
8to highlight the current
value.
3. Press and hold
8for more than
3 seconds to set the value to
the nearest 5 MPH or km/h
above the current vehicle’s
speed.
Programming the OverSpeed
Presets
While the vehicle’s speed is 6 MPH
(10 km/h) or below, each of the
presets can be altered and values
can be stored for future use.To reprogram the OverSpeed
presets:
1. Use the thumbwheel to select the
desired preset and press
8.
2. Move the thumbwheel up
Qor
down
Rto adjust the value in
1km/h increments.
3. Press
8to con rm the setting.
Adjusting the Setting During
an OverSpeed Warning
While the OverSpeed warning is
displayed move the thumbwheel up
Qor downRto adjust the
value when in Manual mode or to
select a different preset when
in Preset mode. Press and hold
8
for more than 3 seconds to set
the value to the nearest 5 MPH or
km/h above the current vehicle’s
speed. If Preset mode was selected,
this will change it to Manual mode.
4-26 Instruments and Controls
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
{Alarm Activated
This message is displayed when the
content theft-deterrent system
was activated by an attempted
break-in. The messages may also
include the location on the
vehicle where the break-in was
attempted. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-13for
more information.
"Alternator
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the battery charging
system. The charging system
light may also come on in the
instrument panel cluster. See
Charging System Light on
page 4-15. Driving while this
message is on could drain the
battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Have the electrical
system checked as soon as
possible. See your dealer/retailer.
Battery Saver Mode On
This message is displayed when the
battery voltage level is low.
$Brake
This message is displayed if there is
a problem with the brake system.
The Brake System Warning
light may also come on in the
instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on
page 4-16. When this message is
on, stop the vehicle on the side
of the road. Do not continue driving
until you know that braking is
possible or that the cause of the
problem has been corrected,
see your dealer/retailer. This
message also indicates low brake
uid. Check the brake uid level.
SeeBrakes on page 9-24.
*Check Engine
If this message and the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp come on and
stay on when driving, the system
may require servicing. Although the
vehicle may still be drivable and
not require towing, take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible. If this message comes
on when the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp is ashing, reduce the
vehicle’s speed and load until the
lamp stops ashing, then take
the vehicle to your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-18
for more information.
:Check Oil
This message is displayed if the oil
pressure or oil level is low. Stop
when safe, turn off the engine and
check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 9-8. Do not run
the engine when this warning is
4-28 Instruments and Controls
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
Radio with Six-Disc CD Player
u(Volume/Mute):Turn to adjust
the volume. Press to immediately
stop the volume. While the volume is
off, MUTED displays.
To cancel Mute, do one of the
following:
Pressu.
Increase the radio volume.
Turn the radio off and on.
Finding a Station
BAND:Press BAND to select FM1,
FM2, or AM. If the radio is in
ASM (Auto Station Memory) mode
ASM appears on the display and
FM ASM, and AM ASM can be
selected.
r[(Tune):Press to tune the
radio frequency down or up.
gl(Seek):Press to seek to the
previous or next station.The radio can seek stations with a
weak or strong signal within the
selected band. Limit the automatic
seek from nding stations with
a weak or a strong signal by using
the Auto/Local/Distance feature.
See Auto/Local/Distance Selection,
for more information.
Auto/Local/Distant Selection:
The LO (Local) option reduces the
radio’s automatic seek tuning
sensitivity in FM and AM modes.
LO only allows the radio to seek
stations with a strong signal.
If a strong station cannot be found,
switch the radio to DX (Distant)
so that stations with weaker signals
can be found. The Auto (Automatic)
option will search for local stations
rst. If no stations can be found,
the radio searches for all stations.
The Local/Distant feature has
no effect when the ASM (Automatic
Station Memory) search feature
is being used.To use Local/Distant on the radio
with a single CD player:
1. Press the volume knob to enter
the Option Menu.
2. Turn the volume knob until
SEEK SENS (seek sensitivity)
highlights.
3. Press the volume knob to enter
the SEEK SENS setting.
4. Turn the volume knob and
highlight either LO, DX, or AUTO.
5. Press the volume knob to
save and exit the setting.
6. Select the BACK option or wait
eight seconds to exit the menu.
To use Local/Distant on the radio
with a six-disc CD player:
1. Press the MENU knob to enter
the Option Menu.
2. Turn the MENU knob until Seek
Sens highlights.
Infotainment 6-5
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual
Startup Screen:To enable or
disable the startup screen on the
radio with a six-disc CD player:
1. Press the MENU knob to enter
the Options Menu.
2. Turn the MENU knob until
Welcome highlights.
3. Press the MENU knob to access
the Welcome menu.
4. Turn the MENU knob to change
the setting to On or Off.
5. Press the MENU knob to save
the setting.
6. Select the BACK option or wait
eight seconds to exit the menu.
Display Settings:The display
brightness and illumination can only
be adjusted while the radio is on.
The brightness adjustment range is
from−5 to +5 and the illumination
adjustment range is from STD
(standard) to−5.To change the brightness and
illumination settings on the radio
with a single CD player:
1. Press the volume knob to enter
the Options Menu.
2. Turn the volume knob until DISP
SETUP (display setup) highlights.
3. Press the volume enter the DISP
SETUP menu.
4. Turn the volume knob until either
ILLN MODE (illumination mode)
or BRIGHTNESS highlights.
5. Press the volume knob to enter
either setting.
6. Turn the volume knob to change
the setting.
7. Press the volume knob to save
and exit the setting.
8. Select the BACK option or wait
eight seconds to exit the menu.To change the brightness and
illumination settings on the radio
with a six-disc CD player:
1. Press the MENU knob to enter
the Options Menu.
2. Turn the MENU knob until
Display highlights.
3. Press the MENU knob to access
the Display setup menu and the
option for Brightness highlights.
4. Turn the MENU knob to change
the setting.
5. Press the MENU knob to save
the setting.
6. Select the BACK option or wait
eight seconds to exit the menu.
6-16 Infotainment
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual