2009 PONTIAC G3 fuel

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-58
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-6
Windows
.................................................2-11
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-16
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
OnStar
®System
......................................2-34
Storage Areas
.........................................2-37
Sunroof
..................................................2-38
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-23
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-38Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-28
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-42
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-49
Tires
......................................................5-50
Appearance Care
.....................................5-79
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-86
Electrical System
......................................5-87
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-93
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Pontiac G3 Owner ManualM

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Immobilizer Operation
The vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.
The immobilizer system prevents the vehicle from
being started by an unauthorized person by isolating
the power supply to the ignition system, the fuel pump
and the fuel injectors.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition. You do not have to manually
arm or disarm the system.
Your vehicle has a special key that works with the
theft-deterrent system. There is a transponder in the key
head that is electronically coded. The correct key will start
the vehicle. An invalid key immobilizes the engine. If your
key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light ashes or comes on, there may
be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another key. At this time, you may
also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-88. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can have a new key made.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
If you lose or damage your keys, only a dealer/retailer
can have new keys made.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart the engine
if you turn it off. The theft-deterrent system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by your
dealer/retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
theft-deterrent system at this time.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
2-14

Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the extension cord from the trunk. Open
the hood and connect the electrical cord (A) with
the extension cord.3. Plug the extension cord into a normal, grounded
110-Volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug both
the extension cord and under hood electrical cord,
and store them as they were before. This will
keep them away from moving engine parts,
and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in
the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
2-19

D4 (Automatic Overdrive):This position is for normal
driving.
When operating the vehicle in severe cold conditions,
the transmission may be prevented from shifting into
D4 gear until the transmission uid has warmed up to
it’s operational temperature.
Notice:If the vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you could
damage the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced
right away. You can drive in 2 (Second) when you are
driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and D4 (Automatic
Overdrive) for higher speeds until then.
2 (Second):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use 2 (Second) on hills.
It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, while using the brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not drive in 2 (Second) at speeds
over 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the
transmission. Use D4 (Automatic Overdrive) as
much as possible. Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless
you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you
can damage the engine.1 (First):This position gives you even more power but
lower fuel economy than 2 (Second). You can use it
on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put in 1 (First), the transmission will not shift
into rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
If there is a malfunction with the automatic transmission,
the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the HOLD
indicator light will turn on or ash. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-32orHold Mode Light on
page 3-30.
Have the vehicle xed as soon as possible.
2-22

R (Reverse):To back up, press down the clutch pedal,
lift up the ring on the shift lever and shift into R (Reverse).
Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Also, use R (Reverse), along with the parking brake,
for parking the vehicle.
Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself
or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at
a time when you downshift.
Up-Shift Light
If you have a manual
transmission, you may
have an up-shift light.
This light will show you
when to shift to the next
higher gear for the best
fuel economy.
When this light comes on, you can shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions let
you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly
and shift when the light comes on.
While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to
go on and off if you quickly change the position of
the accelerator. Ignore the light when you downshift.
2-25

Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-34
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-35
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-35
Cruise Control Light......................................3-36
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-36
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light . . .3-36
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-36
Fuel Gage...................................................3-37
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-37Audio System(s).............................................3-38
AM-FM Radio...............................................3-39
Radio with CD..............................................3-44
Using an MP3..............................................3-51
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-54
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-54
Radio Reception...........................................3-55
Fixed Mast Antenna (Hatchback).....................3-56
Backglass Antenna (Sedan)...........................3-56
Multi-Band Antenna.......................................3-57
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It indicates how fast the vehicle is
going, how much fuel is being used, and many other things needed drive safely and economically.
The vehicle’s instrument panel cluster includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the
following pages.
United States Automatic Shown, Canada and, Manual Similar
3-24