2009 PONTIAC G3 towing

Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all
four wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed,
a dolly should be used. See “Dolly Towing” that
follows for more information.
Dolly Towing From the Front
The vehicle can be towed from the front using a dolly.
To tow the vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
4-29

3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in N (Neutral).
4. Set the parking brake and remove the key.
5. For an automatic transmission, insert the
key into the shift-lock release slot and shift
to N (Neutral). SeeShifting Out of Park on
page 2-28.
6. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for
towing.
7. Release the parking brake.Dolly Towing From the Rear
Notice:Towing the vehicle from the rear with
the front wheels on the ground could cause
transmission damage. Do not tow the vehicle from
the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
Towing a Trailer
Do not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The vehicle is not
designed or intended for such a use. Towing a trailer can
adversely affect handling, durability and fuel economy.
4-30

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-49 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-84 for more information.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-72.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid hinges
and latches. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If the vehicle is not used under any of these conditions,
the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
6-8

Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes rst.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered.
In Canada, a person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Pontiac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to make any changes
or discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notication.
Pontiac and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are made too often, or
the same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or Highway:
Tow to the nearest Pontiac dealer for warranty
service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot
be driven. Assistance is also given when the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inated.
It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 5 years/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain warranty
period. Items considered are hotel, meals, and
rental car.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
Legal nes.
Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
7-8

If a Crash Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Check to make sure that you are all right. If you
are uninjured, make sure that no one else in your
vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call emergency services
for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle
only if its position puts you in danger or you are
instructed to move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the crash.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash. This will
help guard against post-crash legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states/provinces
with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be
necessary. This is especially true if there are no
injuries and both vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer
or a private collision repair facility to x the
damage, make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-13

Power
Electrical System.........................................5-88
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-12
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts..........................1-31
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-18
OnStar .......................................................7-18
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID).............7-18
Proposition 65 Warning, California....................... 5-4
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID),
Privacy......................................................7-18
Radios
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-39
Radio with CD............................................3-44
Reception...................................................3-55
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-7
Rear Seat Operation.................................1-8, 1-11
Rear Window Washer/Wiper.............................3-10
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-32
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-6
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-28
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 7-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-72
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-48
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-15
General Motors...........................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-72
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-73
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-18
Roof
Sunroof......................................................2-38
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-31
10

Storage Areas................................................2-37
Cupholders.................................................2-37
Glove Box..................................................2-37
Sunglasses Storage Compartment..................2-38
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-17
Sun Visors.....................................................2-13
Sunroof.........................................................2-38
T
Tachometer....................................................3-25
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps.......................................5-47
Text Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-6
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-15
Immobilizer.................................................2-13
Immobilizer Operation...................................2-14
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time .............................................................3-17
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-31
Tires.............................................................5-50
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-84
Buying New Tires........................................5-64
Chains.......................................................5-69Tires (cont.)
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-70
Cleaning....................................................5-85
Compact Spare...........................................5-78
Different Size..............................................5-66
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-70
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-57
Inspection and Rotation................................5-62
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-73
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-60
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-58
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-72
Sidewall Labeling.........................................5-51
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-78
Terminology and Denitions...........................5-54
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-63
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-28
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-30
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-21
12