2009 PONTIAC G5 trailer

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet for an automatic transmission, or into gear for a
manual transmission. Turn the wheels into the
curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply the parking
brake, and then shift into P (Park) for an automatic
transmission or R (Reverse) for a manual
transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
4-37

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start the engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (do not
overll), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake
system.Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help to nd them quickly. When trailering, it is a good
idea to review this information before starting the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are
tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-27.
Towing a Trailer (Manual
Transmission)
Do not tow a trailer if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission.
4-38

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is overheated,
the liquids in it can catch re. You or others could
be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats,
and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If the engine catches re because of being
driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-32.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the engine coolant temperature warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
for automatic transmission or NEUTRAL for
manual transmission, while stopped. If it is safe
to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
5-28

(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 5-24
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.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
6-8

Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-53
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-33
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit.......................5-80
Tires.............................................................5-48
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-100
Buying New Tires........................................5-65
Chains.......................................................5-70
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-80
Cleaning...................................................5-100
Compact Spare...........................................5-93
Different Size..............................................5-67
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-71
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-55
Inspection and Rotation................................5-63
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-86
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-58
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-56
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-86
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-82
Sealant and Compressor Kit..........................5-72
Sidewall Labeling.........................................5-49
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-90
Terminology and Denitions...........................5-52
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-67Tires (cont.)
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-68
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-69
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-64
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-28
Towing a Trailer..................................4-31, 4-38
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-7
Traction Control System...................................
3-31
Traction System
Enhanced...................................................3-31
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-28
Transportation Program, Courtesy......................7-10
Trunk............................................................2-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-67
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-28
13