2009 PONTIAC G8 brake light

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is lled with DOT-4 brake uid.
There are only two reasons why the
brake uid level in the reservoir
might go down:
The brake uid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the uid level goes
back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic
system can also cause a low uid
level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means
that sooner or later the brakes will
not work well.
Do not top off the brake uid.
Adding uid does not correct a leak.
If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much
uid when new brake linings
are installed. Add or remove brake
uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.{CAUTION
If too much brake uid is added,
it can spill on the engine and
burn, if the engine is hot enough.
You or others could be burned,
and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake uid only
when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When the brake uid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 4-15.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-25

Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires are
rotated, inspect brake pads for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a
sign that brake service might
be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time he brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle
is complex. Its many parts have
to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is
to have really good braking.The vehicle was designed and
tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system
are replaced — for example,
when the brake linings wear
down and new ones are
installed — be sure to get new
approved replacement parts. If this
is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
if someone puts in brake linings that
are wrong for the vehicle, the
balance between the front and rear
brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance
expected can change in many other
ways if the wrong replacement
brake parts are installed.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-27

If the TPMS is not functioning it
cannot detect or signal a low
tire condition. See the dealer/retailer
for service if the TPMS malfunction
light and DIC message comes
on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identication code. Any time one or
more of the TPMS sensors are
replaced or the vehicle’s tires are
rotated, the identication codes
need to be matched to the
new tire/wheel location. The sensors
are matched, to the tire/wheel
locations, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.The TPMS sensors can also be
matched to each tire/wheel position
by increasing or decreasing the
tire’s air pressure. When increasing
the tire’s pressure, do not exceed
the maximum ination pressure
indicated on the tire’s sidewall. To
decrease the tire’s air-pressure
use the pointed end of the valve
cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match
each tire and wheel position.
If it takes longer than two minutes to
match any tire and wheel position,
the matching process stops and you
need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is
outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to
ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Press and hold the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
lock and unlock buttons, at the
same time, for about ve secondsto start the TPMS learn mode.
The horn chirps two times
indicating the TPMS receiver is
ready and in learn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front
tire. The driver side front
indicator lamp also comes on to
indicate that corner’s sensor
is ready to be learned.
5. Remove the valve cap from the
tire’s valve stem. Activate the
TPMS sensor by increasing
or decreasing the tire’s air
pressure for about eight seconds.
The horn chirps one time to
conrm the sensor identication
code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
9-56 Vehicle Service and Care

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s
Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are
inated to the upper limit for cold
tires. You will nd these numbers on
the Tire-Loading Information label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-30. Then be sure you do not
go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the
trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct
hitch equipment. Crosswinds,
large trucks going by and rough
roads are a few reasons why
you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes
in the body of your vehicle when
you install a trailer hitch? If you
do, then be sure to seal the holes
later when you remove the hitch.
If you do not seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your
exhaust can get into your vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-14. Dirt and water can
also enter the vehicle.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your
trailer. Cross the safety chains under
the tongue of the trailer so that the
tongue will not drop to the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may
be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Alwaysleave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not tap into your vehicle’s brake
system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required
for your trailer lighting system can be
accessed at the driver’s side rear
lamp connector. This connector is
located under the carpet on the rear
corner of the trunk compartment.
9-92 Vehicle Service and Care

Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle
may need a different turn signal
asher and/or extra wiring. Check
with your dealer/retailer. The arrows
on your instrument panel will ash
whenever you signal a turn or lane
change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps will also ash, telling
other drivers you are about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
your instrument panel will ash
for turns even if the bulbs on the
trailer are burned out. Thus,
you may think drivers behind you
are seeing your signal when
they are not. It is important to check
occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Your vehicle has bulb warning
lights. When you plug a trailer
lighting system into your vehicle’s
lighting system, its bulb warning
lights may not let you know if one of
your lamps goes out. So, whenyou have a trailer lighting system
plugged in, be sure to check
your vehicle and trailer lamps from
time to time to be sure they are
all working. Once you disconnect the
trailer lamps, the bulb warning
lights again can tell you if one of
your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gearbeforeyou start down a long or
steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your
brakes so much that they would get
hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down to
a lower gear and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h)
to reduce the possibility of engine
and transmission overheating.
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.
But if you ever have to park your rig
on a hill, here is how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet.
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 your parking
brake, and then shift to P (Park).
5. Release the regular brakes.
9-94 Vehicle Service and Care

When You Are Ready to Leave
After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and
hold the pedal down while you:
Start your 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
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you’re pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, drivebelt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in
this manual, and the Index will help
you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
Your cooling system may
temporarily overheat during severe
operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 9-20.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to
look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on your
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet,
fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
your upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as
possible. Your vehicle’s interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home
furnishings may also transfer color
to your vehicle’s interior.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-95

(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
Airbag System Check on page 1-33.
(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.
(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 9-15
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 you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty
conditions, the filter may require
replacement more often.
(m)Drain, flush, and refill brake
hydraulic system at a regular service
interval (IorII) every two years.
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Brakes
on page 9-25.
11-8 Service and Maintenance

A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets........ 4-9
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-32
Additives, Fuel.....................8-36
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-36
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.......9-11
Air Conditioning...............7-1, 7-4
Airbag
Passenger Status
Indicator.......................4-14
Readiness Light................4-13
System, Replacing Parts
After a Crash................1-33
Airbag System.....................1-20
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-32
Check.............................1-33
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-25Airbag System (cont.)
Passenger Sensing
System........................1-27
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-31
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-25
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inates?........1-25
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-23
Where Are the Airbags?.....1-22
Antenna, Fixed Mast............6-37
Antenna, XM™ Satellite
Radio Antenna System......6-37
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-18
Antilock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-16
Appearance Care
Chemical Paint
Spotting.....................9-102
Exterior Cleaning..............9-98Appearance Care (cont.)
Finish Damage...............9-102
Interior Cleaning...............9-95
Sheet Metal Damage.......9-102
Underbody Maintenance . . . 9-102
Appointments, Scheduling
Service...........................12-8
Audio System........................ 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.......................6-36
Fixed Mast Antenna..........6-37
Radio Reception...............6-36
Setting the Clock................ 6-2
Theft-Deterrent Feature......6-35
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System............6-37
Audio System(s).................... 6-3
Automatic Climate Control
System............................. 7-4
Automatic Headlamp
System............................. 5-2
Automatic Transmission
Operation.......................... 8-6
INDEX i-1