2009 PONTIAC G8 check engine

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 in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
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 9-8.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-15.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make
sure they are inated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-49. If the vehicle has a spare
tire, check to make sure it is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 9-75.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for
high mileage highway drivers prior to
the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for
wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 9-57.
Service and Maintenance 11-9

At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-11.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in
each gear. The vehicle should
start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 8-11.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition to ON/RUN, but do not
start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
Ignition Transmission Lock
Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF in each shift
lever position.
The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the
shift lever is in P (Park).
The ignition key should come out
only in LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if
service is required.
11-10 Service and Maintenance

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission
in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the
vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the P (Park)
mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if
service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain
water to ush any corrosive
materials from the underbody.
Take care to clean thoroughly
any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit, check the sealant
expiration date printed on the
instruction label of the kit at least
once a year. See your dealer/retailer
for a replacement canister.
Service and Maintenance 11-11

In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on engines,
transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each
bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service
of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle.
The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner Manual, and Warranty
Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio:
Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model
Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and
Manuals are available for current
and past model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, specify
year and model name of the vehicle.ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit
Helm, Inc. on the World Wide
Web at: helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for
delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers:
All listed prices are quoted in
U.S. funds. Canadian residents
are to make checks payable in
U.S. funds.
Customer Information 12-15

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

B
Battery...............................9-28
Run-Down Protection.......... 5-4
Bluetooth
®..........................6-25
Brake Fluid.........................9-25
Brakes...............................9-25
System Warning Light.......4-15
Braking...............................8-17
Break-In, New Vehicle............ 8-2
Bulb Replacement................9-31
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . 9-33
Halogen Bulbs..................9-31
Headlamp Aiming..............9-28
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps .........................9-31
License Plate Lamps.........9-35
Replacement Bulbs...........9-35
Taillamps.........................9-34
Buying New Tires.................9-59
C
Calibration..........................2-16
California Fuel.....................8-35
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements....... 9-3California Proposition 65
Warning............................ 9-3
Canadian Owners..................... ii
Capacities and
Specications...................10-2
Carbon
Monoxide........2-10, 8-14, 8-27
Care, Safety Belts................1-19
Cautions and Notices............... iii
CD, MP3 ............................6-20
Center Console
Storage Area..................... 3-1
Chains, Tire........................9-65
Charging System Light..........4-15
Check
Engine Lamp...................4-18
Chemical Paint Spotting......9-102
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems.....1-39
Infants and Young
Children.......................1-36
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children.......1-42
Older Children..................1-34
Securing..................1-48, 1-50
Where to Put the
Restraint......................1-40Cleaning
Exterior...........................9-98
Interior............................9-95
Underbody Maintenance . . . 9-102
Climate Control System.......... 7-1
Automatic.......................... 7-4
Outlet Adjustment............... 7-9
Clock, Setting........................ 6-2
Collision Damage Repair.....12-10
Compact Spare Tire.............9-83
Compass............................2-16
Compressor Kit, Tire
Sealant...........................9-67
Content Theft-Deterrent.........2-13
Control of a Vehicle..............8-17
Convenience Net................... 3-2
Coolant
Engine............................9-15
Engine Temperature Gage . . . 4-17
Cooling System...................9-13
Cruise Control....................... 4-5
Cupholders........................... 3-1
i-2 INDEX

Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and
Other Power Options.....9-36
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-41
Windshield Wiper Fuses....9-36
Electronic Stability Program....8-19
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...............9-11
Check and Service Engine
Soon Lamp..................4-18
Coolant...........................9-15
Coolant Heater................... 8-5
Coolant
Temperature Gage.........4-17
Drive Belt Routing...........11-14
Engine Compartment
Overview....................... 9-6
Exhaust...........................8-14
Oil ................................... 9-8
Oil Life System.................9-10
Overheating.....................9-20
Starting............................. 8-4
Event Data Recorders.........12-16
Extender, Safety Belt............1-18
Exterior Lamps...................... 5-1F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner............9-11
Finish Damage...................9-102
Fixed Mast Antenna.............6-37
Flashers, Hazard Warning....... 4-4
Flat Tire..............................9-66
Flat Tire, Changing...............9-75
Flat Tire, Storing..................9-82
Fluid
Power Steering.................9-21
Windshield Washer...........9-23
Fog Lamp
Fog .................................. 5-3
Fog Lamp Light...................4-20
Fuel...................................8-34
Additives.........................8-36
California Fuel..................8-35
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container.....................8-38
Filling the Tank.................8-37
Fuels in Foreign
Countries.....................8-36
Gage ..............................4-21
Gasoline Octane...............8-35
Gasoline Specications......8-35Fuses
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-38
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................9-36
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block...........................9-41
Windshield Wiper..............9-36
G
Gage
Engine Coolant
Temperature.................4-17
Fuel................................4-21
Oil Pressure.....................4-21
Speedometer...................4-12
Tachometer......................4-12
Voltmeter Gage................4-15
Gasoline
Octane............................8-35
Specications...................8-35
Glove Box............................ 3-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program..........................12-5
i-4 INDEX

Light (cont.)
Brake System Warning......4-15
Charging System..............4-15
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator.......................4-21
Door Ajar.........................4-21
Fog Lamp ........................4-20
Highbeam On...................4-20
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator.......................4-14
Safety Belt Reminders.......4-12
Security...........................4-20
Tire Pressure...................4-17
Lighting
Perimeter.......................... 5-4
Lights
Exterior Lamps................... 5-1
High/Low Beam Changer..... 4-7
Loading Your Vehicle............8-30
Locks
Door ................................. 2-8
Power Door ....................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-9
Loss of Control....................8-23
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children......................1-42
Lumbar Seat Adjustment......... 1-2M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services.......................11-6
At Each Fuel Fill..............11-9
At Least Once a Month.....11-9
At Least Once a Year......11-10
Introduction......................11-1
Maintenance Footnotes......11-7
Maintenance Record........11-15
Maintenance
Requirements...............11-2
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts.......11-13
Owner Checks and
Services.......................11-9
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...................11-12
Scheduled Maintenance.....11-4
Using..............................11-2
Your Vehicle and the
Environment.................11-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp....4-18
Manual Seats........................ 1-2
Manual Transmission
Operation........................8-10Message
DIC Warnings and
Messages....................4-26
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-16
Outside Convex Mirror.......2-18
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-17
MP3 ...................................6-20
MyGMLink.com....................12-3
N
Navigation System,
Privacy..........................12-17
New Vehicle Break-In............. 8-2
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts..........11-13
Notices and Cautions............... iii
O
Off-Road Recovery...............8-23
Oil
Engine.............................. 9-8
Pressure Gage.................4-21
Oil, Engine Oil Life System....9-10
Older Children, Restraints......1-34
i-6 INDEX