2009 PONTIAC G8 check engine

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have this feature
which allows you to start the
engine from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):
This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To enable and disable remote
start, see “Remote Start” under
DIC Vehicle Customization on
page 4-31.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during
a remote start. When the key
is turned to ON/RUN, the climate
control system will turn on at
the setting the vehicle was set to
when the vehicle was last turned off.Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on
remote starting of vehicles.
If your vehicle is low on fuel,
do not use the remote start feature.
The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of
the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3
for additional information.Starting the Engine Using
Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. PressQon the RKE transmitter.
2. Press and hold
/for about
two seconds. The turn signal
lamps will briey ash to conrm
the vehicle has been started.
The parking lamps will turn
on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The vehicle’s
doors will be locked.
3. After entering the vehicle during
a remote start, insert and turn
the key to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
After a remote start, the engine
will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done or
the vehicle’s key is inserted into
the ignition switch and turned
to ON/RUN.
2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

Manually fold the mirrors inward to
prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash.
To fold, push the mirror toward the
vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return to its original position.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION
A convex mirror can make things
(like other vehicles) look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror’s surface
is curved so more can be seen from
the driver’s seat.
Sunroof
The sunroof control is located
between the sun visors. It works
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
The sunroof will not operate after
the engine is turned off.
From the closed position
9, turn
the control clockwise to one of the
six open positions. The sunshade
opens with the sunroof.
Tilt the sunroof by turning the
control counter-clockwise.
Obstruction Detection
When the sunroof encounters
an obstruction while closing,
it immediately returns to the fully
open or tilt position. The sunroof will
not move again until the control is
pressed upward, or a different
position is selected.
2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows

Warning Lights,
Gages, and Indicators
Warning lights and gages can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when
there may be or is a problem with
one of the vehicle’s functions.
Some warning lights come on briey
when the engine is started to indicate
they are working.Gages can indicate when there may
be or is a problem with one of the
vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to
indicate a problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while driving,
or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the
section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
and even dangerous.
4-10 Instruments and Controls

Voltmeter Gage
The voltmeter shows the voltage
output of your battery.
It is located in the center of the
instrument panel.
Charging System Light
This light will come on briey when
you turn on the ignition, and the
engine is not running, as a check to
show it is working. Then it should
go out when the engine is started.If the light comes on and an
Alternator message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) stays
on, you may have a problem with
the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
The Alternator message will remain
until
3(Trip/Fuel) or8(Enter)
are pressed, but the light will remain
until the problem is xed. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on
page 4-26for more information.
Brake System Warning
Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts.
If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop you.
For good braking, though, you need
both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have your
brake system inspected right away.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
this light should come on when
you turn the key to START. If it does
not come on, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
United StatesCanada
Instruments and Controls 4-15

When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will also
come on when you set your parking
brake. The light will stay on if
your parking brake does not release
fully. If it stays on after your
parking brake is fully released, it
means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on and Brake
message comes on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), while you
are driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. You may notice that
the pedal is harder to push or
the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the
light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 4-16andTowing Your
Vehicle on page 9-88.{CAUTION
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the
vehicle has been pulled off the
road and carefully stopped, have
the vehicle towed for service.
The Brake message will remain until
3(Trip/Fuel) or8(Enter) are
pressed, but the brake light will
remain until the problem is xed.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-26for more information.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light will come on
briey, as a check, when you start
your vehicle.
If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced so that the light works
properly when it needs to.
If the light and a message in the DIC
stays on longer than a few seconds
after you start your engine, or comes
on and stays on while you are
driving, try resetting the system.
To reset the system:
1. If you are driving, pull over when
it is safe to do so.
2. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. Then restart the engine.
4-16 Instruments and Controls

If the light remains on after resetting
the system or comes on again
while driving, your vehicle needs
service. If the ABS light is on,
but the regular brake system
warning light is not on, the antilock
brakes are not working properly,
but the regular brakes are still
functioning. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. If both brake
lights are on, you do not have
antilock brakes, and there’s a
problem with your regular brakes as
well. Have your vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 9-88.
The ABS Fault message will remain
until
3(Trip/Fuel) or8(Enter)
are pressed, but the warning
light will remain until the problem is
xed. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4-26for more
information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer
moves into the red area, the engine
is too hot. It means that the engine
has overheated. Pull off the road,
stop the vehicle, and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating on page 9-20.
Tire Pressure Light
TPMS Light
This light comes on briey when the
engine is started and provides
information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.When the Light is On Steady
This light will also come on when
one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated. A CHECK
TIRE PRESSURE DIC message
will accompany the light.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-26for more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon
as it is safe to do so. If underinated,
inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 9-42for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System.
The light ashes for about a minute
and stays on on steady for the
remainder of the ignition cycle.
This sequence will repeat with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 9-52
andTire Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 9-54for more information.
Instruments and Controls 4-17

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It ensures
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light comes on when the ignition
is on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show it is working. If it
does not, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, while the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to
the vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the
engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.Notice:Modications made to
the engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those
of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the
vehicle’s emission controls and
can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 9-3.
4-18 Instruments and Controls

This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition
has been detected. A misre
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash,
when it is safe to do so, stop the
vehicle. Find a safe place to
park the vehicle. Turn the key off,
wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see
your dealer/retailer for service as
soon as possible.Light On Steady:An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing
the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 8-37. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with
quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misring,
hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on
page 8-35.
If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.
Instruments and Controls 4-19