2010 PONTIAC G5 brakes

5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-aheadposition with a clamping device designed for towing.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.
7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
Towing a Trailer (Automatic
Transmission)
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even
at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle. The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these
are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. The trailer also adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
5-33

Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certification label or seeLoading the Vehicle on
page 5-24 for more information. Make sure not to go over
the GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, 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 the right hitch is needed.
•The rear bumper on the 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 any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, be sure to
seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If they are
not sealed, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the
engine’s exhaust can get into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust on page 3-33 . Sealing the holes will
also prevent dirt and water from entering the vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the
trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the
trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting
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.
Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they will be installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Do not try to tap into the vehicle’s brake system. If
you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
5-36

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open
road. Get acquainted with the feel of handling and
braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. This
can help to avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
5-37

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transmission temperatures
may result and damage the vehicle. Frequent
stops are very important to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear beforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to reduce
engine load. See
Engine Overheating on page 6-27 .
When towing under severe conditions such as hot
ambient temperatures or steep grades, the vehicle may
experience more transmission shifting. A COOLING
MODE ON message may also appear in the DIC. This
alerts the driver that the shifting mode is in progress
and is aiding engine cooling. See DIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-38 DIC Warnings and
Messages for more information.Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
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
flat surface.
5-38

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.
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. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (do
not overfill), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system
and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help to find 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. See Engine Overheating on
page 6-27.
Towing a Trailer (Manual
Transmission)
Do not tow a trailer if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission.
5-39

Service........................................................... .6-3
Accessories and Modifications ..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning .....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work .........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ..................................................... .6-5
Fuel ............................................................... .6-5
Gasoline Octane ........................................... .6-6
Gasoline Specifications ................................... .6-6
California Fuel .............................................. .6-6
Additives ...................................................... .6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries ...............................6-7
Filling the Tank ............................................. .6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood ....................6-10
Hood Release ............................................. .6-11
Engine Compartment Overview .......................6-12
Engine Oil .................................................. .6-13
Engine Oil Life System ................................. .6-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................6-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid .........................6-19
Hydraulic Clutch .......................................... .6-19
Cooling System ........................................... .6-20
Engine Coolant ............................................ .6-24
Engine Overheating ...................................... .6-27Windshield Washer Fluid
................................6-28
Brakes ....................................................... .6-29
Battery ....................................................... .6-33
Jump Starting .............................................. .6-34
Headlamp Aiming .......................................... .6-38
Bulb Replacement ......................................... .6-41
Halogen Bulbs ............................................. .6-41
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps ................................... .6-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) .........6-43
Taillamps
and Turn Signal Lamps (Coupe) .......6-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps (Sedan) .............................6-44
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe) ................................6-45
License Plate Lamp ..................................... .6-46
Replacement Bulbs ...................................... .6-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ..............6-47
Tires ............................................................. .6-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling .................................. .6-49
Tire Terminology and Definitions .....................6-52
Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................6-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................6-56
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .....................6-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................6-62
When It Is Time for New Tires .......................6-64
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, is not covered under
the terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/retailer
and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-70 .
6-3

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-18 .
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-13 .
C. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking Engine Oil” under Engine Oil on page 6-13 .
D. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under Brakes on page 6-29 andHydraulic Clutch
on page 6-19.
E. Engine Compartment Fuse Block on page 6-105 .
F. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 6-34.
G. Remote Negative ( −) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 6-34.
H. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See Cooling System on
page 6-20.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-28.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12 for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
6-13