2010 PONTIAC G6 oil change

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a CHANGE OIL SOON
message being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil and filter, the system must
be reset. To reset the oil life system:
1. With the CHANGE OIL SOON message displayed,
press any of the three DIC buttons to clear the
CHANGE OIL SOON message. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-42.
2. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC.
3. Press and hold the ENTER button for at least
one second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display
message will appear for three seconds or until the
next button is pressed. This tells you the system
has been reset. SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 4-47.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON message comes back on
when the vehicle is started, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a
place that collects used oil.
6-25

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the first oil change after
each 80 000 km (50,000 mile) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 7-3for more information. If you are
driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-16for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
1. Lift the two latches straight up or remove the
screws.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3. Lift off the cover.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall the cover and
reconnect the electrical connector.
6-26

Automatic Transmission Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealer/retailer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
uid could come out and fall on hot engine parts or
exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too little uid
could cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if you check your
transmission uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C
(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
24 km (15 miles) when outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F),
you may have to drive longer.
6-28

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets the vehicle
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-21.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-16for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is used in all vehicles with
V6 engines. Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine
have electric power steering and do not use power
steering fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless a leak is suspected in the system or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-37

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test
a small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the
locally cleaned area gives any impression that a
ring formation may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to remove
dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a soft
cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be used.
Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
Never use steam to clean leather. Never use spot lifters
or spot removers on leather. Many commercial leather
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and
protect leather may permanently change the appearance
and feel of the leather and are not recommended. Do not
use silicone or wax-based products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to remove
dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a clean
soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and
protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently change
the appearance and feel of the interior and are not
recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle’s interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on the
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
6-109

Rotation of New Tires
To maintain ride, handling, and performance of the
vehicle, it is important that the first rotation service
for new tires be performed when they have
8 000 to 13 000 km (5,000 to 8,000 miles).
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-73.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the Change Oil Soon Message
Displays
Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-21.An Emission Control Service.
When the Change Oil Soon message displays, service
is required for the vehicle as soon as possible, within
the next 1 000 km/600 miles. If driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service for more than a
year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians
who will perform this work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service
the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since the last
service. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil
is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-24.When the Change Oil Soon message displays, certain
services, checks, and inspections are required. The
services described for MaintenanceIshould be
performed at every engine oil change. The services
described for MaintenanceIIshould be performed when:
•MaintenanceIwas performed the last time the
engine oil was changed.
•It has been 10 months or more since the Change
Oil Soon message has displayed or since the last
service.
MaintenanceI
•Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-21.An Emission Control Service.
•Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-31.
•Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 6-38.
•Tire inflation check. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-64.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-73.
•Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-73.
7-3

First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•
Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•
Engine air cleaner filter replacement.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-26.
•Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (2.4L L4, 3.5L V6 and
3.6L V6 Engines) on page 6-27orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (3.9L V6 Engine) on page 6-28.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
•
Automatic transmission fluid change (normal
service). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L V6 and 3.6L V6 Engines) on
page 6-27orAutomatic Transmission Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine) on page 6-28.
•Spark plug replacement.An Emission Control
Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
•
Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill,
cooling system and cap pressure check, and
cleaning of outside of radiator and air conditioning
condenser (or every 5 years, whichever occurs first).
SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-31.An Emission
Control Service.
•Engine accessory drive belt inspection for fraying,
excessive cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.An Emission Control
Service.
7-6

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.••
Engine coolant level check.••
Windshield washer fluid level check.••
Tire inflation pressures check.••
Tire wear inspection.••
Rotate tires.••
Fluids visual leak check.••
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles driven in dusty conditions only).••
Brake system inspection.••
Steering and suspension inspection.•
Engine cooling system inspection.•
Windshield wiper blades inspection.•
Body components lubrication.•
Restraint system components check.•
Engine air cleaner filter inspection (vehicles not driven in dusty conditions).•
7-7