2010 PONTIAC G6 maintenance

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-72.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 7-14.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airflow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list of marketers
providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identifies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication Number
(VIN) on page 6-114.
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0) or
the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K), you can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
ethanol (E85). SeeFuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 6-9.
In all other engines, use only the unleaded gasoline
described underGasoline Octane on page 6-7.
6-6

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.
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{WARNING:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and
the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L V6 and
3.6L V6 Engines)
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the dealer/retailer
and have it repaired as soon as possible.
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.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-10.
For the 2.4 L, 3.5 L and 3.6 L engines, the transmission
fluid will not reach the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating temperature. If the
transmission fluid level must be checked, take the
vehicle to the dealer/retailer.
6-27

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.
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How to Add Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Remove the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough fluid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid, generally less than a
half pint (0.24 L). Do not overfill.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-10.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, reinstall the
dipstick back in all the way.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
A. Engine Cooling Fans
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap3.6L V6 Engine shown, 2.4L L4, 3.5L,
3.9L Engines similar
6-30

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3
for more information on wiper blade inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here is how to remove
the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of the
blade and turn the blade assembly away from the
arm connector.3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector and
make sure the grooved areas are fully set in the
locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 7-11.
6-55

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-67for
additional information.Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-18
for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS
sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly,
excluding the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmits the tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS turns on the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
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At the same time a message to check the pressure
in a specific tire appears on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light
and the DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be
viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays seeDIC
Operation and Displays on page 4-40andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-42.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size of
your vehicle’s original equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they are
cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18, for anexample of the Tire and Loading Information label and its
location on your vehicle. Also seeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 6-64.
Your vehicle’s TPMS system can warn you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-73andTires on page 6-56.
Notice:Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using
an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the GM approved
tire sealant available through your dealer/retailer.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 6-82for information regarding
the inflator kit materials and instructions.
6-68