2008 Pontiac G8 Owners Manual

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during normal use, as the original tires. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-57 { CAUTION { CAUTION Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes, brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires of different sizes, brands, or types may also cause damage to the vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size, brand, and type of tires on all wheels. It is all right to drive with the compact spare temporarily, as it was developed for use on the vehicle. See Compact Spare Tire on page 9-79. If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the wheel rim ﬂanges could develop cracks after many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the vehicle. If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size, load range, speed rating, and construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s original tires. GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over a dozen critical speciﬁcations that impact the overall performance of your vehicle, including brake system performance, ride and handling, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded onto the tire’s sidewall near the tire size. If the tires have an all-season tread design, the TPC Spec number will be followed by an MS for mud and snow. See Tire Sidewall Labeling on page 9-40 for additional information. GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This is because uniform tread depth on all tires will help keep your vehicle performing most like it did when the tires were new. Replacing less than a full set of tires can affect the braking and handling performance of your vehicle. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on page 9-54 for information on proper tire rotation. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-58 Vehicle Service and Care Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system could give an inaccurate low-pressure warning if non-TPC Spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tires may give a low-pressure warning that is higher or lower than the proper warning level you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 9-49. Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on the Tire and Loading Information Label. See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28, for more information about the Tire and Loading Information Label and its location on your vehicle. Different Size Tires and Wheels If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than your original equipment wheels and tires, this may affect the way your vehicle performs, including its braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control, the performance of these systems can be affected. { CAUTION If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may not provide an acceptable level of performance and safety if tires not recommended for those wheels are selected. You may increase the chance that you will crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM speciﬁc wheel and tire systems developed for your vehicle, and have them properly installed by a GM certiﬁed technician. See Buying New Tires on page 9-56 and Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 9-3 for additional information. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-59 Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and temperature performance. This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires. While the tires available on General Motors passenger cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these grades, they must also conform to federal safety requirements and additional General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) standards. Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a speciﬁed government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart signiﬁcantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-60 Vehicle Service and Care Traction – AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on speciﬁed government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. { WARNING The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics. Temperature – A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a speciﬁed indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. { WARNING The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inﬂated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinﬂation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary on a regular basis. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or the other, 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-61 If you need to replace any of the wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for the vehicle. { CAUTION Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could affect the braking and handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you lose control. You could have a collision in which you or others could be injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement. Notice: The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. See Changing a Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on page 9-71 for more information. Used Replacement Wheels { CAUTION Putting a used wheel on the vehicle is dangerous. You cannot know how it has been used or how far it has been driven. It could fail suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel. the alignment might need to be checked. If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, the tires and wheels might need to be rebalanced. See your dealer/retailer for proper diagnosis. Wheel Replacement Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your dealer/retailer if any of these conditions exist. Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel you need. Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-62 Vehicle Service and Care Tire Chains { CAUTION Do not use tire chains. There is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on the vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the device if it is contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle’s wheels. If you do ﬁnd traction devices that will ﬁt, install them on the front tires. Tire Changing If a Tire Goes Flat It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving, especially if you maintain your tires properly. See Tires on page 9-39. If air goes out of a tire, It is much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the ﬂat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel ﬁrmly. Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to a stop well out of the traffic lane. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-63 { CAUTION Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the appropriate safety equipment and training. The jack provided with your vehicle is designed only for changing a ﬂat tire. If it is used for anything else, you or others could be badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the jack provided with your vehicle only for changing a ﬂat tire. Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit If your vehicle has a factory installed Tire Sealant and Compressor kit, there is no spare tire, no tire changing equipment and no place to store a tire. If a tire goes ﬂat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place and stopping. 1. Turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers. See Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-4. 2. Park your vehicle. Set the parking brake ﬁrmly and put the shift lever in PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 8-10. 3. Turn off the engine. 4. Inspect the ﬂat tire. If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has damaged sidewalls, or has a puncture larger than a 1⁄4 inch (6 mm), the tire is too severely damaged for the tire sealant and compressor kit to be effective. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-6. If the tire has a puncture less than a 1⁄4 inch (6 mm) in the tread area of the tire, see Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (V8 Engine) on page 9-64. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road if possible. If a tire goes ﬂat, and your vehicle has a compact spare tire, see Changing a Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on page 9-71. This information shows you how to use the vehicle’s tire changing equipment and how to change a ﬂat tire safely. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-64 Vehicle Service and Care Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (V8 Engine) This vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit in place of a jack or spare tire. It is located in a foam container in the trunk. The tire sealant and compressor kit can be used to repair a ﬂat tire by sealing small punctures in the tread of the tire. It can also be used to inﬂate an underinﬂated tire. The vehicle must be driven for ﬁve miles (8 kilometers) after the tire is sealed and inﬂated to the recommended pressure to ensure the sealant is distributed evenly. For detailed instructions see “Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to Temporarily Repair a Punctured Tire” later in this section. The kit includes: A. On/Off Switch B. Air Compressor Accessory Plug C. Air Compressor D. Sealant Canister E. Sealant/Air Hose F. Air-only Hose G. Pressure Gage Tire Sealant The sealant can temporarily seal a small puncture up to 6 mm in the tread area of the tire. The sealant cannot seal sidewall damage, large punctures, or a wheel that has unseated from the wheel. Read and follow the safe handling instructions on the label adhered to the sealant canister. Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant canister. The sealant canister should be replaced before its expiration date. There is only enough sealant to seal one tire. After usage, the sealant canister and sealant/air hose assembly must be replaced. Replacement sealant canisters are available from a dealer/retailer. See “Removal and Installation of Sealant Canister” later in this section. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-65 Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 9-62. Inspect the damaged tire. The sealant cannot seal sidewall damage, large punctures, or a tire that has unseated from the wheel. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-6. Do not remove any objects that have penetrated the tire. 1. Place the tire sealant and compressor kit on the ground and unwrap the sealant/air hose (E) from the side of the compressor. 2. Remove the air compressor accessory plug (B) from the unit. Do not plug the plug in yet. 3. Turn the tire valve stem cap counterclockwise to remove. 4. Attach the sealant/air hose (E) onto the tire valve stem. Turn it clockwise until tight. 5. Make sure the sealant and compressor kit on/off switch (A) is in the O (off) position. Plug the air compressor accessory plug (B) into an accessory power outlet in the vehicle. See Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-9 for more information. Do not slam door or close window on the compressor accessory plug cord. { CAUTION Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with the climate control system off can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO). See Engine Exhaust on page 8-12. 6. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the air compressor. Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inﬂate a Punctured Tire Follow these directions closely for correct sealant usage. A. On/Off Switch B. Air Compressor Accessory Plug C. Air Compressor D. Sealant Canister E. Sealant/Air Hose F. Air-only Hose G. Pressure Gage 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-66 Vehicle Service and Care { CAUTION Overinﬂation could cause the tire to rupture, and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read the inﬂator instructions, and inﬂate the tire to its recommended pressure. Do not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa). 7. Push the On/Off switch (A) to the I (on) position. The kit will begin to inject sealant into the tire. Sealant could leak from the puncture hole until the vehicle is driven and the hole has sealed. 8. Check the air pressure gage (G). If there is not a pressure reading while the compressor is running, check for leaks at the connection between the tire valve stem and the sealant/air hose (E). 9. Inﬂate the tire to the recommended inﬂation pressure, found on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Inﬂation - Tire Pressure on page 9-46. The pressure gage (G) will initially read high while the compressor injects the sealant into the tire. Once the sealant injection is complete, the pressure will quickly drop. It will start to rise again as the tire inﬂates with air. 10. Turn the compressor off by pushing the On/Off button (A) to the I (off) position. The pressure gage (G) reads slightly high while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate reading. The compressor may be turned on and off until the correct pressure is reached. If the recommended Notice: pressure cannot be reached after approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle should not be driven. The tire is too severely damaged and the tire sealant and compressor kit cannot inﬂate the tire. Remove the air compressor accessory plug from the accessory power outlet and unscrew the sealant/air hose from the tire valve or tire pressure monitoring sensor valve. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-6. The tire is not sealed and will continue to leak air until the vehicle is driven and the sealant is distributed in the tire. Steps 11 through 19 must be done right after Step 10. Be careful while handling the tire sealant and compressor kit as they could be hot after usage. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-67 The maximum speed label reminds you to drive cautiously and not to exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until you have the damaged tire inspected and repaired. { CAUTION Storing the tire sealant and compressor kit or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in its original location. 16. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the trunk. 17. Immediately drive the vehicle 5 miles (8 km) to distribute the sealant evenly in the tire. 18. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure, refer to Steps 1 through 9 under “Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to Inﬂate an Underinﬂated Tire” later in this section. If the tire pressure has fallen more then 10 psi (68 kPa), below the recommended inﬂation pressure, stop driving the vehicle. The tire is too severely damaged and the tire sealant and compressor cannot seal the tire. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-6 if you need assistance. If the tire pressure has not dropped more than 10 psi (68 kPa) from the recommended inﬂation pressure, inﬂate the tire back up to the recommended inﬂation pressure. 11. Unplug the air compressor accessory plug (B) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle. 12. Turn the sealant/air hose (E) counterclockwise to remove. 13. Replace the tire valve stem cap. 14. Stow the sealant/air hose (E) and air compressor accessory plug (B) in their original locations. 15. If the ﬂat tire was able to be inﬂated to the recommended inﬂation pressure, remove the maximum speed label from the sealant canister and place it in a highly visible location. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-68 Vehicle Service and Care Using the Air Compressor without Sealant to Inﬂate an Underinﬂated Tire To use the air compressor to inﬂate a tire with air only and not sealant: 19. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire or vehicle. 20. Dispose of the used sealant canister at a local dealer/retailer or in accordance with local state codes and practices. After using the sealant canister, replace it with a new canister available from your dealer/retailer. This is a temporary repair. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer to have the tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. A. Air Compressor Accessory Plug B. Air Compressor C. Sealant Canister D. Sealant/Air Hose E. Air-only Hose F. Pressure Gage G. On/Off Switch Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat on page 9-62. To use the air compressor to inﬂate a tire with air only and not sealant: 1. Lift the lever and pull the air-only hose (E) from the bottom of the kit. 2. Remove the tire valve stem cap from the ﬂat tire by turning it counterclockwise. 3. Push the air-only hose (E) onto the tire valve stem and push the lever down to secure in place. 4. Plug the air compressor accessory plug (A) into an accessory power outlet in the vehicle. See Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4-9 for more information. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-69 6. Push the On/Off switch (G) to the I (on) position. Check the pressure gage (F). If there is not a pressure reading while the compressor is running, check for leaks at the connection between the hose and the tire valve stem. 7. Inﬂate the tire up to the recommended inﬂation pressure using the air pressure gage (F) on the top of the unit. See Inﬂation - Tire Pressure on page 9-46. The pressure gage (F) reads slightly high while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate reading. The compressor may be turned on and off until the correct pressure is reached. 8. Push the On/Off switch (G) to the O (off) position. Be careful while handling the tire sealant and compressor kit as they could be hot after usage. 9. Unplug the air compressor accessory plug (A) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle and stow it in its original location. 10. Disconnect the air-only hose (E) from the tire valve stem and stow it back in its original location. 11. Replace the tire valve stem cap. { CAUTION Storing the tire sealant and compressor kit or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in its original location. 12. Place the equipment in the original location in the trunk of your vehicle. { CAUTION Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with the climate control system off can cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO). See Engine Exhaust on page 8-12. 5. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the air compressor. { CAUTION Overinﬂation could cause the tire to rupture, and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read the inﬂator instructions, and inﬂate the tire to its recommended pressure. Do not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa). 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-70 Vehicle Service and Care Removal and Installation of the Sealant Canister To remove the sealant canister: 1. Unlock the air-only hose from the sealant canister by pulling up on the lever. 2. Pull the air-only hose from the sealant canister. 3. Unwrap the sealant/air hose from the compressor. 4. Turn the sealant canister so the inﬂator ﬁlling hose is aligned with the slot in the compressor. 5. Lift the sealant canister from the compressor and replace with a new sealant canister. Dispose of the sealant canister at a local dealer/retailer or in accordance with local state codes and practices. Replace it with a new canister, available form your dealer/retailer. To install a new sealant canister: 1. Align the sealant/air hose with the slot in the air compressor. 2. Push the sealant canister down and turn it clockwise. 3. Wrap the sealant/air hose around the air compressor channel to stow it in its original location. 4. Push the air compressor inﬂator hose onto the sealant canister inlet and push the lever down. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-71 CAUTION (Continued) 3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised. 4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle. To be certain the vehicle will not move, put blocks at the front and rear of the tire farthest away from the one being changed. That would be the tire on the other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle. When you have a ﬂat tire, use the following example as a guide to assist you in the placement of wheel blocks. Changing a Flat Tire (V6 Engine) If a tire goes ﬂat, avoid further tire and wheel damage by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers. { CAUTION Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or other people. You and they could be badly injured or even killed. Find a level place to change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving: 1. Set the parking brake ﬁrmly. 2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P). (Continued) 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-72 Vehicle Service and Care Removing the Spare Tire and Tools Spare Tire The equipment you will need is located in the rear storage area. 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on page 2-10. 2. Pull the handle of the spare wheel cover strap straight up and secure to the trunk lid. 3. Turn the retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the spare tire. 4. Place the spare tire next to the tire being changed. 5. The jack and tools are stored below the spare tire. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-73 Tools Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. If your vehicle has wheel bolt caps, remove the caps. Store the caps with the wheel cover. 2. Use the fully extended wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts one-half turn counterclockwise. Do not remove them yet. A. Jack Handle B. Nut Cap Tool C. Wheel Wrench D. Jack 1. Turn the second retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the panel. 2. Remove the tools from the tool container. 3. Place the tools next to the tire being changed. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-74 Vehicle Service and Care Notice: Make sure that the jack lift head is in the correct position or you may damage your vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. 4. Put the compact spare tire near you. { CAUTION Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. { CAUTION Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to ﬁt the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle. 3. Position the jack lift head at the jack location nearest the ﬂat tire. The location is indicated by a mark on the bottom edge of the vehicle. The jack must not be used in any other positions. Raise the jack until it engages with the jacking point. 5. Fit the jack handle onto the jack by sliding the hook through the end of the jack. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-75 The jack handle must be unfolded at a right angle before it is used. 6. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise 180°. 7. Pull the jack handle towards you. 8. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 until the vehicle is far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the compact spare tire to ﬁt under the vehicle. 9. Remove all of the wheel nuts and place them in a dry, clean place to avoid getting dirt in the threads. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-76 Vehicle Service and Care { CAUTION Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See Changing a Flat Tire (V6 Engine) on page 9-71. 10. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel. 11. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface. { CAUTION Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts. Because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel could fall off, causing a crash. 12. Reinstall the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut as much as possible using the wheel wrench until the wheel is held ﬁrmly against the hub. Use your free hand to prevent the wheel from turning while you are tightening. 13. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 14. Tighten the wheel nuts ﬁrmly in a crisscross sequence, as shown. Vehicle Service and Care 9-77 Notice: Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque speciﬁcation. See Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 10-2 for the wheel nut torque speciﬁcation. { CAUTION Incorrect or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose and even come off. This could lead to a crash. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque speciﬁcation. See Capacities and Speciﬁcations on page 10-2 for wheel nut torque speciﬁcation. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-78 Vehicle Service and Care Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools { CAUTION Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. To store a ﬂat or spare tire and tools, do the following: 1. Replace the jack and tools as shown. A. Jack Handle B. Nut Cap Tool C. Wheel Wrench D. Jack 2. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to tighten. 3. Remove the wheel center cap by pushing it from the back. 4. Place the ﬂat tire face up into the spare tire hub. 5. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to secure it into place. 6. Put the load ﬂoor back in place. The compact spare tire is for temporary use only. Replace the compact spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-79 Compact Spare Tire Although the compact spare tire was fully inﬂated when the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inﬂation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa). After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire is correctly inﬂated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can ﬁnish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good shape in case it is needed again. Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle. Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles. And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They will not ﬁt. Keep the spare tire and its wheel together. Notice: Tire chains will not ﬁt your compact spare. Using them can damage your vehicle and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on your compact spare. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-80 Vehicle Service and Care Jump Starting If your battery has run down, try to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely. { CAUTION Ignoring these steps Notice: could result in costly damage to your vehicle that would not be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage your vehicle. Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because: (cid:129) They contain acid that can burn you. (cid:129) They contain gas that can explode or ignite. (cid:129) They contain enough electricity to burn you. If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-81 The positive jump start connection is covered by a red cap. Remove to expose the terminal. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system. If the other vehicle’s Notice: system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle. 2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching. The jump start positive (A) and negative posts (B) are located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. These posts are used instead of a direct connection to the battery. 3. Set the parking brake ﬁrmly and put the shift lever in PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 8-10. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-82 Vehicle Service and Care If you leave your radio or Notice: other accessories on during the jump starting procedure, they could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and other accessories when jump starting your vehicle. 4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except the hazard warning ﬂashers if needed. { CAUTION An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan. { CAUTION { CAUTION Using a match near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this, and some have been blinded. Use a ﬂashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not need to add water to the battery installed in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ﬁller caps, be sure the right amount of ﬂuid is there. If it is low, add water to take care of that ﬁrst. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present. Battery ﬂuid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your eyes or on your skin, ﬂush the place with water and get medical help immediately. Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts once the engine is running. 5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the jump start positive (+) post (A). 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-83 To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery. 2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery. 4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other vehicle. 5. Return the caps over the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals to their original positions. jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal. Jumper Cable Removal A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote Negative (–) Terminal B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) and Remote Negative (–) Terminals C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal 6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery (B). 7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery (C). 8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) post (D). 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at least four minutes. 10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service. If the jumper cables are Notice: connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always connect and remove the 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-84 Vehicle Service and Care Towing Towing Your Vehicle Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-6. Shift Lock Manual Release The transmission has an electric park lock called a shift lock manual release. The key must be in the ON/RUN position, and the brake pedal pressed so the transmission gear selector can be moved from the P (Park) position. If the battery has lost power, the selector cannot be moved to neutral for towing unless the shift lock manual release is disengaged manually. To access the shift lock manual release: 1. Apply the park brake. 2. Remove the console trim panel (A) from the console. 2.1. Gently lift the back corners of the trim panel directly in front of the cupholders (C) until the two clips are released from the console. 2.2. Gently lift the console trim panel from the rear until the four clips around the shift lever are released. 3. Raise the panel (A) no more than 2–3 inches (50–75 mm) to avoid disconnecting the wiring from the switches (B). 4. With the console trim panel raised, remove the retainer (E) and the shift lock manual release cover plate (D). 5. Push and hold the manual release lever (F) toward the passenger side of the vehicle. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-85 Recreational Vehicle Towing Notice: Dolly towing or dinghy towing your vehicle may cause damage because of reduced ground clearance. Always put your vehicle on a ﬂatbed truck. The vehicle was neither designed nor intended to be towed with any of its wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed, see “Towing Your Vehicle” earlier in this section. Towing a Trailer { CAUTION If you do not use the correct equipment and drive properly, you can lose control when you pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) may not work well — or even at all. You and your passengers could be seriously injured. You may also damage your vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if you have followed all the steps in this section. Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy. 6. Press the select button and move the transmission gear selector to the N (Neutral) position (G). 7. Release the lever (F). 8. After the vehicle has been moved, align the shift lock manual release cover plate (D) and install the retainer (E) so the automatic transmission can operate properly. 9. Place the trim panel (A) and the wires in their original position and gently press down around the outside until it clicks in place. 10. Check the operation of the switches (B) before operating the vehicle. The transmission selector locks if it is moved back to the P (Park) position. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-86 Vehicle Service and Care Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That is the reason for this part. In it are 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 you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transmission, 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. Also, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements. If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points: (cid:129) There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police. (cid:129) Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls. (cid:129) Do not tow a trailer at all during the ﬁrst 1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged. (cid:129) Then, during the ﬁrst 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. (cid:129) Use the Sport Shift mode and the cruise control when towing. The Active Select (A/S) may also be used under light load conditions. (cid:129) Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your vehicle’s parts. Three important considerations have to do with weight: (cid:129) The weight of the trailer. (cid:129) The weight of the trailer tongue. (cid:129) The total weight on your vehicle’s tires. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-87 Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 2,000 lbs (907 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted form the maximum trailer weight. You can ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 12-4 for more information. Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle. If you have a lot of options, equipment, passengers, or cargo in your vehicle, it will reduce the tongue weight your vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer weight your vehicle can tow. And if you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28 for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. If you are using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B). After you have loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-88 Vehicle Service and Care Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inﬂated to the upper limit for cold tires. You will ﬁnd these numbers on the Tire-Loading Information label. See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-28. Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, 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 you will need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: (cid:129) The rear bumper on your 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. (cid:129) Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 8-12. Dirt and water can also enter the vehicle. Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to 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 you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. Because you have anti-lock brakes, do not tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both brake systems will not work well, or at all. Trailer Wiring Harness All of the electrical circuits required for your trailer lighting system can be accessed at the driver’s side rear lamp connector. This connector is located under the carpet on the rear corner of the trunk compartment. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-89 Towing with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) When towing, the sound of the ESP modulator might be heard. The ESP is reacting to the vehicle movement caused by the trailer, which mainly occurs during cornering. This is normal when towing heavier trailers. Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns. Passing More passing distance is needed up ahead when you are towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle 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, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move the 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. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while trailering. When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance. Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting out for the open road, you will want to get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself 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 a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-90 Vehicle Service and Care you have a trailer lighting system plugged in, be sure to check your vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure they are all working. Once you disconnect the trailer lamps, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one of your vehicle lamps is out. Driving On Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear before you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down to a lower gear and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine and transmission overheating. Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal ﬂasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer/retailer. The arrows on your instrument panel will ﬂash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ﬂash, telling other drivers you are about to turn, change lanes or stop. When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument panel will ﬂash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your signal when they are not. It is important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still working. Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug a trailer lighting system into your vehicle’s lighting system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if one of your lamps goes out. So, when Parking on Hills { CAUTION You really should not park your vehicle, with a trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes wrong, your rig could start to move. People can be injured, and both your vehicle and the trailer can be damaged. But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is how to do it: 1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. 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 your parking brake, and then shift to P (Park). 5. Release the regular brakes. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-91 belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help you ﬁnd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review this information before you start your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on page 9-16. Appearance Care Interior Cleaning Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from the upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s interior may experience extremes of heat that could cause stains to set rapidly. Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments that transfer color to your home furnishings may also transfer color to your vehicle’s interior. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you: (cid:129) Start your engine. (cid:129) Shift into a gear. (cid:129) 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 Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission ﬂuid (don’t overﬁll), engine oil, drive 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual 9-92 Vehicle Service and Care When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners speciﬁcally designed for the surfaces being cleaned. Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray, apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth. Notice: cleaners when cleaning glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window defogger. When cleaning the glass on your vehicle, use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner. If you use abrasive Many cleaners contain solvents that may become concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space. Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening your vehicle’s doors and windows. Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs using a small brush with soft bristles. Your dealer/retailer has a product for cleaning your vehicle’s glass. You can also obtain a product from your dealer/retailer to remove odors from your vehicle’s upholstery. Do not clean your vehicle using the following cleaners or techniques: (cid:129) Never use a knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil from any interior surface. (cid:129) Never use a stiff brush. It can cause damage to your vehicle’s interior surfaces. (cid:129) Never apply heavy pressure or rub aggressively with a cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage the interior and does not improve the effectiveness of soil removal. (cid:129) Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers. Using too much soap will leave a residue that leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide. (cid:129) Do not heavily saturate the upholstery while cleaning. (cid:129) Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from the use of many organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. 2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-93 Fabric/Carpet Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used on ﬂoor carpet and carpeted ﬂoor mats. For soils, always try to remove them ﬁrst with plain water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as possible using one of the following techniques: (cid:129) For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel until no more can be removed. (cid:129) For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and then vacuum. To clean, use the following instructions: 1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda. 2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled. 4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth remains clean. 5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process that was used with plain water. 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

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2008 Pontiac G8 Owners Manual