Monday, December 8, 2014

Jump Starting a Pontiac G8

If your Pontiac G8 will not start First do Simple checks Before JUMP Starting making these checks, make sure you have followed the correct starting procedure and that you have sufficient fuel. If your Pontiac G8  is equipped with the engine immobiliser system, also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your Toyota dealer. If none of your keys work, the system is possibly broken. Call your Pontiac G8 dealer. If the Pontiac G8 engine is not turning over or is turning over too slowly Check that the Pontiac G8  battery terminals are tight and clean. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light. If the Pontiac G8 light is out, dim or goes out when the Pontiac G8 starter is cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting.   If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Pontiac G8  dealer or qualified Pontiac G8 repair shop. Do not pull-or push-start the Pontiac G8. It may damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts. Also the three-way catalytic converter may overheat and become a fire hazard.
If the Pontiac G8 engine turns over at its normal speed but will not start— Check that all the push-on connectors are tight. (For example, connectors at the Pontiac G8 spark plugs, ignition coil and/or distributor) If the connectors are O.K., the Pontiac G8 engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.  Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.  Starting a flooded Pontiac G8 engine If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking. If this happens, turn the Pontiac G8 key to “START” with the accelerator pedal held down. Keep the key and accelerator pedal so for 15 seconds and release them. Then try starting the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal. If the Pontiac G8 engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking, release the key, wait a few minutes and try again. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair. Call a Toyota dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance. Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the Pontiac G8 starter and Pontiac G8 wiring systems. Pontiac G8 Jump starting Jump starting can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid harm to yourself or damage to your Pontiac G8 or battery, follow the Pontiac G8 jump starting procedures. If in doubt, we strongly recommend that you have a competent technician or towing service jump start your Pontiac G8. Pontiac G8 EMERGENCY STARTING CAUTION Use only a 12-volt jumper system. You can damage a 12-volt starting motor, Pontiac G8 ignition system, and other electrical parts beyond repair by use of a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt batteries in series or a 24-volt motor generator set).WARNING - Battery Keep all flames or sparks away from the battery. The battery produces hydrogen gas which may explode if exposed to flame or sparks. Do not attempt to jump start the Pontiac G8 if the discharged battery frozen or if the electrolyte level low; the battery may rupture or explode. WARNING - Battery Never attempt to check the electrolyte level of he battery as this cause the battery to rupture or explode causing serious injury. Jump starting procedure1. Make sure the Pontiac G8 booster battery is 12-volt and that its negative terminal is grounded. 2. If the booster battery is in another Pontiac G8, do not allow the Pontiac G8's to touch.3. Turn off all unnecessary electrical loads.
4. Connect the Pontiac G8 jumper cables in the exact sequence shown in the previous illustration. First connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive terminal of the discharged Pontiac G8 battery (1), then connect the other end to the positive terminal on the booster battery (2). Proceed to connect one end of the other jumper cable to the negative terminal of the booster battery (3), then the other end to a solid, stationary, metallic point (for example, the Pontiac G8 engine lifting bracket)away from the battery (4). Do not connect it to or near any part that moves when the Pontiac G8 engine is cranked. CAUTION - Battery cables Do not connect the jumper cable from the negative terminal of the booster battery to the negative terminal of the discharged battery. This can cause the discharged battery to overheat and crack, releasing battery acid. Do not allow the jumper cables to contact anything except the correct battery terminals or the correct ground. Do not lean over the Pontiac G8 battery when making connections. Start the engine of the Pontiac G8 with the booster battery and let it run at 2,000rpm, then start the engine of the Pontiac G8 with the discharged battery. the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent, you should have your Pontiac G8 checked by an Authorized Pontiac G8 Dealer .Push-starting Pontiac G8's equipped with automatic transaxle cannot be push-started. jump-starting. CAUTION Never tow a Pontiac G8 to start it because the sudden surge forward when the engine starts could cause a collision with the tow Pontiac G8.
2. Turn on your Pontiac G8 emergency flashers. 3. Try to start the Pontiac G8 engine again. If your Pontiac G8 will not start, contact an authorized Pontiac G8 dealer or seek other qualified assistance.
Jump Starting a Pontiac G8

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Pontiac G8 Tire maintenance

Pontiac G8 Tire care
For proper Pontiac G8 maintenance, safety, and maximum fuel economy, you must always maintain recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the load limits and weight distribution recommended for your Pontiac G8. Recommended cold tire inflation pressures All Pontiac G8 tire pressures (including the spare) should be checked every day when the tires are cold. “Cold Tires” means the Pontiac G8 has not been driven for at least three hours or driven less than 1.6 km (one mile). Recommended pressures must be maintained for the best Pontiac G8 ride, top Pontiac G8 handling, and minimum tire wear. All Pontiac G8 specifications (sizes and pressures) can be found on a label attached to the Pontiac G8. WARNING - Tire under inflation Severe under inflation (70 kPa (10 psi) or more) can lead to severe heat build-up, causing blowouts, tread separation and other tire failures that can result in the loss of Pontiac G8 control leading to severe injury or death. This risk is much higher on hot days and when driving for protracted periods at high speeds. Underinflation also results in excessive wear, poor Pontiac G8 handling and reduced fuel economy. Wheel deformation also is possible. Keep your tire pressures at the proper levels. If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it checked by an Authorized Pontiac Dealer Over inflation produces a harsh Pontiac G8 ride, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of damage from road hazards. Warm tires normally exceed recommended cold tire pressures by 28 to 41 kPa (4 to 6 psi). Do not release air from warm tires to adjust the pressure or the tires will be underinflated. Be sure to reinstall the tire inflation valve caps. Without the valve cap, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If a valve cap is missing, install a new one as soon as possible. WARNING - Tire Inflation Overinflation or underinflation can reduce tire life, adversely affect Pontiac G8 handling, and lead to sudden tire failure. This could result in loss of Pontiac G8 control and potential injury CAUTION - Tire pressure Always observe the following: Check Pontiac G8 tire pressure when the tires are cold. (After Pontiac G8 has been parked for at least three hours or hasn't been driven more than 1.6 km (one mile) since startup.) Check the pressure of your spare tire each time you check the pressure of other tires. Never overload your Pontiac G8. Be careful not to overload a Pontiac G8 luggage rack if your Pontiac G8 is equipped with one. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires have been damaged, replace them Checking tire inflation pressure Check your Pontiac G8 tires once a month or more.Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire. How to check Use a good quality gage to check tire pressure.You can not tell if your Pontiac G8 tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they're underinflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure when the tires are cold. - "Cold" means your Pontiac G8 has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1.6 km (1 mile). Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the tire and loading Pontiac G8 information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the pressure is low, add air until you reach the recommended amount. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage. Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture. Tire rotation
To equalize tread wear, it is recommended that the tires be rotated every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular wear develops. During rotation, check the tires for correct balance. When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure, improper wheel alignment, out of- balance Pontiac G8 wheels, severe braking or severe cornering. Look for bumps or bulges in the tread or side of tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. Replace the tire if fabric or cord is visible. After rotation, be sure to bring the front and rear tire pressures to specification and check Pontiac G8 lug nut tightness. Disc brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever tires are rotated. Rotate radial tires that have an asymmetric tread pattern only from front to rear and not from right to left. WARNING Do not use the compact spare tire for tire rotation Do not mix bias ply and radial ply tires under any circumstances. This may cause unusual handling characteristics that could result in death, severe injury, or property damage. Pontiac G8 Tire replacement If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. This shows there is less than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of tread left on the tire. Replace the tire when this happens. Do not wait for the band to appear across the entire tread before replacing the Pontiac G8 tire WARNING The Pontiac G8 ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. Tire size can affect wheel speed. When replacing tires, all 4 tires must use the same size originally supplied with the Pontiac G8. Using tires of a different size can cause the Pontiac G8 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to work irregularly. Compact spare tire replacement A compact spare tire has a shorter tread life than a regular size tire. Replace it when you can see the tread wear indicator bars on the tire. The replacement compact spare tire should be the same size and design tire as the one provided with your new Pontiac and should be mounted on the same compact spare tire wheel. The compact spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular size wheel, and the Pontiac G8 compact spare tire wheel is not designed for mounting a regular size tire. Pontiac G8 Wheel replacement When replacing the Pontiac G8 metal wheels for any reason, make sure the new wheels are equivalent to the original Pontiac G8 factory units in diameter, rim width and offset. WARNING A wheel that is not the correct size may adversely affect Pontiac G8 wheel and bearing life, braking and stopping abilities, handling characteristics, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, snow chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight aim and bumper height. Wheel alignment and tire balance The wheels on your Pontiac G8 were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance. In most cases, you will not need to have your Pontiac G8 wheels aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or your Pontiac G8 pulling one way or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you notice your Pontiac G8 vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced. CAUTION Improper wheel weights can damage your Pontiac G8's aluminum wheels. Use only approved wheel weights. WARNING - Replacing tires Driving on worn-out tires is very hazardous and will reduce braking effectiveness, steering accuracy, and traction. Your Pontiac G8 is equipped with tires designed to provide for safe ride and handling capability. tire and wheel that is different from the one that is originally installed on your Pontiac G8. It can affect the safety and performance of your Pontiac G8, which could lead to handling failure or rollover and serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand and load-carrying capacity. The use of any other tire size or type may seriously affect ride, handling, ground clearance, stopping distance, body to tire clearance, snow tire clearance, and speedometer reliability. It is best to replace all four Pontiac G8 tires at the same time. If that is not possible, or necessary, then replace the two front or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your Pontiac G8’s handling. Pontiac G8 Tire traction Tire traction can be reduced if you drive on worn tires, tires that are improperly inflated or on slippery road surfaces. Tires should be replaced when tread wear indicators appear. To reduce the possibility of losing control, slow down whenever there is rain, snow or ice on the road. Pontiac G8 Tire maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This will increase Pontiac G8 ride comfort and tire life. Additionally, a tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. Tire sidewall labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides the tire identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification. The TIN can be used to identify the tire in case of a recall. 1. Manufacturer or brand name Manufacturer or Brand name is shown. A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replacement tires for your car. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean. Example tire size designation: (These numbers are provided as an example only; your tire size designator could vary depending on your Pontiac G8.) P185/65R14 86H P - Applicable Pontiac G8 type (tires marked with the prefix “P’’ are intended for use on passenger cars or light trucks; however, not all tires have this marking). 185 - Tire width in millimeters. 65 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section height as a percentage of its width. R - Tire construction code (Radial). 14 - Rim diameter in inches. 86 - Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry. H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information. Wheel size designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean. Example Pontiac G8 wheel size designation: 5.5JX14 5.5 - Rim width in inches. J - Rim contour designation. 14 - Rim diameter in inches Tire speed ratings The chart below lists many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger cars. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire's designed maximum safe operating speed.S 180 km/h (112 mph) T 190 km/h (118 mph) H 210 km/h (130 mph) V 240 km/h (149 mph) Z Above 240 km/h (149 mph) 3. Checking tire life (TIN : Tire Identification Number) Any tires that are over 6 years, based on the manufacturing date, tire strength and performance, decline with age naturally (even unused spare tires). Therefore, the tires (including the spare tire) should be replaced by new ones. You can find the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), displaying the DOT Code. The DOT Code is a series of numbers on a tire consisting of numbers and English letters. The manufacturing date is designated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code. DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO The front part of the DOT means a plant code number, tire size and tread pattern and the last four numbers indicate week and year manufactured. For example: DOT XXXX XXXX 1611 represents that the tire was produced in the 16th week of 2011. WARNING - Tire age Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. Regardless of the remaining tread, it is recommended that tires generally be replaced after six (6) years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure, which could lead to a loss of control and an accident involving serious injury or death. 4. Tire ply composition and material The number of layers or plies of rubber- coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. The letter "R" means radial ply construction; the letter "D" means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter "B" means belted-bias ply construction. 5. Maximum permissible inflation pressure This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not exceed the maximum permissible inflation pressure. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information label for recommended inflation pressure. 6. Pontiac G8 Maximum load rating This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire. When replacing the tires on the Pontiac G8, always use a tire that has the same load rating as the factory installed tire. 7. 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 Tread wear The tread wear 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-ahalf 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, performance may differ from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. These grades are molded on the side-walls of passenger Pontiac G8 tires. The tires available as standard or optional equipment on Pontiac Pontiac G8s may vary with respect to grade. Traction - AA, A, B & C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. The grades represent the tires 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. Temperature -A, B & C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C. The grades represent 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 tires to degenerate and reduce tires life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tires failure. Grades A and B represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by the law.Tire temperature The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible sudden tire failure. This can cause loss of Pontiac G8 control and serious injury or death. Tire terminology and definitions Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on the tire. Air pressure is expressed in kilopascal (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Accessory Weight: This means the combined weight of optional accessories. Some examples of optional accessories are, automatic transmission, power seats, and air conditioning. Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire's height to its width. Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is located between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials. Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim. Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure: The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi) before a tire has built up heat from driving. Curb Weight: This means the weight of a Pontiac G8 with standard and optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without passengers and cargo. DOT Markings: The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand and date of production. GVWR: Gross Pontiac G8 Weight Rating GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front Axle. GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle. Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when mounted on a Pontiac G8. Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure. Load Index: An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire. Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall. Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire. Maximum Loaded Pontiac G8 Weight: The sum of curb weight; accessory weight; Pontiac G8 capacity weight; and production options weight. Normal Occupant Weight: The number of occupants a Pontiac G8 is designed to seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 pounds). Occupant Distribution: Designated seating positions. Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a Pontiac G8. The outward facing sidewall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the inner facing sidewall. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose Pontiac G8's. Recommended Inflation Pressure: Pontiac G8 manufacturer's recommended tire inflation pressure and shown on the tire placard. Radial Ply tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire beads are seated. Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead. Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate. Traction: The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided. Tread: The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes called "wear bars," that show across the tread of a tire when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire's traction, temperature and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire. Pontiac G8 Capacity Weight: The number of designated seating positions multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs.) plus the rated cargo and luggage load. Pontiac G8 Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on an individual tire due to curb and accessory weight plus maximum occupant and cargo weight. Pontiac G8 Normal Load on the Tire: That load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each axle its share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight and driving by 2. Pontiac G8 Placard: A label permanently attached to a Pontiac G8 showing the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure. All season tires Pontiac specifies all season tires on some models to provide good performance for use all year round, including snowy and icy road conditions. All season tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than all season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas. Summer tires Pontiac specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tire performance is substantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall. if you plan to operate your Pontiac G8 in snowy or icy conditions. Pontiac recommends the use of Pontiac G8 snow tires or all season tires on all four wheels. Snow tires If you equip your Pontiac G8 with snow tires, they should be the same size and have the same load capacity as the original tires. Snow tires should be installed on all four Pontiac G8 wheels; otherwise, poor handling may result. Snow tires should carry 28 kPa (4 psi) more air pressure than the pressure recommended for the standard tires on the tire label on the driver's side of the center pillar, or up to the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewall, whichever is less. Do not drive faster than 120 km/h (75 mph) when your Pontiac G8 is equipped with snow tires.