Pontiac G3 2010 User manual

2010 Pontiac G3 Owner Manual M
In Brief ............................................ 1-1
Instrument Panel ................................. 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Seats and Restraint System ...................... 2-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats ....................................... 2-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72
Features and Controls ............................ 3-1
Keys ............................................. 3-2
Doors and Locks ................................. 3-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Sunroof ......................................... 3-37
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 4-20
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Driving Your Vehicle .............................. 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service ........................................... 6-3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11

2010 Pontiac G3 Owner Manual M
Headlamp Aiming ............................... 6-42
Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
Tires ............................................ 6-50
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-79
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-85
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-86
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-93
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Customer Assistance Information ............... 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Index .................................... i-1

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC,
the PONTIAC Emblem, and the name G3, are
registered trademarks of General Motors.
This manual describes features that may or may not
be on your specific vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or due to changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase documentation relating to
your specific vehicle to confirm each of the features
found on your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
Limited”for Pontiac Motor Division wherever it appears
in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français
auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française
www.helminc.com
Index
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the
index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the manual and the page number where it
can be found.
iii
Litho in the U.S.A.
Part No. 20811657 B Second Printing ©2009 General Motors. All rights Reserved.

Safety Warnings and Symbols
Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
{WARNING:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means
“Do Not,” “Do not do
this,”or “Do not let this
happen.”
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specific component, control, message, gage,
or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
iv

#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

2NOTES
vi

Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel ................................... 1-2
Initial Drive Information ........................... 1-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Trunk Release .................................. 1-5
Windows ........................................ 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment .............................. 1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Interior Lighting ................................ 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Transmission .................................. 1-15
Vehicle Features .................................. 1-16
Radio(s) ....................................... 1-16
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Cruise Control ................................. 1-19
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Sunroof ........................................ 1-19
Performance and Maintenance .................. 1-20
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
OnStar
®
....................................... 1-23
1-1

Instrument Panel
1-2

A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4‑18.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4‑21.
C. Clock on page 4‑15.
D. Hood Release on page 6‑12.
E. Horn on page 4‑3.
F. Audio System(s) on page 4‑36.
G. Climate Control System on page 4‑15.
H. Ashtray. See Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
on
page 4‑14
.
I. Cupholders on page 3‑36.
J. Cigarette Lighter. See Ashtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 4‑14.
K. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3.
L. Glove Box on page 3‑36.
Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of
the important features that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the
features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and
unlock the doors from up to 20 m (65 feet) away from
the vehicle.
Hatchback Sedan
Press Kto unlock all of the doors.
Press Qto lock all of the doors.
Press Vand hold for approximately one second to
open the trunk on the sedan model.
1-3

Press 3to sound the panic alarm on the hatchback
model. Press any of the buttons on the transmitter to
turn off the alarm.
The LED light (A) on the transmitter flashes when the
buttons on the transmitter are pressed. If the light does
not flash the transmitter battery needs to be replaced.
See Keys
on page 3‑2 and Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 3‑4.
Door Locks
From the outside, lock or unlock the door using the key
or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
From the inside, all of the doors can be locked and
unlocked by pushing or pulling the manual door lock on
each door.
On vehicles equipped with the central door unlocking
system, lock or unlock all the doors from the inside
using the driver door lock switch.
For more information see:
.Door Locks on page 3‑6.
.Central Door Unlocking System on page 3‑7.
Liftgate
To unlock the liftgate on the hatchback model from
outside the vehicle, use the key in the lock cylinder or
use the RKE transmitter, if equipped.
The handle is located above the right side of the license
plate. Pull the handle toward you and raise the liftgate.
To lock the liftgate, use the key or the RKE transmitter,
if equipped.
The liftgate can also be locked or unlocked by the
central door unlocking system.
For more information see Liftgate (Hatchback)
on
page 3‑11
.
1-4

Trunk Release
The vehicle may have a
release button located on
the driver door. Press it to
open the trunk.
The vehicle may have a
trunk release lever
located on the outboard
side of the driver seat.
Pull the lever to open
the trunk.
For more information see Trunk on page 3‑8.
Windows
Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and close each window.
The rear windows do not open fully.
For more information see Manual Windows
on
page 3‑13
.
1-5

Power Windows
On vehicles with power windows, the switches for all
windows are located on the driver door armrest.
Each passenger door has a switch for its own window.
The ignition must be in ON/RUN to use the power
windows. To lower the window, press and hold the
switch. To raise the window, lift up on the switch.
Release the switch when the window reaches the
desired level.
For more information see Power Windows
on
page 3‑13
.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seats
1. Lift the bar under the
front of the seat to
unlock it.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release
the bar.
3. Push and pull on the seat to make sure it is locked
into place.
1-6

Seat Height Adjuster
Turn the knob located on
the outboard side of the
seat to adjust the height
of the driver seat cushion.
Turn the knob forward to raise the seat and rearward to
lower it.
Manual Lumbar
Move the adjustment
lever, located on the
outboard side of the
seatback, up or down to
one of three positions to
increase or decrease the
lumbar support.
The highest position provides the most support and the
lowest position provides the least support.
1-7

Reclining Seatbacks
This lever is located on the outboard side of the front
seats.
1. Lift the recline lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position then
release the lever to lock the seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is
locked in place.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑6.
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded down to increase
cargo space.
For detailed instructions see Rear Seat Operation
(Sedan)
on page 2‑8 or Rear Seat Operation
(Hatchback) on page 2‑10.
Head Restraint Adjustment
The vehicle's front seats have adjustable head
restraints in the outboard seating positions.
Do not drive until the head restraints for all occupants
are installed and adjusted properly.
For more information see Head Restraints
on
page 2‑2
.
1-8

Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for important information
on how to use safety belts properly.
.Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2‑15.
.How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2‑20.
.Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑29.
.Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 2‑43 .
Sensing System for Passenger
Airbag
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag and seat‐mounted side
impact airbag (if equipped) under certain conditions.
The driver airbags are not affected by this.
The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible,
near the clock, located in the center of the instrument
panel when the vehicle is started.
United States Canada
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2‑65 for
important information.
1-9

Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Manual Outside Mirrors
The control for the outside manual mirrors are located
next to each mirror.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, pull
the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward,
to return to its original position.
Power Outside Mirrors
The control is located on
the instrument panel, left
of the steering wheel.
The ignition must be turned to ON/RUN to adjust the
mirrors.
1. Select the mirror by moving the selector
switch to L for the driver side mirror or R for the
passenger side.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.
For more information, see:
.Outside Power Mirrors on page 3‑35.
.Outside Manual Mirrors on page 3‑34.
1-10

Interior Mirror
Hold the mirror in the center to move it up or down and
side to side. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
headlamps behind you. Push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
See Manual Rearview Mirror on page 3‑34.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
The tilt wheel lever is
located under the steering
column, slightly to the left.
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down into a
comfortable position.
3. Pull the lever up to lock the wheel in place.
See Tilt Wheel on page 4‑3.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamp
The vehicle has a dome lamp located in the overhead
console.
Move the switch to the following positions:
ON : The light comes on and stays on.
O:The light comes on when a door is opened.
The light turns off when all the doors are closed.
OFF : The light remains off even when a door is
opened.
Be sure all doors and trunk lid or hatch are completely
closed or the battery may drain.
For more information about interior lighting, see:
.Dome Lamp on page 4‑13.
1-11

Exterior Lighting
Uplevel shown, Base similar
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
3:Turns on the headlamps and other exterior lamps.
The headlamps automatically turn off when the ignition
key is turned to LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY.
;:Turns on the parking lamps, together with the
taillamps, license plate lamp, and instrument panel
lights.
OFF : Turns all the lamps off, except the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL).
For more information, see:
.Exterior Lamps on page 4‑11.
.Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 4‑11.
.Fog Lamps on page 4‑12.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
Sedan shown
1-12

Hatchback shown
The lever is located on the right side of the steering
column. The ignition must be turned to ON/RUN to
operate the windshield wipers.
HI : Fast wipes.
LO : Slow wipes.
INT : Move to this position for a delayed wiping cycle.
Turn the band on the windshield wiper toward FAST or
SLOW for a shorter or longer delay between wipes.
The wiper speed can only be adjusted when the lever is
in the INT position.
OFF : Turns the windshield wipers off.
Misting Function
Move the lever toward INT for a single wiping cycle.
Hold it there until the windshield wipers start; then let
go. For several wipes, hold the band toward INT longer.
Windshield Washer
Pull the windshield washer/wiper lever toward you to
spray washer fluid on the windshield.
See Windshield Wipers
on page 4‑6 and Windshield
Washer
on page 4‑7 . For vehicles with a Rear
Window Wiper/Washer, see Rear Window Wiper/
Washer on page 4‑7.
1-13

Climate Controls
For vehicles with these climate control systems, the
heating, cooling, and ventilation can be controlled for
the vehicle.
Climate Control System with Heater and
Air Conditioning
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
Control
D. Air Conditioning (A/C)
E. Air Recirculation
F. Rear Window Defogger
Climate Control System with Heater Only
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
E. Outside Air/Recirculation
See Climate Control System on page 4‑15.
1-14