Full-Sized Spare Tire

One of the really weird things about the G8 GT is that it does not come from the factory with a spare tire. Seriously, there is no spare tire! While there is an air compressor with ‘foam’, I’ve not been too impressed with the idea. It’s a bit hard for foam to repair a tire that goes out at speed on the freeway.

I purchased a used OEM 19″ wheel and tire to use as a full-sized spare. I’m also getting a space saver jack/tool kit that will all fit into the rear tire well. While the added weight isn’t going to help fuel economy, there is something about having a REAL tire to use as a spare.

Detailed

Today I took the G8 to get detailed. While I have been hand-washing the car regularly, I have not been able to determine what I should do regarding a wax. Doing some research I got lost in the world of detail sprays, clay bars, polishes, waxes, and so on…

The detail department at Able Chevrolet in Rio Vista sponsored a ‘group buy’ for five forum members to get 30% off a complete detailing. The service included an exterior hand wash, vacuum and wipedown of the interior, cleaning of the inside/outside glass, dressing of the tires, claybar, a coat of Zaino sealant, Zaino detail spray (including removal of some smudges from the phonebook I hit the other day), and cleaning and conditioning of the leather.

I needed to be at the dealership at 8:30am, so needed to wake-up early. Since I figured that I’d have some extra time, I decided to bring my camera and try to get some photos around the bridge that crosses the Sacramento River (even though the light is going the wrong direction).

While I was waiting for the car to get detailed I was able to setup in the visitor lobby and work on photos (including a panorama).

After the car was detailed the difference was clearly noticeable. Not only was it super smooth, but I the reflections in the paint and even the windows were perfect. I talked with the people who worked on the G8 and they were super impressed with the car (one even owns a G8 GT… he wanted to know more about the in-dash GPS). I also took the opportunity to learn about some of the maintenance products and what I can do to keep my car looking so smooth.

After the detailing I headed out for a few more photos.

Now that the G8 is super clean, it just needs a full tank of gas and I’ll be ready for GoatRun!

1st Oil Change

The odometer on the G8 GT hit 3000 miles, so it’s time to get her in for an oil change. I decided to switch over to Mobil 1 Full Synthetic.

I also had the service department check for any ‘updates’ that should be done to the car (specifically relating to shifting), but none were found. After the service, I decide to take a non-direct route home. It was a fun drive and puts me in a great pace for tomorrow’s G8 Meet and Cruise.

Service Complete

I picked-up the G8 GT from the shop today. Final diagnosis:

Inspected found code P0442 EVAP small leak, P0455 EVAP large leak purge and seal system. Found not holding vacuum. Hooked up EVAP machine. Smoke EVAP system found smoke coming from top of tank. Lower TNK found vent seal on top of tank leaking. Replaced tank. Recheck. Clear code all ok.

The drive home was SO much more enjoyable… It is good to be back in the G8!

Gas Tank Replacement

I got a call from the dealer and it turns out the gas tank needs to be replaced. I hoped that it would be something simpler, but I guess it’s good to get this fixed and fixed right (rather than having to make several trips to the dealer just to replace the tank in the end). Things should be back together Friday, so it looks like I’ll be stuck in this rental car till then. At least it’s a Chevy Equinox and not something like a Geo Metro!

Fuel Leak!

I am sitting in the waiting room at Hilltop Pontiac writing this. It looks like there is a fuel leak! Good news: They found it. Bad news: They need to drop the gas tank to get to it. I am now waiting for my rental car…

Hopefully it’s something ‘simple’ to fix and not anything that would require replacing the gas tank. Last night I read a few threads on G8Board.com about gas odors and gas tank problems. Seems like if they need to order a replacement tank it could take up to a week!

Check Engine

600 miles on the car and my first check engine light. Driving to work I was playing around in the ‘Engineering Mode’ watching the AFM turn on/off… so I wonder if this has something to do with it? I called OnStar and they ran a remote diagnosis that came back ‘ignition fault’. The operator suggested tightening the gas cap (strange, I filled-up last week and it has been tight ever since). On the way home from work I got a ‘Low Fuel’ notice and figured I would fill-up and see if that changed anything. After the fill-up I still have the check engine light… and when I parked I noticed the smell of gasoline. I grabbed my Father’s nose (and the rest of him came along too) and we went sniffing around. He could definitely smell the odor of gasoline… and today is a semi-windy day, so it’s not like it’s a small drip or anything

I called the dealer’s service department and will be bringing the car by tomorrow morning.