service reset PONTIAC G6 2008 Owners Manual

Antilock Brake System Warning
Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light will come
on briey when you
start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have antilock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-34.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the traction control
warning light comes on
and stays on, there may be
a problem with the
traction control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5for
more information.
3-35

Exterior Perimeter Lighting During Remote Keyless
Entry Unlock
Select Language: (English, French, Spanish or
German)
When the desired option is reached, press the enter
button to toggle between the modes of that option. To
make a selection, press the MENU button again.
If no selection is made within 10 seconds, the display
reverts back to the previous information displayed.
The MENU mode is exited when the information button
is pressed, a 10 second time period has elapsed,
the ignition is turned off, or the end of the MENU list is
reached.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50for more
information on the personalization options.
Enter
ENTER/r(Enter):Press this button to reset certain
functions and to turn off or acknowledge messages
on the DIC display. This button also toggles through the
options available in each personalization menu.
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is no
longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it
from the display, press and hold any of the DIC
buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning
message comes back on the next time the vehicle is
turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning
chime sounds when the message displays. Your
vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-34for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
3-46

CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-24,Engine Oil on page 5-21, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
CHECK CARGO TOP
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays if the cargo divider is not in place when
operating the retractable hardtop. Open the trunk and
make sure the cargo divider is secure and no objects are
on the divider. SeeTrunk on page 2-13,Lowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46, andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soonas you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeTires on page 5-60,Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-20, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-43. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-37.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
This message displays to inform you that the vehicle
has reduced engine power to avoid damaging the
engine. Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s
ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but there
is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
3-47

SRCE (Source):Press to play a CD while a portable
audio device is playing. Press again and the system
begins playing audio from the connected portable audio
player. If a portable audio player is not connected,
No Aux Input Device Found may display.
XM Radio Messages
XL (Explicit Language Channels):These channels, or
any others, can be blocked at a customer’s request,
by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
Updating:The encryption code in the receiver is being
updated, and no action is required. This process
should take no longer than 30 seconds.
No Signal:The system is functioning correctly, but
the vehicle is in a location that is blocking the XM™
signal. When the vehicle is moved into an open area, the
signal should return.
Loading XM:The audio system is acquiring and
processing audio and text data. No action is needed.
This message should disappear shortly.
CH Off Air:This channel is not currently in service.
Tune to another channel.
CH Unavail:This previously assigned channel is no
longer assigned. Tune to another station. If this stationwas one of the presets, choose another station for that
preset button.
No Info:No artist, song title, category, or text
information is available at this time on this channel.
The system is working properly.
No Info:No text or informational messages are
available at this time on this channel. The system is
working properly.
Not Found:There are no channels available for the
selected category. The system is working properly.
XM Locked:The XM™ receiver in your vehicle may
have previously been in another vehicle. For security
purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be swapped between
vehicles. If this message is received after having
your vehicle serviced, check with your dealer/retailer.
Radio ID:If tuned to channel 0, this message alternates
with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This
label is needed to activate the service.
Unknown:If this message is received when tuned to
channel 0, there may be a receiver fault. Consult
with your dealer/retailer.
Chk XMRcvr:If this message does not clear within a
short period of time, the receiver may have a fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.
3-66

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide easier
cold starting and better protection for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you need for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message will come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
Change the oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
might not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained
service people who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change
the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
5-24

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and lter based on vehicle use.
Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change the oil prior
to a CHANGE OIL SOON message being turned on,
reset the system.
After changing the engine oil and lter, the system must
be reset. To reset the oil life system:
1. With the CHANGE OIL SOON message displayed,
press any of the three DIC buttons to clear the
CHANGE OIL SOON message. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-46.
2. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC.
3. Press and hold the ENTER button for at least one
second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display message
will appear for three seconds or until the next button
is pressed. This will tell you the system has been
reset. SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-50.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.If the CHANGE OIL SOON message comes back on
when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure.What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of used oil, ask your
dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local recycling
center for help.
5-25

If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park your
vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down.
You might decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets your vehicle be
driven to a safe place in an emergency situation. If an
overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection
mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-21.
5-35

If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you can
easily do to help keep your vehicle in good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-14. When your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that
vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However, the
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service technicians who will perform
this work using genuine parts and reset the system.If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, you
must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since your last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-24for information on the Engine Oil
Life System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears,
certain services, checks, and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally, it is
recommended that your rst service be MaintenanceI,
your second service be MaintenanceII, and that you
alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the message
comes on within 10 months since the vehicle was
purchased or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the message comes on
10 months or more since the last service or if the
message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-21. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-24.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-77and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-10.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid as
needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
3.6L and 3.9L Engines Only: Check automatic transmission uid level and add
uid as needed.•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5