lock PONTIAC G3 2009 Owner's Guide

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
{CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK/OFF will lock the steering column and
result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision. If you need to turn
the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
key only to ACC/ACCESSORY. Do not push the
key in while the vehicle is moving.Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
LOCK/OFF:This position locks the steering wheel,
ignition, shift lever and transmission. This is the
only position in which you can insert or remove the key.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off
center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from
right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service.
ACC/ACCESSORY:This position operates some of the
electrical accessories, such as the radio, but not the
climate control system.
ON/RUN:This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories, and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running. If you
leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off, the battery could be drained.
You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
START:This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving. Do not turn
the key to START if the engine is running.
2-17

Automatic Transmission Operation
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift
lever is located on the console between the seats.
Movement between certain positions requires pushing
the release button on the front of the shifter.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-27.
Ensure that the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply
the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park) when
the key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park)
while holding the brake pedal down, seeShifting Out of
Park on page 2-28.
2-20

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-26for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake
is rmly set before you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal down.
Then see if you can move the shift lever away from
P (Park) without rst pushing the shift lock release
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into P (Park).
2-27

Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver
seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-27.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Vehicles with an automatic transmission have a shift
interlock system. You have to apply the brake pedal
before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition
is in the ON/RUN position. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-20.
If you cannot shift out of P (Park) while holding the
brake pedal down, try this:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
3. Remove the hole cover from the shift lock slot by
prying it off using a small, at object. The shift lock
release slot is located at the top of the shift lever.
2-28

4. Insert the key into the shift lock slot and press and
hold the key.
5. Shift to N (Neutral).
6. Remove the key from the slot, insert the key into
the ignition and start the engine.
7. Replace the shift-lock release slot cover.
8. Apply and hold the brake pedal fully and release
the parking brake.
9. Shift to the gear you want.
10. Have the vehicle xed as soon as you can.
Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before leaving the vehicle, do the following:
1. Hold the brake pedal down and rmly apply the
parking brake.
2. Fully press in the clutch pedal and place the shift
lever into the gear position as stated below:
When parking on level ground, place the shift
lever into N (Neutral).
When parking downhill, place the shift lever in
R (Reverse).
When parking uphill, place the shift lever in
1 (First).
3. After shifting, turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF,
remove the key and release the clutch.
2-29

Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in an
enclosed area such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
2-30

OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services. If the airbags
deploy, the system is designed to make an automatic
call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can request
emergency services be sent to your location. If the keys
are locked in the vehicle, call OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
to have a signal sent to unlock the doors. OnStar
Hands-Free Calling, including 30 trial minutes good
for 60 days, is available on most vehicles. OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation service, with one trial route,
is available on most vehicles. Press the OnStar button
to have an OnStar advisor contact Roadside Service.OnStar service is provided subject to the OnStar Terms
and Conditions included in the OnStar Subscriber
glove box literature.
Some services such as Remote Door Unlock or Stolen
Vehicle Location Assistance may not be available until
the owner of the vehicle registers with OnStar. After the
rst prepaid year, contact OnStar to select a monthly
or annual subscription payment plan. If a payment plan
is not selected, the OnStar system and all services,
including airbag notication and emergency services,
may be deactivated and no longer available. For more
information visit onstar.com (U.S.) or onstar.ca (Canada),
or press the OnStar button to speak with an advisor.
Not all OnStar services are available on all vehicles.
To check if this vehicle is able to provide the services
described below, or for a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see the OnStar Owner’s
Guide in the glove box or visit onstar.com (U.S.) or
onstar.ca (Canada), contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) or TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press the
OnStar button to speak with an OnStar advisor 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
2-34

OnStar Services Available with the
Safe & Sound Plan
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Advanced Automatic Crash Notication (AACN)
(If equipped)
Link to Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic Email
GM Goodwrench On Demand Diagnostics
OnStar Hands-Free Calling with 30 trial minutes
OnStar Virtual Advisor (U.S. Only)
OnStar Services Included with
Directions & Connections Plan
All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions - Advisor delivered
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows eligible OnStar
subscribers to make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated into the
vehicle, and can be used with OnStar Pre-Paid Minute
Packages. Most vehicles include 30 trial minutes good
for 60 days. Hands-Free Calling can also be linked to
a Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S. or a Bell
Mobility service plan in Canada, depending on eligibility.
To nd out more, refer to the OnStar Owner’s Guide in
the vehicle’s glove box, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, or
speak with an OnStar advisor by pressing the OnStar
button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and stock
quotes. Press the phone button and give a few simple
voice commands to browse through the various topics.
See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the continental U.S.
2-35

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17
Clock..........................................................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Trip Odometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-27
Charging System Light..................................3-28
Up-Shift Light..............................................
.3-28
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-28
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-30
Hold Mode Light...........................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-31
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
B.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-24.
C.Clock on page 3-17.
D.Hood Release on page 5-11.
E.Horn on page 3-6.
F.Audio System(s) on page 3-38.
G.Climate Control System on page 3-18.H. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-17.
I.Cupholders on page 2-37.
J. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-17.
K.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
L.Glove Box on page 2-37.
3-5