check engine light PONTIAC G5 2007 User Guide

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by
heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have
time to cool between hard stops. The brakes
will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and
allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you
are driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder
to push down. If the engine stops, you will still
have some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is
used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake
pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 268.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin
to drive away, your ABS will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that
your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This
is normal.
223

Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across
North America. They will be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
240

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might
not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking
your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow
does not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.Run the engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the
heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to restart
the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
247

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To
help keep your engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, GM recommends the use
of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN) shows the code letter or number
that identies your engine. You will nd the VIN at
the top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identication Number (VIN) on page 361.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 2.2L L4 engine (VIN Code F),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less
than 87, you may notice an audible knocking noise
when you drive, commonly referred to as spark
knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code B), use premium unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 91 or higher. You
may also use regular unleaded gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration
may be slightly reduced, and you may notice a
slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to
as spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you
may notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
270

Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses.
Should your headlamps fail to function, have
your headlamp system checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a circuit
breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the wiper will stop until the motor
cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical
problem, have it xed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Fuses in the fuse block protect the power windows.
When the current load is too heavy, the fuse opens
protecting the circuit until the problem is xed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected
from short circuits by a combination of fuses,
circuit breakers and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of damage
caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If
the band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be
sure you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and do not
have a spare fuse, you can “borrow” one that has
the same amperage. Just pick some feature of your
vehicle that you can get along without — like the
radio or cigarette lighter — and use its fuse if it is
the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as
you can.
There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the oor
console fuse block and the engine compartment
fuse block.
There is one additional fuse located in the back of
the vehicle near the battery.
363

Fuses Usage
8 Ignition Switch, PASS-Key
®III+
9 Stoplamp
10Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning, PASS-Key
®III+
11 Empty
12 Spare
13 Airbag
14 Spare
15 Windshield Wiper
16 Climate Control System, Ignition
17 Empty
18 Empty
19Electric Power Steering,
Steering Wheel Control
20 Sunroof
21 Spare
22 Empty
23 Audio System
24Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (Airbag)
Fuses Usage
25Engine Control Module,
Transaxle Control Module
26 Door Locks
27 Interior Lights
28 Steering Wheel Control Illumination
29 Power Windows
Relays Usage
30 Climate Control System
31 Empty
32 Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. Lift off the cover
to check the fuses. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 278for more information
on location.
365

C
California Fuel............................................. 271
California Proposition 65 Warning................ 269
Capacities and Specications...................... 369
Carbon Monoxide....... 98,123, 243, 256, 257
Care of
Safety Belts............................................. 356
Your CD Player........................................ 216
Your CDs ................................................. 216
CD, MP3 ..................................................... 205
Center Console Storage Area...................... 131
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).... 315
Chains, Tire................................................. 336
Charging System Light................................ 164
Check
Engine Light............................................ 168
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 276
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 360
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 45
Infants and Young Children........................ 42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..... 51
Older Children........................................... 39
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position................................. 57Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position........................ 60
Where to Put the Restraint........................ 49
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 151
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 358
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 357
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 354
Finish Care.............................................. 357
Inside of Your Vehicle .............................. 353
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 355
Tires........................................................ 359
Underbody Maintenance........................... 360
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 356
Weatherstrips........................................... 356
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 358
Climate Control System............................... 152
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment........... 155
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 155
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 286
Collision Damage Repair............................. 404
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt................. 35
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 352
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 102
415

Driving (cont.)
Hill and Mountain Roads.......................... 241
In Rain and on Wet Roads...................... 235
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.......... 248
Winter...................................................... 243
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................ 14
Electric Power Management........................ 149
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment................................... 362
Engine Compartment Fuse Block............. 365
Floor Console Fuse Block........................ 364
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 363
Headlamp Wiring..................................... 363
Power Windows and Other
Power Options...................................... 363
Windshield Wiper Fuses........................... 363Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 284
Battery..................................................... 303
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 168
Coolant.................................................... 287
Coolant Heater......................................... 112
Coolant Temperature Warning Light.......... 167
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 388
Engine Compartment Overview ................ 278
Exhaust................................................... 123
Oil ........................................................... 279
Oil Life System........................................ 282
Overheating............................................. 290
Starting.................................................... 110
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ................ 226
Warning Light........................................... 166
Entry/Exit Lighting....................................... 149
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 403
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 38
417

O
Odometer.................................................... 159
Off-Road Recovery...................................... 230
Oil
Engine..................................................... 279
Pressure Light.......................................... 171
Oil, Engine Oil Life System......................... 282
Older Children, Restraints............................. 39
Online Owner Center................................... 396
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual........ 127
Other Warning Devices................................ 138
Outlet Adjustment........................................ 155
Outlet(s), Accessory Power.......................... 150
Outside
Convex Mirror.......................................... 126
Power Mirrors.......................................... 126
Remote Control Mirror.............................. 125
Owner Checks and Services....................... 380
P
Paint, Damage............................................ 359
Park (P)
Shifting Into............................................. 119
Shifting Out of......................................... 121
Parking
Brake....................................................... 118
Over Things That Burn............................ 122
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............... 162
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............... 155
Passenger Sensing System........................... 73
Passing....................................................... 230
PASS-Key
®III+........................................... 104
PASS-Key®III+ Operation........................... 104
Power
Accessory Outlet(s).................................. 150
Door Locks................................................ 95
Electrical System..................................... 363
Retained Accessory (RAP)....................... 110
Windows.................................................. 101
Pretensioners, Safety Belt............................. 38
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock........... 96
422