check engine PONTIAC G5 2009 Owners Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems. When you start your vehicle
using the remote start feature, the climate control
system will come on and adjust the interior to the
temperature settings that you left it set to when
you turned the vehicle off.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.
After your vehicle’s engine has been started two times
using the remote vehicle start button, the vehicle’s
ignition switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then
back to LOCK/OFF using the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 2-21for information regarding the ignition positions
on your vehicle.If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the vehicle’s turn signal
lamps ash.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the engine is running.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine
is running, to extend the time by 10 minutes for the
engine to continue to run.
After entering the vehicle after a remote start, insert and
turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
2-6

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off to indicate
the engine is off.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN and then
LOCK/OFF.
Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times, per
ignition cycle, using the transmitter’s remote start
feature.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the rst
10 minutes will immediately expire and the second
10 minute time frame will start.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-33.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-47for additional
information.
2-7

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does
not start and the security light comes on, there may
be a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-103. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to
have a new key made. In an emergency, contact
Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-7, for more information.
It may be possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to
“learn” the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-19

If the vehicle starts briey but then stops again,
repeat the procedure. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather condition at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with am engine coolant heater should be plugged in at
least four hours before starting. An internal thermostat
in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the passenger
side of the vehicle between the strut and the
air cleaner/lter.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts, and prevent damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the
area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
2-25

4. Pull the lter out toward you.
Install the new air lter with the AIR FLOW arrow
pointing downward. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to
reassemble.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
3-22

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both miles per
hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The vehicle’s odometer works together with the Driver
Information Center (DIC). Trip A and Trip B can be
set on the odometer. See “Trip Information” under
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-39.
The vehicle does not have to be running to check the
odometer mileage. Simply open the driver’s door and
the mileage briey displays.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed,
the new one will be set to the correct total mileage
of the old odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer
displays the engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated while the
tachometer is in the shaded warning area, the
vehicle could be damaged, and the damages would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the tachometer in the
shaded warning area.
3-24

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-52.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is started.
If the light does not come
on then, have it xed
immediately.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42
for more information.
3-26

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for
more information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an
up-shift light.
When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 2-28for
more information.
3-28

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Indicator/Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this light
serves as an indicator
and warning light.
This light comes on briey while the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator
light then goes off.
If the indicator/warning light is on and not ashing, the
ETS system could have been disabled. Check all related
Driver Information Center (DIC) messages to determine
whether the system has been turned off or if the system
is not working properly and the vehicle requires service.
If the ETS has been disabled, wheel spin is not limited.
If the indicator/warning light is on and ashing, the ETS is
actively working. The LOW TRACTION DIC message also
appears when the system is actively limiting wheel spin.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for more
information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system
or the Traction Control
System (TCS), the
indicator/warning light
comes on briey when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light goes off.
If this light is on while certain DIC messages display,
this indicates that the ESC and TCS are not working
or are disabled.
If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled. Check
the DIC messaging to determine which feature(s) is
no longer functioning and whether it is because of the
driver turning off the feature(s), or because the system is
not working properly and the vehicle requires service.
3-31

If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is not limited. If the
ESC system is disabled, the system does not aid
in maintaining directional control of the vehicle.
If the indicator/warning light is on and ashing,
the TCS or the ESC system is actively working.
Check the DIC messaging for details to determine
which system is working. If the LOW TRACTION
message appears, the system is limiting wheel spin.
If the ESC ACTIVE message appears, the system
is aiding in maintaining directional control of the vehicle.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6
andTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7
for more information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briey
while starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause the vehicle to overheat.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27. The vehicle’s
engine could be damaged, and it might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature warning light on.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on
when the engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off the engine as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.
3-32