traction control PONTIAC G5 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

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
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-12
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Dome Lamp .................................................3-15
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-15
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-15
Electric Power Management...........................3-15
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-25
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..........................3-29
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-30
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Indicator/Warning Light...............................3-31
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light............................................3-31
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-32
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-33
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-33
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-20.
B.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-20.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D.Cruise Control on page 3-10(If Equipped).
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-23.
F.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-85
(If Equipped).
G.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
I.Audio System(s) on page 3-52.
J.Fog Lamps on page 3-14(If Equipped).
K. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-12.
L.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-14.M.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-39.
N.Horn on page 3-6.
O.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7
(If Equipped).Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
on page 4-6(If Equipped).
P. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and
Cigarette Lighter on page 3-17.Accessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-16(If Equipped).
Q. Shift Lever (Manual Shown). SeeManual
Transmission Operation on page 2-28and
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-26.
R.Climate Control System on page 3-18.
S.Heated Seats on page 1-4(If Equipped).
T.Glove Box on page 2-41.
3-5

Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
The brake must be applied at least one time, after the
vehicle has been started, before cruise control will
function.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you are
not using cruise, you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to use cruise
control.
The cruise control buttons
are located on the outboard
side of the steering wheel.
3-10

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

COOLING MODE ON
This message may display on some vehicles. Under
severe conditions, hot ambient temperatures, steep
grades, and towing, your vehicle may experience more
transmission shifting. This is temporary and normal
under these conditions. This does not require engine
or transmission service.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are open. 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 acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays on,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster ashes when ESC is assisting
you with directional control of the vehicle. You may feel
or hear the system working and see this message
displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditions may
exist when this message is displayed, so adjust your
driving accordingly. This message may stay on for
a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when
the system is operating. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light on page 3-31for more information.
3-43

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
NOT READY
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display briey after starting the vehicle
if the system’s sensors are not yet calibrated. The system
is not functional until the message stops displaying.
Adjust your driving accordingly. When the message is no
longer displayed, the system is functional. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC is
turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31for more
information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the
battery in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-3.
LEARN COMPLETE
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) has completed the tire learning
process. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-56
for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-38,Fuel on page 5-5, andFilling the Tank on
page 5-8for more information.
3-44

LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays
and the ETS light or the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster ashes when the system is actively limiting
wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if this
message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
This message stays on for a few seconds after the
system stops limiting wheel spin. SeeEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) on page 4-10orTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7andEnhanced Traction System (ETS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31orElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31for more
information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-30for more
information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This light
stays on solid as long as the detected problem remains
present. When this message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31for more
information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
3-45

SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays
and a chime sounds when the system is not functioning
properly. The ETS light or the ESC/TCS light also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. This light
stays on solid as long as the detected problem remains
present. When this message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10orTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
orElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
for more information. Have the system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), this message displays
if a part on the TPMS is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-33. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-58for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) and does not have the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, this message
displays when the TPMS is re-learning the tire positions
on your vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned
after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-63,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-56, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55for more
information.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays
and the ETS light or the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on solid when the system is turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10orTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
orElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-12.
3-46