light PONTIAC G6 2008 Owner's Guide

The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that
are rst sold in Canada).
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released or the vehicle is not
in PARK.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
are not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when they are needed.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Make sure it is not covered or the automatic headlamp
system will be on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once you
leave the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See “Instrument Panel Brightness
Control” underInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For Canadian vehicles,
the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for this function.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when they are needed.
3-15

Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has fog
lamps, the fog lamp button
is located on the
instrument panel, to the
left of the steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator
light in the button will glow when the fog lamps are
on. Push the button again to turn the fog lamps off.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The control for this
feature is located on the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Courtesy Lamps
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, it has courtesy
lamps in the rear passenger area of the vehicle.
These lamps make it easier to see while entering and
exiting the vehicle. These lamps come on when any
door is opened and only turn off when all the doors
are closed.
3-16

Dome Lamp
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch, the
following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn the
lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that the
lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn the
dome lamp on.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door is
opened. These lamps fade out about 20 seconds after all
of the doors have been closed or when the ignition is
turned to ON/RUN. They also come on when the unlock
symbol button or the horn symbol is pressed on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition
to provide light as you exit.
Parade Dimming
The instrument panel has an added feature called
parade mode. It automatically prohibits the dimming of
the instrument panel displays during the daylight
while the headlamps are on so that you will still be able
to see the displays.
Overhead Console Reading Lamps
The vehicle may have reading lamps on the overhead
console. These lamps come on when the doors are
opened if the lamp switch is not in the OFF position.
Press the side of each lamp to turn them on and
off, while the doors are closed.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is opened and
turns off when the trunk is closed.
3-17

6(Floor):Turn the knob to this mode to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to the
side window outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button to
turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle circulates
throughout your vehicle. An indicator light comes on to
show that it is activated. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode. Press this button again to cancel the
recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. The air inside the
vehicle is recirculated through the climate control system
and throughout the vehicle, not from outside. This
mode is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. An indicator light above the
button comes on to show that it is activated. The
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in. Use
this mode only when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging occurs if the air conditioning compressor
is not engaged.Press this button to cancel the outside air mode. When
you switch to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside
air. When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on,
the system automatically defaults to outside air.
Only use recirculation mode when it is needed for
comfort, since window fogging can occur.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if the vehicle has one, to quickly
provide warmer air. An engine coolant heater warms
coolant that the engine uses to warm the inside of the
vehicle. For more information, seeEngine Coolant
Heater on page 2-25.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to indicate that the air conditioning is activated.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so sometimes a small amount of water drips
underneath the vehicle while it is idling or after the
engine is turned off. This is normal.
3-20

Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, it will turn
on using the last settings selected on the climate control
before the vehicle was turned off.
The fan and air delivery knobs can be used during
remote start. The buttons will not work until the ignition
is turned on by the key.
The climate control system changes back to manual
operation when the vehicle key is turned to ON/RUN.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):Turn the knob to this setting to direct
the air between the windshield and the oor outlets with
a small amount directed to the side windows. This
mode automatically turns off recirculation. The air
conditioning compressor runs unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The air conditioning
compressor operates although the indicator light is
not on. The air conditioning indicator light turns off when
defog is selected. If the air conditioning button is
pressed while in defog mode, the indicator light turns
on. If the button is pressed again, the light turns off. The
recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
3-21

1(Defrost):Turn the knob to this setting to direct
most of the air to the windshield with some air directed
to the oor vents. In this mode, the system automatically
forces outside air into the vehicle. The air conditioning
compressor runs unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The air conditioning compressor
operates although the indicator light is not on. The air
conditioning indicator light turns off when defrost is
selected. If the air conditioning button is pressed while
in defrost mode, the indicator light turns on. If the
button is pressed again, the light turns off. Recirculation
cannot be selected while in the defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
<REAR:Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to
indicate that the rear window defogger is on. Be sure to
clear as much snow as possible from the rear window.If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven and one-half minutes before turning off.
The defogger can also be turned off by pressing the
button again or by turning off the engine.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside.
When the vehicle transitions out of the remote start
mode, the rear defogger turns off. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
3-22

To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system delays turning on the fan until warm air is
available. The length of delay depends on the engine
coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob overrides
this delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display initially shows “AS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The remote start system turns on using the
last temperature selected before the vehicle was
last turned off.
For best performance, turn the fan and mode knobs to
the AUTO position. The fan speed and air delivery
modes will change to achieve the best comfort.
If the outside air temperature is below 45°F and the air
delivery mode knob is set to AUTO, the automatic
climate control system starts in the defrost mode to clear
the window.
The automatic climate control changes back to manual
operation by turning the vehicle on with the key.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still
enters the vehicle, and is directed to the oor.This direction can be changed by changing the mode
position. The temperature can also be adjusted
using either the up or down arrow temperature buttons.
9(Fan):Turn the knob with the fan symbol to
manually adjust the fan speed.
H(Vent):Turn the knob to this position to direct air
to the instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Turn the knob to this position to direct
half of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and
the remaining air to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Turn the knob to this position to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to
the side window outlets and windshield.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. See Defogging and Defrosting later in
this section.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. Air from outside
the vehicle circulates throughout your vehicle. An
indicator light comes on to show that it is activated. The
outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Press this
button to cancel the recirculation mode.
3-24

?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. The air inside the
vehicle is recirculated through the climate control system
and throughout the vehicle, not from outside. This
mode is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. An indicator light above
the button comes on to show that it is activated.
If recirculation is selected while in defrost, defog, or
oor, the light on the button ashes three times
and goes out to let you know this is not allowed. Use
this mode only when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging occurs if the air conditioning compressor
is not engaged.
Press this button to cancel the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of time can
cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the
fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the
air conditioning is on.
Temperature Control:Press the up and down arrows
to increase or decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle.#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the
button comes on while the air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode, the
system runs the air conditioning automatically to cool
and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm
air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air, press the
temperature buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidies the
air inside the vehicle. Also, the system maximizes
its performance by using recirculation as necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation of
the automatic system, choose oor mode to deliver
air to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
push the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature
buttons.
3-25

Defogging and Defrosting
Use either the defog or front defrost to clear fog or frost
from the windshield.
-(Defog):Turn the mode knob to this position to
clear the windows of fog or moisture. This setting
delivers air to the oor and windshield outlets.
0(Defrost):Turn the mode knob to this position to
defrost the windshield. The system automatically
controls the fan speed if AUTO mode is selected. If the
outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air
conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if you try to
turn off the compressor while in this mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the
button comes on to indicate that the rear window
defogger is activated.If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger will only run for
about seven and one-half minutes before turning off.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside, but
the indicator light does not come on. When the
vehicle transitions out of remote start mode the rear
defogger turns off.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
Rotate the instrument panel outlets and move the
louvers on the outlets to change the direction and
amount of airow in your vehicle.
3-26

Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the vehicle through the
ventilation system. This can be helpful when driving
through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold or
cool weather can cause window fogging.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This section describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle.
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 also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As the
details show on the next few pages, some warning lights
come on briey when you start the engine just to let you
know they are working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
as you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even
dangerous. So get to know your vehicle’s warning lights
and gages. They can be a big help.
3-27