engine coolant PONTIAC G6 2008 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-23
Starting the Engine.......................................2-23
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-27
Parking Brake..............................................2-31
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission)...........................................2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-34
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-35
Engine Exhaust............................................2-35
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-40
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-41
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-38.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been used
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 3-50for additional
information.
Remote Start Ready (Automatic
Transmission Only)
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This
feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
If the RKE transmitter has a plus (+) symbol on the
back cover, your vehicle has the remote start ready
feature. You can lock or unlock your vehicle from
approximately 197 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your
vehicle.
2-9

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is
designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals cannot
move farther away from the standard position, but can
move rearward for better pedal reach.
The ignition must be off or the vehicle in PARK (P) for
this feature to work. The feature will not work if your foot
is pushing on the throttle or brake pedal. Remove
your foot from the pedals and press the switch again.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the left side of the
instrument panel.The adjustable pedal feature is meant to be used with
the adjustable seat and adjustable steering wheel
controls to reach a safe and comfortable position.
Adjust the throttle and brake pedals to reach a
comfortable and safe operating position by pushing the
right and left arrow to move the pedals either closer
or further from your body.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. 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).
2-25

To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On
the 2.4L L4 ECOTEC
®engine, the engine coolant
heater cord is located near the air cleaner box
on the passenger’s side of the engine compartment.
On the 3.5L, 3.6L and 3.9L V6 engines, the
engine coolant heater cord is located on the driver’s
side around the battery box. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
3. Plug the cord 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. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer/retailer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you
the best advice for that particular area.
2-26

StabiliTrak®Indicator Light..............................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-37
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-38
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-43
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-50Audio System(s).............................................3-52
Setting the Clock..........................................3-53
Radio(s)......................................................3-54
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-66
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-67
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-67
Radio Reception...........................................3-68
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-68
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-69
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-69
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

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

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

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes
on and you hear a chime, the engine is too hot! It means
that your engine coolant has overheated. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-33.
Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle has a tire
pressure light.
This light comes on briey when the engine is started
and provides information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for more
information. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinated, inate to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 5-60for more information. United States
Canada
3-37

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-26
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(3.9L Engine)............................................5-27Automatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L and 3.6L V6 Engines)............5-30
Engine Coolant.............................................5-30
Pressure Cap...............................................5-33
Engine Overheating.......................................5-33
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-35
Cooling System............................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-40
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Sedan)...................................................5-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Retractable Hardtop and Coupe).................5-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Sedan).......................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Coupe).......................5-56
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the handle with
this symbol on it. It is
located under the
instrument panel on
the driver’s side of the
vehicle.
5-12