tires PONTIAC G6 2008 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-13
Child Restraints
.......................................1-33
Airbag System
.........................................1-59
Restraint System Check
............................1-74
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-41
Storage Areas
.........................................2-44
Sunroof
..................................................2-45
Retractable Hardtop
..................................2-45
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-27
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-43
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-52Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-25
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-59
Tires
......................................................5-60
Appearance Care
...................................5-100
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-109
Electrical System
....................................5-109
Capacities and Specications
...................5-119
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Pontiac G6 Owner ManualM

THIRD (3):This position, available on the SE model, is
also used for normal driving. However, it reduces
vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using your
brakes. Here are some times you might choose
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
LOW (L):This position, available on the SE model,
reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3) without
using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) on hills. It can
help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
You can use LOW (L) on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L),
the transmission will not shift into rst gear until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Driving in LOW (L) for more than 25 miles
(40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may
damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
LOW (L) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D)
instead of LOW (L).Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position, available on the
GT/GXP models, allows you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If your vehicle has this feature,
see Manual Shift Mode (MSM) following.
Manual Shift Mode (MSM) (Automatic
Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward and
then to the right into the MANUAL MODE (M).
While driving in manual shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear selected.
2. Press the shift level forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will change from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for
manual shift mode, and a number indicating the
requested gear range when moving the shift lever
forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and Odometer
on page 3-29for more information.
2-29

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

When the Light Flashes First and Then is
Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light will ash for
about a minute and then stay on solid for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with
every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-70for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
The check engine light
comes on to indicate that
there is an OBD II
problem and service is
required.Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-4.
3-38

OIL LIFE:Press the information button until OIL LIFE
displays. The engine oil life system shows an estimate of
the oil’s remaining useful life. It shows 100% when
the system is reset after an oil change. It alerts you to
change the oil on a schedule consistent with your driving
conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the
oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in
the Maintenance Schedule in this manual. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine Oil on
page 5-21.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System”
underEngine Oil Life System on page 5-24.
Tire Pressure:The pressure for each tire can be
viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure is shown in either
pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
Press the information button until LF ## PSI (kPa) ## RF
displays for the front tires. Press the information
button again until LR ## PSI (kPa) ## RR displays for
the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the system
while driving, a message advising you to check the tire
pressure appears in the display. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-68andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-46for more information.Personalization
MENU:Press this button while the ignition is on to
scroll through each of the personalization options in the
following order. To avoid excessive drain on the
battery, it is recommended that the headlamps are
turned off. If the vehicle is moving faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h), the personalization menu options are not
available, except for the UNITS option. All of the
personalization options may not be available on your
vehicle. Only the options available display on the DIC.
Oil Life Reset
Units Selection (English/Metric)
Tire Learn?, on vehicles without the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system
Remote Start Capability
Horn Chirp During Remote Keyless Entry Locking
Horn Chirp During Remote Keyless Entry Unlocking
Exterior Light Flash During Remote Keyless
Entry Locking or Unlocking
Delayed Locking
Automatic Vehicle Unlocking: Specic Doors
Automatic Vehicle Unlocking: When Key is Off or
When Shift To Park
3-45

CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-24,Engine Oil on page 5-21, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
CHECK CARGO TOP
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays if the cargo divider is not in place when
operating the retractable hardtop. Open the trunk and
make sure the cargo divider is secure and no objects are
on the divider. SeeTrunk on page 2-13,Lowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46, andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soonas you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeTires on page 5-60,Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-20, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-43. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-37.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. 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
3-47

to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-72for 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
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (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 5-77,Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-70,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-68for more
information.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) – TRUNK
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays if the trunk lid is not completely closed
when operating the retractable hardtop. Make sure that
the trunk lid is closed when operating the retractable
hardtop. SeeTrunk on page 2-13,Lowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46, andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
TOP MOVE COMPLT (Complete)
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop has lowered
or raised completely. SeeLowering the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-46andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
TOP NOT ALLOWED
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays if the retractable hardtop button is pressed
while the vehicle is not in PARK (P). Make sure that the
vehicle is in PARK (P) when operating the retractable
hardtop. SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-46andRaising the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-49for more information.
TOP NOT SECURE
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop button is
released before the top open or close operation is
complete. Press and hold the retractable hardtop button
to fully open or close the top. SeeLowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
3-49

TOP OVER TEMP (Temperature)
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop button is
pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is too
hot. Wait for the hardtop pump motor to cool down
before using the retractable hardtop. SeeLowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for more information.
TOP TOO COLD
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop button is
pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is too
cold. Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up
before using the retractable hardtop. SeeLowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-46andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49for 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 2-13for more
information.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
The following personalization options may appear on
your vehicle’s audio display by pressing the MENU
button.The default settings for the features were set when your
vehicle left the factory, but may have been changed
from their default state since that time.
OIL LIFE RESET:When this option is displayed, you
can reset the engine oil life system. To reset the system,
seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-24.
UNITS:When UNITS appears on the display, press the
enter button to move between METRIC (default in
Canada) or ENGLISH (default in United States). When
you have made your choice, press the MENU button
to record your selection.
If you choose English, all information will be displayed
in English units.
If you choose metric, all information will be displayed in
metric units.
The unit measurement will also change the trip
odometer, temperature, and average fuel economy
displays.
TIRE LEARN?:This option is available on vehicles
without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system. After
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor,
the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) must re-learn
the tire positions. To re-learn the tire positions, see
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-70. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 5-77andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-46for more information.
3-50

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and
road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your
vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-4.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-34.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force
applied.
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 might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
4-3

The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If your vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning, you
can steer, but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their
work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have
antilock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand
too much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-6.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-8