ESP PONTIAC G6 2009 Owners Manual

or the safety belts!
With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does.
You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance,
and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why
safety belts make such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Safety
Belts
Q:Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I
am wearing a safety belt?
A:Youcouldbe — whether you are wearing a safety
belt or not. But your chance of being conscious
during and after an accident, so youcanunbuckle
and get out, ismuchgreater if you are belted.
And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are
upside down.
Q:If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to
wear safety belts?
A:Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they
workwithsafety belts — not instead of them.
Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants
still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
That is true not only in frontal collisions, but
especially in side and other collisions.
1-18

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance of
being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if
the doors are not locked. So, wear safety
belts properly and lock the doors whenever
you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked vehicles
may be unable to get out. A child can be
overcome by extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever
you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or, if your vehicle has
one, the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Turn the key counterclockwise to unlock the door.
Turn the key clockwise to lock the door.
From the inside, use the manual lock knobs or the
power lock switches.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switches are located on the
driver’s and front passenger’s door.
Press the outboard side of the switch to unlock all
doors. Press the inboard side of the switch to lock
all doors.
The rear doors do not have power door lock switches.
Rear seat passengers must use the manual lock
knob on their doors.
Door Ajar Reminder
A chime will sound and the DOOR AJAR message
will display if one of the doors is not fully closed. This
happens when the ignition is on and the shift lever is
moved out of P (Park) or N (Neutral). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-46.
2-9

Windows
{CAUTION:
Leaving children, helpless adults, or pets in a
vehicle with the windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by the extreme heat and
suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a
pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
2-14

Sun Visors
Swing down the visors to block glare. The visors can be
removed from the center mount and swung to the side.
It can be moved along the rod from side-to-side in this
position also.
Your vehicle may have lighted vanity mirrors on the
driver’s and passenger’s visors. When you lift the cover,
the light will turn on.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however,
they do not make it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have
a content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Arming the System
With the ignition off, press the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter lock button to arm the system.
The system will arm 30 seconds after all the doors are
closed, or 60 seconds with any door open.
If you press the lock button on the transmitter a second
time while all the doors are closed, the system will arm
immediately. The system will still arm in 60 seconds if a
door is open. When the open door is closed, the system
will arm.
The security light, located on the instrument panel
cluster, comes on to indicate that arming has been
initiated. Once the system is armed, the security light
ashes once every three seconds.
If the security light is ashing twice per second, this
means that a door is open.
If the system is armed and the key is used to unlock the
vehicle, the alarm will be activated.
If you do not want to arm the content theft system, lock
the vehicle with the manual lock knob on the doors or with
the inside power door lock switches.
The alarm will sound and the exterior lights will ash if
any door is opened while armed.
2-17

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, repeat these steps. 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 conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicle
with an 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).
2-24

Manual Shift Mode (MSM)
To use this feature,
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward and
then to the right into the M (Manual Mode).
While driving in manual mode, the transmission will
remain in the driver selected gear.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The odometer display on the instrument panel
cluster will change from vehicle 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 3-30for more information.
While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have rmer
shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for
sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer
or to downshift for more power or engine braking.The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
The transmission will not shift to the next higher
gear if the engine RPM is too low.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change,
or detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-38for more information.
2-29

OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and stock
quotes. Press the phone button and give a few simple
voice commands to browse through the various topics.
See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the continental U.S.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle
was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place wherethe wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas,
or at all times.
Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard. If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, the system may not be functioning properly.
Press the OnStar button and request a vehicle
diagnostic. If the light appears clear (no light is
appearing), your OnStar subscription has expired and
all services have been deactivated. Press the OnStar
button to conrm that the OnStar equipment is active.
2-42

Playing a Specic Loaded CD
For every CD loaded, a number appears on the display.
To play a specic CD, press the numbered pushbutton
that corresponds to the CD to be played. A small
bar appears under the CD number that is playing, and
the track number displays.
If an error displays, see “CD Messages” later in this
section.
s(Fast Reverse):Press and hold to reverse quickly
within a track. Sound is heard at a reduced volume.
Release to play the passage. Depending on the radio,
T# (track number), the elapsed time, and REV displays.
\(Fast Forward):Press and hold to advance quickly
within a track. Sound is heard at a reduced volume.
Release to play the passage. Depending on the radio,
T#, the elapsed time, and FWD displays.
RPT (Repeat):With repeat, one track or an entire CD
can be repeated.
To use repeat:
To replay a track, press and release the RPT
button. REPEAT ON and RPT displays. Press again
to turn off repeat play. REPEAT OFF displays
and RPT disappears from the display.
To replay a CD on the Radio with Six-Disc CD,
press and hold the RPT button for more than
two seconds. REPEAT ON and RPT displays.
Press again to turn off repeat play. REPEAT OFF
displays and RPT disappears from the display.
RDM (Random):With the random setting, the tracks
can be listened to in random, rather than sequential,
order, on one CD or on all of the CDs.
To use random:
To play the tracks on the CD in random order,
press the RDM button. Depending on the radio,
RANDOM, T# (tracks), and RDM displays. Press
again to turn off random play. RANDOM OFF
displays and RDM disappears from the display.
To play the tracks on all of the CDs that are loaded
in the Radio with a Six-Disc CD player, in random
order, press and hold the RDM button for more than
two seconds. A beep sounds, RANDOM ALL CDS,
and RDM displays. Press again to turn off
random play. RANDOM OFF displays and RDM
disappears from the display.
3-62

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power
outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels
during the day, and then reduce these levels during the
night. Static can also occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Although the radio has a built-in electronic circuit that
automatically works to reduce interference, some static
can occur, especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to
fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under
heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s
battery, or simply having the phone on. This interference
causes an increased level of static while listening to
the radio. If static is received while listening to the radio,
unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged as long as it is securely attached
to the base. If the mast becomes slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Occasionally check to make sure the antenna is
tightened to its base. If tightening is required,
tighten by hand.
3-69

Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your
reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision
if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home
in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.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 the 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
the vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-7andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-4.
4-3