sensor PONTIAC G6 2009 Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the
potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or
right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they
are only designed to inate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is
likely to be in time for the airbags to inate and
help restrain the occupants.
Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not
based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends
largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than
if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with specic vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash
severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal sensors,
which help the sensing system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal
impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inate at a level less than full deployment. For more
severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
Your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbags. Your
vehicle may or may not have roof-rail airbags. SeeAirbag
System on page 1-61. Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to inate in moderate to
severe side crashes. Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags will inate if the crash severity is above
the system’s designed threshold level. The threshold
level can vary with specic vehicle design.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are not
intended to inate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that
is struck. A roof-rail airbag is intended to deploy on the
side of the vehicle that is struck.
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The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
should be enabled (may inate) or not.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when
properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child
restraint for their weight and size.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child
restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an
older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are
large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger
airbag inates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the
inating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger airbag inates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), no
system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an
airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat,
even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.
1-70

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger sensingsystem. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-69.
If you have any questions, call Customer
Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.
1-75

Headlamps Off in Park
This feature works when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps
off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights
on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This function does not work for vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the headlamps
on for 20 seconds after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF,
then the headlamps automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. Fully functional DRL are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor
on top of the instrument panel that controls the DRL.
Do not cover this sensor or the head lamps will be
on when they are not needed.
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 P (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.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when they are needed.
3-14

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.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn 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 vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves 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. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in P (Park) for this
function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
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.
3-15

If the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) is chosen
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause the
vehicle to heat or cool faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on the headlamps.
Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the
lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed
for proper regulation.
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 the vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display initially shows “RS” 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):Turns off the entire climate control system.
Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to the
oor. This direction can be changed by adjusting the
air delivery mode position.
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
xwTemperature Control:Press the up and down
arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the air delivery settings.
3-25

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on page 1-61.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
xed immediately.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46
for more information.
3-32

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 5-76,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-69, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-67for 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 2-12,Lowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-44, andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-47for 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 2-44andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-47for 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 P (Park). Make sure that the
vehicle is in P (Park) when operating the retractable
hardtop. SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-44andRaising the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-47for 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 2-44andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-47for more information.
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 2-44andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-47for more information.
3-49

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 2-44andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 2-47for 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 2-12for 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,
seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-69.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-76and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for more
information.
REMOTE START:If your vehicle has this feature,
the remote start option can be enabled or disabled.
When REMOTE START appears on the display, press
the enter button to move between OFF and ON
(default). When you have made your choice, press the
MENU button to record your selection.
3-50

When dinghy towing the vehicle, the vehicle should be
run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop
for about ve minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication
of transmission components.
For vehicles that can be dinghy towed with all four wheels
on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.3. Set the parking brake.
4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle
is being towed, remove the following fuse from the
instrument panel fuse block: (IGN SENSOR). See
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-110for more
information.
5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to reinstall the IGN SENSOR fuse once the
destination has been reached.
Notice:If 65 mph (105 km/h) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing the vehicle.
4-27