traction control PONTIAC G6 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Headlamps Off in Park..................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-17
Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-28
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-29
Speedometer and Odometer..........................
.3-30
Trip Odometer..............................................3-30
Tachometer.................................................3-30
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-31
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-33
Charging System Light..................................3-34
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-35
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS)
Active Light..............................................3-36
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-36
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light.............................3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-37
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-38
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D.Cruise Control on page 3-10(If Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-42.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-29.
F.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-68
(If Equipped).
G.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
H.Ignition Positions on page 2-21.
I.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
J.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K.Audio System(s) on page 3-52.L.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
M.Fog Lamps on page 3-15(If Equipped).
N.Hood Release on page 5-13.
O.Horn on page 3-6.
P.Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24
orClimate Control System on page 3-20.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
S.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7
(If Equipped).StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
(If Equipped).
T.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-33.
U.Glove Box on page 2-43.
3-5

Cruise Control
If your vehicle has cruise control, a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can really help
on long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you are not
using cruise, you might hit a button and go into
cruise when you do not want to. You could be
startled and even lose control. Keep the cruise
control switch off until you want to use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons
are located on the steering
wheel.
3-10

J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
RES+ (Resume):Press this button to resume a set
speed and to accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press this button to set a speed and to
decrease the speed.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise control.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off symbol to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button comes on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET−symbol and release it. The cruise
symbol displays in the instrument panel cluster to
show the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) or Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
automatically disengages. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7. When road conditions allow, the
cruise control can be used again.
Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and the brakes are applied. This disengages the cruise
control. The cruise symbol in the instrument panel
cluster also goes out, indicating cruise is no longer
engaged. To return to the previously set speed,
you do not need to go through the set process again.
Once at a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, press the RES+ symbol briey.
This takes the vehicle back up and maintains the
previously chosen speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+ symbol. Hold it there until the
speed desired is reached and then release
the button.
To increase the vehicle speed in very small
amounts, press the RES+ symbol briey and then
release it. Each time this is done, the vehicle
goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
3-11

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are two accessory power outlets, located on the
center console below the climate controls. If the
vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS), one
accessory power outlet is in the center storage console
and the other is on the center console below the
climate controls.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged
into a power outlet, the battery may drain causing
the vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off the vehicle.Certain electrical accessories are not compatible with
the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on
the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-19

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the traction control
warning light comes on
and stays on, there may be
a problem with the
traction control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7for
more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Active Light
This light will appear when
the traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this light appears,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The light will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-7for more information.
StabiliTrak®Not Ready Light
For vehicles with the
StabiliTrak system, this
light comes on if there is a
problem detected with
the StabiliTrak
®system.
This light also comes on when the StabiliTrak system is
turned off.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with the
StabiliTrak system, this
light comes on when
the StabiliTrak
®system
is activated.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6.
3-36

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-7
Steering........................................................4-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-11
Passing.......................................................4-11
Loss of Control.............................................4-11Driving at Night............................................4-13
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-14
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-15
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-16
Winter Driving..............................................4-17
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................4-19
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-20
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-20
Towing..........................................................4-26
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-26
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-26
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-30
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-14.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2

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