wheel PONTIAC G3 2010 User Guide

Driver Side shown, Passenger Side similar
If your vehicle has seat-mounted side impact airbags for
the driver and right front passenger, they are in the side
of the seatbacks closest to the door.
{WARNING:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the airbag might not inflate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant and an airbag,
and do not attach or put anything on the steering
wheel hub or on or near any other airbag
covering.
Do not use seat accessories that block the
inflation path of a seat-mounted side impact
airbag.
2-61

Seat-mounted side impact airbags are not intended to
inflate 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.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inflated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs
were. For frontal airbags, inflation is determined by what
the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side
impact airbags, deployment is determined by the
location and severity of the side impact.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an
electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the
bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inflator,
the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the
airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering
wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with
seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag
modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to
the door.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel
or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside
of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety
belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact
more evenly over the occupant's upper body, stopping
the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact
airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly
over the occupant's upper body.
But airbags would not help in many types of collisions,
primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward
those airbags. SeeWhen Should an Airbag Inflate?
on
page 2‑62for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement to safety belts.
2-63

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add to or change aboutthe vehicle that could keep the airbags from
working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that change your 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,
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 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 sensing system. 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). See
Passenger Sensing
System on page 2‑65.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. 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 8‑2.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find 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 8‑2.
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.
2-71

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
{WARNING:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key
to LOCK/OFF will lock the steering column and
result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This
could cause a collision. If you need to turn the
engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
key only to ACC/ACCESSORY. Do not push the
key in while the vehicle is moving.Notice:
Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
LOCK/OFF : This position locks the steering wheel,
ignition, shift lever and transmission. This is the only
position in which you can insert or remove the key.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn't work, then the vehicle needs service.
ACC/ACCESSORY : This position operates some of
the electrical accessories, such as the radio, but not the
climate control system.
ON/RUN : This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories, and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running. If you
leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
START : This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving. Do not turn the
key to START if the engine is running.
3-18

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-Volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
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.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the
area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift
lever is located on the console between the seats.
Movement between certain positions requires pushing
the release button on the front of the shifter.
P (Park) : This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
3-22

{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 3‑29.
Ensure that the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
apply the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park)
when the key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park) while holding the brake pedal down, see
Shifting Out of Park on page 3‑30.
R (Reverse) : Use this gear to back up.
When shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), you need
to apply the brake pedal and push the release button on
the front of the shifter. Notice:
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see If
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on
page 5‑13.
N (Neutral) : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine while the
vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also,
use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
3-23

Hold Mode
If the vehicle's transmission has hold mode, you can
select this mode to allow the automatic transmission to
stay in a specific gear range.
Press the HOLD button on the shift lever console to turn
on hold mode. The HOLD light on the instrument panel
cluster will turn on. Press the button again to turn off
hold mode, and return to normal automatic transmission
operation.When hold mode is activated, the transmission runs as
follows:
Selector Lever Position Gear Range D4 Third Gear
2 Second Gear
1 First Gear
See Hold Mode Light on page 4‑27.
When Hold Mode is selected in D4 (Drive), the
transmission is held in 3 (Third) gear, which locks out
D4 (Drive). This allows for engine braking when slowing
from higher speeds.
When Hold Mode is selected in 2 (Second), the
transmission will start in 2 (Second) gear instead of
1 (First), helping to reduce wheel spin when starting out
on slippery surface such as snow, mud or ice.
Since selecting Hold Mode in D4 (Drive) locks the
transmission in 3 (Third), and prevents downshifts to
2 (Second) or 1 (First), acceleration from a stop or near
stop on dry pavement will be slower than expected.
Hold Mode should not be selected during these
situations.
3-25

Outside Power Mirrors
The control is located on
the instrument panel, left
of the steering wheel.
The ignition must be turned to ON/RUN to adjust the
mirrors.
To adjust the mirrors: 1. Select the mirror you want to adjust by moving the selector switch to L for the driver side mirror
or R for the passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold,
push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror
outward, to return to its original position.
Outside Convex Mirror
{WARNING:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could
hit a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror
or glance over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror's surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
For vehicles with this feature:
<(Rear Window Defogger): Press to heat the
mirrors. See “Rear Window and Outside Mirror
Defogger” underClimate Control System
on page 4‑15for more information.
3-35

Section 4 Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Tilt Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Windshield Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Exterior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Instrument Panel Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Dome Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Accessory Power Outlet(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Outlet Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . .4-20
Instrument Panel Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
Speedometer and Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-22
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . 4-27
Hold Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-27
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
4-1

Section 4 Instrument Panel
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Change Engine Oil Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Highbeam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) IndicatorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Fuel Gage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35 Audio System(s)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Radio with CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Using an MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
XM Radio Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
Fixed Mast Antenna (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
Backglass Antenna (Sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
4-2