transmission PONTIAC G3 2010 Owners Manual

Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Vehicle Features
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-20
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
1-1

Transmission
Automatic Transmission
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. Select hold mode to help
the vehicle maintain traction on slippery road surfaces,
such as snow, mud, or ice.
Press the HOLD button on the shift lever console to turn
on hold mode. Press the button again to turn off hold
mode, and return to normal automatic transmission
operation.
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.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3‑22.
Cold Weather Shifting
When operating the vehicle in severe cold conditions,
the transmission may be prevented from shifting into
D4 gear until the transmission fluid has warmed up to
it's operational temperature.
1-15

Five-Speed Manual Transmission
Up‐Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission may
have an up-shift light.
This light indicates when
to shift to the next higher
gear for better fuel
economy.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift
when the light comes on, if weather, road, and traffic
conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and off if the
accelerator position changes quickly. Ignore the
light during downshifts.
Reverse Lockout
The manual transmission is equipped with a lock
ring to prevent shifting into R (Reverse). To shift into
R (Reverse), press down the clutch pedal, lift up the ring
on the shift lever and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
See Manual Transmission Operation on page 3‑26.
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
Radio with CD shown
O:Press and release to turn the system on. Press
and hold this knob for more than two seconds to turn
the system off.
Turn to increase or decrease the volume.
When the system is on, press and release
Oto mute
the system. Press and release
Oagain to turn the
sound back on.
1-16

Section 3 Features and Controls
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Central Door Unlocking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Door Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Liftgate (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Automatic Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Manual Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . 3-29
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission) . . . . 3-31
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Outside Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Outside Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Outside Convex Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Outside Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
3-1

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

Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The engine will not start in any other position.
To restart the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in N (Neutral) and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and
start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm.
Notice: Holding the key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be
drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can
damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds
between each try to help avoid draining the battery
or damaging the starter.
2. If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again. Wait about 15 seconds between
each try.
When the engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, the vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run the engine at high speed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
3-19

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

Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D4 (Automatic Overdrive) : This position is for normal
driving.
When operating the vehicle in severe cold conditions,
the transmission may be prevented from shifting into
D4 gear until the transmission fluid has warmed up to
it's operational temperature.
Notice: If the vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you
could damage the transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive in 2 (Second)
when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h)
and D4 (Automatic Overdrive) for higher speeds
until then.
2 (Second) : This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use 2 (Second) on hills.
It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, while using the brakes off and on. Notice:
Do not drive in 2 (Second) at speeds over
65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the
transmission. Use D4 (Automatic Overdrive) as
much as possible. Do not shift into 2 (Second)
unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h)
or you can damage the engine.
1 (First) : This position gives you even more power but
lower fuel economy than 2 (Second). You can use it on
very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift
lever is put in 1 (First), the transmission will not shift into
first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
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 the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
If there is a malfunction with the automatic transmission,
the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the HOLD
indicator light will turn on or flash. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4‑29.
Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
3-24

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