traction control PONTIAC G5 2007 Owners Manual

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 166
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light........................................ 166
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 167
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 168
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 171
Security Light............................................ 172
Fog Lamp Light......................................... 172
Highbeam On Light................................... 173
Fuel Gage................................................. 173
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 174
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 174
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 177
DIC Vehicle Personalization....................... 179Audio System(s)......................................... 185
Setting the Time
(Without Date Display)........................... 186
Setting the Time (With Date Display)......... 187
Radio with CD (Base)............................... 189
Radio with CD (MP3)................................ 194
Using an MP3........................................... 205
XM Radio Messages................................. 212
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 214
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 214
Radio Reception........................................ 215
Care of Your CDs..................................... 216
Care of the CD Player.............................. 216
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................. 216
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 216
Section 3 Instrument Panel
134

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more 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 your 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 left side of the
steering wheel.
143

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.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control
on. The indicator light on the button will
come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET– part of the control button and
release it. The CRUISE ENGAGED message
will appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) to show the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage. See
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 226.
When road conditions allow, the cruise control can
be used again.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set the cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brake. This, of
course, disengages the cruise control. To return to
the previously set speed, you do not need to go
through the set process again. Once you are going
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can press
the RES+ part of the button briey.
This will take you back up to your previously
chosen speed and stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
1. Disengage the cruise control by applying the
brake pedal but do not turn it off. Accelerate
to a higher speed and reset the cruise control.
2. If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+ part of the button. Hold it there
until you get up to the speed desired, and then
release the button. To increase the vehicle
speed in very small amounts, press the RES+
part of the button briey and then release it.
Each time you do this, the vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
144

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come on
and stay on. To turn the system back on, move
the shift lever back to a position other than
LOW (L). The warning light should go off.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 226for more information.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running, and
it will stay on if your parking brake does not
release fully. If the transaxle shift lever is in any
position other than LOW (L) and the warning
light stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a problem with the
system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off
and the warning light will come on.
If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the transaxle shift lever is in any position
other than LOW (L), your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on
when the engine has
overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 290for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 290. Your vehicle could be damaged, and
it might not be covered by your warranty. Never
drive with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on.
This light will also come on when starting your
vehicle. If it doesn’t, have your vehicle serviced.
167

Exiting Personalization Menu
The personalization menu will be exited when any
of the following conditions occur:
A ten second time period has elapsed.
The ignition is turned off.
The end of the personalization menu list is
reached.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 218. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s audio
system, you can use it with less effort, as well as
take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system
by presetting your favorite radio stations,
setting the tone and adjusting the speakers.Then, when driving conditions permit, you can tune
to your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 218.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
185

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 218
Defensive Driving...................................... 218
Drunken Driving........................................ 219
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 222
Braking...................................................... 222
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 223
Braking in Emergencies............................. 225
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).............. 226
Steering.................................................... 227
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 230
Passing..................................................... 230
Loss of Control.......................................... 232
Driving at Night......................................... 234
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 235
City Driving............................................... 238Freeway Driving........................................ 239
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 240
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 241
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 241
Winter Driving........................................... 243
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 248
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 248
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 249
Towing........................................................ 254
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 254
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 254
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)......... 256
Towing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle)............................ 257
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
217

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your
vehicle go where you want it to go. They are
the brakes, the steering, and the accelerator.
All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. See
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 226.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 268.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 165.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition,
alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part.
So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at
60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
222

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions.
The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system reduces engine power and may
also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
A LOW TRACTION message will appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction
control system is actively limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
Enhanced Traction System begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
control. SeeCruise Control on page 143.When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on to let you know
there’s a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when
you’re driving, there may be a problem with
your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle
may need service. When this warning light is
on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
The Enhanced Traction System warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the
shift lever to LOW (L), the warning light
will come on and stay on. To turn the system
back on, move the shift lever back to a
position other than LOW (L). The warning light
should go off.
226

The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running,
and it will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. If the transaxle shift
lever is in any position other than LOW (L) and
the warning light stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means there is
a problem with the system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.
If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the transaxle shift lever is in any
position other than LOW (L), your vehicle needs
service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 268for more information.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
electric power steering system is not functioning,
you can steer, but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction
several times until it stops, or hold the steering
wheel in the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount
of power steering assist. The normal amount of
power steering assist should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not
require regular maintenance. If you suspect
steering system problems and/or the POWER
STEERING message comes on, contact
your dealer for service repairs. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 177.
227

Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on
the condition of your tires and the road surface, the
angle at which the curve is banked, and your
speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both
control systems — steering and braking — have
to do their work where the tires meet the road.
Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes,
adding the hard braking can demand too much of
those places. You can lose control.The same thing can happen if you are steering
through a sharp curve and you suddenly
accelerate. Those two control systems — steering
and acceleration — can overwhelm those
places where the tires meet the road and make
you lose control. SeeEnhanced Traction System
(ETS) on page 226.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the
vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you
should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted
speeds are based on good weather and road
conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will
want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while
your front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 268.
228