brake PONTIAC G5 2008 User Guide

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your automatic transmission vehicle
with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in
PARK (P) and your parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without rst pulling it toward you. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift into
PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
You may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever out of
PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P)
properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To nd
out how, seeShifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-33.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-34

Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-34for more
information.To shift out of PARK (P):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
down, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and
rmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has
been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal
pressed down, you can turn the ignition key to
OFF/LOCK, remove the key and release the clutch
pedal. SeeManual Transmission Operation on
page 2-30.
2-35

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-36.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-20.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-33.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer (Manual Transmission)
on page 4-32orTowing a Trailer (Automatic
Transmission) on page 4-32.
2-37

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-14
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-17
Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-32
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-32
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-33
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-34
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-34
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light........................................................3-35
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-36
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-36
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-37
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-40
Security Light...............................................3-40
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-40
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Fuel Gage...................................................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brake is applied. This disengages the
cruise control. To return to the previously set speed,
you do not need to go through the set process again.
Once the vehicle is traveling at least 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more, press the RES+ part of the button briey.
The vehicle returns to the previously selected speed and
stays 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 this is
done, the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
Push and hold the SET– part of the button until the
lower speed desired is reached, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, push the
SET– part of the button briey. Each time this
is done, the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle’s
speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the cruise control speed you
set earlier.
3-12

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control will work on hills depends
upon the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to
step on the accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s
speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s speed
down. Applying the brake will turn off the cruise control.
Many drivers nd this to be too much trouble and do
not use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to end cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal or the clutch pedal if
the vehicle has a manual transmission. This will
only end the current cruise control session.
Press the cruise controlJon/off button to turn the
system completely off.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
3-13

Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when the engine is
started. If it does not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set the parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does
not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. Make sure the parking brake is
fully released. You may notice that the pedal is harder
to push or, the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-30.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service. United States
Canada
3-33

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, your vehicle still has brakes, but
not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, your vehicle does not have antilock
brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-33.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-44for all
brake related DIC messages.
Enhanced Traction System
Indicator/Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Enhanced Traction System
(ETS), this light will serve
as an indicator and warning
light.
This indicator/warning light should come on briey as
you start the engine.
If the indicator/warning light does not come on, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the indicator/warning light is on and not ashing, the
ETS system may have been disabled. Check all related
Driver Information Center (DIC) messages to determine
whether the system has been turned off or if the system is
not working properly and your vehicle requires service. If
the ETS has been disabled, wheel spin will not be limited.
If the indicator/warning light is on and ashing, the ETS is
actively working. The LOW TRACTION DIC message
will also appear when the system is actively limiting
wheel spin.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-44for more
information.
3-34

BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-33for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-16andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soonas you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeTires on page 5-48,Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-25, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-42. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-36.
COOLING MODE ON
This message may display on some vehicles. Under
severe conditions, hot ambient temperatures, steep
grades, and towing, your vehicle may experience more
transmission shifting. This is temporary and normal
under these conditions. This does not require engine or
transmission service.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
3-45

ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in
the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4.
LEARN COMPLETE
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) has completed the tire
learning process. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-56for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 3-41,Fuel on page 5-5, andFilling the
Tank on page 5-8for more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message
displays and the ETS light or the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster ashes when the system is
actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may
exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your
driving accordingly. This message stays on for a few
seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9or
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light on page 3-34
orElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-35for
more information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32for more
information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.
3-47