check engine light PONTIAC G5 2008 Owners Manual

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off to indicate the
engine is off.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN and then
LOCK/OFF.
Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times, per
ignition cycle, using the transmitter’s remote start
feature.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the
rst 10 minutes will immediately expire and the
second 10 minute time frame will start.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-37.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50for additional
information.
2-8

PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be
a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn
the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-97. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needsservice. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-7, for more information.
It may be possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder
to “learn” the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the
vehicle. The following procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the currently programmed
keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your
dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have keys made and programmed to
the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see
your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
2-19

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This section describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when you start the engine
just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
as you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-25

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-51.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash
for a few seconds.
The light should go out
and the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when you start the engine. If the light does not come on
then, have it xed immediately. If there is a problem with
the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-44for more information.
3-29

Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn on
the ignition key, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-44
for more information. This light could indicate that there
are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
Your vehicle may have an
up-shift light.
When this light comes on, you should shift to the next
higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions allow
you to.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 2-30
for more information.
3-32

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

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
This light is located in the
center of the instrument
panel cluster.
For vehicles that have the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the Traction Control System (TCS),
this indicator/warning light should come on briey when
the engine is started.
If the indicator/warning light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem. This light, along with the appropriate Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages, indicates when the
ESC system and the TCS are working or are disabled.If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled. Check
your DIC messaging to determine which feature(s) is
no longer functioning and whether it is because of
the driver turning off the feature(s), or the system may
not be working properly and your vehicle requires
service. If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin will not be
limited. If the ESC system is disabled, the system
will not aid in maintaining vehicle directional control.
In either case, adjust your driving accordingly.
If the light is on and ashing, the TCS or the ESC
system is actively working. Check the DIC messaging
for details to determine which system is working.
If the LOW TRACTION message appears, the system
is limiting wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE message
appears, the system is aiding in maintaining vehicle
directional control.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-10and
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-44for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.
3-35

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 5-22for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-22.
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 briey when starting your
vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle has a tire
pressure light.
This light comes on briey when the engine is started
and provides information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-44for more
information. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinated, inate to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 5-48for more information.
3-36

When the Light Flashes First and Then
is Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes for about
a minute and stays on solid for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with every
ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-56for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
The check engine light
comes on to indicate that
there is an OBD II
problem and service is
required.Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
3-37

This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system
on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the ignition off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
3-38