automatic transmission PONTIAC G5 2010 Owner's Manual

Traction Control Operation
Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine
power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started, and it will activate and flash
the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that either of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
For more information on the LOW TRACTION message,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-35 .
Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to
spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, the
differential could be damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine
power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this message are displayed. Notice:
When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light flashes and the cruise
control automatically disengages. The cruise control can
be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See
Cruise Control on page 4-7 .
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
Modications on page 6-3 for more information.
5-10

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
The 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 transmission to limit wheel spin.
If the vehicle has ETS, there is not an ESC/TCS button
on the instrument panel. To turn the system off, shift
to L (Low) or R (Reverse). There is more information
about how to turn the system off later in this section.
The ETS indicator/warning light flashes and LOW
TRACTION appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the traction control system is actively limiting
wheel spin. The system may be heard or felt while it
is working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when the ETS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-7. The ETS indicator/warning light may come on for the
following reasons:
•The indicator/warning light flashes while the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin.
•If the system is turned off by moving the shift lever
to L (Low), the indicator/warning light comes on
and stays on. To turn the system back on, move the
shift lever back to a position other than L (Low).
The indicator/warning light should go off.
•The indicator/warning light will come on when the
parking brake is set with the engine running, and it
will stay on if the parking brake does not release fully.
If the transmission shift lever is in any position other
than L (Low) and the indicator/warning light stays on
after the parking brake is fully released, 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
indicator/warning light will come on.
5-11

If the ETS indicator/warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the transmission
shift lever is in any position other than L (Low), the
vehicle may need service.
When this light is on solid, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Check the DIC messaging to determine whether it is
because of the driver turning off the system, or that the
system may not be working properly and the vehicle
requires service. When this light is turned on, either the
SERVICE TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message
will be displayed.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-38 for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, ETS should always be left on. But the
system can be turned off if needed. To turn the system off, shift to L (Low) or R (Reverse).
When the system is turned off, the ETS indicator/warning
light will come on and stay on and the TRACTION OFF
message will be displayed when the gear shift is in
L (Low). The indicator/warning light and message will not
come on when the gear shift is in R (Reverse). If the ETS
is limiting wheel spin when the transmission is shifted to
L (Low) or R (Reverse) to turn the system off, the
indicator/warning light and TRACTION OFF will come on
in L (Low). But the system will not turn off right away.
It will wait until there is no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 4-38 for more information on the messages
associated with this light.
The system can be turned back on at any time by
shifting to D (Automatic Overdrive) or I (Intermediate).
The ETS indicator/warning light should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
Modications on page 6-3 for more information.
5-12

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 −750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, see Towing a
Trailer (Automatic Transmission) on
page 5-33 orTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transmission) on page 5-39 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety
rules, and trailering tips.
5-26

Dinghy Towing
Dinghy Towing From the Front
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front with four
wheels on the ground:1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY to unlock the steering wheel. 3. Shift an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or a
manual transmission to Neutral.
4. Release the parking brake.
To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove the following fuse from the floor
console fuse block: 8 (Ignition Switch, PASS-Key
®III+).
See Floor Console Fuse Block on page 6-103 for
more information.
Remember to reinstall the fuse once the destination has
been reached.
Notice: If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never
exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing the vehicle.
5-31

Dinghy Towing From the Rear
Notice:Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the vehicle towed
from the rear.
Dolly Towing
To dolly tow the vehicle from the front with two wheels
on the ground:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
3. Move the shift lever to P (Park) for an automatic transmission and in Neutral for a manual
transmission.
4. Set the parking brake.
5-32

5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-aheadposition with a clamping device designed for towing.
6. Remove the key from the ignition.
7. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
8. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle being towed is firmly attached to the towing vehicle.
Towing a Trailer (Automatic
Transmission)
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even
at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle. The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by
itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these
are important for your safety and that of your
passengers. So please read this section carefully before
pulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, rear axle, wheel assemblies and tires are
forced to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively
higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra
heat. The trailer also adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
5-33

If parking the rig on a hill:1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet for an automatic transmission, or into gear for a
manual transmission. Turn the wheels into the
curb if facing downhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply the parking brake, and then shift into P (Park) for an automatic
transmission or R (Reverse) for a manual
transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply the regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:
•Start the engine.
•Shift into a gear.
•Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (do
not overfill), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system
and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help to find them quickly. When trailering, it is a good
idea to review this information before starting the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are
tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on
page 6-27.
Towing a Trailer (Manual
Transmission)
Do not tow a trailer if the vehicle is equipped with a
manual transmission.
5-39

Service........................................................... .6-3
Accessories and Modifications ..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning .....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work .........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ..................................................... .6-5
Fuel ............................................................... .6-5
Gasoline Octane ........................................... .6-6
Gasoline Specifications ................................... .6-6
California Fuel .............................................. .6-6
Additives ...................................................... .6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries ...............................6-7
Filling the Tank ............................................. .6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood ....................6-10
Hood Release ............................................. .6-11
Engine Compartment Overview .......................6-12
Engine Oil .................................................. .6-13
Engine Oil Life System ................................. .6-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................6-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid .........................6-19
Hydraulic Clutch .......................................... .6-19
Cooling System ........................................... .6-20
Engine Coolant ............................................ .6-24
Engine Overheating ...................................... .6-27Windshield Washer Fluid
................................6-28
Brakes ....................................................... .6-29
Battery ....................................................... .6-33
Jump Starting .............................................. .6-34
Headlamp Aiming .......................................... .6-38
Bulb Replacement ......................................... .6-41
Halogen Bulbs ............................................. .6-41
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps ................................... .6-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) .........6-43
Taillamps
and Turn Signal Lamps (Coupe) .......6-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps (Sedan) .............................6-44
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe) ................................6-45
License Plate Lamp ..................................... .6-46
Replacement Bulbs ...................................... .6-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ..............6-47
Tires ............................................................. .6-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling .................................. .6-49
Tire Terminology and Definitions .....................6-52
Inflation - Tire Pressure .................................6-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System .........................6-56
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .....................6-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation ...........................6-62
When It Is Time for New Tires .......................6-64
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

{WARNING:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
flames if the engine backfires. If it is not there and
the engine backfires, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into the engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If
a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealer/retailer
service department and have it repaired as soon as
possible. Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance on page 7-3
, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Notice: Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives fluid from the brake master cylinder
reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 6-29 for more information.
6-19