transmission PONTIAC G5 2010 Owner's Guide

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
•Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
5-20

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area
around the front wheels. Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a forward gear, or with a manual
transmission, between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 5-30.
Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certification label.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the vehicle.
5-24

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

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
•There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
transmission or other parts could be damaged.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
•Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
•Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted
speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph
(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
•Do not tow when the outside air temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
•Do not tow more than 1,000 miles (1 600 km)
per year.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer
•The weight of the trailer tongue
•Weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg). But
even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in
this section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice. Also, see
Customer Assistance Offices on
page 8-6 for more information.
5-34

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transmission temperatures
may result and damage the vehicle. Frequent
stops are very important to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear beforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to reduce
engine load. See
Engine Overheating on page 6-27 .
When towing under severe conditions such as hot
ambient temperatures or steep grades, the vehicle may
experience more transmission shifting. A COOLING
MODE ON message may also appear in the DIC. This
alerts the driver that the shifting mode is in progress
and is aiding engine cooling. See DIC Warnings
and Messages on page 4-38 DIC Warnings and
Messages for more information.Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
5-38

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