check engine PONTIAC G6 2006 User Guide

Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if
you have recently replaced your battery or if your
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
If you have low engine oil
pressure, this light will stay
on after you start your
engine, or come on
and you will hear a chime
when you are driving.
This indicates that your engine is not receiving enough
oil. The engine could be low on oil, or could have
some other oil problem. Have it xed immediately.This light will come on briey when you turn on the
ignition as a check to show you it is working. If it does
not come on with the ignition on, you may have a
problem with the bulb. Have it xed right away.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
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CHANGE OIL SOON:This message will display
when the life of the engine oil has expired and it should
be changed.
When you acknowledge the Change Engine Oil
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-20,Engine Oil on
page 5-17, andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
CHECK CARGO TOP:If your vehicle has a retractable
hardtop, this message will display if the cargo divider
is not in place when operating the retractable hardtop.
Open the trunk and make sure the cargo divider is
secure and no objects are on the divider. SeeTrunk on
page 2-14,Lowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-49, andRaising the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-51for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP:This message will display if the gas
cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck
your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn
the message off.
DOOR AJAR:This message will display if one or more
of the vehicle’s doors are not closed properly. When
this message displays, you should make sure that the
door is closed completely.ENGINE DISABLED:This message will display if the
starting of the engine is disabled. Have your vehicle
serviced immediately by your GM dealer.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED:This
message will display to inform you that the vehicle has
reduced engine power to avoid damaging the engine.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message will display when
the outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW:This message will
display if the remote keyless entry transmitter battery is
low. You should replace the battery in the transmitter.
See “Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-5.
LOW COOLANT:This message will display when there
is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling
system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL:This message will display when your
vehicle is low on fuel. You should rell the fuel tank as
soon as possible. You will also see a low fuel warning
light on the instrument panel cluster. SeeLow Fuel
Warning Light on page 3-45,Fuel on page 5-5,
andFilling the Tank on page 5-8.
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LOW OIL LEVEL:This message may display on some
vehicles. For correct operation of the low oil sensing
system, your vehicle should be on a level surface.
A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may appear if the
vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil level sensing
system does not check for actual oil level if the engine
has been off for a short period of time, and the oil
level is never checked while the engine is running. If the
LOW OIL LEVEL message appears, and your vehicle
has been parked on level ground with the engine off for
at least 30 minutes, the oil level should be checked
by observing the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the
oil level, be sure the engine has been off for a few
minutes and your vehicle is on a level surface. Then
check the dipstick and add oil if necessary. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-17.
LOW WASHER FLUID:This message will display
when your vehicle is low on windshield washer uid. You
should rell the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
PARKING BRAKE:This message will display if the
parking brake is left engaged and you try to drive away.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-33for more information.
POWER STEERING:This message will display if
a problem has been detected with the electric power
steering, if equipped. Have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your GM dealer.SERVICE AIR BAG:There is a problem with the airbag
system when this message appears. Have your
vehicle serviced immediately by your GM dealer.
STABIL (StabiliTrak
®) NOT READY:When you rst
start your vehicle and drive away, especially during cold
winter weather, this message may display. This is
normal. The StabiliTrak
®performance is affected until
this message automatically clears from the DIC display.
If you acknowledge and clear this message by
pressing one of the DIC buttons, the StabiliTrak
®
system will not be ready. The system will only be ready
when this message clears from the DIC display on
its own. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-12for
more information.
TOP FAILED:If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop,
this message will display after ve unsuccessful
attempts at retractable hardtop operation. See your
GM dealer for service. SeeLowering the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-49andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-51for more information.
Top Inop (Inoperative) – Trunk:If your vehicle has a
retractable hardtop, this message will display if the
trunk lid is not completely closed when operating the
retractable hardtop. Make sure that the trunk lid is
closed when operating the retractable hardtop. See
Trunk on page 2-14,Lowering the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-49, andRaising the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-51for more information.
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EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS:If your vehicle has remote
keyless entry, this option which allows the vehicle’s
exterior perimeter lighting to turn on each time
the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter is pressed, can be enabled or disabled.
When EXT LIGHTS appears on the display, press the
enter button to move between ON and OFF. When
you have made your choice, press the MENU button to
record your selection. The initial setting from the
factory is ON.
LANGUAGE:To select your choice of language, press
the enter button to move between the optional
languages.
The languages are ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH,
and GERMAN.
Choosing a language will display all of the information
on the DIC in the desired language.
When you have made your choice, press the MENU
button for at least one second to record your selection.
The initial setting from the factory is ENGLISH.Audio System(s)
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
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, program your
favorite radio stations and XM™ channels (if equipped).
Set the tone and balance the way you like them.
Then when driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls (if equipped).
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
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Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes. ABS is an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, this warning light
on the instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive
away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself.
You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that
your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking while trying to
avoid the animal. Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel. See
Braking in Emergencies on page 4-8.
4-7

Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
4-25

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in at or rolling terrain.If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transaxle. These parts can work hard on
mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your 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 your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
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{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon
monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could
overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it
or smell it, so you might not know it is in your
vehicle. Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially any that is
blocking your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the wind. This will
help keep CO out.Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and
it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all
the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and
repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from
the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
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Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then
be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the
hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-37. Dirt and
water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer
or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not
attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly. And because you may have
anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle’s
brake system. If you do, both systems will not work well,
or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
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
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transaxle uid (do
not overll), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and
brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly. If you
are trailering, it is a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
4-47