climate control PONTIAC G6 2006 User Guide

?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and the
vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors from entering
your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light above the button will come on to let you
know that it is activated. The recirculation indicator light
will blink three times if you try to use recirculation in a
mode that it can not be used in. Only use this mode when
it is needed for comfort, since window fogging will rapidly
occur if the air conditioning compressor is not engaged.
Pressing this button will cancel the outside air mode.
When you switch to the defog or defrost modes the
system will automatically move from recirculation to
outside air. When you move the mode knob back to
another air delivery mode, the system will move back into
recirculation. When the vehicle or fan is turned off and
back on, the system will default to outside air
automatically. Only use recirculation mode when it is
needed for comfort, since window fogging may occur.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
When it’s cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warmsthe coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-27.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When the air conditioning
button is pressed, an indicator light will come on to let you
know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select air conditioning.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.
3-21

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode splits the air between the
windshield and the oor outlets with a small amount
directed to the side windows. When you select this
mode, the system turns off recirculation automatically.
The air-conditioning compressor will run unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The
air-conditioning compressor will operate although the
indicator light will not be on. The air-conditioning
indicator light will turn off when defog is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed while in defog
mode, the indicator light will turn on. If the button is
pressed again, the light will turn off. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield with some air directed to the oor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force outside
air into your vehicle. The air-conditioning compressor
will run unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The air-conditioning compressor will
operate although the indicator light will not be on. The
air-conditioning indicator light will turn off when defrost is
selected. If the air-conditioning button is pressed
while in defrost mode, the indicator light will turn on. If
the button is pressed again, the light will turn off.
Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
3-22

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light will come on
to let you know that the rear window defogger is
activated. Be sure to clear as much snow from the rear
window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger will turn off about 15 minutes after the button
is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger will only
run for about seven minutes before turning off. The
defogger can also be turned off by pressing the button
again or by turning off the engine.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger will remain on once
the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger will automatically be turned on if it is cold
outside. The indicator light will be on. When the vehicle
transitions out of the remote start mode, the rear
defogger will turn off.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can automatically
control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your
vehicle.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control knobs to
activate the automatic system. When automatic
operation is active the system will control the inside
temperature and air delivery.
3-23

Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Place the fan knob and the mode knob to AUTO.
The display will now show the current set
temperature. When auto is selected, the air
conditioning operation and air inlet will be
automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run when the outside temperature
is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally
be set to outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air
inlet may automatically switch to recirculate inside
air to help quickly cool down your vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with an initial
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes for
the system to regulate. Press the up or down
arrow temperature buttons to adjust the temperature
setting as necessary. If you choose the temperature
setting of 60°F (15°C) the system will remain at
the maximum cooling setting. If you choosethe temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) the system
will remain at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting will not cause the vehicle
to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield. This
sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on your headlamps.
Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the
lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed
for proper regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system will delay turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends
on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the
fan knob will override this delay and change the fan
to a selected speed.
3-24

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display will initially show “AS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The system will automatically regulate the
temperature according to the following:
If inside air temperature is below 72°F (22°C), the
system will automatically adjust to the following
settings: highest fan speed, defrost mode,
recirculation, and the full heat position.
If inside air temperature is above 79°F (26°C) the
system will automatically adjust to the following
settings: highest fan speed, panel mode,
recirculation, and full cold position.
If inside air temperature is between 72°F (22°C)
and 79°F (26°C), the system will adjust
automatically to the following settings: medium fan
speed, panel mode, recirculation, and the full
cold position.
The climate control will change back to manual
operation by turning on the vehicle with the key.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air will still
enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the oor. This
direction can be changed by changing the mode
position. The temperature can also be adjusted using
either the up or down arrow temperature buttons.
9(Fan):The knob with the fan symbol allows you to
manually adjust the fan speed.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets.
3-25

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to
the oor outlets with some air directed to the side
window outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button to
turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is selected,
air from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout your
vehicle. When the button is pressed, an indicator light will
come on to let you know that it is activated. The outside
air mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot be
used with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button will
cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and the
vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode is
helpful when you are trying to limit odors from entering
your vehicle and for maximum air conditioningperformance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in. Only
use this mode when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging will rapidly occur if the air conditioning
compressor is not engaged.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system will
revert to the auto recirculation function.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or oor,
the light on the button will ash three times and go
out to let you know this is not allowed. This is to prevent
window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. You will want to allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
3-26

When the system is on,
this warning light, located
on the instrument panel
cluster, will come on to let
you know if there’s a
problem, or if the system
has been turned off.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Traction Control
System on. But you can turn the system off if you
prefer.
To turn the system on or off, press the traction control
button (TC) located under the climate controls. In
order to effectively “rock” the vehicle, you will need to
turn off TCS.If you press the TC button once, the traction control
system will turn off and the traction control system
warning light will come on. The StabiliTrak
®system will
stay on. Press the TC button again to turn the system
back on. The traction control system warning light will go
off. If you press and hold the TC button, the StabiliTrak
®
system and the traction control system will turn off.
Press the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak®and the
traction control system back on. For more information,
seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-12.
When you turn the system off, the Traction Control
System warning light will come on and stay on. If the
Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button to turn the system off, the warning
light will come on – but the system won’t turn off right
away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current need to
limit wheel spin.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-10

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specied government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-70

Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Audio Steering Wheel Controls..............3-86, 3-87
Backglass Antenna......................................3-89
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-88
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-88
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-88
Radio with CD....................................3-56, 3-61
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-71
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-55
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-55
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-86
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-87
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-89
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-23
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-12
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..................................................5-23, 5-24
Operation...................................................2-28
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-89
Battery..........................................................5-42
Run-Down Protection...................................3-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-24Bench Seat, Split (60/40)................................... 1-9
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-33
System Warning Light..................................3-36
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-26
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-22
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................5-52, 5-53, 5-54
Buying New Tires...........................................5-68
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
2

Capacities and Specications..........................5-105
Carbon Monoxide...................2-14, 2-37, 4-27, 4-40
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your CD and DVD Player.............................3-88
Your CDs and DVDs....................................3-88
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-45
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-51
Chains, Tire...................................................5-73
Charging System Light....................................3-36
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-94
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-52
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-39
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-93
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-91
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-89Cleaning (cont.)
Finish Care.................................................5-92
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-90
Tires..........................................................5-93
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-94
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-91
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-92
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Automatic...................................................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-26
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-27
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-86
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-19
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-46
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-27
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-30
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-17
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
3