Automatic Transaxle PONTIAC G6 2006 Owner's Manual

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your automatic
headlamp system will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on top of
the middle part of the instrument panel, so be sure it is
not covered which will cause the automatic headlamp
system to be on whenever the ignition is on.
The automatic headlamp system may also be on when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness Control” underInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-17.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For Canadian vehicles,
the transaxle must stay in PARK (P) (automatic
transaxle) or the parking brake must be set (manual
transaxle) for this function.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
3-16

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
When in manual shift mode, the odometer will change
from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for manual
mode, and a number indicating the requested gear
range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward.
For more information seeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-28.
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
Repair or replacement of your instrument panel
cluster should only be performed by a qualied
GM service center.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can display how far you have driven
since you last reset it.
For more information seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-46.
Tachometer
The tachometer
shows your engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
3-31

TOP MOVE COMPLT (Complete):If your vehicle has
a retractable hardtop, this message will display when
the retractable hardtop has lowered or raised
completely. SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-49andRaising the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-51for more information.
Top Not Allowed:If your vehicle has a retractable
hardtop with an automatic transaxle, this message will
display if the retractable hardtop button is pressed while
the vehicle is not in PARK (P). Make sure that the
vehicle is in PARK (P) when operating the retractable
hardtop. SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-49andRaising the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-51for more information.
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop with a manual
transaxle, this message will display if the retractable
hardtop button is pressed while the parking brake is not
set and/or the vehicle’s speed is greater than 2 mph
(3 km/h). Make sure that the parking brake is set and the
vehicle’s speed is lowered or the vehicle is stopped
when operating the retractable hardtop. SeeLowering
the Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49andRaising
the Retractable Hardtop on page 2-51for more
information.
TOP NOT SECURE:If your vehicle has a retractable
hardtop, this message will display when the retractable
hardtop button is released before the top open orclose operation is complete. Press and hold the
retractable hardtop button to fully open or close the top.
SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop on page 2-49
andRaising the Retractable Hardtop on page 2-51
for more information.
TOP OVER TEMP (Temperature):If your vehicle has
a retractable hardtop, this message will display when
the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the
hardtop pump motor temperature is too hot. Wait for the
hardtop pump motor to cool down before using the
retractable hardtop. SeeLowering the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-49andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-51for more information.
TOP TOO COLD:If your vehicle has a retractable
hardtop, this message will display when the retractable
hardtop button is pressed and the hardtop pump
motor temperature is too cold. Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to warm up before using the retractable
hardtop. SeeLowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 2-49andRaising the Retractable Hardtop
on page 2-51for more information.
TRUNK AJAR:This message will display when the
trunk lid of your vehicle is not closed completely.
You should make sure that the trunk lid is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-14for more
information.
3-51

LIGHT FLASH:If your vehicle has remote keyless
entry, this option which allows the vehicle’s exterior
perimeter lighting to ash every time the lock or unlock
button on the remote keyless entry transmitter is
pressed, can be enabled or disabled. When LIGHT
FLASH appears on the display, press the enter button
to move between OFF and ON. When you have
made your choice, press the MENU button to record
your selection. The initial setting from the factory is ON.
DELAY LOCK:The delayed locking option, which
delays the actual locking of the vehicle, can be enabled
or disabled. When DELAY LOCK appears on the
display, press the enter button to move between OFF
and ON. When you have made your choice, press
the MENU button to record your selection. The initial
setting from the factory is ON.
AUTO UNLK (Unlock):The automatic door unlocking
option, which allows the vehicle to automatically
unlock certain doors can be enabled or disabled. When
AUTO UNLK appears on the display, press the enter
button to move between ALL, DRIVER or NONE. When
you have made your choice, press and the MENU
button to record your selection. The initial setting from
the factory is ALL.If you have a manual transaxle vehicle, the door(s) will
automatically unlock when the ignition is turned off.
If you have an automatic transaxle vehicle, you can
select when the automatic unlocking will occur. See
“UNLK (Unlock) (Automatic Transaxle Only)” following.
SeeProgrammable Automatic Door Unlock on page 2-13
for more information.
UNLK (Unlock) (Automatic Transaxle Only):This
screen displays only if your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle and DRIVER or ALL is selected for the AUTO
UNLK option. This option determines when the
automatic door unlocking will occur, when either the key
is turned to OFF or the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
When UNLK appears on the display, press the enter
button to move between KEY OFF and SHIFT TO
P (Park). When you have made your choice, press the
MENU button to record your selection. The initial
setting from the factory is SHIFT TO P (Park). See
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock on page 2-13for
more information.
3-53

If you do not have anti-lock brakes, use a “squeeze”
braking technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing
pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
anti-lock brakes, it is different. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) on page 4-7.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
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
transaxle to limit wheel spin. Also, the traction control
system activates the appropriate corner brakes to gain
even quicker control to limit wheel spin.This light, located on the
instrument panel, will come
on when your Traction
Control System is limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
The Traction Control System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions except park or neutral. But the
system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the shift
lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use the
lower gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation on page 2-28.
4-9

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your 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 transaxle to limit wheel spin.
This light, located on the
instrument panel, will come
on when your Enhanced
Traction System is
limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced
traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.The Enhanced Traction System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions except park, neutral or reverse.
But the system can upshift the transaxle only as high as
the shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you should
use the lower gears only when necessary. See
Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-28.
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 Enhanced
Traction System on. But you can turn the system off if
you prefer.
To turn the system on or off, press the traction control
button located on the instrument panel. In order to
effectively “rock” the vehicle, you will need to turn off
the traction control system.
4-11

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing”
(towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you’ll
want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be
towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip on
page 4-24.
Dinghy Towing
If you have a 3.9L V6 engine with an automatic transaxle,
your vehicle cannot be dinghy towed.
For vehicles that can be dinghy towed with all four wheels
on the ground, follow these steps:
4-38

Dolly Towing
To tow your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and a
dolly, do the following:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. If you have an automatic transaxle, shift the
transaxle to PARK (P). If you have a manual
transaxle, shift the vehicle to SECOND (2).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.Notice:If you exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) while towing
your vehicle, it could be damaged. Never exceed
50 mph (80 km/h) while towing your vehicle.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.
4-40

Driving On Grades
When towing a trailer on long uphill grades and the
outside temperature is above 85°F (29°C), reduce your
vehicle speed to 45 mph (72 km/h) to avoid overheating
the engine cooling system.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle or into
gear for a manual transaxle. When parking uphill,
turn your wheels away from the curb. When parking
downhill, turn your wheels into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-46

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