towing PONTIAC G6 2006 Owner's Manual

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

If there is still no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while you are parked. If you still have the
warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate
an overheat condition exists. Driving extended
miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the overheat
protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Engine Cooling Fans
B. Engine Coolant Reservoir3.5L LX9 Engine shown, 2.4L LE5 and 3.9L LZ9
Engines similar
5-32

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Power
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-19
Door Locks.................................................2-11
Electrical System.........................................5-97
Lift Seat....................................................... 1-8
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-24
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-37
Windows....................................................2-17
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-29
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock...............2-13
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radios..........................................................3-54
Care of Your CD and DVD Player..................3-88
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................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............................................3-86Radios (cont.)
Understanding Reception..............................3-87
Raising the Retractable Hardtop........................2-51
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-23
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming
with Compass.............................................2-41
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®and Compass.................................2-39
Rearview Mirror with OnStar®...........................2-39
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-39
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-4
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-38
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-5
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-76
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-71
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-72
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-24
10

Tires (cont.)
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-83
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-59
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-71
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-67
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-38
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-40
Your Vehicle...............................................4-38
Traction
Control System Active Light..........................3-38
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-38
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)...................4-11
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Active Light.............................................3-39
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-38
StabiliTrak
®System.....................................4-12
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-23, 5-24
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-26
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-28
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-32
Trip Odometer................................................3-31Trunk............................................................2-14
Trunk Lamps..................................................3-18
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-87
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-70
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Parking Your...............................................2-36
Service Soon Light......................................3-44
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-96
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-96
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-52
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Visors...........................................................2-19
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