Power steering PONTIAC G6 2006 Owners Manual

What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?
After the airbag inates, it quickly deates, so quickly
that some people may not even realize the airbag
inated. Some components of the airbag module — the
steering wheel hub for the driver’s airbag, the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s bag, the
side of the seatback closest to the door for the
seat-mounted side impact airbags (if equipped) and the
area along the ceiling of your vehicle near the side
windows for the roof–mounted side impact airbags
(if equipped) — will be hot for a short time. The parts of
the bag that come into contact with you may be
warm, but not too hot to touch. There will be some
smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deated
airbags. Airbag ination does not prevent the driver from
seeing or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
stop people from leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
When an airbag inates, there is dust in the
air. This dust could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of asthma or other
breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in
the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe
to do so. If you have breathing problems but
cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag
inates, then get fresh air by opening a
window or a door. If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag deployment, you
should seek medical attention.
Your vehicle may have a feature that will automatically
unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, turn the
hazard warning ashers on, and turn off the HVAC,
when the airbags inate (if battery power is available).
You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off,
turn the hazard warning ashers off and turn the HVAC
on by using the controls for those features.
1-64

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
B. Side Window Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-29.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls (Three Spoke)
on page 3-86orAudio Steering Wheel Controls
(Four Spoke) on page 3-87.
G. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
J. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
L. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-26.M. Instrument Panel Brightness Control.
SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
N. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-17.
O. Hood Release Handle. SeeHood Release on
page 5-11.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
Q. Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23orClimate Control
System on page 3-20.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-28orManual Transaxle Operation on
page 2-32.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
T. Traction Control System Button (If Equipped),
Enhanced Traction System Button (If Equipped),
and/or StabiliTrak
®(If Equipped). SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9orEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-11and/or
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-12.
U. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-45.
3-5

Security Light
For information regarding
this light, see
Theft-Deterrent Systems
on page 2-19.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on
whenever you set your
cruise control.
The light will go out when the cruise control is turned
off. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
Highbeam On Light
This light will come on
when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light will come on
and a chime will sound if
it detects a problem on
the vehicle.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a
message such as Low Coolant, Power Steering, Engine
Reduced Power, etc. These messages may help you
determine why the service vehicle soon indicator is on.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48.If
this happens, see your GM dealer for necessary repairs
to maintain top vehicle performance.
3-44

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.
3-50

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(Four Spoke)
If your vehicle has this feature, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include
the following:
xSEEKw:Press the up or the down arrow to go to
the next or to the previous radio station and stay
there. The radio will only seek stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
When a CD is playing, press the up or the down arrow
to go to the next or previous track.
BAND:Press this button to switch between FM1, FM2,
AM, or XM1 or XM2 (if equipped).1–6 (Preset Pushbuttons):Press this button to play
stations that are programmed on the radio preset
pushbuttons. The radio will only seek preset stations
with a strong signal that are in the selected band.
When a CD is playing in the six-disc CD changer, press
this button to go to the next available CD, if multiple
CDs are loaded.
xuw(Volume):Press the up or the down arrow
to increase or to decrease the volume.
>(Mute):Press this button to silence the system.
Press this button again, or any other radio button, to turn
the sound on.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
listening to the radio, a CD, or a remote device.
The inactive CD will remain safely inside the radio for
future listening.
Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and static
during normal radio reception if items such as cellphone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and
external electronic devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static,
unplug the item from the accessory power outlet.
3-87

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

StabiliTrak®comes on automatically whenever you start
your vehicle. To help assist you with directional
control of the vehicle, you should always leave the
system on. You can turn the traction control system and
StabiliTrak
®off if you ever need to by pressing and
holding the TC (traction control) on/off button. Press the
TC button again to turn StabiliTrak
®and the traction
control system back on. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the StabiliTrak
®
activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. See
Cruise Control on page 3-10for more information.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If your vehicle has the electric power steering system
and the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue to operate
until you are able to stop your vehicle. If you lose power
steering assist because the electric power steering
system is not functioning, you can steer, but it will take
more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, youmay notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should
return shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48and
Service Vehicle Soon Light on page 3-44.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If your vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning, you
can steer, but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
4-13

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (2.4L LE5 and
3.5L LX9 Engines).....................................5-23
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (3.9L LZ9 Engine). . . .5-24
Manual Transaxle Fluid..................................5-26
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-27Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-30
Engine Overheating.......................................5-30
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-32
Cooling System............................................5-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Sedan)...................................................5-51
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Retractable Hardtop and Coupe).................5-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Sedan).......................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Coupe).......................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Retractable Hardtop). . . .5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
C. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (out of view). See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid (2.4L LE5 and 3.5L LX9 Engines) on
page 5-23
orAutomatic Transaxle Fluid (3.9L LZ9 Engine)
on page 5-24.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
F. Engine Coolant Reservoir. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27.
G. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-39.
H. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-100.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-17

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless a leak is suspected in the system, or
an unusual noise is heard. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level
on the dipstick
The uid level should be within the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
If the uid is at or below the ADD mark on the dipstick,
add just enough uid to bring the level within the
crosshatched area.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-37