check engine light PONTIAC G6 2006 Owners Manual

If you enter the vehicle after a remote start, and the
engine is still running, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn to ON to drive the vehicle.
4. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off to indicate
the engine is off.
Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at
the vehicle and press and release the remote
start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch ON and then OFF.
Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times, per
ignition cycle, using the transmitter’s remote start
feature. If only one remote start procedure has been
done, since last driving the vehicle, or resetting
the remote start system, the engine may be started
again remotely by following the remote start procedure
a second time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before the
rst 10 minute time frame has ended, 10 minutes will be
added to the remaining time. The added 10 minutes
are considered a second remote start.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-40.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-52for additional
information.
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PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light comes on, the key
may have a damaged transponder. Turn the ignition
off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
on page 5-97. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance.It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to “learn”
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed for
the vehicle. The following procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the currently programmed
keys are lost or do not operate, you must see your
dealer or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+
to have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start,
see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to OFF,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to the
ON position within ve seconds of removing the
original key.
5. The SECURITY light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
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Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Please follow this
manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly — and even dangerous. So please get to know
your warning lights and gages. They are a big help.
Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you
know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will
know how fast you are going, how much fuel you
have, and many other things you will need to drive safely
and economically.
3-29

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes
on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot! It
means that your engine coolant has overheated. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-30.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The check engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction. United States
Canada
3-40

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
3-41

If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install
the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x any
mechanical or electrical problems that may have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help your
vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.
3-42

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.
3-43

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.
3-49

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.
3-54

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.
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