fuel PONTIAC G6 2007 User Guide

Information Mode
INFO/4(Information):Press this button to scroll
through the vehicle information mode displays
in the following order:
TRIP A
TRIP B
FUEL RANGE (Fuel Range Until Empty)
ECON (Average Fuel Economy)
AV SPEED (Average Vehicle Speed)
OIL LIFE (Engine Oil Life System)
TRIP A or TRIP B:Press the information button
until TRIP A or TRIP B is displayed. This
shows the current distance traveled since the last
reset for each trip odometer in either miles (mi)
or kilometers (km). Both odometers can be used at
the same time. Each trip odometer can be reset
to zero separately by pressing and holding
the enter button for a few seconds while the
desired trip odometer is displayed.FUEL RANGE:Press the information button until
FUEL RANGE is displayed. This shows the
remaining distance you can drive without refueling.
It is based on fuel economy and the fuel
remaining in the tank.
When the fuel level is low, FUEL RANGE LOW
displays.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel
range is an average of recent driving conditions.
As your driving conditions change, this data is
gradually updated. Fuel range cannot be reset.
ECON (Economy):Press the information button
until ECON is displayed. Average fuel economy is
how many miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km) your vehicle is getting
based on current and past driving conditions.
Press and hold the enter button while ECON is
displayed to reset the average fuel economy.
Average fuel economy will then be calculated
starting from that point. If the average fuel economy
is not reset, it will be continually updated each time
you drive.
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BRAKE FLUID:This message displays to inform
the driver that the brake uid level is low while the
ignition is in ON. The brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 199for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON:This message displays
when the life of the engine oil has expired and it
should be changed.
When you acknowledge the CHANGE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, you
still must reset the engine oil life system
separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 328,Engine Oil on page 325, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 431for more information.
CHECK CARGO TOP:If your vehicle has a
retractable hardtop, this message displays 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 113,
Lowering the Retractable Hardtop on page 154,
andRaising the Retractable Hardtop on page 157
for more information.CHECK GAS CAP:This message displays if the
fuel cap has not been fully tightened. Recheck
the fuel cap to make sure that it is on properly.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the message off.
DOOR AJAR:This message displays if one or
more of the vehicle’s doors are not closed
properly. When this message displays, make sure
that the door is closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED:This message displays if
the starting of the engine is disabled. Have
your vehicle serviced immediately by your dealer.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED:This
message displays to inform you that the vehicle
has reduced engine power to avoid damaging the
engine. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
while this message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, the vehicle should be taken to your
dealer for service as soon as possible.
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ICE POSSIBLE:This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create
icy road conditions. Adjust your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW:This message
displays if the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in
the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 101.
LOW FUEL:This message displays along with a
low fuel warning light on the instrument panel
cluster when your vehicle is low on fuel. Rell the
fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeLow Fuel
Warning Light on page 208,Fuel on page 310,
andFilling the Tank on page 313.
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. 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 levelground with the engine off for at least 30 minutes,
the oil level should be checked by looking at 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 325.
LOW WASHER FLUID:This message displays
when your vehicle is low on windshield washer
uid. Rell the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. See “Adding Washer Fluid”
underWindshield Washer Fluid on page 350.
PARKING BRAKE:This message displays if the
parking brake is left engaged and you try to
drive away. SeeParking Brake on page 135for
more information.
POWER STEERING:This message displays if a
problem has been detected with the electric
power steering, if your vehicle has this feature.
Have your vehicle serviced immediately by
your dealer.
SERVICE AIR BAG:This message displays if
there is a problem with the airbag system.
Have your vehicle serviced immediately by your
dealer.
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TRUNK AJAR:This message displays when the
trunk lid is not closed completely. Make sure
that the trunk lid is closed completely. SeeTrunk
on page 113for more information.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
The following personalization options may appear
on your vehicle’s audio display by pressing the
MENU button:
OIL LIFE RESET:When this option is displayed,
you can reset the engine oil life system. To
reset the system, seeEngine Oil Life System on
page 328.
UNITS:When UNITS appears on the display,
press the enter button to move between METRIC
or ENGLISH. When you have made your
choice, press the MENU button to record your
selection. The initial setting from the factory
is English for the United States and metric for
Canada.
If you choose English, all information will be
displayed in English units. For example, distance
in miles and fuel economy in miles per gallon
is displayed.If you choose metric, all information will be
displayed in metric units. For example, distance in
kilometers and fuel economy in liters per
100 kilometers is displayed.
The unit measurement will also change the trip
odometer, temperature, and average fuel economy
displays.
REMOTE START:If your vehicle has this feature,
the remote start option can be enabled or
disabled. When REMOTE START 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.
LOCK HORN:If your vehicle has Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE), this option which allows the
vehicle’s horn to chirp every time the lock
button on the RKE transmitter is pressed, can be
enabled or disabled. When LOCK HORN
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 OFF.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If
you must start when you are not fresh — such
as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out. Of
course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
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You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
could overcome you and kill you. You
cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking
your exhaust pipe. And check around
again from time to time to be sure snow
does not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a
little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the
heat that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
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You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you
will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
If your vehicle has a traction system, the traction
system can often help to free a stuck vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 262,
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 263,
orStabiliTrak
®System on page 265.Ifthestuck condition is too severe for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. And, the transaxle or
other parts of the vehicle can overheat.
That could cause an engine compartment
re or other damage. When you are stuck,
spin the wheels as little as possible. Do not
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning the wheels can destroy parts
of your vehicle as well as the tires. If you
spin the wheels too fast while shifting
the transaxle back and forth, you can destroy
the transaxle. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to
Get It Out on page 288.
For information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 389.
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Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label, found on the
rear edge of the driver’s door, tells you the
gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for
your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should
spread it out.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle — like
suitcases, tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes.
If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
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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 279.
Dinghy Towing
If you have the 3.9L V6 engine with the four-speed
automatic transaxle, your vehicle cannot be
dinghy towed.
If your vehicle does not have the 3.9L V6 engine
with a four-speed automatic transaxle, it can
be dinghy towed. When dinghy towing your
vehicle, the vehicle should be run at the beginning
of each day and at each RV fuel stop for about
ve minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication of
transmission components.
294

Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to
be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety
rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that of your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transaxle, wheel assemblies and tires are forced
to work harder against the drag of the added
weight. The engine is required to operate
at relatively higher speeds and under greater
loads, generating extra heat. What is more, the
trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed
limit restrictions, having to do with trailering.
Make sure your rig will be legal, not only where
you live but also where you will be driving.
A good source for this information can be state
or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. You can ask a
hitch dealer about sway controls.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst
1,000 miles (1 600 km) your new vehicle
is driven. Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps your engine and other parts
of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a
trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum
posted speed for trailers, or no more than
55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on your
vehicle’s parts.
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