check engine light PONTIAC G6 2007 Owners Manual

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 204.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
used 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 216for additional information.
Remote Start Ready
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle
start feature, it may have the remote start ready
feature. This feature allows your dealer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
If the RKE transmitter has a plus (+) symbol on the
back cover, your vehicle has the remote start ready
feature. You can lock or unlock your vehicle from
approximately 197 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to
your vehicle.
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PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry
Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a decoder
in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has the PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a
passive theft-deterrent system. This means you do
not 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.
Also, check the fuse. SeeFuses on page 415.Ifthe
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+ and have a new key
made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance.
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Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the
air inlets at the base of the windshield that
may block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside of your
vehicle more effectively.
When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle
is encountered, use the recirculation mode,
with the temperature knob at a comfortable
setting to prevent the odor from entering the
vehicle through the ventilation system. This can
be helpful when driving through a long tunnel
with poor ventilation. However, extended usage
of this mode in cold or cool weather can cause
window fogging.
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 could be or
there 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 could be or there 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. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly — and even dangerous. Get
to know your warning lights and gages. They
are a big help.
192

Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on for a
few seconds when
you turn on the ignition
as a check to indicate
it is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on while you are
driving and you hear a chime, there could be
a problem with the electrical charging system. This
could indicate that there is a loose generator
drive belt or another electrical problem. Have it
checked right away. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery and result in the
engine and headlights suddenly shutting off.
If you must drive a short distance with this light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio,
air conditioner and heater fan.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop the vehicle. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake
problem. Have your brake system inspected
right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn
the ignition key to ON. If it does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
199

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has 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.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. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 308.
204

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
possibleIf 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.
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 313.
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.
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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.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 310. 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.
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 dealer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
206

Oil Pressure Light
If you have a low engine
oil pressure problem,
this light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on 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.
The oil light could also come on in three other
situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to
show you it is working, but the light will go out
when you turn the ignition to START. If it
doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may
have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have
it xed right away.
If the vehicle is idling at a stop sign, the light
may blink on and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come
on for a moment. This is normal.
{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.
Security Light
For information
regarding this light, see
Theft-Deterrent
Systems on page 118.
207

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.
213

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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