tow PONTIAC G6 2008 User Guide

While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have rmer
shifting and sportier performance. You can use this
for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear
longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the engine RPM is too high.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-38for more information.
SECOND (2)/THIRD (3) Gear Start
Feature
Notice:If you attempt a third gear start while
trailering or towing a heavy load, you will notice
reduced engine power. This could overheat
and damage your transmission. Do not attempt a
third gear start while trailering or towing your
vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 6-speed transmission, when
accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy
conditions, you may want to shift into SECOND (2),
or THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear, and light application
of the gas pedal, may allow you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.
With the MSM, the vehicle can accelerate from a stop in
SECOND (2) or THIRD (3).
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
MANUAL MODE (M) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the lever forward
towards the plus (+) to select SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3)gear. The vehicle will start from a stop
position in SECOND (2) or THIRD (3) gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired
drive gear.
2-30

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake
handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-34.To release the parking brake:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up until you can
press the release button.
3. Hold the release button in as you move the brake
handle all the way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and you are parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-28.
GT and GTP Shown, SE Similar
2-31

Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-28.Use this procedure to shift into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. For vehicles with base ignitions, remove the key
and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle
with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in
PARK (P). Vehicles with the passive ignitions,
turn the passive key to the LOCK/OFF position.
Take the keyless access transmitter with you.
2-32

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46for more
information.To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-34

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-35.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-15.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-32.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-28.
2-36

To adjust for compass variance, do the following:
1. Find your current location and variance zone
number on the zone map that follows.
2. Press and hold the on/off button until a zone
number appears on the display.
3. Once the zone number appears on the display, press
the on/off button quickly until you reach the correct
zone number. If C appears in the compass window,
the compass may need calibration. See “Compass
Calibration” listed previously.Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the
outside power mirrors,
are located on the
driver’s door.
Move the selector switch located next to the control pad
to the left or right to choose either the driver side or
passenger side mirror. To adjust a mirror, use the
arrows located on the control pad to move the mirror in
the desired direction. Adjust each outside mirror so
that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be
seen while sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Keep the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.
Both mirrors can manually be folded by pulling them
toward the vehicle. This feature may be useful
when going through a car wash or a conned space.
Push the mirrors away from the vehicle, to the normal
position, before driving.
2-40

As the switch is being pressed the windows and trunk
lid will open. The hardtop will automatically lower into the
trunk, and the trunk lid will close and latch. If the
engine is on, a chime will sound when the hardtop has
lowered completely. The Driver Information Center
(DIC) will display TOP MOVE COMPLT to signal the
procedure is complete. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-46for more information.After the hardtop has lowered completely, release the
switch. If you continue to press the switch for about
two seconds after the hardtop has completely lowered,
the windows will automatically close.
If pressure is released from the switch before the
hardtop cycle is complete, the cycle will stop and the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the
TOP NOT SECURE message. Always press and hold
the switch until a chime sounds, if the engine is on, and
the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the TOP
MOVE COMPLT to signal the procedure is complete.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46
for more information.
The hardtop will not operate if the vehicle has an
electrical failure. If an electrical failure occurs, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
If your vehicle has an electrical failure while operating
the hardtop, and must be towed to a dealer/retailer
for service, your vehicle should be towed by atbed with
the vehicle facing backwards. Consult your dealer/
retailer or professional towing service if you need to
have your disabled vehicle towed. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
2-48

As the switch is being pressed the hardtop will raise
from the trunk and move into place. The hardtop
and trunk lid will close and latch. If the engine is on, a
chime will sound when the hardtop has raised
completely. The Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display the TOP MOVE COMPLT message to signal the
procedure is complete. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-46for more information.After the hardtop has raised completely, release the
switch. If you continue to press the switch for about
two seconds after the hardtop has raised completely, the
windows will automatically close.
If pressure is released from the switch before the
hardtop cycle is complete, the cycle will stop and the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the
TOP NOT SECURE message. Always press and hold
the switch until a chime sounds, if the engine is on, and
the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the TOP
MOVE COMPLT to signal the procedure is complete.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46
for more information.
The hardtop will not operate if the vehicle has an
electrical failure. If an electrical failure occurs, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
If your vehicle has an electrical failure while operating
the hardtop, and must be towed to a dealer/retailer
for service, your vehicle should be towed by atbed with
the vehicle facing backwards. Consult your dealer/
retailer or professional towing service if you need to
have your disabled vehicle towed. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
2-51

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
While the hazard warning ashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not in the
ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt and telescope wheel allows you to adjust the
steering wheel before you drive. Raise the steering
wheel to the highest level to give your legs more room
when you enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt and telescope the
steering wheel is located on the left side of the steering
column.
3-6

Turn and Lane-Change Signals
The turn signal has two upward (for right) and two
downward (for left) positions. These positions let you
signal a turn or a lane change.
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or down.
When the turn is nished, the lever returns automatically
to the normal position.
An arrow on the instrument
panel cluster ashes in the
direction of the turn or
lane change.
To signal a lane change, raise or lower the lever until
the arrow starts to ash. Hold it there until you complete
your lane change. The lever returns by itself when it
is released.
If the arrows ash rapidly or do not go on at all as you
signal a turn or lane change, a signal bulb could be
burned out and other drivers will not see your turn
signal.
Replace burned out bulbs to help avoid an accident.
Also, check the appropriate fuses. SeeFuses on
page 5-110.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
To change the headlamps from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal/multifunction lever away from you.
This light comes on in the
instrument panel cluster if
the high beam lamps
are turned on while the
ignition is in ON/RUN.
To change the headlamps from high beam to low beam,
pull the turn signal lever toward you.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam headlamps to
signal a driver in front of you that you want to pass.
To use it, pull the turn signal/multifunction lever toward
you until the high-beam headlamps come on, then
release the lever to turn them off.
3-8