towing PONTIAC G6 2008 User Guide

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

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

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 you. 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 start the
engine. If it does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does
not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push, or the pedal may go closer to the
oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-25.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for
service. United States
Canada
3-34

This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned ON/RUN but the engine is not
running. If the light does not come on, have it repaired.
This light also comes on during a malfunction in
one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be
required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to your
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid 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 the vehicle.
Turn the ignition 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/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might 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 5-9. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap allows 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 vehicle’s electrical system might be wet. The
condition is usually corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
3-39

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Steering........................................................4-7
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-10
Passing.......................................................4-10
Loss of Control.............................................4-10
Driving at Night............................................4-12Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-12
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-13
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-14
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-14
Winter Driving..............................................4-15
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-19
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-20
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-20
Towing..........................................................4-25
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-25
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-26
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-28
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear
the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction
or stability system. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-5andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that could
free your vehicle. If that does not get your vehicle
out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If
your vehicle does need to be towed out, seeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-25.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certication label.
{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.
4-20

5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-28for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules,
and trailering tips.
Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity
Weight for
Example 1=1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×2=300 lbs (136 kg)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight=700 lbs (317 kg)
Example 1
4-22

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.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
Put things in the trunk or rear area of
your vehicle. In a trunk, put them as
far forward as you can. Try to spread
the weight evenly. If you have
fold-down rear seats, you will nd four
anchors on the back wall of your
trunk. You can use these anchors to
tie down lighter loads. They are not
strong enough for heavy things,
however, so put them as far forward
as you can in the trunk or rear area.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
4-25

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/retailer 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 4-13.
Dinghy Towing
If you have the 3.9L V6 engine with the four-speed
automatic transmission, your vehicle cannot be dinghy
towed.
If your vehicle does not have the 3.9L V6 engine with a
four-speed automatic transmission, 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.
4-26