key PONTIAC G6 2008 Owner's Manual

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
2-24

Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on
the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is 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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32.Ifyou
are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brake rst and then press the shift lever
button before you can shift from PARK (P) while
the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Press the shift lever button and
then move the shift lever into another gear. SeeShifting
Out of PARK (P) on page 2-34later in this section. SE Model
GT and GXP Models
2-27

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

Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s
surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver seat. It also makes things, like other vehicles,
look farther away than they really are.
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to unlock
your doors. If you need roadside assistance, press
the OnStar button and they can contact Roadside
Service for you.
2-41

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

P(Off/On):Turn the band to this position to turn on
the Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada, this
position only works when a vehicle is in the PARK (P)
position.
To turn on the Automatic Headlamp System, turn the
switch to off/on. To turn them off, turn the switch to off/on
again. This is a momentary control switch that springs
back when released. The Automatic Headlamp System
always turns on at the beginning of an ignition cycle.
Headlamps on Reminder
A reminder tone sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are manually turned on, if the driver’s door is
open and the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF or ACC/
ACCESSORY position. To turn the tone off, turn the
knob all the way counterclockwise. In the automatic
mode, the headlamps turn off once the ignition key is in
the LOCK/OFF position.
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)
This feature works when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps
off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights
on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position. In this position, the parking lamps, sidemarker
lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps and instrument
panel lights are on, but the headlamps are off.To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This feature will not work for Canadian vehicles.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the headlamps
on for 20 seconds after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF,
then the headlamps automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL are helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional DRL
are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada. The
vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument panel
that controls the DRL. Make sure it is not covered, or
the head lamps will be on when they are not needed.
3-14

Dome Lamp
If the vehicle has a dome lamp with a switch, the
following are the settings.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn the
lamp off, even when a door is open.
1(Door):Move the lever to this position so that the
lamp comes on when a door is opened.
+(On):Move the lever to this position to turn the
dome lamp on.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door is
opened. These lamps fade out about 20 seconds after all
of the doors have been closed or when the ignition is
turned to ON/RUN. They also come on when the unlock
symbol button or the horn symbol is pressed on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition
to provide light as you exit.
Parade Dimming
The instrument panel has an added feature called
parade mode. It automatically prohibits the dimming of
the instrument panel displays during the daylight
while the headlamps are on so that you will still be able
to see the displays.
Overhead Console Reading Lamps
The vehicle may have reading lamps on the overhead
console. These lamps come on when the doors are
opened if the lamp switch is not in the OFF position.
Press the side of each lamp to turn them on and
off, while the doors are closed.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is opened and
turns off when the trunk is closed.
3-17

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery run-down feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or dome
lamp) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system automatically shuts
the lamp off after 20 minutes. This prevents draining
of the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
Open any door.
Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
button.
Press the power door lock switch.
Press the remote trunk release.
Turn the lamp that was left on to off and then to
on again.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.There are two accessory power outlets, located on the
center console below the climate controls. If the vehicle
has a Traction Control System (TCS), one accessory
power outlet is in the center storage console and the
other is on the center console below the climate controls.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not in
use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap. The
accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing your
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty. Always
unplug all electrical devices when turning off
your vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories are not compatible with
the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on
the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
3-18

When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for your vehicle
can be controlled with this system. If your vehicle
has the remote start feature, the climate control system
functions as part of the remote start feature. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed. The fan must be on to run the air conditioning
compressor.
To change the air delivery settings, turn the right knob
to select one of the following:
H(Vent):Turn the knob to this mode to direct air to
the instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Turn the knob to this mode to direct half
of the air to the instrument panel outlets, and the
remaining air to the oor outlets. Some air may be
directed toward the side windows.
3-19