automatic transmission PONTIAC G6 2008 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-12
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-13
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-23
Starting the Engine.......................................2-23
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-27
Parking Brake..............................................2-31
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission)...........................................2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-34
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-35
Engine Exhaust............................................2-35
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-40
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-41
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

PressingKon the RKE transmitter will disarm the
content theft-deterrent system. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and holdV
for approximately one second to open the trunk.
The trunk will open using the transmitter when the
vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h), when the
ignition is off, or when the vehicle shift lever is in
PARK (P), if your vehicle has an automatic transmission.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):PressLto
locate your vehicle. The horn will sound three times and
the headlamps and turn signals will ash three times.
Press and hold
Lfor approximately three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn will sound and the
headlamps and turn signals will ash for 30 seconds.
Press
Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be
re-coded to match the new transmitter. The lost
transmitter will no longer work after the new transmitters
are re-coded. Each vehicle can have up to four
transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATT
LOW” underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46
for additional information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.
2-6

The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-38.
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 3-50for additional
information.
Remote Start Ready (Automatic
Transmission 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/retailer 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/retailer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your
vehicle.
2-9

Door Ajar Reminder
If one of the doors is not fully closed while the ignition is
on and the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) the following will occur:
A chime will sound.
The DOOR AJAR message will display through the
Driver Information Center (DIC) until the door is
closed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-46.
Delayed Locking
This feature lets the driver to delay the locking of the
vehicle. It will not operate with the key in the ignition.
SeeLockout Protection on page 2-13.
Press the driver’s power door lock switch or the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter lock button once.
With the key removed from the ignition and the driver’s
door open, the following will occur:
Three chimes will sound to signal the delay.
All doors will lock and the turn signals will ash
once ve seconds after the last door has been
closed.
The horn will chirp if the horn chirp feature is
enabled. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-43.If a door is opened before the ve seconds has ended,
the doors will not lock until ve seconds after all
doors are closed.
If the power door lock switch or the transmitter lock
button is pressed twice when leaving the vehicle, the
doors will lock immediately.
If the power door unlock switch or the transmitter unlock
button is pressed, the doors will unlock immediately
and do not lock automatically after the doors are closed.
This feature is turned on at the factory but may be
turned off through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50.
Automatic Door Lock
Your vehicle is programmed at the factory to lock all
doors automatically when the following are met:
All doors are closed.
The ignition is on.
The shift lever is moved out of PARK (P) for
vehicles with an automatic transmission.
This feature cannot be disabled.
If someone needs to exit the vehicle once the doors are
locked, have that person use the manual lock knob
or power door unlock switch.
2-11

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

THIRD (3):This position, available on the SE model, is
also used for normal driving. However, it reduces
vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using your
brakes. Here are some times you might choose
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
When going down a steep hill.
LOW (L):This position, available on the SE model,
reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3) without
using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) on hills. It can
help control your speed as you go down steep
mountain roads, but then you would also want to use
your brakes off and on.
You can use LOW (L) on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L),
the transmission will not shift into rst gear until the
vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Driving in LOW (L) for more than 25 miles
(40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may
damage the transmission. Also, shifting into
LOW (L) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can
cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or DRIVE (D)
instead of LOW (L).Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position, available on the
GT/GXP models, allows you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If your vehicle has this feature,
see Manual Shift Mode (MSM) following.
Manual Shift Mode (MSM) (Automatic
Transmission)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward and
then to the right into the MANUAL MODE (M).
While driving in manual shift mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver gear selected.
2. Press the shift level forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will change from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for
manual shift mode, and a number indicating the
requested gear range when moving the shift lever
forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and Odometer
on page 3-29for more information.
2-29

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

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

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your automatic transmission vehicle
with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in
PARK (P) and your parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without rst pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
automatic transmission into PARK (P) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the
parking pawl in the transmission. You may nd it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is
called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly
before you leave the driver’s seat. To nd out how, see
“Shifting Into Park (P)” previously in the section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-33

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