climate control PONTIAC G6 2008 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-13
Child Restraints
.......................................1-33
Airbag System
.........................................1-59
Restraint System Check
............................1-74
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-41
Storage Areas
.........................................2-44
Sunroof
..................................................2-45
Retractable Hardtop
..................................2-45
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-27
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-43
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-52Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-25
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-59
Tires
......................................................5-60
Appearance Care
...................................5-100
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-109
Electrical System
....................................5-109
Capacities and Specications
...................5-119
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Pontiac G6 Owner ManualM

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is active and the vehicle
has an automatic climate control system, it will
automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal
operation of the system will return after the ignition
key is turned to ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.
The remote start feature needs to be reset after your
vehicle’s engine is started two times using the
transmitter’s remote start button. To reset the remote
start feature, insert the vehicle’s key into the ignition
switch and turn it to ON/RUN. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 2-22for information regarding the ignition
positions on your vehicle.
2-7

To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the vertical position.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
Lockout Protection
This feature prevents the driver’s door from being
locked using the power door locks, if the key is left in
the ignition and a door is open.
Press the power door lock switch to lock all the doors
and then unlock the driver’s door.
Press and hold the power door lock switch for more
than three seconds to override this feature.
If the key is removed from the ignition, or if the manual
door lock or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is used, the key could still be locked inside
the vehicle. Always remember to take the key with you.
Trunk
To open the trunk from the outside, press and hold the
trunk release button on the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. You can also use the key in the trunk
lock, except on retractable hardtop models.Use the pull cup to aid in closing the trunk.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.
2-13

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

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)...........................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-17
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-17
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-26
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-27
Instrument Panel Cluster...............................
.3-28
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-29
Trip Odometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-30
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-30
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-31
Charging System Light..................................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-35
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-35
Traction Control System (TCS) Active Light......3-36
StabiliTrak
®Not Ready Light..........................3-36
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
B. Side Window Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10. Driver Information Control (DIC)
Buttons. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-43.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-28.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-67.
G. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-26.
J. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-52.L. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped). See
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-25.
M. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
N. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-16.
O. Hood Release Handle. SeeHood Release on
page 5-12.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
Q. Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23orClimate Control
System on page 3-19.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-27.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
T. Traction Control System Button (If Equipped). See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
StabiliTrak
®(If Equipped). SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6.
U. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-31.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
3-5

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

6(Floor):Turn the knob to this mode to direct most
of the air to the oor outlets with some air directed to the
side window outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button to
turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle circulates
throughout your vehicle. An indicator light comes on to
show that it is activated. The outside air mode can
be used with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode. Press this button again to cancel the
recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. The air inside the
vehicle is recirculated through the climate control system
and throughout the vehicle, not from outside. This
mode is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. An indicator light above the
button comes on to show that it is activated. The
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in. Use
this mode only when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging occurs if the air conditioning compressor
is not engaged.Press this button to cancel the outside air mode. When
you switch to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside
air. When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on,
the system automatically defaults to outside air.
Only use recirculation mode when it is needed for
comfort, since window fogging can occur.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if the vehicle has one, to quickly
provide warmer air. An engine coolant heater warms
coolant that the engine uses to warm the inside of the
vehicle. For more information, seeEngine Coolant
Heater on page 2-25.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to indicate that the air conditioning is activated.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so sometimes a small amount of water drips
underneath the vehicle while it is idling or after the
engine is turned off. This is normal.
3-20

Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, it will turn
on using the last settings selected on the climate control
before the vehicle was turned off.
The fan and air delivery knobs can be used during
remote start. The buttons will not work until the ignition
is turned on by the key.
The climate control system changes back to manual
operation when the vehicle key is turned to ON/RUN.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):Turn the knob to this setting to direct
the air between the windshield and the oor outlets with
a small amount directed to the side windows. This
mode automatically turns off recirculation. The air
conditioning compressor runs unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. The air conditioning
compressor operates although the indicator light is
not on. The air conditioning indicator light turns off when
defog is selected. If the air conditioning button is
pressed while in defog mode, the indicator light turns
on. If the button is pressed again, the light turns off. The
recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
3-21