service indicator PONTIAC G6 2009 User Guide

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the
emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-108.
If the vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K),
you can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on
page 5-6. In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described underGasoline Octane on page 5-7.
Only vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K)
can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use
of E85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanol
in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn and other crops.
5-8

Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel
(E85) pump available. The U. S. Department of Energy
has an alternative fuels website (www.eere.energy.gov/
afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you nd
E85 fuel. Those stations that do have E85 should have a
label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel if the
ethanol content is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Specication
D 5798. By denition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.
Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet
ASTM specications can affect driveability and could
cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according to
ASTM specication D 5798. If you have trouble starting
on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not properly
formulated for your climate. If this happens, switching to
gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank can improve
starting. For good starting and heater efficiency below
32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank should contain no
more than 70% ethanol. It is best not to alternate
repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do switch
fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible — do not add less than three gallons (11 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately
after refueling for at least seven miles (11 km) to allow the
vehicle to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration.E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you will
need to rell the fuel tank more often when using E85
than when you are using gasoline. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-10.
Notice:Some additives are not compatible with
E85 fuel and can harm the vehicle’s fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused
by additives would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-9

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank might be lower. If the level is lower than
the FULL COLD mark, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level
reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of engine
overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature gage on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-37.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged. The
costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-39for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-37

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all the
time the vehicle is moving, except when applying the
brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-118.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
5-44

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-71
for additional information.Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The TPMS operates on a radio frequency and complies
with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-70

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-4
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-75
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-8
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-109
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.........................5-26, 5-27
Air Conditioning......................................3-20, 3-24
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-33
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Airbag System................................................1-61
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-75
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-67
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-69
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-74
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-67
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-68
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-66
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-63
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-70
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-69
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-70Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-35
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels......................................5-107
Care of Safety Belts...................................5-104
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-108
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses..................5-105
Fabric/Carpet............................................5-103
Finish Care...............................................5-106
Finish Damage..........................................5-107
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................5-104
Interior Cleaning........................................5-102
Leather....................................................
5-104
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-107
Tires........................................................5-107
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-108
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-105
Weatherstrips............................................5-105
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-106
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Audio System.................................................3-52
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-68
Backglass Antenna......................................3-70
1

Light (cont.)
Charging System.........................................3-34
Cruise Control.............................................3-41
Highbeam On.............................................3-41
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-42
Oil Pressure...............................................3-40
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-33
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-31
Security.....................................................3-41
StabiliTrak Not Ready..................................3-36
StabiliTrak
®Indicator....................................3-36
TCS Warning Light......................................3-36
Tire Pressure..............................................3-37
Traction Control System Active......................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-36
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-16
Parade Dimming..........................................3-17
Lights............................................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-10
Delayed Locking..........................................2-10
Door ........................................................... 2-9
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-11
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-48
Lowering the Retractable Hardtop......................2-44
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-5
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-5
Manual Seats................................................... 1-4
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-5
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-18
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-30
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-30
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-21
Pressure Light.............................................3-40
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-24
Older Children, Restraints................................1-36
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-18
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-40
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-28
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-19
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-39
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . 5-39
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
9

Security Light.................................................3-41
Service........................................................... 5-4
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-5
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-5
Engine Soon Lamp......................................3-38
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Service, Scheduling Appointments.....................7-10
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-74
Setting the Clock............................................3-53
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-107
Shifting Into Park............................................2-32
Shifting Out of Park........................................2-34
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Spare Tire
Compact...................................................5-101
Installing....................................................5-89
Removing...................................................5-87
Storing.......................................................5-94
Specications, Capacities...............................5-118
Speedometer..................................................3-30
Split Bench Seat (60/40)..................................1-12
StabiliTrak Not Ready Light..............................3-36StabiliTrak®Indicator Light...............................3-36
Stabilitrak®System........................................... 4-6
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 2-6
Starting the Engine.........................................2-23
Steering.......................................................... 4-9
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-68
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-43
Convenience Net.........................................2-43
Cupholders.................................................2-43
Glove Box..................................................2-43
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-19
Sun Visors.....................................................2-17
Sunroof.........................................................2-43
T
Tachometer....................................................3-30
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps.......................5-54, 5-55, 5-56
TCS Active Light.............................................3-36
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-36
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-17
12

U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-80
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-20
Running While Parked..................................2-36
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-108
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-109
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-50
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-6
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-28
Visors...........................................................2-17
W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............3-28
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iiiWheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-82
Different Size..............................................5-80
Replacement...............................................5-83
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-46
Windows.......................................................2-14
Power ........................................................2-15
Windshield
Washer........................................................ 3-9
Washer Fluid..............................................5-40
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-58
Wiper Blades, Cleaning..............................5-106
Wiper Fuses.............................................5-109
Wipers......................................................... 3-8
Winter Driving................................................4-17
Winter Tires...................................................5-60
X
XM Radio Messages.......................................3-66
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System................3-70
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14