instrument panel PONTIAC G6 2009 Owner's Manual

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
Push and hold the SET−symbol until the lower
speed desired is reached, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, push the
SET−symbol briey. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills depends upon
the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your vehicle’sspeed. When going downhill, you might have to brake
or shift to a lower gear to keep your vehicle’s speed
down. Applying the brakes does turn off the cruise
control. Many drivers nd this to be too much trouble
and do not use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to disengage the cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press the on/off button.
Press the cancel button.
The cruise symbol in the instrument panel cluster turns
off when the system is disengaged.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
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Headlamps Off in Park
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.
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 function does not work for vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
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. 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.
Do not cover this sensor or the head lamps will be
on when they are not needed.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that
are rst sold in Canada).
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released or the vehicle is
not in P (Park).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
are not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when they are needed.
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if
it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in P (Park) for this
function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
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Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this
symbol is located on the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Courtesy Lamps
If the vehicle has a retractable hardtop, it has courtesy
lamps in the rear passenger area of the vehicle. These
lamps make it easier to see while entering and exiting the
vehicle. These lamps come on when any door is opened
and only turn off when all the doors are closed.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened
or closed.
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.
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Parade Dimming
Parade mode automatically prohibits the dimming of the
instrument panel displays during the daylight while
the headlamps are on so that the displays are still able
to be seen.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with front and rear reading lamps, press
the lens to turn the lamp on and off, while the doors are
closed. These lamps come on automatically when
any door is opened.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is opened and
turns off when the trunk is closed.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back
up. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is
lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there is a
problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
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Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. For vehicles with the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation/
Outside Air
C. Air Delivery
Mode ControlD. Air Conditioning
E. Temperature
Control
F. Rear Window
Defogger
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan must be on to run the air conditioning
compressor.
Temperature Control:Turn the 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 Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the air delivery settings.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the air to the
instrument panel and oor outlets. Some air may
be directed toward the side windows.
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If the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) is chosen
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause the
vehicle to heat or cool faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on the headlamps.
Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the
lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed
for proper regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system delays turning on the fan until warm
air is available. The length of delay depends on the
engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
overrides this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display initially shows “RS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The remote start system turns on using the
last temperature selected before the vehicle was
last turned off.For best performance, turn the fan and mode knobs to
the AUTO position. The fan speed and air delivery
modes will change to achieve the best comfort.
If the outside air temperature is below 45°F and the
air delivery mode knob is set to AUTO, the automatic
climate control system starts in the defrost mode to clear
the window.
The automatic climate control changes back to manual
operation by turning the vehicle on with the key.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Turns off the entire climate control system.
Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to the
oor. This direction can be changed by adjusting the
air delivery mode position.
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
xwTemperature Control:Press the up and down
arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the air delivery settings.
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Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets and windshield.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog
or moisture. Air directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This modes clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. The system automatically
controls the fan speed if AUTO mode is selected. If the
outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air
conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if you try to
turn off the compressor while in this mode.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of the button to
turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes
on to show that it is on. Air from outside the vehicle
circulates throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode
can be used with all modes, except the recirculation
mode. Press
:again to cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
above the button comes on to show that it is on.
The air inside the vehicle is recirculated through the
climate control system and throughout the vehicle, not
from outside. This helps to limit the odors entering
the vehicle and maximize air conditioning performance.
The recirculation mode cannot be used while in
defrost, defog, or oor mode. If recirculation is selected
while in these modes, the indicator light ashes three
times to let you know that it is not allowed. Use this
mode only when it is needed for comfort, since window
fogging occurs if the air conditioning compressor is
not engaged.
Press
?to cancel the auto recirculation feature.
Each time the vehicle is started, the system reverts to
the auto recirculation function.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of time can
cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the
fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the
air conditioning is on.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
on or off. A light above the button comes on while the
air conditioning is on.
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When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode, the
system runs the air conditioning automatically to cool
and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm
air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air, press
xorwto
the desired temperature setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidies the
air inside the vehicle. Also, the system maximizes
its performance by using recirculation as necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation of
the automatic system, choose oor mode to deliver
air to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
adjust the temperature to the desired setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
adjust the temperature by pressing
xorw.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light above the button comes on
to indicate that the rear window defogger is on.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven and one-half minutes before turning off.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside,
but the indicator light does not come on. When
the vehicle transitions out of remote start mode the rear
defogger turns off.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
3-27

Outlet Adjustment
Rotate the instrument panel outlets and move the
louvers on the outlets to change the direction and
amount of airow inside the vehicle.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the vehicle through the
ventilation system. This can be helpful when
driving through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold
or cool weather can cause window fogging.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
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