PONTIAC G6 2010 Owners Manual

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 first 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
first 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 first 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.
4-11

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 4-13.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 first 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.
4-12

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.
4-13

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.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
4-14

Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW
BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-42.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The battery run-down feature is 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 the
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off the vehicle.
4-15

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 the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
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 the vehicle 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 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 3-3.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation
C. Temperature
Control
D. Outside AirE. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
4-16

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−18°C (0°F) 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 3-23.
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 floor outlets. Some air may
be directed toward the side windows.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the floor outlets with
some air directed to the side window outlets and
windshield.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and floor
outlets, with some air directed to the side windows.
When this mode is selected, the system automatically
turns off recirculation and tuns the air conditioning
compressor 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.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the floor vents. In this
mode, the system automatically forces outside air into
the vehicle. 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 defrost is selected. If the air
conditioning button is pressed while in defrost mode, the
indicator light turns on. If the button is pressed again,
the light turns off. Recirculation cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
4-17

To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
:(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
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 indicator light flashes
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
?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.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to indicate that the air conditioning is on.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so sometimes a small amount of water drips
under the vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is
turned off. This is normal.
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.
4-18

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
or off. An indicator light comes on to indicate that
the rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear as
much snow as possible from the rear window.
If driving below 80 km/h (50 mph), 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.
The defogger can also be turned off by turning off
the engine.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 80 km/h
(50 mph), 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.
When the vehicle transitions out of the remote
start mode, the rear defogger turns off. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 3-3.Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Vehicle Start
If the 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.
4-19

Automatic Climate Control System
If the vehicle has this system, the heating, cooling, and
ventilation can be automatically controlled in the vehicle.
A. Fan Control
B. Air Conditioning
C. Recirculation
D. Outside Air
E. Rear Window
DefoggerF. Air Delivery Mode
Control
G. Display
H. Temperature
Control
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control knobs to
activate the automatic system. Automatic operation
controls the inside temperature and air delivery.Use the steps below to place the climate control system
in automatic mode:
1. Turn the fan knob and the air delivery mode knob
to AUTO.
The display shows the current set temperature.
When auto is selected, the air conditioning operation
and air inlet is automatically controlled. The air
conditioning compressor runs when the outside
temperature is over about 4°C (40°F). The air inlet
is normally set to outside air. If it is hot outside,
the air inlet can automatically switch to recirculate
inside air to help quickly cool down the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
To find your comfort setting, start with an initial
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes for
the system to regulate. Press
wandxto adjust
the temperature setting as necessary. If the
temperature setting of 15°C (60°F) is chosen the
system remains at the maximum cooling setting. If
the temperature setting of 32°C (90°F) 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.
4-20