ABS PONTIAC G6 2010 User Guide

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get
a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that
vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or
motor might be heard operating and the brake pedal
might be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The vehicle has an Electronic Stability Control system
called StabiliTrak which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help steer the vehicle in the intended direction.
This light comes on when
StabiliTrak is activated.
When you first start the vehicle and begin to drive away,
the system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure
there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with the vehicle.
5-5

While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to
a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
If the vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If the
vehicle does not have ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release enough
pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again.
This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, you will have steering control.Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
5-11

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain begins
to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet
ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.If the vehicle has theTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 5-6, it improves the ability to accelerate on
slippery roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to
the road conditions. When driving through deep snow,
turn off the traction control system to help maintain
vehicle motion at lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-4improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur
on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
5-15

If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more
information. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,
belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea
to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 6-35.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from
the vehicle before changing the tire.
5-33

5. Remove the bulb access cover by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull out
the bulb assembly.
7. Disconnect the bulb socket from the wiring harness
for headlamps.
For the front turn signal/parking or sidemarker
bulbs, unclip the bulb from the socket.
8. Install a new bulb.
9. Turn the bulb access cover clockwise to reinstall it.
10. Push the headlamp assembly back into the
vehicle making sure to align the ball stud into
its retainer.
11. Push the front fascia back into its original location.
12. Reinstall the plastic push pins on the top of the
tire bar.
13. Reinstall the two screws that secure the headlamp
assembly.Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Sedan)
To replace a center high-mounted stoplamp
(CHMSL) bulb:
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 3-11.
2. Locate the center high-mounted stoplamp (CHMSL)
on the inside of the trunk lid.
3. Disconnect the wiring harness.
4. Remove the cover by pressing the tabs at either
end with a tool.
6-49

Do not clean the vehicle using:
•A knife or any other sharp object to remove a soil
from any interior surface.
•A stiff brush. It can cause damage to the vehicle’s
interior surfaces.
•Heavy pressure or aggressive rubbing with a
cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage
the interior and does not improve the effectiveness
of soil removal.
•Laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with
degreasers can leave residue that streaks and
attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops
per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.
Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.
•Too much cleaner that saturates the upholstery.
•Organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc. that
can damage the vehicle’s interior.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used
on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For any soil,
always try to remove it first with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as
possible using one of the following techniques:
•For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel
until no more can be removed.
•For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and
then vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
6-108

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 6-4
Accessory Power............................................3-21
Accessory Power Outlets.................................4-15
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................6-38
Additional Factors Affecting System Operation.....2-71
Additional Program Information.........................8-11
Additional Required Services.............................. 7-4
Additives, Fuel................................................. 6-8
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................6-115
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)..............4-58
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................6-26
Air Conditioning..............................................4-16
Airbag
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................2-72
Airbag System
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................2-65
Passenger Sensing System...........................2-67
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........2-72
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................2-65
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....2-65
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................2-63
Where Are the Airbags?...............................2-61
Airbags.........................................................2-74
Passenger Status Indicator...........................4-29
Readiness Light..........................................4-28
System Check.............................................2-59AM ...............................................................4-83
Antenna
Backglass...................................................4-84
Fixed Mast.................................................4-84
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................4-84
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 5-4
Warning Light.............................................4-31
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels......................................6-112
Care of Safety Belts...................................6-110
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................6-114
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
..................6-111
Fabric/Carpet............................................6-108
Finish Care...............................................6-111
Finish Damage..........................................6-113
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces...............................................6-109
Interior Cleaning........................................6-107
Leather....................................................6-109
Sheet Metal Damage..................................6-113
Tires........................................................6-113
Underbody Maintenance.............................6-113
Washing Your Vehicle.................................6-110
Weatherstrips............................................6-110
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................6-112
Arming the System.........................................3-16
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 8-7
1

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint......2-69
Ignition Positions.............................................3-20
Ignition Transmission Lock Check....................... 7-9
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............2-39
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................6-64
Information Modes..........................................4-40
Instrument Panel
Brightness..................................................4-13
Cluster.......................................................4-25
Insuring Your Vehicle.......................................8-12
Interior Mirror.................................................1-10
Introduction...................................................... 7-2
J
Jump Starting.................................................6-43
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System................................... 3-3
Keyless Entry System....................................... 3-3
Keys............................................................... 3-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................6-58
Lamps
Courtesy....................................................4-13
Daytime Running (DRL)................................4-11
Dome ........................................................4-13
License Plate..............................................6-54
Malfunction Indicator....................................4-34
Reading.....................................................4-14
Trunk.........................................................4-14
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................2-28
Latch, Seatback..............................................2-10
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................2-46
Leaving After Parking on a Hill.........................5-33
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......3-30
Lift Seat, Power..............................................2-12
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................4-13
Parade Dimming..........................................4-14
Lights............................................................4-10
Airbag Readiness........................................4-28
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............4-31
Brake System Warning.................................4-30
Charging System.........................................4-30
Cruise Control.............................................4-38
Electronic StabiliTrak Control Indicator............4-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............4-33
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 4-5
Highbeam On.............................................4-38
9

Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 4-4
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................5-32
2 (Second)/3 (Third) Gear Start Feature..............3-28
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................6-78
United States — Customer Assistance................. 8-6
Used Replacement Wheels..............................6-80
Using ABS....................................................... 5-5
Using Softkeys to Control a USB Storage Device
or iPod......................................................4-68
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack...........................4-62
Using the Radio to Control a USB Storage
Device or iPod............................................4-67
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit to
Temporarily Seal and Inflate a Punctured Tire.....6-84
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)..................................................6-87
Using the USB Port........................................4-63
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 5-3
Loading......................................................5-18
Remote Start................................................ 3-5
Running While Parked..................................3-33
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................8-16
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)............................................6-114
Service Parts Identification Label..................6-115
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................4-47
Vehicle Storage..............................................6-42
Ventilation Adjustment......................................4-24
Visors...........................................................3-16
Voice Pass-Thru.............................................4-80
Voice Recognition...........................................4-72
17