brake PONTIAC G6 2010 User Guide

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
automatic transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight
of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called torque
lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the
driver seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
previously in the section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
•Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 6-43for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), see
your dealer/retailer.
3-31

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3-32.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 3-30.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-27.
3-33

Instrument Panel Overview...............................4-3
Hazard Warning Flashers................................4-3
Horn .............................................................4-3
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................4-3
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................4-4
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................4-5
Flash-to-Pass.................................................4-5
Windshield Wipers..........................................4-5
Windshield Washer.........................................4-6
Cruise Control................................................4-7
Headlamps..................................................4-10
Headlamps on Reminder................................4-10
Headlamps Off in Park..................................4-11
Delayed Headlamps......................................4-11
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................4-11
Automatic Headlamp System..........................4-12
Fog Lamps ..................................................4-12
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................4-13
Courtesy Lamps...........................................4-13
Dome Lamps ...............................................4-13
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................4-13
Parade Dimming...........................................4-14
Reading Lamps............................................4-14Trunk Lamp.................................................4-14
Electric Power Management...........................4-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................4-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................4-15
Climate Controls............................................4-16
Climate Control System.................................4-16
Automatic Climate Control System...................4-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................4-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............4-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................4-25
Speedometer and Odometer..........................
.4-26
Trip Odometer..............................................4-26
Tachometer.................................................4-26
Safety Belt Reminders...................................4-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................4-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................4-29
Charging System Light..................................4-30
Brake System Warning Light..........................4-30
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....4-31
Traction Off Light..........................................4-32
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light.........4-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......4-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................4-33
Section 4 Instrument Panel
4-1

SET−(Set):Press this button to set a speed and to
decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off symbol to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button comes on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET−symbol and release it. The cruise
symbol displays in the instrument panel cluster to
show the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) or Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
automatically disengages. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 5-6. When road conditions allow, the
cruise control can be used again.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and the brakes are applied. This disengages the cruise
control. The cruise symbol in the instrument panel
cluster also goes out, indicating cruise is no longer
engaged. To return to the previously set speed, you do
not need to go through the set process again. Once
at a speed of about 40 km/h) (25 mph) or more, press
the RES+ symbol briefly.
This takes the vehicle back up and maintains the
previously chosen speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
•If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+ symbol. Hold it there until the
speed desired is reached and then release
the button.
•To increase the vehicle speed in very small
amounts, press the RES+ symbol briefly and then
release it. Each time this is done, the vehicle
goes about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) faster.
4-8

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 briefly. Each time this is done,
the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) 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 find this to be too much trouble
and do not use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to disengage the cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal.
•Press the on/off 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.
4-9

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

Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly
when the ignition key is
turned to start, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. This light could
indicate that there are problems with a generator drive
belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it
checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short
distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking
both parts need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briefly when the engine is
started. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
4-30

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also comes on when the parking brake is set. The
light will stay on if the parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake problem.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal can be harder to push, or
the pedal could go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. Try turning off and restarting the vehicle
one or two times, if the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 5-23.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
The Antilock Brake
System (ABS) light comes
on briefly when the
engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 4-30.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-42for all
brake related DIC messages.
4-31

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is no
longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it
from the display, press and hold any of the DIC
buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning
message comes back on the next time the vehicle is
turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning
chime sounds when the message displays. Your
vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake fluid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 4-30for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 6-24,Engine Oil on page 6-21, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 7-3for more information.
CHECK CARGO TOP
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays if the cargo cover is not in place when
operating the retractable hardtop. Open the trunk and
make sure the cargo cover is secure and no objects are
in contact with the cargo cover. SeeTrunk on
page 3-11,Lowering the Retractable Hardtop on
page 3-38, andRaising the Retractable Hardtop on
page 3-41for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
4-42

KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in
the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 3-3.
LEARN COMPLETE
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) has completed the tire
learning process. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 6-66for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays along with a low fuel warning
light on the instrument panel cluster when your vehicle is
low on fuel. Refill the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on page 4-39,Fuel
on page 6-6, andFilling the Tank on page 6-11.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays when the system is actively
limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist
if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message stays on for a few seconds
after the system stops limiting wheel spin. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6for more
information.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s windshield
washer fluid is low. Fill the windshield washer fluid
reservoir to the proper level as soon as possible. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6-38.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged and you try to drive away. SeeParking Brake
on page 3-29for more information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering, if your vehicle has
this feature. Have your vehicle serviced immediately by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
4-44