brake light PONTIAC G6 2010 User Guide

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance
of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than
if the person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems than the tires and road
can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-5.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-4.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-30.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight
of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
5-3

This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster
with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic
and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot
of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-4.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent
a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 4-31.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
5-4

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

This light comes on if there
is a problem with the
system or the system
has been turned off.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help assist with directional control
of the vehicle, the system should always be left on.
The Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak
can be turned off if needed by pressing and holding
the TCS/ESC button until the StabiliTrak/TCS Off light
comes on. Press the button again to turn StabiliTrak and
Traction Control back on. See Traction Control System
(TCS) following for more information.
If cruise control is being used when the system
activates, cruise control will automatically disengage.
Press the cruise control button to reengage when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 4-7for
more information.Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one
or both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system reduces
engine power and may also upshift the transmission
to limit wheel spin. Also, the traction control system
activates the appropriate corner brakes to gain even
quicker control to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Press the cruise control button to reengage
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-7for more information.
TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions
except park or neutral. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the shift lever position that
is chosen, so use the lower gears only when necessary.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3-24.
5-6

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

No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect
your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower
in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing
water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
5-12

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 firmly.
{WARNING:
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 first 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 specifications inCapacities
and Specications on page 6-125.Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
6-41

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

Audio System.........................................4-53, 4-72
Audio Steering
Wheel Controls........................................4-82
Radio Reception..........................................4-83
Setting the Clock.........................................4-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................4-81
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............4-84
Audio System(s).............................................4-54
Automatic Climate Control System.....................4-20
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation..................3-34
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 3-9
Automatic Headlamp System............................4-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................6-27, 6-28
Operation...................................................3-24
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................. 7-8
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................4-84
Backing Up....................................................5-31
Battery..........................................................6-42
Electric Power Management..........................4-14
Run-Down Protection...................................4-15
Battery Replacement......................................... 3-5
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................7-12
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................2-13Blizzard Conditions..........................................5-16
Bluetooth Controls...........................................4-72
Bluetooth
®.....................................................4-71
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 5-5
Brake Adjustment............................................6-41
Brake Fluid....................................................6-39
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................6-41
Brake Wear...................................................6-41
Brakes..........................................................6-39
Antilock....................................................... 5-4
Parking......................................................3-29
System Warning Light..................................4-30
Braking........................................................... 5-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 5-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................3-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................6-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) ........................................6-49, 6-50
Fog Lamps .................................................4-12
Halogen Bulbs............................................6-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................6-47
Headlamps.................................................6-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................6-48
License Plate Lamps....................................6-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................6-50, 6-51, 6-53
Buying New Tires...........................................6-75
2

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