traction control PONTIAC G6 2010 User Guide

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

SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster. When this
message displays, the system is not working. Adjust
your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 5-5andElectronic Stability Control
Indicator Light on page 4-32for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The TCS light
may also appears on the instrument panel cluster. When
this message displays, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 5-6andTraction Off Light
on page 4-32for more information. Have the system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also
flashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-33. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-67for more
information. If the warning comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire
positions on your vehicle. The tire positions must be
re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire
or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-73,Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-66,
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 6-64for more
information.
4-45

TOP TOO COLD
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop button is
pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is too
cold. Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up
before using the retractable hardtop. SeeLowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 3-38andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 3-41for more information.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on solid when the
system is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6
andTraction Off Light on page 4-32for more
information. Have the system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 3-11for more
information.
TRUNK NOT ALLOW
This message will appear when attempting to open the
trunk with the ignition on while the retractable hard
top is down and stowed in the trunk. This is to protect
the hardtop against any possible damage. The trunk can
be opened once the hardtop is raised and secured.
SeeTrunk on page 3-11,Lowering the Retractable
Hardtop on page 3-38, andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 3-41for more information.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to a preferred setting.
All of the features listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the features available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set when your
vehicle left the factory, but may have been changed
from their default state since that time.
4-47

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)......................5-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-6
Steering........................................................5-8
Off-Road Recovery.........................................5-9
Passing.......................................................5-10
Loss of Control.............................................5-10
Driving at Night............................................5-11Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-12
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-13
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-13
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-14
Winter Driving..............................................5-15
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................................5-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-18
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-18
Towing..........................................................5-23
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-23
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-23
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-27
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

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

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

The traction off light is
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
This light comes on if there is a problem with the
system or if the system has been turned off.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle
is started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery
road conditions, always leave the system turned
on. TCS can be turned off if needed.
To turn the system on or
off, press the TCS/ESC
button located below
the climate controls.It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle
to attempt to free it. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-17.
If the TCS/ESC button is pressed once, the traction
control system turns off and the traction off light comes
on. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system called
StabiliTrak stays on. Press the TCS/ESC button again to
turn the system back on. The traction off light will go off.
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 TCS/ESC button again to turn StabiliTrak
and the traction control system back on. For more
information, seeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)
on page 5-5.
When the system is off, the traction off light will come
on and stay on. If the Traction Control System is limiting
wheel spin and the button is pressed to turn the system
off, the traction off light will come on and the system will
stop limiting wheel spin. The system will not provide
traction assistance until the system is turned back on.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 6-4for more information.
5-7

Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power steering system and
the engine stalls while driving, the power steering assist
system will continue to operate until you are able to stop
the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost because the
electric power steering system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-42.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and power steering assist is lost because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes — but, unless the vehicle
has antilock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels.
5-8

Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
•Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
•Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your
side of the lane.
•Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
•Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
•When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
If the vehicle does not have a traction system, or if
the traction system is off, an acceleration skid is
best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator
pedal. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-5.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
5-10