engine PONTIAC G6 2010 Owner's Guide

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

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

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

Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the
lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed
for proper regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system delays turning on the fan until warm
air is available. The length of delay depends on the
engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan
knob overrides this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display initially shows “RS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The remote start system turns on using the
last temperature selected before the vehicle was
last turned off.
For best performance, turn the fan and mode knobs to
the AUTO position. The fan speed and air delivery
modes will change to achieve the best comfort.
If the outside air temperature is below 7°C (45°F) and
the air delivery mode knob is set to AUTO, the automatic
climate control system starts in the defrost mode to
clear the window.
The automatic climate control changes back to manual
operation by turning the vehicle on with the key.Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Turns off the entire climate control system.
Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to the
floor. This direction can be changed by adjusting the
air delivery mode position.
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
xwTemperature Control:Press the up and down
arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
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 instrument
panel and floor outlets.
4-21

Outlet Adjustment
Rotate the instrument panel outlets and move the
louvers on the outlets to change the direction and
amount of airflow inside the vehicle.
Operation Tips
•Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that can
block the flow of air into the vehicle.
•Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
•Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
•When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the vehicle through the
ventilation system. This can be helpful when driving
through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold or
cool weather can cause window fogging.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there might be or there is
a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there might be or there is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to indicate a problem
with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
could be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
4-24

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
When in manual shift mode, the odometer will change
from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for manual
mode, and a number indicating the requested gear
range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward.
For more information seeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 3-24.
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
Repair or replacement of the instrument panel cluster
should only be performed by your dealer/retailer.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can display how far the vehicle has
been driven since it was last reset.
For more information seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4-40.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows the
engine speed in
revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.2.4L and 3.6L Engine
shown, 3.5L and
3.9L Engine similar
4-26

Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several
seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt,
unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
flashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
sounds for several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger
safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, comes
on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes
for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime
may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt.
4-27

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on page 2-59.
The airbag readiness light
flashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-42
for more information.
4-28