tow PONTIAC G6 2010 Service Manual

Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B),
the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0), the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code K), the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code N), or the
3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code 1), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher.
If the octane rating is less than 87, you might notice
an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly
referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you
are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specification
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 6-8
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-34. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
6-7

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-26.
B.Power Steering Fluid on page 6-37.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-21.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
SeeCooling System on page 6-30.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-31.
G. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 6-30.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 6-39.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap/Dipstick
(Out of View). See “Checking the Fluid Level”
underAutomatic Transmission Fluid (2.4L L4, 3.5L V6
and 3.6L V6 Engines) on page 6-27orAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (3.9L V6 Engine) on page 6-28.
J.Battery on page 6-42.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 6-119.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-38.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-16
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
6-21

Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever through each gear, pausing for about
three seconds in each one. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these
steps:
1. The transmission
fluid dipstick handle
has this symbol on it,
and is located near
the rear of the engine
compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-16
for more information on location.
2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.3. Reinstall it back in all the way, wait three seconds,
and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the
lower level. The fluid level must be within the
crosshatched area.
5. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, reinstall
the dipstick back in all the way.
6-29

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
•Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
•Stops after high-speed driving.
•Idles for long periods in traffic.
•Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” next in this section.
6-36

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode lets the vehicle
be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firing groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
there is a significant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage indicates an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 6-21.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-16for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
Power steering fluid is used in all vehicles with
V6 engines. Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine
have electric power steering and do not use power
steering fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless a leak is suspected in the system or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
6-37

Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-67.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specications on page 6-125.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth
or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 6-90.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions
influence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of
tread remaining.
6-74

Tire Chains
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains, there is not enough
clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose
control of your vehicle and you or others may be
injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
re-adjust or remove the device if is contacting your
vehicle, and do not spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under
control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
6-81

8. Remove all of the
wheel nuts.
9. Remove the flat tire.10. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces,
and spare wheel.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after
time. The wheel could come off and cause an
accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust
or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire
brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-90.
6-96

11. Install the compact spare tire.
12. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of
the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by
hand until the wheel is held against the hub.
{WARNING:
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because
the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.
6-97

4. Raise the jack to the
height shown and
lock the wrench
onto the jack.
5. Place the jack in the spare tire well. Make sure the
stow bolt goes through the hole in the center of the
wrench on the jack, with the base of the jack towards
the front of the vehicle. Turn the jack retainer nut until
it firmly contacts the wrench. Do not over tighten.
6. Place the compact spare into the tire compartment
with the stow bolt going through the center hole of
the wheel.
7. Turn the spare tire retainer nut until it firmly
contacts the wheel. Do not over tighten.Storing the Spare Tire and
Tools — Retractable Hardtop Models
Follow the previous instructions except turn the jack so
the lift arm is parallel to the rear of the vehicle when
placing it in the spare tire compartment.
6-105