brake PONTIAC GTO 2004 User Guide

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After
you’ve moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P), without first
pushing the shift lever button. If you can, it means
that the shift lever wasn’t fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may find it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque
lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave
the driver’s seat. To find out how, seeShifting
Into Park (P) on page 2-24.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push your vehicle uphill. This should take
some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the
transmission, so you can move the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
2-25

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can press the button on the shift lever to
shift from PARK (P) while the ignition is in ON.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-18.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal down. Release the shift
lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P),
being sure to press the shift lever button.
Shift Lock Release
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the key.
2. Unclip the console cap and remove the screw
slightly to the right of the front center.
3. Remove console cap to expose the yellow
release lever.
4. Push the release lever forward and press the button
on the shift lever to move lever out of park.
5. Replace the console cap.
6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
Before leaving a manual transmission vehicle, fully press
the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R), and firmly apply the parking brake. Once
the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with
the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key
to LOCK, remove the key, and release the clutch.
2-26

Running Your Engine While You
Are Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier Caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-24.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-24.
2-28

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-4
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-12
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer...............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-25
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-26
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-28
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-29
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-32
Change Engine Oil Light................................3-33
Security Light...............................................3-33
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-33
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-33
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light...........3-34
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-34
Fuel Gage...................................................3-35
Trip Computer................................................3-36
Audio System(s).............................................3-42
Setting the Time...........................................3-42
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-43
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-52
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-53
Radio Reception...........................................3-54
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-54
Care of Your CD Player................................3-54
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-55
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
B. Headlamps Dial. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-12.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-24.
D. Windshield Wiper Lever. See “Windshield Wipers”
underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
E. Trip Computer Control. SeeTrip Computer on
page 3-36.
F. Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-22.
G. Hazard Warning Lights. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-4.
H. Sunlight Sensor. See “Automatic Headlamp System”
underExterior Lamps on page 3-12.
I. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-19.
J. Audio System Controls. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-42.
K. Passenger’s Air Bag. SeeWhere Are the Air Bags?
on page 1-48.L. Cruise Control Lever. See “Cruise Control” under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-53.
N. Driver’s Air Bag. SeeWhere Are the Air Bags? on
page 1-48.
O. Tilt Wheel. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-5.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-4.
Q. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-16.
R. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-24.
S. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-31.
T. Power Window Switches. SeePower Windows on
page 2-11.
U. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23.
V. Glovebox. SeeGlove Box on page 2-30.
3-3

Pausing Cruise Control
To pause cruise control, press the brake pedal on
automatic transmissions or the clutch pedal on
manual transmissions, or press the ON-OFF/CANCEL
switch once.
This deactivates the cruise control but retains the speed
in its memory. The CRUISE ACTIVE message and
cruise control symbol on the display will turn off.
To regain the memory speed momentarily, turn the lever
up to the RES-ACCEL position, provided you are
travelling over 25 mph (40 km/h). Holding the lever in
the RES-ACCEL position for longer than one second
causes the vehicle to accelerate.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers find this to be too much trouble and don’t use
cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
Press the ON-OFF/CANCEL switch twice. The cruise
control symbol and message will turn off.
Pressing the ON-OFF/CANCEL switch once pauses the
cruise control but keeps the system ready and the
speed in memory.
A second press turns the system off completely and
wipes the speed memory clear.
A third press turns the system back on to ready, without
any speed memory.
Turning off the ignition completely turns off cruise
control and wipes the speed memory clear.
Cruise control will be canceled if the Traction Control
System (TCS) becomes active. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your
cruise control set speed memory is erased.
3-11

Exterior Lamps
The dial to the left of the
steering wheel on the
instrument panel controls
the following positions:
;(Parking Lamps):Turn the dial to this position to
turn on the parking lamps, together with the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, license plate lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
2(Headlamps):Turn the dial to this position to turn
on the headlamps, together with the parking lamps,
taillamps, sidemarker lamps, and license plate lamps.AUTO (Automatic Headlamps):Turn the dial to AUTO
to provide for automatic operation of the headlamps,
taillamps, sidemarker lamps, and parking lamps.
For more information see “Automatic Headlamp System”
following.
9(Off):Turn the switch to this position to turn all
lamps off.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
•The ignition is on.
•The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO and
the light sensor detects daytime light.
•The exterior lamp control is turned to the off
position.
•The parking brake is released.
•For vehicles with automatic transmissions, the shift
lever is not in PARK (P).
3-12

When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
will not be illuminated unless you have turned the
exterior lamps control to the parking lamp or headlamp
position.
The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle is
in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged the first
time the ignition is turned on.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic
Headlamp System will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps, and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the
top of the instrument panel under the defroster
grill. Make sure it is not covered, which will cause the
system to be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also be on when driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather, or a tunnel.
This is normal.If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
The headlamps can be set to come on at different
levels. The sensitivity can be adjusted to Early, Normal,
or Late. SeeVehicle Personalization on page 2-32.
Leaving the headlamps and parking lamps on when the
engine is not running will eventually drain the battery.
To prevent the battery from draining, the headlamp and
parking lamps will switch off when the ignition has
been switched off and the driver’s door is opened,
because the vehicle senses that the driver has forgotten
to switch off the lights. The lights stay off until the
ignition is again switched on, or the lights are turned
back on manually by the headlamp switch. The
headlamps can be set to automatically switch off after
you have locked the vehicle and walked away. To set or
adjust the time delay from when the driver’s door is
opened to when the lights automatically switch off, see
Vehicle Personalization on page 2-32. If you wish to
have the lights on when leaving the vehicle, wait
until they have been automatically switched off, then
turn the light switch first to off, then to parking lamps or
headlamps.
3-13

Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on when you
turn on the ignition,
until the engine is started,
as a check to show
you it is working.
When the engine is running, the light should go out.
If the light illuminates and the Check Alternator message
on the trip computer stays on, or comes on while you
are driving you may have a problem with the electrical
charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose
generator drive belt or another electrical problem.
Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on
could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
The Check Alternator message will remain until the
MODE button on the trip computer is pressed, but the
symbol will remain until the problem is fixed.
Brake System Warning Light
To check that the light is
working, the symbol is
displayed when the ignition
is first turned ON and
the park brake applied.
If the symbol illuminates and the Brake message
appears on the trip computer display while driving and
the park brake is released, a fault with the brakes is
indicated. You should immediately stop the car on the
side of the road as carefully as possible. Do not proceed
until satisfied that braking is possible or that the
cause of the problem has been fixed.
A warning will chime if you attempt to drive off without
releasing the park brake.
The Brake message will remain until the MODE button
on the trip computer is pressed, but the symbol will
remain until the problem is fixed.
3-27

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
To ensure that the warning
light is working, the symbol
is displayed for a short
time when the ignition is
turned to ON.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If there is a malfunction of the anti-lock brake system,
the symbol will illuminate and ABS Fault will appear
on the trip computer display. See your dealer for service.
The car’s brake system will still operate conventionally,
only the anti-lock operation is impaired.
The ABS Fault message will remain until the MODE
button on the trip computer is pressed, but the symbol
will remain until the problem is fixed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
The temperature gage
shows the engine coolant
temperature when the
ignition is on.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the light
comes on and you hear a chime, your engine is too hot!
It means that your engine coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
3-28