engine PONTIAC GTO 2005 Owner's Guide

TRIP TIME
This function shows the engine running time since the
trip computer was reset. If this exceeds 99 hours
and 59 minutes, the trip time is displayed in hours only.
Trip Distance
This function shows the miles travelled from the start of
a particular trip. Reset the reading to zero by pressing
and holding the SET button down for eight seconds.
FUEL USED
This function shows the total gallons or liters of fuel
used since the trip computer was reset.
TIME TO ARRIVAL
This function shows trip time to arrival in hours and
minutes, based on distance to arrival. If this exceeds
99 hours and 59 minutes, the time to arrival is displayed
in hours only.
Dist (Distance) to Arrival
At the start of a trip, estimate your distance to arrival.
Tap the up or down arrows until the display shows your
estimated trip distance. When you drive, the computer
constantly updates your time to arrival, based on
changing driving speeds. You can use the up or down
arrows to adjust the miles (kilometers) any time this
display is shown.
FUEL REMAINING
This function shows the gallons (liters) of fuel left in the
fuel tank, rounded to the nearest one gallon (liter).
When the fuel level is down to about 2 gallons
(7.5 liters), LO is displayed instead of gallons (liters).
If the Low Fuel message in the trip computer comes on
when driving, it indicates that the fuel level is low.
The Low Fuel message is displayed until the MODE
button is pressed. The trip computer then displays
its calculation of Range, which is how far you can drive
with your current fuel level, for 10 seconds before
returning to the original trip computer display with a
small low fuel symbol on the left. The symbol will remain
until the fuel tank is filled above the low fuel level.
If the Very Low Fuel message in the trip computer
comes on when driving, it indicates that the fuel level is
very low. The Very Low Fuel message is displayed
until the MODE button is pressed. The trip computer
then displays its calculation of Range, which is
how far you can drive with your current fuel level, for
10 seconds before returning to the original trip computer
display with a small flashing low fuel symbol on the
left. The symbol will remain until the fuel tank is filled
above the low fuel level.
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Check Alternator
If this symbol and the
Check Alternator message
stay on, or come on
while you are driving you
may have a problem
with the electrical
charging system.
It could indicate that your vehicle has a loose generator
drive belt or another electrical problem. Have your
vehicle checked right away by your GM dealer. Driving
while this symbol is on could drain your battery. If
you must drive a short distance with the symbol 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 is pressed, but the
symbol will remain until the condition is repaired.
Check Oil
If this symbol and the
Check Oil message stay
on after you start the
engine, or come on when
you are driving, there
is a low engine oil
pressure problem.This indicates that the engine is not receiving enough
oil. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some
other oil problem. Have it repaired immediately by
your GM dealer. The Check Oil message will remain
until the MODE button is pressed, but the symbol
will remain until the condition is repaired.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
CRUISE ACTIVE
The CRUISE ACTIVE message comes on whenever
you set the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-10for more information.
3-39

Cruise Enabled
This symbol, the Cruise
Enabled message, and the
CRUISE message come
on for a few seconds
whenever you turn on the
cruise control.
The message then returns to the original trip computer
display with a small CRUISE message on the right.
The CRUISE message will remain until the cruise control
is set or turned off. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10
for more information.
Cruise Off
This symbol and the
Cruise Off message come
on for a few seconds
whenever you turn off the
cruise control.
The message then returns to the original trip computer
display. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
Engine Temp (Temperature) Hot
If the Engine Temp Hot
message and this symbol
come on while driving,
it indicates that the engine
coolant temperature is
dangerously hot.
You should stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so.
The Engine Temp Hot message will display until the
MODE button is pressed. The message then returns to
the original trip computer display with a small over
temperature symbol on the left. The symbol will remain
until the condition is repaired. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-26for more information.
Low Fuel
If the Low Fuel message comes on when driving, it
indicates that the fuel level is low. The Low Fuel
message is displayed until the MODE button is pressed.
The trip computer then displays its calculation of
miles to empty for 10 seconds.
3-40

Rest Reminder
This symbol and message
alert you when you may
have been travelling for too
long without a break.
After the ignition is turned to ON, a timer will start. After
two hours of continuous driving, the trip computer
automatically shows the rest reminder display. See
“REST REMINDER” underVehicle Personalization on
page 2-30for more information.
Service Engine Oil
If this symbol and the
Service Engine Oil
message come on after
you start the engine,
it means that service is
required for your vehicle.
See your GM dealer.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine
Oil on page 5-13for more information.
Service Error (X Symbol)
If the Service Error message or the X symbol comes on,
it indicates a fault in the trip computer. See your
GM dealer for service.
Service Vehicle Soon
This symbol and the
Service Vehicle Soon
message will come on and
a chime will sound if
there is a problem with
your vehicle.
When this message displays, see your GM dealer as
soon as possible.
The Service Vehicle Soon message will display until the
MODE button is pressed. The message then returns
to the original trip computer display with a small
SVS message on the right. The SVS message will
remain until the condition is repaired.
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Audio System(s)
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them. Your
vehicle’s systems may interfere with the operation
of sound equipment that has been added.
Figure out which audio system is in your vehicle, find
out what your audio system can do, and how to operate
all of its controls.
Setting the Time
To change the time, perform the following:
1. Turn the radio on and wait for the time to appear on
the display.
2. Press the TIME button for more than two seconds.
TIME ADJ will appear on the display and the time
will flash.
3. Press either SEEK arrow to adjust the hour.
4. Press either TUNE arrow to adjust the minutes.
5. Press the TIME button again to save the new time.
The radio will automatically exit the time setting mode
if no adjustments are made for eight seconds.
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Speed-Dependent Volume (SDV)
With SDV, the audio system adjusts automatically to
make up for road or wind noise as you drive.
This feature will never completely compensate for
driving noise. There are other factors such as road
surface, wind noise, windows open, and engine speed
that may alter the interior noise for any given road
speed.
You can select compensation rates between 0 (off)
and 5 (maximum compensation) in the options menu.
See “Options Menu Adjustment” later in this section
to adjust SDV.
Dynamic Distortion Limiting (DDL)
The radio has a feature that limits the amount of
amplifier distortion that you can hear. When this feature
is turned on, it continuously monitors the quality of
the signal to the speakers. When the signal distortion
exceeds the preset limits the radio will automatically limit
or reduce the volume until the distortion is minimized.
Under some circumstances, distortion may be heard for
a very short period of time until the system has taken
the necessary steps to limit it.The speakers may go off when the volume level is set
at a high or full volume for a long period of time in order
to protect the amplifier from overheating. When the
amplifier cools down, the radio will reset and you will
again hear sound through the speakers.
The main source of distortion in music is the low
frequency bass caused by drums or large instruments.
Music that features very strong bass may trigger the
distortion limiting system and the system will then
reduce the volume to minimize the distortion. Increasing
the bass control or the EQ boost may also result in a
reduced volume level due to the emphasized bass. See
“Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)” previously in this
section. The DDL can be turned off so that the radio will
deliver a higher volume level, but distortion will also
be increased.
See “Options Menu Adjustment” later in this section to
adjust DDL.
3-53

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
4-6

Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear
the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock brakes, you can steer and brake at the
same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your 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 rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system reduces engine power and applies the
brakes, as necessary.Traction control helps you to keep control of the
vehicle and reminds you to match your speed to the
road conditions.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. The TCS is automatically turned on whenever
the ignition is turned from off to on. A Low Traction
message is displayed on the trip computer, indicating
traction control is limiting wheel spin, until the MODE
button on the trip computer is pressed. The message
then goes back to the original trip computer display with
a small low traction symbol on the left. The symbol
will remain as long as the low traction situation exists.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the TCS on. But
you can turn the system off if you prefer.
4-8

To turn the system off,
press the T/C button. On
manual transmission
vehicles, the button is
located on the driver’s side
of the center console.
On automatic transmission
vehicles, the button is
located on the passenger’s
side of the shift lever.
When you turn the system off, a Traction Ctrl Off
message is displayed on the trip computer. After
two seconds, the display goes back to the original trip
computer display with a small TRAC OFF message on
the right.
If the Traction Ctrl Off message does not display when
the button is pressed, or if it comes on during driving,
a problem is indicated in the system and traction control
is no longer operational. You should contact your
dealer for service.
Pressing the T/C button again or the next time the
ignition is turned on, will turn the system back on. The
Traction Ctrl On message is displayed on the trip
computer. After two seconds, the display goes back to
the original trip computer display.Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While
you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
4-9

A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your 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,
your 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, you
will want to 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.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your 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.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
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