engine PONTIAC GTO 2006 User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your shift
lever. Push in the button
on top of the shift lever
when shifting into position.
PARK (P):The engine can be started in this position.
This position prevents the rear wheels from turning
and so should be selected, together with the parking
brake, when leaving the vehicle.
{CAUTION:
It is 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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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). See
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-24
. If you are pulling
a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-34.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must have your foot
on the regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. The vehicle
will not shift from PARK (P) if the button is pressed
before the brake is applied. If you cannot shift out of
PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, push
the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), and release
the shift lever button as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift
lever into the desired gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 2-26.
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REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
see
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-28.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is ®rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This is the most effective position for normal
or freeway driving. This position gives maximum fuel
efficiency, as the transmission can choose the
appropriate gear (1 through 4) for the existing load and
driving conditions.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):
·When driving on hilly, winding roads.
·When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
·When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.
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NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Apply pressure to
get the lever past FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) into
REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not shift down
more than one gear at a time when you
downshift.
This chart shows when to shift to the next gear for the
best fuel economy.
Manual Transmission Recommended Shift
Speeds
1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5 5to6
16 mph
(25 km/h)22 mph
(35 km/h)30 mph
(48 km/h)40 mph
(65 km/h)50 mph
(80 km/h)
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to
the next lower gear.
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One to Four Shift Light
(Manual Transmission)
When this light comes on, you can only shift from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) instead of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2). The light will be displayed on the
instrument panel cluster and a message will be
displayed on the trip computer.
You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off
this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel
economy.After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
·The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169ÉF (76ÉC),
·you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
·you are 21 percent throttle or less.
See
One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission) on
page 3-26andTrip Computer on page 3-33for more
information. Instrument Panel
Cluster
Trip Computer
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking brake
handle without pressing the release button. If the ignition
is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-27.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the parking brake handle up until you
can press the release button. Hold the release button
in as you move the brake handle all the way down.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
{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. 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, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-34.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P).
·Press in and hold the shift lever button, located
on the top of the shift lever.
·Push the lever all the way toward the front of the
vehicle.
3. Turn the main key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the main key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{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 ®rmly set before you leave it. After you
have 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 ®rst pushing
the shift lever button. If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not 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 ®nd 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 ®nd out how, see
Shifting Into Park
(P) (Automatic Transmission) 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).
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Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see
or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and
death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
·Your exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
·Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
·Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
·Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
·Repairs were not done correctly.
·Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modi®ed improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
·Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
·Have your vehicle ®xed immediately.
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Running the Engine While 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 Ð with CO Ð can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter 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. See
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-24.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-15
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-16
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-16Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-19
Climate Control System.................................3-19
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer...............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-24
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-26
One-to-Four Shift Light (Manual Transmission). . . .3-26
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-27
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-28
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-28
Security Light...............................................3-31
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-31
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-31
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light.....3-32
Fuel Gage...................................................3-32
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

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).
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 ®rst
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. See
Vehicle Personalization on page 2-31.
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 turn off when the ignition has been
turned off and the driver's door is opened, because the
vehicle senses that the driver has forgotten to turn
off the lights.
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual