parking brake PONTIAC GTO 2006 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-9
Trunk............................................................2-9
Windows........................................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sun Visors...................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-14
Immobilizer..................................................2-14
Immobilizer Operation....................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-16
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-16
Ignition Positions..........................................2-16
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-17
Starting the Engine.......................................2-18Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-19
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-21
Parking Brake..............................................2-24
Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-24
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-26
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-27
Engine Exhaust............................................2-27
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-28
Mirrors...........................................................2-29
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-29
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-29
Storage Areas................................................2-30
Glove Box...................................................2-30
Cupholder(s)................................................2-30
Front Storage Area.......................................2-30
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-30
Vehicle Personalization...................................2-31
Section 2 Features and Controls
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2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position Ð that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ¯oor and
start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down Ð that is a safety
feature.
Starting Your Engine
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal and the
parking brake ®rmly applied, turn your ignition
key to START. When the engine starts, let go of the
key. The idle speed will go down as your engine
gets warm.
Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If it does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try
again to start the engine by turning the ignition key to
START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
When your engine has run about 10 seconds to
warm up, your vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not
run your engine at high speeds when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (32ÉF or 0ÉC), let
the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle's warranty.
2-18
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

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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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).
2-24
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

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).
2-25
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

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.
2-28
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Outlets. See
Outlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
B. Exterior Lamp Controls. See
Instrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-15andExterior Lamps on
page 3-13.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See
Instrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-23.
D. Windshield Wiper Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on
page 3-9.
E. Trip Computer Control. See
Trip Computer on
page 3-33.
F. Outlets. See
Outlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Climate Controls. See
Climate Control System on
page 3-19.
I. Audio System Controls. See
Audio System(s) on
page 3-44.J. Cruise Control Lever. See
Cruise Control on
page 3-10.
K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. See
Audio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-56.
L. Tilt Wheel. See
Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.
M. Horn. See
Horn on page 3-6.
N. Ignition Switch. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-16.
O. Shift Lever. See
Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-19orManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-21.
P. Cupholders. See
Cupholder(s) on page 2-30.
Q. Traction Control System and Power Door Lock
Buttons. See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-9andDoor Locks on page 2-7.
R. Parking Brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-24.
S. Glove Box. See
Glove Box on page 2-30.
3-5
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.
3-14
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Brake System Warning Light
This light will come on
when the ignition is turned
to ON and when the
parking brake is applied, if
it does not, have it ®xed so
it will be ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
If this light comes on and the Brake message appears
on the trip computer display while driving and the
parking 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 satis®ed that braking is possible or that the
cause of the problem has been ®xed.
A warning will chime if you attempt to drive off without
releasing the parking 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 ®xed. See
Trip Computer on
page 3-33for more information.
This light will also come on to indicate low brake ¯uid.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
This light will come on
brie¯y when you start the
engine to show that it is
working, then it will turn off.
If the light does not come on then, have it ®xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system,
this light will come on and the ABS Fault message will
appear on the trip computer display. See your GM
dealer for service. The vehicle's brake system will still
operate without ABS.
The ABS Fault message will stay on until the MODE
button on the trip computer is pressed, but the light will
stay on until the problem is ®xed. See
Trip Computer
on page 3-33for more information.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on brie¯y when you turn the ignition key to ON. If
the light does not come on then, have it ®xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-27
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modi®cations..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-39
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-44
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-46
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-46
Headlamps..................................................5-46
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and De®nitions.....................5-56
In¯ation - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-66
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-67
Wheel Replacement......................................5-67
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1
2006 - Pontiac GTO Owner Manual