2004 PONTIAC GTO trip computer

Trip Computer
The buttons for the trip
computer are located to
the right of the gages and
the display is located
directly beneath the gages.
The basic, more commonly used functions of the trip
computer are shown following. Tap the MODE button to
scroll between the different sets of display.
You will notice that speed related displays are in the left
window, distance related displays in the center, and
fuel related windows on the right.
When the ignition is turned on, the trip computer
displays the same functions as when the ignition was
last turned off.The trip computer can be reset when AVG SPEED or
TRIP TIME are shown on the left window. To reset,
press the SET button for less than two seconds.
Resetting does not affect the Odometer, Overspeed,
Distance to Empty, Time to Arrival, Distance to Arrival,
Instantaneous Fuel, or Remaining Fuel.
Vehicle personalization is available through the trip
computer controls and display. SeeVehicle
Personalization on page 2-32.
AVG SPEED
This function shows the average speed, while the
engine is running, since the trip computer was reset.
Odometer
This function records miles travelled since the car
was built.
AVG FUEL
This function shows average fuel used since the trip
computer was reset. After resetting, a high number may
initially be shown, due to the short distance travelled
and the high fuel used when accelerating.
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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/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 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 off, 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 any time this display is shown.
FUEL REMAINING
This function shows the gallons of fuel left in the fuel
tank, rounded to the nearest one gallon/liter. When the
fuel level is down to about two gallons, LO is displayed
instead of gallons.
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 on the trip computer switch is pressed. The trip
computer then displays its calculation of miles to
empty for 10 seconds before reverting 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
on the trip computer switch is pressed. The trip
computer then displays its calculation of miles to empty
for 10 seconds before reverting 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 very low fuel level.
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O/SPEED (Overspeed)
Overspeed sets the speed you don’t want to exceed.
For example, if driving in a 45 mph zone, set
OVERSPEED to 45 mph, by tapping the up or down
arrows. The overspeed setting is displayed in the
left window. When the vehicle speed exceeds the
setting, the overspeed warning message and an audible
chime warns you that you are speeding. At that time
the trip computer automatically shows the overspeed
display, allowing you to make adjustments if required.
If in the Overspeed preset, press and hold MODE
for two seconds.
Underspeed Chime
Overspeed provides a chime when your travelling speed
exceeds the overspeed value, whereas underspeed
provides a chime to indicate when your travelling speed
again drops below the overspeed.
Dist to Empty
Distance to empty is an estimate of how far your current
fuel level will last. It is based on your previous fuel
usage and is frequently updated. Therefore, as
conditions become suited to more economical driving
the Dist to Empty may actually increase, for example
from city to highway driving.
In addition, movement of fuel in the tank can cause the
reading to fluctuate when the fuel level is low.
INST FUEL
This function shows instantaneous fuel usage in
gallons/liters per 60 miles/ kilometers when driving.
When speed drops below 6 mph (10 km/h) the usage is
shown in gallons per hour.
O/Speed P2 (Overspeed Presets)
Instead of adjusting overspeed up and down in
increments of 3 mph (5km/h), you can set four
commonly used speeds. Hold down the MODE button
for two seconds when the overspeed display is
shown. The display changes from normal overspeed
operation to overspeed preset. P1 is the first preset
number, with a default setting of 35 mph (60 km/h).
Tap the up arrow to see the other three presets.
The overspeed preset display has now replaced the
normal overspeed display. Tap the MODE button
to scroll through the other displays.
To change the display back to normal overspeed, hold
down the MODE button for two seconds while the
overspeed preset display is shown.
3-38

Altering Overspeed Presets
The default overspeed settings can be changed for your
individual preference.
The car must be standing still when changing a preset.
Ensure the preset you wish to change is showing.
Then briefly press the SET button. The display starts to
flash. Use the up or down arrows to adjust the setting.
When correct, briefly press the SET button. Each
PRESET can be changed in this way.
The presets are automatically arranged in
ascending order.
One or more presets can be assigned to OFF, by
reducing the preset down to 0 (OFF). When driving you
then only have three or less presets to choose from.
To turn back on, select the OFF preset (when the
vehicle is standing still) and use the up arrow to increase
the number.
If the up or down arrows are briefly pressed while
driving, the overspeed setting is changed to the speed
at which you are travelling.
If the SET button is pressed for two seconds, either
while driving or standing still, overspeed is turned
completely off or on.
Stop Watch
The stop watch function, when enabled, records
elapsed time. It can be used, for example, to measure
the time taken to travel between two points on a trip.
To start/stop the stop watch, press SET to reset it, then
press and hold MODE for more than three seconds.
The trip computer must be on Trip Time for this function
to work.
DIGITAL SPEEDO
If digital speedo mode is activated, the mph (km/h) are
shown in a large digital mode.
Rest Reminder
This feature alerts you when you may have been
travelling for too long without a break. After the ignition
is turned on, a timer will start, and after two hours of
continuous driving, the trip computer automatically
shows the rest reminder display. The default on this
feature is off.
3-39

Trip A/B
When the Time to Arrival/Distance to Arrival/Fuel
Remaining set of windows are turned on, using vehicle
personalization, and are showing on the display,
hold the MODE button down for two seconds. Now,
instead of the Time to Arrival set of displays, the
trip computer shows Trip B details.
Press the MODE button to view your displays. You now
have two different sets of trip displays counting, your
original set of trip displays (labeled A while B is turned
on) and a new set of trip displays, labelled B. This is
useful on a long trip, as Trip B can be reset at the
beginning of the journey and then locked away
(by pressing the MODE button for two seconds when
Trip B is shown). Time to Arrival/Distance to
Arrival/Remaining Fuel will again be shown on the
display, but Trip B is still counting away in the
background and the original trip display can be used for
short distances during the journey. Trip B can be
viewed at any time by pressing the MODE button for
two seconds when Distance to Arrival is shown.
Trip A/B can also be enabled/disabled in vehicle
personalization, SeeVehicle Personalization on
page 2-32. If the Trip A and B function is selected,
the Average Speed and Average Fuel displays
indicate Trip A.
Trip Computer Notes:
•If the wrong buttons are accidentally pressed,
causing the window to show a display other
than normal, turn the ignition off then on again
when the vehicle is standing still.
•Several warning lights are linked to the trip
computer displays. SeeWarning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators on page 3-23.
•When the overspeed warning symbol is first shown,
the overspeed trip computer display is automatically
shown for 10 seconds. This is to show what your
pre-selected speed is and allow you to adjust
it if required. After 10 seconds, the trip computer
returns to its previous display.
•Some displays change the units of measurement
over time. For example, the Time to Arrival shows
hours only above 99 hours and 59 minutes,
and hours and minutes below. Time to Arrival also
shows 10 minute units above 2 hours, 5 minute
units below 2 hours and 1 minute units below
10 minutes.
•If the X symbol or a Service Error message is
shown in the display, it indicates a fault in the
trip computer and you should see your vehicle
dealer.
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Trip Computer Warning Messages
Cruise Control
The CRUISE light along
with the Cruise Enabled
message on the trip
computer display will come
on whenever you set
your cruise control.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning:If the Engine
Temp Hot message in the trip computer display
comes on while driving, it indicates that the engine
coolant temperature is dangerously hot. You should stop
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. The Engine
Temp Hot message is displayed until the MODE button
on the trip computer switch is pressed. The message
then reverts to the original trip computer display
with a small over temperature symbol on the left. The
symbol will remain until the problem is fixed. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-28.
Low Coolant Warning:If the Low Coolant message in
the trip computer comes on while driving, it indicates
that the engine coolant level is dangerously low.You should check the level as soon as possible, see
Engine Coolant on page 5-25. The Low Coolant
message is displayed until the MODE button on the trip
computer switch is pressed. The message then
reverts to the original trip computer display with a small
low coolant symbol on the left. The symbol will remain
until the problem is fixed.
Low Traction:If the Low Traction message appears in
the trip computer display while driving, it indicates
that the traction control system has sensed that your
vehicle requires help with road grip and that the system
is actively working to stop any wheel spin. The Low
Traction message is displayed for about one second.
The message then reverts 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 exits. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8.
Traction Off:If the Traction Ctrl Off message in the trip
computer display comes on while driving, without the
traction control being turned off by the driver, it indicates
the traction control system is not working and you
should see your vehicle dealer. The Traction Ctrl Off
message is displayed for two seconds. The message
then reverts to the original trip computer display
with a small TRAC OFF symbol on the right. The symbol
will remain until the problem is fixed. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8.
3-41

CD Messages
CD ERROR PLAY:The CD cannot be read. The CD is
dirty, scratched, wet, or upside down.
CD ERROR MECH (Mechanism):If this message
appears on the display, it could be for one of the
following reasons:
•The CD is stuck in the player and cannot be
played, loaded, or ejected.
•It is very hot. When the temperature returns to
normal, the CD should play.
•You are driving on a very rough road. When the
road becomes smoother, the CD should play.
•The air is very humid. If so, wait about an hour and
try again.
•There may have been a problem while burning
the CD.
•The label may be caught in the CD player.
If the CD is not playing correctly for any other reason,
try a known good CD.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer. If your radio displays an
error message, write it down and provide it to your
dealer when reporting the problem.
Options Menu
The following features can be adjusted through the
vehicle’s options menu located in the instrument panel
cluster in the trip computer display window.
Conrmation Beeps
Beeps are used to confirm various actions of the radio
such as storing a preset. The beeps can be turned
on or off using the options menu. See “Options Menu
Adjustment” later in this section to adjust the
confirmation beeps.
All Beeps On:The radio will make a beep sound when
storing radio stations, when it is time to insert or
remove a CD from the CD changer, or to confirm that
the LOAD ALL or EJECT ALL functions have started.
CD Beeps Only:The radio will make a beep sound
when it is time to insert or remove a CD from the CD
changer or to confirm that the LOAD ALL or EJECT ALL
functions have started.
Beeps Off:The radio will not produce any beeps.
3-49

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, 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. In addition, traction control when activated,
provides feedback to the driver by pulsing the
accelerator pedal.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.
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.
4-8