2006 PONTIAC G6 Transaxle

Notice:If you lower the retractable hardtop in cold
weather (0°F/−18°C or lower), you may damage
top components. Do not lower the retractable
hardtop in cold weather.
1. Park on a level surface and shift the automatic
transaxle into PARK (P), or a manual transaxle
into NEUTRAL with the parking brake set.
2. The vehicle’s engine must be on or turned to ACC,
the trunk cargo cover must be in place, and the
trunk must be closed.
3. Lower both sun visors.
4. Make sure that nothing or no one is on or around
the top. Make sure there is nothing on top or in
front of the cargo cover.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the retractable hardtop can
be dangerous. People can be injured by the
hardtop and its mechanism. Keep people away
from your vehicle when you are lowering or
raising the top.5. Push and hold the
bottom of the
retractable hardtop
button located on the
headliner, between
the front reading lamps.
The windows will
automatically lower
and the top will
automatically lower
into the storage area.
A chime will sound
when the top has
lowered completely.
If the radio is on, the sound may be muted briey while
the retracable top is lowered. This is due to the audio
equalization system re-loading.
Under certain conditions, the Driver Information Center
(DIC) may display a message regarding the retractable
hardtop. If this happens, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for more information.
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Raising the Retractable Hardtop
1. Park on a level surface and shift the automatic
transaxle into PARK (P), or a manual transaxle
into NEUTRAL with the parking brake set.
2. The vehicle’s engine must be on or in ACC, and
the trunk cargo cover must be in place.
3. Lower both sun visors.
Notice:Raising or lowering the top while the
vehicle is in motion can cause damage to the top
or top mechanism. Make sure the vehicle is in
PARK (P) to lower or raise the top.
4. Make sure nothing or no one is on or around the
top. Make sure there is no cargo on top of or in
front of the trunk cargo cover.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the retractable hardtop can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
hardtop and its mechanism. Keep people away
from your vehicle when you are lowering or
raising the top.5. Push and hold the top
of the retractable
hardtop button located
on the headliner
between the front
reading lamps.
The windows will
automatically lower
and the top will raise.
A chime will sound
when the top has
raised completely.
After the top is fully raised, release the retractable
hardtop button. If you press the button again within
ve seconds, the windows will automatically close.
If your radio is on, you may notice a brief mute in sound.
This is normal and due to the audio system equalization
re-loading for the vehicle with the top raised.
Under certain conditions, the Driver Information Center
(DIC) may display a message regarding the retractable
hardtop. If this happens, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for more information.
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The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
B. Side Window Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-29.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls (Three Spoke)
on page 3-86orAudio Steering Wheel Controls
(Four Spoke) on page 3-87.
G. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 3-28.
J. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
L. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-26.M. Instrument Panel Brightness Control.
SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
N. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-17.
O. Hood Release Handle. SeeHood Release on
page 5-11.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
Q. Climate Control System. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23orClimate Control
System on page 3-20.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-28orManual Transaxle Operation on
page 2-32.
S. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
T. Traction Control System Button (If Equipped),
Enhanced Traction System Button (If Equipped),
and/or StabiliTrak
®(If Equipped). SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9orEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-11and/or
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-12.
U. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-34.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-45.
3-5

Headlamps
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has the following four positions:
2(Headlamps):This position turns on the
headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):This position turns on the
parking lamps and taillamps only.
AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):This position
automatically turns on the Daytime Running Lamps
during daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and
taillamps at night.
P(Off/On):This position is the momentary Off/On
switch for the Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada,
this only works when a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle is in PARK (P).
When operating in AUTO, a momentary turn of the
switch to off/on will turn off the Automatic Headlamp
System. Rotating the switch to off/on again will turn the
Automatic Headlamp System back on. The Automatic
Headlamp System is always turned on at the beginning
of an ignition cycle.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)
This feature works for vehicles with an automatic
transaxle when the ignition is on and it is dark outside.
To turn the headlamps off when it is dark outside
but keep other exterior lights on, turn the exterior lamp
control to the parking lamp position. In this position,
the parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license
plate lamps and instrument panel lights will be on,
but the headlamps will be off.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
3-14

Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature will continue to
illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is
turned to OFF, then the headlamps will automatically
turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
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. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor on
top of the instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered,
or the head lamps will be on when not needed.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 lamps control is in AUTO.
The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (this applies only to vehicles that are
rst sold in Canada).
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released (manual transaxle) or
the vehicle is not in PARK (automatic transaxle).
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 position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
3-15

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 top of
the middle part of the instrument panel, so be sure it is
not covered which will cause the automatic headlamp
system to be on whenever the ignition is on.
The automatic headlamp system may also be on when
driving through a parking garage, heavy overcast
weather or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness Control” underInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-17.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For Canadian vehicles,
the transaxle must stay in PARK (P) (automatic
transaxle) or the parking brake must be set (manual
transaxle) for this function.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
3-16

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
When in manual shift mode, the odometer will change
from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for manual
mode, and a number indicating the requested gear
range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward.
For more information seeAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-28.
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
Repair or replacement of your instrument panel
cluster should only be performed by a qualied
GM service center.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can display how far you have driven
since you last reset it.
For more information seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-46.
Tachometer
The tachometer
shows your engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
3-31

Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls
may not work as well, your fuel economy may not
be as good, and your engine may not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that may
not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with
other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light should come on, as a check to show you it is
working, when the ignition is on and the engine is
not running. If the light does not come on, have it
repaired. This light will also come on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
3-41