2007 PONTIAC G6 tow

9(OFF):This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. For a vehicle with an
automatic transaxle, the shift lever must be in
PARK (P) with the ignition in OFF to remove the
key. For a vehicle with a manual transaxle, the shift
lever must be in REVERSE (R) to remove the key.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver’s
door while the ignition is off and the key is in the
ignition.
ACC (Accessory):This position unlocks the
transaxle. It also lets you use things like the radio
and windshield wipers while the engine is not
running. To use ACC, turn the key clockwise to the
rst position. Use this position if your vehicle must
be pushed or towed. SeeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 294.
Never try to push-start your vehicle, unless it has a
manual transaxle.R(ON):This position is where the key returns to
after you start the engine and release the key. The
ignition switch will stay in this position while the
engine is running. But even while the engine is not
running, you can use ON to operate your electrical
accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights. Use the ON position for
push-starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC or ON position with the engine off. You
may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch will return to the ON position for normal
driving.
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Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you will
be parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you
the best advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located
on the console between the seats.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
the engine because your vehicle cannot move
easily.
{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.
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 Transaxle)
on page 136. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 296.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system.
SE ModelGT and GTP Models
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You have to apply your regular brake rst and then
press the shift lever button before you can shift from
PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Press
the shift lever button and then move the shift lever
into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 138later in this
section.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. 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
transaxle, seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 287.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) while the engine is running at
high speed may damage the transaxle. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at high
speeds when shifting your vehicle.
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DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If
you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push
your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push
the accelerator all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
Downshifting the transaxle in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 271.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster,
and you continue to drive your vehicle that way,
you could damage the transaxle. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
LOW (L) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds
until then.THIRD (3):This position, available on the SE
model, is also used for normal driving. However,
it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D)
without using your brakes. 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.
LOW (L):This position, available on the SE model,
reduces vehicle speed more than THIRD (3)
without using your brakes. You can use LOW (L) 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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The transaxle will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (RPM):
The transaxle will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the engine RPM is too high.
The transaxle will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transaxle, the range of
gears may be reduced and the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 204for more information.
SECOND (2)/THIRD (3)
Gear Start Feature
Notice:If you attempt a third gear start while
trailering or towing a heavy load, you will notice
reduced engine power. This could overheat and
damage your transaxle. Do not attempt a third
gear start while trailering or towing your
vehicle.If your vehicle has the 6-speed transaxle, when
accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into
SECOND (2), or THIRD (3) gear. A higher gear,
and light application of the gas pedal, may allow
you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
With the TAP-Shift feature, the vehicle can
accelerate from a stop in SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3).
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
MANUAL MODE (M) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, press the plus (+)
paddle forward to select SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3)gear. The vehicle will start
from a stop position in SECOND (2) or
THIRD (3)gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired
drive gear.
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Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking
brake, for parking your vehicle.
Once the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), the
ignition can be turned to OFF and the key
removed.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, pull up on the parking
brake handle. If the ignition is on, the brake system
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 199.
To release the parking brake:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up until you can
press the release button.
3. 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.
If you are towing a trailer and you are parking on
a hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 296.
GT and GTP Shown, SE Similar
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Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{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, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 296.Use the following procedure to shift into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right
foot and set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
in the button on the shift lever and pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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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
underEngine Exhaust on page 140.
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 — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park
in a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 282.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the automatic transaxle 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 it is on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the automatic transaxle shift
lever to PARK (P), or the manual transaxle
shift lever to NEUTRAL.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
will not move. If you have an automatic transaxle,
seeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 136.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 296.
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