2008 PONTIAC G6 engine

While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have rmer
shifting and sportier performance. You can use this
for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear
longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the engine RPM is too high.
The transmission 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 transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-38for 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 transmission. Do not attempt a
third gear start while trailering or towing your
vehicle.
If your vehicle has the 6-speed transmission, 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 MSM, 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, move the lever forward
towards the plus (+) 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.
2-30

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, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-28.Use this procedure to shift into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-31for more
information.
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 LOCK/OFF.
4. For vehicles with base ignitions, 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). Vehicles with the passive ignitions,
turn the passive key to the LOCK/OFF position.
Take the keyless access transmitter with you.
2-32

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 automatic transmission vehicle
with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in
PARK (P) and your 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 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
automatic 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 pull 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)” previously in the section.
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 yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-33

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:
The 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 the exhaust system has
been modied 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.
2-35

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 2-35.
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 4-15.
{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 the
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-32.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-28.
2-36

Sunroof
If your vehicle has a
sunroof, the switch is
located on the headliner
between the map lamps.
The sunroof will only operate while the ignition is in
ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY, or if Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-23.
Press the back of the switch and release it to open the
sunroof to the vent position. From the vent position,
press and release the back of the switch to
express-open the sunroof. To stop the sunroof from
express opening, press the switch again. If the
sunshade is closed, it will open automatically when the
sunroof opens past the vented position.A deector will automatically raise when the sunroof is
opened. The deector will retract when the sunroof
is closed.
To close the sunroof, press the front of the switch and
hold it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if
the switch is released. Close the sunshade by hand.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if
the vehicle has an electrical failure.
Notice:If you force the sunshade forward of the
sliding glass panel, damage will occur and the
sunroof may not open or close properly. Always
close the glass panel before closing the sunshade.
Retractable Hardtop
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of the retractable hardtop. The retractable hardtop
will not operate if the trunk cargo cover is not in place.
If the retractable hardtop is lowered or raised multiple
times, the engine should be running while doing
so to prevent drain on the vehicle’s battery.
2-45

Lowering the Retractable Hardtop
Notice:Leaving the retractable hardtop down and
exposing the interior of your vehicle to outdoor
conditions may cause damage. Always close
the retractable hardtop if leaving your vehicle
outdoors.
Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or dirty
can cause stains, mildew, and damage to the
inside of your vehicle. Dry off the top before
lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the retractable hardtop in cold
weather (32°F/0°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
transmission into PARK (P). The vehicle must be
in PARK (P), and the engine must be running, or the
ignition turned to the ON/RUN position, to operate
the retractable hardtop.2. The trunk cargo cover must be fully closed, and the
trunk must be closed before lowering the hardtop.
3. Make sure that nothing or no one is on or around
the hardtop. Make sure there is nothing on top or
in front of the cargo cover.
2-46

As the switch is being pressed the windows and trunk
lid will open. The hardtop will automatically lower into the
trunk, and the trunk lid will close and latch. If the
engine is on, a chime will sound when the hardtop has
lowered completely. The Driver Information Center
(DIC) will display TOP MOVE COMPLT to signal the
procedure is complete. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-46for more information.After the hardtop has lowered completely, release the
switch. If you continue to press the switch for about
two seconds after the hardtop has completely lowered,
the windows will automatically close.
If pressure is released from the switch before the
hardtop cycle is complete, the cycle will stop and the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display the
TOP NOT SECURE message. Always press and hold
the switch until a chime sounds, if the engine is on, and
the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays the TOP
MOVE COMPLT to signal the procedure is complete.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46
for more information.
The hardtop will not operate if the vehicle has an
electrical failure. If an electrical failure occurs, see your
dealer/retailer for service.
If your vehicle has an electrical failure while operating
the hardtop, and must be towed to a dealer/retailer
for service, your vehicle should be towed by atbed with
the vehicle facing backwards. Consult your dealer/
retailer or professional towing service if you need to
have your disabled vehicle towed. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
2-48