2009 PONTIAC G5 sensor

When Should an Airbag Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the
potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right
front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only
designed to inate if the impact exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used
to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inate and help restrain the occupants.
Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not
based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends
largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with specic vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash
severity. Your vehicle has an electronic frontal sensor,
which helps the sensing system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal
impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inate at a level less than full deployment. For more
severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
Your vehicle may have roof-rail airbags. SeeAirbag
System on page 1-52. Roof-rail airbags are intended to
inate in moderate to severe side crashes. Roof-rail
airbags will inate if the crash severity is above the
system’s designed threshold level. The threshold level
can vary with specic vehicle design.
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The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver airbag and roof-rail airbags are not affected
by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger
frontal airbag should be enabled (may inate) or not.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when
properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child
restraint for their weight and size.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing
child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,
who are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger
airbag inates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the
inating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger airbag inates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that
an airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the airbag is turned off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear
seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in
a rear seat.
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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts of
the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel,
roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring can affect
the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could alsointerfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-59.
If you have any questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
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P(Off/On):When operating in AUTO, a momentary
turn of the switch to Off/On will turn the Automatic
Headlamp System off or back on. For vehicles rst
sold in Canada, the automatic transmission must be
in P (Park) or the manual transmission must have
the park brake set, before the Automatic Headlamp
System can be turned off.
Wiper Activated Headlamps
The headlamps and parking lamps are activated
15 seconds after the windshield wipers are turned on.
For this feature to work, automatic lighting must be
enabled. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-12for additional
information.
When the ignition is turned off, the wiper-activated
headlamps will immediately turn off. They also turn
off 15 seconds after the windshield wiper control
is turned off.
Headlamps on Reminder
If the drivers door is opened with the ignition off and the
lamps on, a warning chime will sound. This indicates
that the headlamps are still on.
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 headlamps
will come on when you do not need them.
The DRL system will make the headlamps come on at
reduced intensity when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The shift lever is not in P (Park).
While the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, and instrument panel lights will not be illuminated.
The DRL system will be off any time the vehicle is in
P (Park). The DRL system on U.S. vehicles can also be
turned off by using the off/on switch for one ignition cycle.
The regular headlamp system should be used when
needed.
3-13

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-52.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is started.
If the light does not come
on then, have it xed
immediately.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42
for more information.
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ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
NOT READY
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display briey after starting the vehicle
if the system’s sensors are not yet calibrated. The system
is not functional until the message stops displaying.
Adjust your driving accordingly. When the message is no
longer displayed, the system is functional. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC is
turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31for more
information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the
battery in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-3.
LEARN COMPLETE
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) has completed the tire learning
process. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-56
for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-38,Fuel on page 5-5, andFilling the Tank on
page 5-8for more information.
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SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays
and a chime sounds when the system is not functioning
properly. The ETS light or the ESC/TCS light also
appears on the instrument panel cluster. This light
stays on solid as long as the detected problem remains
present. When this message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10orTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
orElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
for more information. Have the system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), this message displays
if a part on the TPMS is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-33. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-58for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) and does not have the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system, this message
displays when the TPMS is re-learning the tire positions
on your vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned
after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-63,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-56, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-55for more
information.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
or Traction Control System (TCS), this message displays
and the ETS light or the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on solid when the system is turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-10orTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-7andEnhanced Traction
System (ETS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
orElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-31
for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-12.
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TIRE LEARN?
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS), this mode is available
on vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system. After rotating the tires or after replacing a tire
or sensor, the TPMS must re-learn the tire positions.
To re-learn the tire positions, seeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-56. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-63andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-42for more information.
REMOTE START
If your vehicle has remote start, this feature allows
remote start to be turned off or on. Remote start allows
you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle using
your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. When
REMOTE START appears on the display, press and hold
the reset button for at least one second to scroll through
the available settings:
OFF:The remote start feature will be disabled.
ON (default):The remote start feature will be enabled.
SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 2-6for more
information.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting is
displayed on the DIC.
LOCK HORN
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), this
feature, which allows the vehicle’s horn to chirp every
time the lock button on the RKE transmitter is pressed,
can be enabled or disabled. When LOCK HORN appears
on the display, press and hold the reset button for at least
one second to scroll through the available settings:
OFF (default):The horn will not chirp on the rst press
of the lock button on the RKE transmitter. The horn
will still chirp on the second press.
ON:The horn will chirp on the rst press of the lock
button on the RKE transmitter.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-3for more information.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
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