2009 PONTIAC G5 service indicator

If the ETS indicator/warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the transmission
shift lever is in any position other than L (Low), the
vehicle may need service.
When this light is on solid, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Check the DIC messaging to determine whether it is
because of the driver turning off the system, or that the
system may not be working properly and the vehicle
requires service. When this light is turned on, either the
SERVICE TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message will
be displayed.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-42for more
information on the messages associated with this light.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions,
ETS should always be left on. But the system can be
turned off if needed.
To turn the system off, shift to L (Low) or R (Reverse).When the system is turned off, the ETS indicator/warning
light will come on and stay on and the TRACTION OFF
message will be displayed when the gear shift is in
L (Low). The indicator/warning light and message
will not come on when the gear shift is in R (Reverse).
If the ETS is limiting wheel spin when the transmission is
shifted to L (Low) or R (Reverse) to turn the system off,
the indicator/warning light and TRACTION OFF will come
on in L (Low). But the system will not turn off right away.
It will wait until there is no longer a current need to limit
wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-42for more information on the messages
associated with this light.
The system can be turned back on at any time by
shifting to D (Automatic Overdrive) or I (Intermediate).
The ETS indicator/warning light should go off.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
4-11

Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasolinewhether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-7

Brake Wear
This vehicle has front disc brakes and could have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is moving,
except when applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-108.If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if a rear brake rubbing noise is heard,
have the rear brake linings inspected immediately. Rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When the
front brake pads are replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every moderate brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for
wear. If rarely making moderate or heavier brake stops,
the brakes might not adjust correctly. Very carefully
making a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles (1 600 km) will adjust the brakes properly.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes and the brake pedal
goes down farther than normal, the rear drum brakes
might need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and
rmly applying the brakes a few times.
5-32

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is
not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator
is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When
the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
ash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-58for
additional information.Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Vehicles with TPMS operate on a radio frequency and
comply with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-57

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power............................................2-23
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-65
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-6
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-102
Adjustments
Headlamp Range.......................................... 1-7
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment....................3-21
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Airbag System................................................1-52
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-57
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-59
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-57
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-56
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-54Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-27
Antenna
Fixed Mast.................................................3-87
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-87
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Warning Light.............................................3-30
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-100
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-101
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-98
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-95
Finish Care.................................................5-98
Finish Damage
..........................................5-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-96
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-94
Leather......................................................5-96
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-101
Tires........................................................5-100
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-101
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-97
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-99
Ashtray.........................................................3-17
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 7-7
1

Driving (cont.)
Off-Road Recovery......................................4-13
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-22
Winter........................................................4-19
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-8
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical Equipment
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-102
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-105
Floor Console Fuse Block...........................5-104
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-103
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-103
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-103
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-103
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-18
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-6
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-31
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-33
Compartment Overview................................5-12Engine (cont.)
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-32
Cooling System...........................................5-20
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Exhaust.....................................................2-34
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-27
Starting......................................................2-24
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light.....4-10
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Indicator/
Warning Light.............................................3-31
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage.............................................5-101
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-87
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-71
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-80
5

L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-49
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-33
Lamps
Back-Up.....................................................5-46
Daytime Running (DRL)................................3-13
Dome ........................................................3-15
License Plate..............................................5-46
Mirror Reading............................................3-15
Taillamps and Turn Signal.............................5-44
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-23
LATCH System for Child Restraints...................1-39
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-15
Lights............................................................3-12
Airbag Readiness........................................3-26
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-30
Brake System Warning.................................3-29
Charging System.........................................3-28
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-32
Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active.........4-10
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-37
Highbeam On.............................................3-37
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
On Reminder..............................................3-13Lights (cont.)
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-27
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-25
Security.....................................................3-37
Tire Pressure..............................................3-33
Up-Shift.....................................................3-28
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-22
Locks
Automatic Door Lock....................................2-10
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-9
Door ........................................................... 2-8
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-39
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-3
M
Maintenance
Footnotes..................................................... 6-7
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
8

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-33
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-3
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Operation...................................................2-28
Manual Windows............................................2-15
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-42
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-15
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-37
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
Outside Remote Control Mirror......................2-36
MP3 .............................................................3-66N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Net
Convenience...............................................2-41
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-20
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Off-Road
Recovery....................................................4-13
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System.................................5-16
Pressure Light.............................................3-36
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-37
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-16
9