2009 PONTIAC G6 parking brake

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to start, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show it is
working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. This light could
indicate that there are problems with a generator drive
belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it
checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short
distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking
both parts need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when the engine is
started. If it does not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning
light also comes on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake problem.
United StatesCanada
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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 5-69for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays along with a low fuel warning
light on the instrument panel cluster when your vehicle is
low on fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeLow Fuel Warning Light on page 3-42,Fuel
on page 5-6, andFilling the Tank on page 5-10.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid
reservoir to the proper level as soon as possible.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-40.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged and you try to drive away. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-31for more information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been detected
with the electric power steering, if your vehicle has
this feature. Have your vehicle serviced immediately by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor 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. See
Tire Pressure Light on page 3-37. Several conditions may
cause this message to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 5-71for more information. If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a problem
with the TPMS. See your dealer/retailer.
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When dinghy towing the vehicle, the vehicle should be
run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop
for about ve minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication
of transmission components.
For vehicles that can be dinghy towed with all four wheels
on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.3. Set the parking brake.
4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle
is being towed, remove the following fuse from the
instrument panel fuse block: (IGN SENSOR). See
Instrument Panel Fuse Block on page 5-110for more
information.
5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
6. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to reinstall the IGN SENSOR fuse once the
destination has been reached.
Notice:If 65 mph (105 km/h) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged. Never
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing the vehicle.
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3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for
towing.
5. Remove the key from the ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.Dolly Towing From the Rear
Notice:Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be covered by the
warranty. Never have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle with the rear wheels on a dolly.
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When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel
ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned
out. For this reason you may think other drivers are
seeing the signal when they are not. It is important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher
than normal engine and transmission temperatures
may result and damage the vehicle. Frequent
stops are very important to allow the engine and
transmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, seeEngine
Overheating on page 5-37.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer attached
can be dangerous. If something goes wrong, the rig
could start to move. People can be injured, and
both the vehicle and the trailer can be damaged.
When possible, always park the rig on a at
surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
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Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
start the engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more
information. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission uid, engine oil,
belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good
idea to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a at tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the
vehicle before changing the tire.
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Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-7
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-8
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-9
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-12
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-13
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
(3.5 L V6 Engine)......................................5-26Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (All Other Engines).....5-27
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L and 3.6L V6 Engines)............5-29
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(3.9L Engine)............................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-32
Engine Coolant.............................................5-33
Pressure Cap...............................................5-37
Engine Overheating.......................................5-37
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-39
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-51
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Sedan)...................................................5-53
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear, pausing for about three
seconds in each one. Then, position the shift lever
in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to ve minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. The transmission uid
dipstick handle has
this symbol on it, and
is located near the
rear of the engine
compartment.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
more information on location.2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or
paper towel.
3. Reinstall it back in all the way, wait three seconds,
and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. The uid level must be within the
crosshatched area.
5. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, reinstall
the dipstick back in all the way.
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