2009 PONTIAC G6 DIC

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if
it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in P (Park) for this
function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-15

Parade Dimming
Parade mode automatically prohibits the dimming of the
instrument panel displays during the daylight while
the headlamps are on so that the displays are still able
to be seen.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with front and rear reading lamps, press
the lens to turn the lamp on and off, while the doors are
closed. These lamps come on automatically when
any door is opened.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when the trunk is opened and
turns off when the trunk is closed.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back
up. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is
lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there is a
problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
3-17

A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or
LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-46.Battery Run-Down Protection
The battery run-down feature is designed to protect the
vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading lamps, or dome
lamp) is left on when the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system automatically shuts
the lamp off after 20 minutes. This prevents draining
of the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
Open any door.
Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
button.
Press the power door lock switch.
Press the remote trunk release.
Turn the lamp that was left on to off and then to
on again.
3-18

6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets and windshield.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog
or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and oor
outlets, with some air directed to the side windows.
When this mode is selected, the system automatically
turns off recirculation and tuns the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is at
or below freezing. The air conditioning compressor
operates although the indicator light is not on.
The air conditioning indicator light turns off when defog
is selected. If the air conditioning button is pressed
while in defog mode, the indicator light turns on.
If the button is pressed again, the light turns off.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield,
with some air directed to the oor vents. In this mode,
the system automatically forces outside air into thevehicle. The air conditioning compressor runs unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The air
conditioning compressor operates although the indicator
light is not on. The air conditioning indicator light
turns off when defrost is selected. If the air conditioning
button is pressed while in defrost mode, the indicator
light turns on. If the button is pressed again, the light
turns off. Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of the button to
turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes
on to show that it is on. Air from outside the vehicle
circulates throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode
can be used with all modes, except the recirculation
mode. Press
:again to cancel the recirculation mode.
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?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
comes on to show that it is on. The air inside the vehicle
is recirculated through the climate control system and
throughout the vehicle, not from outside. This helps
to limit the odors entering the vehicle and maximize air
conditioning performance. The indicator light ashes
three times if you try to use recirculation in a mode that
it can not be used in. Use this mode only when it is
needed for comfort, since window fogging occurs if the
air conditioning compressor is not engaged.
Press
?to cancel the outside air mode. When you
switch to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside air.
When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on,
the system automatically defaults to outside air.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to
indicate that the air conditioning is on.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so sometimes a small amount of water drips
under the vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is
turned off. This is normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
can cause the air inside of the vehicle to become
too dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
the vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
3-22

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
or off. An indicator light comes on to indicate that
the rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear as
much snow as possible from the rear window.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven and one-half minutes before turning off.
The defogger can also be turned off by turning off
the engine.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on
once the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger automatically turns on if it is cold outside.
When the vehicle transitions out of the remote
start mode, the rear defogger turns off. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4.Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Vehicle Start
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, it will turn on
using the last settings selected on the climate control
before the vehicle was turned off.
The fan and air delivery knobs can be used during
remote start. The buttons will not work until the ignition
is turned on by the key.
The climate control system changes back to manual
operation when the vehicle key is turned to ON/RUN.
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If the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C) is chosen
the system remains at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause the
vehicle to heat or cool faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on sun
load, and also turns on the headlamps.
Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on the
lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature needed
for proper regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system delays turning on the fan until warm
air is available. The length of delay depends on the
engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
overrides this delay and change the fan to a
selected speed.
If the vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display initially shows “RS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The remote start system turns on using the
last temperature selected before the vehicle was
last turned off.For best performance, turn the fan and mode knobs to
the AUTO position. The fan speed and air delivery
modes will change to achieve the best comfort.
If the outside air temperature is below 45°F and the
air delivery mode knob is set to AUTO, the automatic
climate control system starts in the defrost mode to clear
the window.
The automatic climate control changes back to manual
operation by turning the vehicle on with the key.
Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Turns off the entire climate control system.
Outside air still enters the vehicle, and is directed to the
oor. This direction can be changed by adjusting the
air delivery mode position.
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
xwTemperature Control:Press the up and down
arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the air delivery settings.
3-25

Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets and windshield.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog
or moisture. Air directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This modes clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. The system automatically
controls the fan speed if AUTO mode is selected. If the
outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air
conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if you try to
turn off the compressor while in this mode.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of the button to
turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes
on to show that it is on. Air from outside the vehicle
circulates throughout the vehicle. The outside air mode
can be used with all modes, except the recirculation
mode. Press
:again to cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
above the button comes on to show that it is on.
The air inside the vehicle is recirculated through the
climate control system and throughout the vehicle, not
from outside. This helps to limit the odors entering
the vehicle and maximize air conditioning performance.
The recirculation mode cannot be used while in
defrost, defog, or oor mode. If recirculation is selected
while in these modes, the indicator light ashes three
times to let you know that it is not allowed. Use this
mode only when it is needed for comfort, since window
fogging occurs if the air conditioning compressor is
not engaged.
Press
?to cancel the auto recirculation feature.
Each time the vehicle is started, the system reverts to
the auto recirculation function.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of time can
cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the
fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the
air conditioning is on.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
on or off. A light above the button comes on while the
air conditioning is on.
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