2009 PONTIAC G6 system

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.
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Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this
symbol is located on the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Courtesy Lamps
If the vehicle has a retractable hardtop, it has courtesy
lamps in the rear passenger area of the vehicle. These
lamps make it easier to see while entering and exiting the
vehicle. These lamps come on when any door is opened
and only turn off when all the doors are closed.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened
or closed.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door is
opened. These lamps fade out about 20 seconds after
all of the doors have been closed or when the ignition
is turned to ON/RUN. They also come on when the
unlock symbol button or the horn symbol is pressed on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition to
provide light as you exit.
3-16

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

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are two accessory power outlets, located on the
center console below the climate controls. If the
vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS), one
accessory power outlet is in the center storage console
and the other is on the center console below the
climate controls.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged
into a power outlet, the battery may drain causing
the vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off the vehicle.Certain electrical accessories are not compatible with
the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on
the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-19

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system. For vehicles with the
remote start feature, the climate control system functions
as part of the remote start feature. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation/
Outside Air
C. Air Delivery
Mode ControlD. Air Conditioning
E. Temperature
Control
F. Rear Window
Defogger
9(Fan Control):Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan must be on to run the air conditioning
compressor.
Temperature Control:Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if the vehicle has one, to quickly
provide warmer air. An engine coolant heater warms
coolant that the engine uses to warm the inside of the
vehicle. For more information, seeEngine Coolant
Heater on page 2-25.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the air delivery settings.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the air to the
instrument panel and oor outlets. Some air may
be directed toward the side windows.
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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.
3-21

?(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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