2009 PONTIAC G6 power steering

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
To use this feature,
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward to
MANUAL (M).
While driving in manual mode, the transmission
will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming
to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will
automatically shift into FIRST (1) gear.
2. Press the + (plus) paddle located on top of
the steering wheel controls forward to upshift,
or push the backside of the shift paddle rearward
to downshift.The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument
cluster will change from the currently displayed message
to the letter “M”, For MANUAL position, and a number
indicating the requested gear range when moving
the shift lever forward or rearward.
While using the DSC feature the transmission will have
rmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use
this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear
longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine
RPM is too high.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is
too high.
2-30

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D.Cruise Control on page 3-10(If Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-42.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-29.
F.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-68
(If Equipped).
G.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
H.Ignition Positions on page 2-21.
I.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
J.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K.Audio System(s) on page 3-52.L.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
M.Fog Lamps on page 3-15(If Equipped).
N.Hood Release on page 5-13.
O.Horn on page 3-6.
P.Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24
orClimate Control System on page 3-20.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
R.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
S.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-7
(If Equipped).StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
(If Equipped).
T.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-33.
U.Glove Box on page 2-43.
3-5

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.
3-48

Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power steering system and
the engine stalls while driving, the power steering assist
system will continue to operate until you are able to stop
the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost because the
electric power steering system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and power steering assist is lost because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
4-9

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

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (3.5 L V6 Engine) on
page 5-26orEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (All Other
Engines) on page 5-27.
B.Power Steering Fluid on page 5-39.
C. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-33.G. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 5-32.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 5-42.
I.Battery on page 5-45.
J. SeeEngine Compartment Fuse Block on
page 5-112.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
5-17

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (3.5 L V6 Engine) on
page 5-26orEngine Air Cleaner/Filter (All Other
Engines) on page 5-27.
B.Power Steering Fluid on page 5-39.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
SeeCooling System on page 5-32.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-33.
G. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 5-32.H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-42.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap/Dipstick.
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid (2.4L L4, 3.5L and 3.6L V6
Engines) on page 5-29orAutomatic Transmission
Fluid (3.9L Engine) on page 5-29.
J.Battery on page 5-45.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-112.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
5-19