2010 PONTIAC G5 brake light

It is recommended that the system remain on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice
or snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt
to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system
when driving in extreme off-road conditions where
high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 5-23 .
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that a
problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and
SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light comes
on to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and requires
service. If the problem does not clear after restarting the
vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-38 for more
information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
Modications on page 6-3 for more information.Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine power
by closing the throttle and managing engine spark to limit
wheel spin.
This light flashes while the
traction control system is
limiting wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal and does not mean there is a problem
with the vehicle.
See Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 4-28
for more information.
5-8

Traction Control Operation
Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine
power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when the vehicle is started, and it will activate and flash
the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses that either of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
For more information on the LOW TRACTION message,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 4-35 .
Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to
spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, the
differential could be damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine
power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this message are displayed. Notice:
When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the drive wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts
of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light flashes and the cruise
control automatically disengages. The cruise control can
be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See
Cruise Control on page 4-7 .
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and
Modications on page 6-3 for more information.
5-10

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
The vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only if
it senses that one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system reduces engine power and may
also upshift the transmission to limit wheel spin.
If the vehicle has ETS, there is not an ESC/TCS button
on the instrument panel. To turn the system off, shift
to L (Low) or R (Reverse). There is more information
about how to turn the system off later in this section.
The ETS indicator/warning light flashes and LOW
TRACTION appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the traction control system is actively limiting
wheel spin. The system may be heard or felt while it
is working, but this is normal. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when the ETS begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control can be re-engaged
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-7. The ETS indicator/warning light may come on for the
following reasons:
•The indicator/warning light flashes while the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin.
•If the system is turned off by moving the shift lever
to L (Low), the indicator/warning light comes on
and stays on. To turn the system back on, move the
shift lever back to a position other than L (Low).
The indicator/warning light should go off.
•The indicator/warning light will come on when the
parking brake is set with the engine running, and it
will stay on if the parking brake does not release fully.
If the transmission shift lever is in any position other
than L (Low) and the indicator/warning light stays on
after the parking brake is fully released, there is a
problem with the system.
•If the traction control system is affected by an engine
related problem, the system will turn off and the
indicator/warning light will come on.
5-11

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches), about
one-eighth turn, until the right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
•Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
•Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
•Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
•Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
•When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
5-15

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
•Allow extra following distance.
•Pass with caution.
•Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
•Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.
•Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 6-48.
•Turn off cruise control.
5-18

Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid. Adding fluid does
not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the brake
linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new
brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
{WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 4-26.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-10 .
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake or clutch
hydraulic system, the brakes or clutch might not
work well. This could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
6-30

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
or clutch hydraulic system parts. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake or clutch hydraulic
system can damage brake or clutch hydraulic
system parts so badly that they will have
to be replaced. Do not let someone put in the
wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-97 .
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 firmly.
{WARNING:
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 first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
6-31

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 6-3
Accessory Power ............................................ 3-22
Accessory Power Outlets .................................4-13
Additives, Fuel ................................................. 6-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment ...........................6-102
Adjustments Headlamp Range .......................................... 2-7
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine .................................6-18
Air Conditioning .............................................. 4-14
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment ....................4-18
Airbag Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle ................................................... 2-70
Airbag System How Does an Airbag Restrain? ......................2-61
Passenger Sensing System ...........................2-64
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ..........2-69
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? ......................2-61
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? ....2-62
When Should an Airbag Inflate? ....................2-60
Where Are the Airbags? ...............................2-58
Airbags Passenger Status Indicator ...........................4-24
Readiness Light .......................................... 4-23
System Check ............................................. 2-55Antenna
Fixed Mast ................................................. 4-84
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System .....4-84
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ............................. 5-4
Warning Light ............................................. 4-27
Appearance Care Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ..............6-99
Care of Safety Belts .................................... 6-96
Chemical Paint Spotting ..............................6-100
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................6-97
Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 6-95
Finish Care ................................................. 6-98
Finish Damage .......................................... 6-100
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ................................................. 6-96
Interior Cleaning .......................................... 6-94
Leather ...................................................... 6-96
Sheet

Metal Damage .................................. 6-100
Tires ........................................................ 6-100
Underbody Maintenance .............................6-100
Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 6-97
Weatherstrips .............................................. 6-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................6-98
Ashtray ......................................................... 4-14
Assistance Program, Roadside ........................... 8-7
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