This light comes on if there
is a problem with the
system or the system
has been turned off.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help assist with directional control
of the vehicle, the system should always be left on.
The Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak
can be turned off if needed by pressing and holding
the TCS/ESC button until the StabiliTrak/TCS Off light
comes on. Press the button again to turn StabiliTrak and
Traction Control back on. See Traction Control System
(TCS) following for more information.
If cruise control is being used when the system
activates, cruise control will automatically disengage.
Press the cruise control button to reengage when road
conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 4-7for
more information.Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has 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 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. Also, the traction control system
activates the appropriate corner brakes to gain even
quicker control to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Press the cruise control button to reengage
when road conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on
page 4-7for more information.
TCS operates in all transmission shift lever positions
except park or neutral. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the shift lever position that
is chosen, so use the lower gears only when necessary.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3-24.
5-6
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 4-42.
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.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes — but, unless the vehicle
has antilock brakes, not enough to lock the wheels.
5-8
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of engine
overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature gage on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 4-33.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 6-37for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-37for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
6-35
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
A. Front Sidemarker
B. Front Turn Signal/
Parking LampC. Low-Beam
Headlamp
D. High-Beam
HeadlampTo replace one of these bulbs:
1. Remove the two screws that secure the headlamp
assembly.
2. Remove the fasteners of the front facia by lifting
under them.
3. Pull the front facia back and then pull the headlamp
assembly out of the vehicle.
Assistance may be needed with this step to avoid
possible damage to the vehicle.
4. Pull the headlamp assembly away from the fender
to release the ball stud from the retainer in the
fender bracket.
6-48
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 4-3.
{WARNING:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or
other people. You and they could be badly injured
or even killed. Find a level place to change your
tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while
the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the
vehicle.
To be even more certain the vehicle will not move,
you should put blocks at the front and rear of the
tire farthest away from the one being changed.
That would be the tire, on the other side, at the
opposite end of the vehicle.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (B), use the following
example as a guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (A).
6-90
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................3-34
Manual Rearview.........................................3-34
Outside Convex Mirror.................................3-36
Outside Power Mirrors..................................3-36
MP3 .............................................................4-63
Muting a Call.................................................4-79
My GM Canada (Canada) — www.gm.ca............. 8-5
N
Net, Convenience...........................................3-37
New Vehicle Break-In......................................3-20
O
Odometer......................................................4-26
Trip ...........................................................4-26
Off-Road
Recovery..................................................... 5-9
Oil
Engine.......................................................6-21
Engine Oil Life System.................................6-24
Pressure Light.............................................4-37
Older Children, Restraints................................2-36
Online Owner Center........................................ 8-5
Online Owner Center (U.S.) —
www.gmownercenter.com/pontiac..................... 8-5OnStar, Privacy..............................................8-18
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls........................1-24
Operation Tips................................................4-24
Other Information............................................4-81
Other Rainy Weather Tips................................5-13
Outlet Adjustment............................................4-24
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................4-15
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................3-36
Power Mirrors.............................................3-36
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....6-37
Overseas — Customer Assistance...................... 8-6
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 7-8
Owner Information...........................................8-15
Owners, Canadian.............................................. iiiP
Paint, Damage..............................................6-113
Pairing..........................................................4-72
Parade Dimming.............................................4-14
Park
Headlamps Off in Park.................................4-11
Shifting Into................................................3-30
Shifting Out of............................................3-31
Parking
Brake........................................................3-29
Over Things That Burn.................................3-32
11
Radios
Reception...................................................4-83
Setting the Clock.........................................4-53
Theft-Deterrent............................................4-81
Raising the Retractable Hardtop........................3-41
Reading Lamps..............................................4-14
Rear Door Security Locks................................3-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides (Sedan and
Coupe Only)...............................................2-32
Rear Window Defogger............................4-19, 4-23
Rearview Mirrors.............................................3-34
Automatic Dimming......................................3-34
Receiving a Call.............................................4-78
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 2-7
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................7-10
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................5-23
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility................. 8-7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 3-3
Remote Start Ready......................................... 3-7
Remote Trunk Release....................................3-12
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 3-5
Removal and Installation of the Sealant Canister....6-89
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................6-93
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................6-91
Repair Facility................................................8-12
Replacement Bulbs.........................................6-54
Replacement Parts
Maintenance...............................................7-11
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................6-41Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................8-15
General Motors...........................................8-15
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................2-74
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................2-75
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................3-21
Retractable Hardtop........................................3-38
Lowering....................................................3-38
Raising......................................................3-41
Ride Control Systems....................................... 5-5
Electronic Stability (ESC)................................ 5-5
Roadside Assistance Program............................ 8-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................5-18
Roof
Retractable Hardtop.....................................3-38
Sunroof......................................................3-37
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................3-33
S
Safety Belt Pretensioners.................................2-31
Safety Belt Reminder Light...............................4-27
Safety Belts...................................................2-74
Care of ....................................................6-110
Extender....................................................2-35
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................2-20
13
Safety Belts (cont.)
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................2-28
Reminders..................................................4-27
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................2-14
Use During Pregnancy.................................2-35
Safety Chains.................................................5-30
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government..................................8-15
General Motors...........................................8-15
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iv
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 7-3
Scheduling Appointments.................................8-10
Sealant Kit, Tire..............................................6-82
Seatback Latch..............................................2-10
Seats
60/40 Split Bench Seat.................................2-13
Easy Entry Seat..........................................2-11
Head Restraints............................................ 2-2
Heated Seats............................................... 2-6
Power Lift Seat...........................................2-12
Power Lumbar .............................................. 2-5
Power Seats................................................. 2-5
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 2-7
Seatback Latch...........................................2-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................2-54
Right Front Seat Position..............................2-56
Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the
Vehicle.......................................................2-43Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint......2-43
Security
Light..........................................................4-37
Service........................................................... 6-4
Accessories and Modifications......................... 6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 6-6
Doing Your Own Work................................... 6-5
Engine Soon Lamp......................................4-34
Parts Identification Label.............................6-115
Publications Ordering Information...................8-15
Scheduling Appointments..............................8-10
Service Bulletins.............................................
8-15
Service Manuals.............................................8-15
Services Not Included in Roadside Assistance...... 8-9
Services Provided............................................. 8-8
Services Specific to Canadian Purchased
Vehicles....................................................... 8-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............2-72
Setting the Clock....................................1-15, 4-53
Setting the Tone (Bass/Midrange/Treble).............4-57
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-113
Shifting
Out of Park................................................3-31
Shifting Into Park............................................3-30
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Sedan Only)........2-31
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 4-4
Skidding........................................................5-10
14