2010 PONTIAC G6 service indicator

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly
while starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause the vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-35. The
vehicle’s engine could be damaged, and it might
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive
with the engine coolant temperature warning
light on.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on
when the engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off the engine as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-35
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, the light comes
on and a chime sounds, the engine is too hot. It means
that the engine coolant has overheated. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 6-35.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire
pressure monitoring
system, this light comes on
briefly when the engine
is started.
It provides information about tire pressures and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System.
United StatesCanada
4-33

When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires is significantly
underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-42for more
information. Stop and check the tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If a tire is underinflated, inflate to the
proper pressure. SeeTires on page 6-56for more
information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there could be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light flashes
for about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with
every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 6-66for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It
ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light should come on
when the ignition is on, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This
system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
4-34

Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. The
engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.This light comes on briefly while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is
not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might have some other system
problem.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent on
page 3-16.
4-37

CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 4-7for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
This message displays to inform you that the vehicle
has reduced engine power to avoid damaging the
engine. Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s
ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but there
is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven
at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on when ESC is
assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. You
may feel or hear the system working and see this
message displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditions
may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for
a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when
the system is operating. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 5-5andElectronic Stability Control
Indicator Light on page 4-32for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC OFF light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC
is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 5-5and
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light on page 4-32
for more information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
4-43

SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC light
also appears on the instrument panel cluster. When this
message displays, the system is not working. Adjust
your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 5-5andElectronic Stability Control
Indicator Light on page 4-32for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The TCS light
may also appears on the instrument panel cluster. When
this message displays, the system is not working.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 5-6andTraction Off Light
on page 4-32for more information. Have the system
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
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
flashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-33. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-67for more
information. If the warning comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire
positions on your vehicle. The tire positions must be
re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing a tire
or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-73,Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-66,
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 6-64for more
information.
4-45

Gasoline Octane
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code B),
the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0), the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code K), the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code N), or the
3.9L V6 engine (VIN Code 1), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher.
If the octane rating is less than 87, you might notice
an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly
referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you
are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you
hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specification
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 6-8
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4-34. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
6-7

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing
the emission control system to work properly. In most
cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors
and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engine
oil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectors
and intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS
is the only gasoline additive recommended by General
Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing
MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the
performance of the emission control system could be
affected. The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on.
If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service.
6-8

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identifies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication Number
(VIN) on page 6-114.
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0) or
the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K), you can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to
85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on page 6-6. In all other
engines, use only the unleaded gasoline described
underGasoline Octane on page 6-7.
Only vehicles that have the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0)
or the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K) can use 85% ethanol
fuel (E85). We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles
that are designed to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a
“renewable” fuel, meaning it is made from renewable
sources such as corn and other crops.Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U.S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html)
that can help you find E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol
content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content
is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Specification
D 5798. By definition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.
Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet
ASTM specifications can affect driveability and could
cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
6-9