2010 PONTIAC G6 Owners Manual

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road.
Get acquainted with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind
that the vehicle you are driving is now longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection
at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to the
lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
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Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel
flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned
out. For this reason you may think other drivers are
seeing the signal when they are not. It is important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transmission temperatures may
result and damage the vehicle. Frequent stops are
very important to allow the engine and transmission
to cool.Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating. If the engine does overheat, seeEngine
Overheating on page 6-35.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
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If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
brake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more
information. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,
belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good idea
to inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 6-35.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,
be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from
the vehicle before changing the tire.
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✍NOTES
5-34

Service............................................................6-4
Accessories and Modifications..........................6-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................6-6
Fuel................................................................6-6
Gasoline Octane............................................6-7
Gasoline Specifications....................................6-7
California Fuel...............................................6-7
Additives.......................................................6-8
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................6-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................6-11
Filling the Tank............................................6-11
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-13
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-14
Hood Release..............................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-16
Engine Oil...................................................6-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-24Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-26
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(2.4L L4, 3.5L V6 and 3.6L V6 Engines)..........6-27
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine).......................................6-28
Cooling System............................................6-30
Engine Coolant.............................................6-31
Engine Overheating.......................................6-35
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................6-37
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-38
Brakes........................................................6-39
Battery........................................................6-42
Jump Starting...............................................6-43
Headlamp Aiming
...........................................6-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................6-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................6-48
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Sedan)........................6-49
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Retractable Hardtop
and Coupe)..............................................6-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Sedan)........................6-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Coupe)........................6-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Retractable Hardtop)......6-53
License Plate Lamp......................................6-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-55
Tires..............................................................6-56
Winter Tires.................................................6-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................6-58
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................6-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................6-64
High-Speed Operation...................................6-66
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-66
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-67
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-73
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-74
Buying New Tires.........................................6-75Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-77
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-78
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-79
Wheel Replacement......................................6-79
Tire Chains..................................................6-81
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-81
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................6-82
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.........6-89
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................6-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................6-91
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................6-93
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............6-99
Compact Spare Tire....................................6-106
Appearance Care..........................................6-107
Interior Cleaning.........................................6-107
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-108
Leather......................................................6-109
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-109
Care of Safety Belts....................................6-110
Weatherstrips.............................................6-110
Washing Your Vehicle..................................6-110
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................6-111
Finish Care................................................6-111
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................6-112
Aluminum Wheels.......................................6-112
Tires.........................................................6-113
Sheet Metal Damage...................................6-113
Finish Damage...........................................6-113
Underbody Maintenance...............................6-113
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................6-114
Vehicle Identication.....................................6-114
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)................6-114
Service Parts Identification Label...................6-115Electrical System..........................................6-115
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................6-115
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................6-115
Power Windows and Other Power Options......6-115
Fuses........................................................6-116
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................6-116
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................6-119
Rear Compartment Fuse Block.....................6-122
Capacities and Specications........................6-125
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-3

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, are not covered under the
terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/retailer
and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that
GM-trained and supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 2-72.
6-4