2010 PONTIAC G6 tow

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also comes on when the parking brake is set. The
light will stay on if the parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake problem.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
stop carefully. The pedal can be harder to push, or
the pedal could go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. Try turning off and restarting the vehicle
one or two times, if the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 5-23.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
The Antilock Brake
System (ABS) light comes
on briefly when the
engine is started.
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 ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock
brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also
on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and
there is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 4-30.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-42for all
brake related DIC messages.
4-31

Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 6-4.
This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misfire condition has been detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
•Reduce vehicle speed.
•Avoid hard accelerations.
•Avoid steep uphill grades.
•If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
•Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 6-11. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
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TOP TOO COLD
If your vehicle has a retractable hardtop, this message
displays when the retractable hardtop button is
pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature is too
cold. Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up
before using the retractable hardtop. SeeLowering the
Retractable Hardtop on page 3-38andRaising the
Retractable Hardtop on page 3-41for more information.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on solid when the
system is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6
andTraction Off Light on page 4-32for more
information. Have the system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 3-11for more
information.
TRUNK NOT ALLOW
This message will appear when attempting to open the
trunk with the ignition on while the retractable hard
top is down and stowed in the trunk. This is to protect
the hardtop against any possible damage. The trunk can
be opened once the hardtop is raised and secured.
SeeTrunk on page 3-11,Lowering the Retractable
Hardtop on page 3-38, andRaising the Retractable
Hardtop on page 3-41for more information.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to a preferred setting.
All of the features listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the features available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set when your
vehicle left the factory, but may have been changed
from their default state since that time.
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Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)......................5-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-6
Steering........................................................5-8
Off-Road Recovery.........................................5-9
Passing.......................................................5-10
Loss of Control.............................................5-10
Driving at Night............................................5-11Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-12
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-13
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-13
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-14
Winter Driving..............................................5-15
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................................5-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-18
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-18
Towing..........................................................5-23
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-23
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-23
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-27
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area
around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability
system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing Your Vehicle on page 5-23.
Loading the Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on the vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Vehicle Certification label.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or
either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of the vehicle.
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4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity for your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 5-27for important information
on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.
Item Description Total
AMaximum Vehicle
Capacity Weight for
Example 1=453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 68 kg
(150 lbs)×2=136 kg (300 lbs)
CAvailable Occupant
and Cargo Weight=317 kg (700 lbs)
Example 1
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If things like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else are put inside the vehicle, they
will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have
to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they
will keep going.
{WARNING:
Things you put inside the vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
•Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as
far forward as you can. Try to spread the
weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some
of them are above the tops of the seats.
•Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
•When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
•Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer/
retailer or a professional towing service if the disabled
vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 8-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes, such as behind a motorhome,
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with
two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device
known as a dolly.
5-23

Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
•What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
•How far will the vehicle be towed? Some vehicles
have restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
•Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer/retailer or trailering
professional for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
•Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 5-13.
Dinghy Towing From the Front
If the vehicle has the 3.9L V6 engine with the four-speed
automatic transmission, the vehicle cannot be dinghy
towed.
If the vehicle does not have the 3.9L V6 engine with a
four-speed automatic transmission, it can be dinghy
towed.When dinghy towing the vehicle, the vehicle should be
run at the beginning of each day and at each RV fuel stop
for about five minutes. This will ensure proper lubrication
of transmission components.
For vehicles that can be dinghy towed with all four
wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
5-24