
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.
5-31

(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as it
is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified
to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
6-61

Tire Chains
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains, there is not enough
clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose
control of your vehicle and you or others may be
injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
re-adjust or remove the device if is contacting your
vehicle, and do not spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under
control by steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
6-81

Fuses Usage
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare Fuse Holder
STR/WHL
ILLUMSteering Wheel Controls
Backlighting
WIPER SW Windshield Wiper/Washer SwitchEngine Compartment Fuse Block
The vehicle may not be equipped with all the fuses and
features listed.
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver side of the engine compartment, near the battery.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any electrical components
on the vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
6-119

Audio System.........................................4-53, 4-72
Audio Steering
Wheel Controls........................................4-82
Radio Reception..........................................4-83
Setting the Clock.........................................4-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................4-81
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............4-84
Audio System(s).............................................4-54
Automatic Climate Control System.....................4-20
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation..................3-34
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 3-9
Automatic Headlamp System............................4-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..................................................6-27, 6-28
Operation...................................................3-24
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................. 7-8
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................4-84
Backing Up....................................................5-31
Battery..........................................................6-42
Electric Power Management..........................4-14
Run-Down Protection...................................4-15
Battery Replacement......................................... 3-5
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................7-12
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................2-13Blizzard Conditions..........................................5-16
Bluetooth Controls...........................................4-72
Bluetooth
®.....................................................4-71
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 5-5
Brake Adjustment............................................6-41
Brake Fluid....................................................6-39
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................6-41
Brake Wear...................................................6-41
Brakes..........................................................6-39
Antilock....................................................... 5-4
Parking......................................................3-29
System Warning Light..................................4-30
Braking........................................................... 5-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 5-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................3-20
Bulb Replacement...........................................6-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) ........................................6-49, 6-50
Fog Lamps .................................................4-12
Halogen Bulbs............................................6-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................6-47
Headlamps.................................................6-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................6-48
License Plate Lamps....................................6-54
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................6-50, 6-51, 6-53
Buying New Tires...........................................6-75
2

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

Spare Tire
Compact...................................................6-106
Installing....................................................6-93
Removing...................................................6-91
Storing.......................................................6-99
Specifications and Capacities..........................6-125
Speedometer..................................................4-26
Split Bench Seat (60/40)..................................2-13
StabiliTrak Control Indicator Light, Electronic.......4-32
Start Vehicle, Remote....................................... 3-5
Starter Switch Check........................................ 7-8
Starting the Engine.........................................3-21
Starting the Vehicle........................................... 1-4
Steering.......................................................... 5-8
Steering in Emergencies.................................... 5-8
Steering Tips................................................... 5-8
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................4-82
Steering Wheel, Tilt and Telescopic..................... 4-3
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit...........5-19
Storage Areas
Center Console...........................................3-37
Convenience Net.........................................3-37
Cupholders.................................................3-37
Glove Box..................................................3-37
Storing a Favorite Station.................................1-14
Storing a Flat Tire and Tools — All Models
Except GXP and Retractable Hardtop.............6-99
Storing a Flat Tire and Tools — GXP and
Retractable Hardtop Models........................6-101
Storing a Radio Station....................................4-56Storing Name Tags.........................................4-74
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools — All Models
Except Retractable Hardtop..........................6-104
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools — Retractable
Hardtop Models..........................................6-105
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit......6-89
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................5-17
Sun Visors.....................................................3-16
Sunroof.........................................................3-37
Sunshade Operation........................................3-37
T
Tachometer....................................................4-26
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps.................6-50, 6-51, 6-53
Telescopic Wheel.............................................. 4-3
Temperature – A, B, C....................................6-79
Text Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 8-6
Theft-Deterrent Feature....................................4-81
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................3-16
Content Theft-Deterrent................................3-16
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer............3-18
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation................................................3-18
Three-Way Calling..........................................4-79
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 4-3
Time, Setting..................................................4-53
15

W
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...............4-24
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................4-42
Hazard Flashers............................................ 4-3
Safety and Symbols......................................... iv
Weight of the Trailer........................................5-28
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................5-29
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................6-23
What to Do with Used Oil ................................6-25
What to Use ..........................................6-32, 6-38
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................6-79
Different Size..............................................6-77
Replacement...............................................6-79
When It Is Time for New Tires..........................6-74
When the Change Oil Soon Message Displays..... 7-3
When to Add Engine Oil..................................6-22
When to Change Engine Oil.............................6-24
When to Check..............................................6-65
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid.......................................6-28
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................6-37
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....6-26
Where to Put the Child Restraint.......................2-44
Why Safety Belts Work....................................2-16Window Indexing (Coupe and Retractable
Hardtop).....................................................3-15
Window Lockout (Sedan Only)..........................3-16
Windows.......................................................3-13
Power ........................................................3-14
Windshield
Washer........................................................ 4-6
Washer Fluid..............................................6-38
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................6-55
Wiper Blades, Cleaning..............................6-112
Wiper Fuses.............................................6-115
Wipers......................................................... 4-5
Winter Driving................................................5-15
Winter Tires...................................................6-57
X
XM Radio Messages.......................................4-70
XM Satellite Radio Service...............................4-59
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna.....................................................4-84
XM™ Satellite Radio Service............................4-83
Y
Your Responsibility..........................................1-24
18