Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
•When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
•Combine several trips into a single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.:1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743)
TTY Users:1-888-889-2438
Canada:1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Pontiac, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides technically trained advisors who are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, minor repair
information or towing arrangements.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have a current OnStar subscription, press the
OnStar button and the current GPS location will be sent
to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your problem,
contact Roadside Assistance, and relay exact location to
get you the help you need.
Pontiac Owner Center
The Pontiac Owner Center is a complimentary service
that includes online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner manual, special
privileges and more.
Sign up today at:www.gmownercenter.com/pontiac
(U.S.) orwww.gm.ca(Canada).
1-21
The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will change from vehicle mileage to the letter M,
for manual shift mode, and a number indicating the
requested gear range when moving the shift lever
forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and Odometer
on page 4-26for more information.
While using the MSM feature the vehicle will have firmer
shifting and sportier performance. You can use this
for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear
longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
•The transmission will not shift to the next higher
gear if the engine RPM is too low.
•The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the engine RPM is too high.
If the vehicle does not respond to a gear change, or
detects a problem with the transmission, the range
of gears may be reduced and the Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 4-34for more information.
Driver Shift Control (DSC) (If Equipped)
To use this feature,
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward to
MANUAL (M).
While driving in manual mode, the transmission will
remain in the driver selected gear. When coming
to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle
will automatically shift into FIRST (1) gear.
2. Press the + (plus) paddle located on top of the
steering wheel controls forward to upshift, or
push the backside of the shift paddle rearward to
downshift.
3-27
The odometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will change from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M for
Manual Shift Mode, and a number indicating the
requested gear range when moving the shift lever
forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and Odometer
on page 4-26for more information.
While using the DSC feature the transmission will have
firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can
use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in
gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
•The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine
RPM is too high.
•The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is
too high.
2 (Second)/3 (Third) Gear Start Feature
Notice:If you attempt a third gear start while
trailering or towing a heavy load, you will notice
reduced engine power. This could overheat
and damage your transmission. Do not attempt a
third gear start while trailering or towing your
vehicle.
Vehicles with a 6-speed transmission allow 2 (Second)
and 3 (Third) gear starts. When accelerating the
vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you
may want to shift into 2 (Second), or 3 (Third) gear. A
higher gear, and light application of the gas pedal, may
allow you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
With the MSM, the vehicle can accelerate from a stop in
2 (Second) or 3 (Third).
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) into the
M (Manual Mode) position.
2. With the vehicle stopped, move the lever forward
towards the + (plus) to select 2 (Second) or
3 (Third) gear. The vehicle will start from a stop
position in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third) gear.
3. Once the vehicle is moving select the desired
drive gear.
3-28
Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
When in manual shift mode, the odometer will change
from the vehicle’s mileage to the letter M, for manual
mode, and a number indicating the requested gear
range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward.
For more information seeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 3-24.
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
Repair or replacement of the instrument panel cluster
should only be performed by your dealer/retailer.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can display how far the vehicle has
been driven since it was last reset.
For more information seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4-40.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows the
engine speed in
revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, the vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.2.4L and 3.6L Engine
shown, 3.5L and
3.9L Engine similar
4-26
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-72.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 7-14.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airflow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to
ensure gasoline meets enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list of marketers
providing TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be found
at www.toptiergas.com.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 Identi cation 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 E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 6-9.
In all other engines, use only the unleaded gasoline
described underGasoline Octane on page 6-7.
6-6
Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when
to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system must
be reset every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4-42. Change the oil
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the
oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
6-24
Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Pontiac. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of the vehicle will be
resolved by the dealer’s sales or service departments.
Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all
concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your concern
has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following
steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can be
quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already
been reviewed with the sales, service, or parts manager,
contact the owner of the dealership or the general
manager.STEP TWO:If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, in the
U.S., call the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center
at 1-800-762-2737. In Canada, call General Motors of
Canada Customer Communication Centre at
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in
order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or title, or the
plate at the top left of the instrument panel and
visible through the windshield.
•Dealership name and location.
•Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting Pontiac, remember that your concern
will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That is why we
suggest you follow Step One first.
8-2
STEP THREE — U.S. Owners:Both General Motors
and your dealer are committed to making sure you are
completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if
you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you can file
with the BBB Auto Line Program to enforce your rights.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus
to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action,
use of the program is free of charge and your case will
generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree
with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and
proceed with any other venue for relief available to you.You can contact the BBB Auto Line Program using the
toll-free telephone number or write them at the following
address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
www.dr.bbb.org/goauto
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age, mileage
and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to
change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its
participation in this program.
8-3