Info - G6 PDI and Service Guide

This is a special bulletin to introduce the new Pontiac G6. The purpose of this bulletin is to make you familiar with the vehicle's features and describe the action that your Service Department will need to take to ensure that you are able to fully service this exciting new model.

The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with the technical aspects of the vehicle. It is important to know the G6 is NOT built from the same platform as the previous Grand Am. The G6 is a whole new vehicle much different than the Grand Am. Although it replaces Grand Am in the market segment, that is the only similarity between the two vehicles.

Powertrain

The G6 comes standard with a 3.5L (LX9) OHV V6 engine -- VIN code 8. The LX9 produces 200 hp and 220 lb/ft of torque. The engine is matched with the 4T45E transaxle (RPO MN5). The 4T45E transaxle features a Tap-Up / Tap-Down feature on the GT models.

The "Tap-Up / Tap-Down" feature allows you to electronically shift the gears as you would a manual transmission, but without using a clutch. Enter the "Manual" shift mode by moving the gear shift lever to the Manual (M) shift position. Select the next higher gear by tapping the gear shift lever forward (+).

Important: If the upshift is not commanded by tapping the gear shift lever, the system features built-in powertrain protection that will limit engine speed to prevent any damage from over-revving the engine. Likewise, if vehicle speed is too high for a requested lower gear, the downshift will not occur.

Select the next lower gear by tapping the gear shift lever rearward (-). The transaxle will automatically shift down into first gear, if the driver does not, when coming to a stop. While operating in the Manual shift mode, the current gear selection is displayed on the instrument panel cluster.

Suspension

The suspension is 4-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension. It features 4-link independent rear suspension, MacPherson strut front suspension and a direct-acting front stabilizer bar.

Electrical Architecture

The electrical architecture of the vehicle is GMLAN and requires the use of a CANdi module to communicate with the Tech 2®. There are potentially 17 different modules that can be found on the G6. SI document ID #1481679 provides a list of modules as well as links to schematics, repair instructions and programming and set-up information.

Remote Vehicle Start System

Important: 

This feature allows the customer to start the vehicle from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. Normal range of the transmitter is 200 feet (60 meters) from the vehicle. The engine will run for 10 minutes before turning itself off. It can be extended 10 minutes more by performing another remote start sequence at any time.

After two consecutive remote starts, no additional remote starts are allowed until the vehicle has been started with the ignition key. The remote start will not function under the following conditions:

Adjustable Pedals

The accelerator and brake pedals can be adjusted to a comfortable and safe operating position using the controls located on the left side of the instrument panel. Operation can only occur while the transmission selector lever is in the park position. The adjustable pedal system will be disabled by the adjustable pedal module anytime the transmission selector lever is not in the park position while the ignition is on. This feature is controlled by the BCM.

Steering Column Rake and Telescoping

The G6 is equipped with a telescoping steering column which also adjusts up and down. To adjust the steering wheel, pull down on the lever located on the left side of the steering column. Moving the wheel to the center position or higher will make it easier to telescope the wheel in and out. Be sure to push the lever all the way up to lock the wheel in place.

Electronic Power Steering

The G6 is equipped with an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system which reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), discrete battery voltage supply circuit, steering shaft torque sensor, steering wheel position sensor, power steering motor, Driver Information Center (DIC) and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions. The traditional power steering pump mounted to the engine has been eliminated.

The steering column is integrated with an assist mechanism which contains a hub gear fitted onto the lower steering shaft. The hub gear mates with a worm gear that is driven by the EPS motor, which is serviced separately from the steering column. The PSCM uses a combination of steering shaft torque sensor input, vehicle speed, calculated system temperature and steering tuning to determine the amount of steering assist. If the power steering system is exposed to excessive amounts of static steering conditions, the PSCM will go into a protection mode to avoid thermal damage to the power steering components. In this mode, the PSCM will limit the amount of current commanded to the power steering motor which reduces system temperature and steering assist levels. The PSCM must be setup with the correct steering tuning which are different in relation to the vehicle's powertrain configuration, sedan, coupe, tire and wheel size, etc. Any malfunction detected will cause the DIC to display the POWER STEERING warning message and/or the Service Vehicle Soon indicator.

Traction Control

The G6 is available with Traction Control. For the SE and SE1 models, ETS (RPO NW7) is an option. The vehicle must have ABS in order to have the ETS option. The ETS system controls the engine speed (torque) only.

The GT model comes standard with TSC (TCS) which is a full-function Traction Control System (RPO NW9) which works in conjunction with the ABS. The full-function traction controls engine speed (torque) as well as the vehicle's (front wheel or drive wheel) braking to maintain driver control.

A traction control button is located on the center console near the parking brake lever. During a driving event in which the Traction Control is activated, a symbol will be displayed on the I/P.

Express-Down Window

The driver's window has an express-down feature which allows the window to lower all the way without continuously pressing the switch. The switch is labeled AUTO. Press the front of the switch all the way down and release. To stop the window while it is lowering, pull up on the front of the switch momentarily.

Driver's Information Center

The Driver's Information Center (DIC) is integrated into the vehicle audio system. The DIC provides vehicle information as well as personalization features and warning messages. Use the INFO, MENU, and ENTER buttons located on the left of the audio system to control the DIC. The following vehicle information and personalization features are available through the DIC:

Vehicle Information

Press and hold the ENTER button to reset the information while it is displayed.

Personalization Features

Press MENU to scroll through the available personalization features. Press and hold ENTER for one second to toggle between the available options for each feature. Press MENU to record your selection and to move to the next feature.

Warnings and Messages -- to acknowledge a message and to clear it from the display, press any of the three DIC buttons. If the condition is still present after the vehicle has been turned off and back on, the warning message will be displayed once again.

Sunroof -- Regular (RPO CF5) and Panoramic (RPO C3Y)

Important: Care should be taken when using a self-service, high-pressure car wash to avoid forcing water around the glass panel seals.

There are two sunroof options available with the G6. The control switch for either sunroof is located on the headliner between the sun visors and will only function while the ignition is on. The regular sunroof is the traditional rear-slide roof currently available on many other products.

The panoramic roof is an all new sunroof design. It is made up of four individual panels. When the control switch is turned to the number "1" - the front panel moves to the vent position. When the switch is turned to the number "2", panels 2-4 will move rearward one position and the rear most panel will vent up. When the switch is turned to the number "3", panels 2 and 3 will move rearward and panel 3 will vent up. With the switch turned to the number "4", the remaining panel (#2) slides back and vents up.

There is a separate switch located on the headliner to open and close the sunshade. To open, rock the switch rearward. Rock the switch forward to close the sunshade. The switch will move the sunshade full open or full close. To stop the sunshade anywhere in between full open and full close, you will need to depress the switch again (i.e: if the sunshade is moving rearward, to stop it mid way, press the "forward" part of the switch).

Each glass panel in the Panoramic roof has two set screws on each side of the panel (4 screws per panel). The screws allow for fore/aft, as well as up/down adjustment of the sunroof panel. There is a plastic cover over the screws. There is a fastener in the middle of the cover attaching it to the sunroof assembly. To gain access to the screws, loosen the tabs at each end of the cover and GENTLY pull the cover back enough to insert the TORX driver.

Important: It is not necessary to remove the cover to gain access to the screws. Extreme care should be taken not to break the cover.

The Panoramic sunroof (RPO C3Y) is equipped with a special feature. This feature causes the sunroof to synchronize itself every 1,000 cycles insuring a tight seal in order to prevent wind noise and water leaks.

Important: The synchronization is a function that is transparent to the customer.

During normal operation, the sunroof/sunshade uses a "soft" stop. During synchronization, the motor pressurizes the sunroof to travel past the "soft" stop and to seat when it reaches a pin located on the panel. The motor then backs the sunroof/sunshade off 1 mm to ensure a tight seal and thus, resetting the "soft" stop point.

The purpose of this section is to familiarize you with some of the unique characteristics of the vehicle. The following functions may operate differently than what the customers are used to and are considered normal.

Seat Adjusters

There are three seat options available on the G6 and determined by the content level of the vehicle.

Manual Lumbar Adjustment (if equipped) -- the handle is located on the lower outboard side of the driver's seatback. Ratchet the handle down to increase lumbar support and up to decrease lumbar support.

Heated Seat Controls (if equipped) -- the controls are located on the outboard corner of the driver and front passenger seats. The seat features a high and low setting.

Accessory Power Outlets

The G6 is equipped with two accessory power outlets. One is located on the console, below the HVAC controls. For added security, the second outlet is located inside the center console, just behind the cup holders.

Audio System

Most features of the radio will be familiar, however the following may be new:

Fuel Range Calculation

The fuel range information shown on the DIC is an estimated fuel range. Fuel range is estimated based on the current driving situation. The fuel gauge should be used to determine the actual fuel/distance remaining.

Power Mirrors (if equipped)

The power outside rearview mirrors may be adjusted using the controls located on the door panel. It is important to press the control button at the 12-o'clock, 3-o'clock, 6-o'clock or 9-o'clock position in order to move the mirrors. If the control button is pressed between these positions (arrows), the mirrors will not move.

Windshield Wiper Operation

There are three wiper modes: Pulse, Low and High.

In the Pulse mode, it is important to note that the wiper timing will fluctuate with the vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed is less than 50 mph (80 km/h), the wipers will toggle anywhere between low and 3 seconds between wipes. In certain weather situations, if vehicle speed is less than 50 mph (80 km/h), the customer may find it necessary to switch the wipers to the Low mode.

HVAC

Recirc will only work in the vent mode. If the customer trys to switch to recirc while in any of the defrost modes, the recirc indicator will flash and return to pulling air from the outside. Also, some customers may comment on the A/C not cooling sufficiently. Be sure the A/C button (snowflake) is on and recirc is selected.

Front Door Swing -- 3rd Detent

The G6 is equipped with a 3rd detent in the door opening to allow for a wider entrance/exit of the vehicle. Extra care should be taken in windy conditions or when parking on a hill, when fully opening the doors, to avoid contact with nearby objects.

Door UnLock Feature Using Key

It is possible to unlock all multiple doors and the trunk using the ignition key in the door lock cylinder. One turn of the key will unlock only the driver's door. Two turns will unlock all doors and three turns will unlock the trunk.

Important: All turns must be continuous. If there is any hesitation between key turns, the doors and/or trunk will not unlock and the sequence must be repeated.

Oil Life Monitoring System -- it is important to reset the remaining oil life (using the DIC) to 100% after each oil change. Refer to the Owner's Manual or the DIC section of this bulletin for more details.

Transmission Fluid Service -- the 4T45E is a sealed transmission and does not contain a dipstick. The transmission fluid requires 100,000 mile (160,000 kilometers) service (under normal driving conditions). Consult the Owner's Manual or SI for the exact maintenance schedule.

2005 Pontiac G6 product training is available through IDL course #10280.20D*. This course was featured in the August 2004 New Model Features IDL.

*Dealers in Canada should watch for the 2005 Pontiac G6 Service Know-How release.

The PDI form was revised for the 2005 model year to ensure special attention is paid to the following areas: (refer to Corporate Bulletin # 04-00-89-028).