Pontiac G5 (2008 year). Manual

Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which
helps the passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child
Restraints” in the Index for additional information
about the importance of proper restraint use.

If you ever pull the shoulder portion of the belt out all
the way, you will engage the child restraint locking
feature. This may unintentionally cause the passenger
sensing system to turn the airbag(s) off for some
adult size occupants. If this happens, just let the belt go
back all the way and start again.

{

CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 3-29 for more on this, including
important safety information.

1-63

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A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has
approved for your specific vehicle. See Adding
Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-65 for more information about modifications that
can affect how the system operates.

{

CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-16.

{

CAUTION:

For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an airbag when
it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.

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Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?

Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.

In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or
with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also

interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing
System on page 1-60.

If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my airbag system?

If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.

In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about the location of the
airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and
airbag wiring.

1-65

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Safety Belts

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly.

Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or
frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-28 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts on page 5-89.

Airbags

The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 3-29 for more information.

Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings.
If there are any opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-57.
See your dealer/retailer for service.

1-66

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Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

{

CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system (if equipped) parts?

After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the belt assemblies that were used during any crash
may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.

If your vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH
system parts.

New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being used
at the time of the crash.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your
vehicle has been in a crash, if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle, or while you
are driving. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-29.

1-67

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Keys

{

CAUTION:

Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children
or others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.

The key can be used for the ignition and all locks.

The key has a bar-coded key tag that the dealer/retailer
or qualified locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on
page 7-7.

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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System

If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter does not
work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle
for the transmitter to work, try this:

•

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.

•

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.

•

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later in this
section.

•

If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualified technician for service.

2-3

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Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
will work up to 195 feet (60 m) away, however, the
operating range may be less while the vehicle is running.

There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3.

(Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has this

feature, press

to start the engine from outside the

vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See Remote
Vehicle Start on page 2-6.

(Lock): Press

to lock all the doors. The interior

lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC),
the remote lock feedback can be programmed to
have the horn chirp and/or the turn signals flash when
the RKE transmitter is used to lock the vehicle’s
doors. See “LOCK HORN” and “LIGHT FLASH” under
DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50.

Pressing

may also arm the content theft-deterrent

system. See Content Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.

(Unlock): Press

to unlock the driver’s door.

is pressed again within five seconds, all remaining

doors will unlock. The interior lamps will turn on and
stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the remote unlock
feedback can be programmed to have the horn chirp
and/or the turn signals flash when the RKE transmitter
is used to unlock the vehicle’s doors. See “UNLOCK
HORN” and “LIGHT FLASH” under DIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-50.

With Remote Start

Shown, Without Remote

Start Similar

2-4

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If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough outside,
the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps, parking lamps, and
back-up lamps will turn on each time

on the

transmitter is pressed. These exterior lamps will stay on
for 20 seconds, or until a door is opened. See “EXT
(Exterior) LIGHTS” under DIC Vehicle Personalization on
page 3-50.

Pressing

on the RKE transmitter will disarm the

content theft-deterrent system. See Content
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-17.

(Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold

for approximately one second to open the trunk.
The trunk will open using the transmitter when the
vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h), when
the ignition is off, or when the vehicle shift lever is in
PARK (P), if your vehicle has an automatic transmission.

(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press

to locate

your vehicle. The horn will sound three times and the
headlamps and turn signals will flash three times.

Press and hold

for approximately three seconds to

sound the panic alarm. The horn will sound and the
headlamps and turn signals will flash for 30 seconds.
Press

again to cancel the panic alarm.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle

Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is
lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through
your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be re-coded
to match the new transmitter. The lost transmitter will no
longer work after the new transmitters are re-coded. Each
vehicle can have up to four transmitters matched to it.

2-5

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Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATT
LOW” under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-44

Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:

1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a flat,

thin object inserted into the notch on the side.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.

Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.

Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems. When you start your vehicle using
the remote start feature, the climate control system
will come on and adjust the interior to the temperature
settings that you left it set to when you turned the
vehicle off.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts
per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine
running time.

2-6

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After your vehicle’s engine has been started two times
using the remote vehicle start button, the vehicle’s
ignition switch must be turned to ON/RUN and then back
to LOCK/OFF using the key before the remote start
procedure can be used again. See Ignition Positions on
page 2-21 for information regarding the ignition
positions on your vehicle.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.

There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3 for additional
information.

(Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE

transmitter if you have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:

1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.

2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,

then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the vehicle’s turn signal
lamps flash.

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the engine is running.

3. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has

been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine
is running, to extend the time by 10 minutes for the
engine to continue to run.

After entering the vehicle after a remote start, insert and
turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes,
unless a time extension has been done or the
vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition switch and
turned to ON/RUN.

2-7

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To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off to indicate the
engine is off.

•

Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.

•

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

•

Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN and then
LOCK/OFF.

Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times, per
ignition cycle, using the transmitter’s remote start
feature.

If the remote start procedure is used again before
the first 10 minute time frame has ended, the
first 10 minutes will immediately expire and the
second 10 minute time frame will start.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:

•

The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.

•

The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.

•

The vehicle’s hood is open.

•

The hazard warning flashers are on.

•

The check engine light is on. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-37.

•

The engine coolant temperature is too high.

•

The oil pressure is low.

•

Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.

Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” under DIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50 for additional
information.

2-8

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Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

•

Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance
of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash if the doors are not locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

•

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

•

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

To lock the driver’s door from the outside, turn the
key clockwise. To unlock the door, turn the key
counterclockwise.

You can also use the remote keyless entry transmitter,
if equipped, to lock and unlock the doors.

From the inside, use the manual lock knobs on each
door or the power door lock switch to lock and unlock
all doors.

2-9

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Power Door Locks

Your vehicle may have
power door locks. The
locks are located on
the driver’s and front
passenger’s door armrest.

Press the side of the switch with the lock symbol to lock
the doors. This is the right side for the driver’s switch
and the left side for the front passenger’s switch.

Press the side of the switch with the unlock symbol to
unlock the doors. This is the left side for the driver’s
switch and the right side for the front passenger’s switch.

Delayed Locking

If your vehicle has power locks, it will have the delayed
locking feature.

This feature will delay the actual locking of the doors for
up to five seconds when the power door lock switch
or remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock
the vehicle.

If any door is open when locking the vehicle, three
chimes will sound signaling that the delayed locking
feature is active. Five seconds after the last door
is closed, all of the doors will lock and the turn signal
lamps will flash. To cancel the delay and lock the doors
immediately, press the lock button a second time.

This feature will not lock the doors if the key is in
the ignition.

You can disable this function through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See DIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-50.

Driver’s Switch shown,

Front Passenger’s

Switch similar

2-10

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Automatic Door Lock

If your vehicle has power door locks, the doors will
automatically lock when the shift lever is moved out of
PARK (P) for a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
For a vehicle with a manual transmission, the speed
must be greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

The automatic door locking feature cannot be disabled.

Programmable Automatic Door
Unlock

If your vehicle has power locks, it has a programmable
automatic door unlock feature.

The doors can be programmed through the Driver
Information Center (DIC) to automatically unlock several
ways. See DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-50
for more information.

Rear Door Security Locks (Sedan)

Your vehicle has rear door security locks. These prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors from the inside.

The rear door security
locks are located on the
inside edge of each
rear door. You must open
the rear doors to access
them. The label showing
lock and unlock positions is
located near the lock.

To set the locks, do the following:

1. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it

so the slot is in the horizontal position.

2. Close the door.

Security Lock Label

shown

2-11

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Pontiac G5 (2008 year). Manual - part 5