[KennyCanoe]

I just picked up an '07 G6 GT sedan wo days ago with 135k miles. I'm not really sure if it's a Luxury or sport, but I'm pretty sure it's a Sport since it's just got two-tone cloth seats and not too many bells and whistles. It does have a double DIN Pioneer head unit; not sure if that was an option or not and it does have a sunroof (non-panoramic) and what appear to be the premium speakers.

Anyway, I couldn't believe it when I pulled up; the car was absolutely immaculate. I know he had the interior detailed before selling it, it could good use a good polish and wax (I used to be a professional detailer so I notice these things - though I rarely detail anymore) but I'm quite confident they'll polish right out. No CELs, clean carfax, all the history shows that it was always serviced professionally; just had the brakes re-done (not sure what they did exactly), oil change, new battery, etc. About the only fault I can find is a tiny dent in the passenger side door that most people would never even notice.

It drives wonderfully; I've had some seriously fast cars in the fast (a few modified Nissan 300zx Twin Turbos, a modified FD Rx-7, a WRX which I "built" by putting in bigger injectors, bigger turbo, fuel pump. FMIC, had it tuned, and even did the extra bits and pieces of bodywork myself, but for now I just want something cheaper and reliable and solid that can at least keep up with traffic so I can save up some money. No modifications for me to be tempted to mess with. A G6 wasn't even on my radar until this one came up with a fair price and close to home.

Keep in mind this car had been sitting a while, so I can chalk some of it up to flat spots in the tires or the brakes needing to be worn in. However after driving it for a few days I noticed a few things - there is a relatively quiet, cyclic "hum" starting at about 45mph if you listen for it. It's kind of hard to tell where it's coming from, I think it's from the rear. My first thought was a bad wheel bearing or warped rotors. It doesn't affect the driving at all.

Also, I guess I should expect this from a car of this year, but the suspension seems a bit tired... I like a firm ride but I'd describe this more as rough, as in old, kind of like the Rx-7 felt..Bushings perhaps? Or If it's shocks/struts I've replaced them a million times on other cars, just wanted some opinions.

In addition, the steering feels a little "numb". I remember reading this in the car reviews, and it's not like it's a big deal, but is there a way to tighten up the steering a little?

The turn signals don't self-cancel, but the previous owner gave me the new part to replace it so that's no problem, I'll probably swap that out today.

I can't tell if the cruise control works, it didn't when I tried it but I may have just been operating it incorrectly. The new stalk may fix that also.

I will post some pictures later, but honestly, after an exterior detail the car should look basically brand new, it's in that nice of shape.

I would appreciate any suggestions regarding these problems and their solutions. I doubt I'll be able to get to most of them right away, but I'd like to know what's in store.for the future.

Any input is appreciated.

PS for some reason the steering wheel seems quite large and cheaply made to me. Are there any compatible steering wheels that are a little smaller? If not, I may consider getting this one wrapped, I just don't care care for the cheap feeling it exuedes.

 

[boomer]

Welcome to the club and G6 ownership.

It does have a double DIN Pioneer head unit

That will be after market, the original head unit would also have the built in driver information center (DIC) that allows you to reset the oil life, see the trip odometer, remaining distance for the fuel in the tank etc.

there is a relatively quiet, cyclic "hum" starting at about 45mph if you listen for it. It's kind of hard to tell where it's coming from, I think it's from the rear. My first thought was a bad wheel bearing or warped rotors. It doesn't affect the driving at all.

The front wheel bearing hubs usually have more wear. If it is the fronts you would often hear a change when you change steering direction. I have 205k on my g6 and have not had to replace the rear hubs, only the front. You could well be right, I just have not experienced it for the rears.

Bushings perhaps? Or If it's shocks/struts I've replaced them a million times on other cars, just wanted some opinions.

Probably a good guess. I have changed most of the consumable front and rear suspension parts. You often hear recommendations to consider it at 100k. As well as the front wheel bearing hubs, I have changed the front and rear struts, sway bar links, the steering end links and the front sway bar bushings. I would probably look into that and see how the steering felt after the front suspension components were changed.

If you do not know the condition, you might want to consider replacing the main fluids. I ended up with a power steering pump whine and needed to change the pump and the fluid. I think I could have saved myself the pump hassle if I have maintained the PS fluid better. I have also changed the coolant, brake and transmission fluid as well as the transmission filter.

Good luck with it and may it give you many years of happy driving

 

[KennyCanoe]

Thanks for the warm welcome folks!

I'm really enjoying the car so far, especially considering I underestimated it.

I think my gripes are just due to coming from foreign sports cars, and I'll just need to get used to it.
I replaced the turn signal stalk (5 minutes) and it works perfectly now. I also like that you can run the fog lights on their own with no other lights, that's fairly unusual. I also learned how to use the remote start, which is cool! I've never had that before.
Also, driving at night shows that the G6 has far superior headlights than my last car if (older Ford Escape).
I also love how many outlets there are to power things; my Escape only had two and they were both broken, lol.

But I have to say I can't ignore the anemic steering, the fact that you can tell it wants to understeer, the transmission is very hesitant to downshft, and I'm sorry but I just haven't gotten past the steering wheel yet. I like the interior and consider it decently well made, but the wheel really lets it down IMO, since it's your connection to the car almost all of the time. It just feels so cheap. I never, ever thought I'd say this, but I've started researching quality steering wheel covers. I have always hated them, but in this case, it I were to find a quality one (which i'm not sure even exist) I may just go for it. Anything to get my hands off that Matell plastic.

But that's not stopping me from diggin the car. Even though it was detailed before I picked it up, I took a polisher to the half the rear spoiler just for fun with my own equipment and the contrast is drastic. I think once I get the whole car detailed properly and get some wax on it it'll look nearly pristine. Over some time I plan on addressing the suspension and I think that will give it a much more solid and athletic feel. (Any suggestions on shocks/springs/bushings? I don't mind it was a little lower, but not much... I'm not trying to tuck the tires or anything here).

I do have a few questions though:

- My cruise control doesn't seem to work. i hit the button to turn it on and the button lights up, but it won't set a speed. I haven't checked the fuses yet, so it may be something as simple as that. Thoughts?

- Does the fact that it came with an aftermarket head unit mean that I can't control the odometer display?

- Are there any cheap key fobs available that would work with the car? I only have one key and one fob, and of course I'll get a copy of the key, but another key fob would be nice too.

I'll post pictures as soon as I deem it good enouugh for me (haha), and am looking forward to having an unfamiliar car to play with!

Oh, and PS: the "hum" has me confused. I took it out on the highway and the hum turned very much into a vibration, one that I couldn't live with without fixing it, mostly between 45-55mph. But later on I no longer heard the hum and didn't notice any vibration. I'll probably jack up each corner tomorrow and shake the wheels and see if any of them seem to have any extra play.

OH, and PPS! Has anyone mounted a roof rack to their G6? I know they lack the crossbars to mount them but they do sell them, and Ive already got a nice roof rack sitting in my garage. I have no reasonable excuse for wanting to mount it other than the fact that I like them, and could mount some of my dormant off-road lights on them (not using them on the streets, but back roads - they're bright. Like, illegally bright.

 

[boomer]

- Does the fact that it came with an aftermarket head unit mean that I can't control the odometer display?

Yes, unless you have a Metra replacement or get hold of the 2009.5 instrument cluster and buttons. See this thread for clues 2010 Speedometer Swap HOW-TO | Pontiac G6 Forum (g6ownersclub.com)

- Are there any cheap key fobs available that would work with the car? I only have one key and one fob, and of course I'll get a copy of the key, but another key fob would be nice too.

Amazon does have some. You will need a way to program them to your car. Either a bi-directional OBD II scan tool like the Tech II or equivalent. Some of the key fobs come with a tool to do the programming. If it were me, I would buy the fob and pony up the difference for a lower priced bi-directional scan tool so I could perform other functions / diagnostics. See Low cost Tech II. Also remember you will need a transponder key to be able to start the car. You wil need to program the key as well.

- My cruise control doesn't seem to work. i hit the button to turn it on and the button lights up, but it won't set a speed. I haven't checked the fuses yet, so it may be something as simple as that. Thoughts?

With the cruise button lit you have to press the set button. If it thinks it is working you will get the cruse light on the dashboard (and if you have the DIC radio a message cruise engaged would briefly show). If not, the first thing I would check is the brake lights. There was a recall for the brake lights being intermittently or constantly on that disengaged the cruise control. The fix was to add electrical grade dielectric grease to the bcm connectors. You can also check your VIN on the GM site to see if that recall or any others are outstanding.

the "hum" has me confused. I took it out on the highway and the hum turned very much into a vibration, one that I couldn't live with without fixing it, mostly between 45-55mph

If it is a vibration at highway speeds, the first thing I would check is the wheel balance.

but I've started researching quality steering wheel covers. I have always hated them, but in this case, it I were to find a quality one (which i'm not sure even exist) I may just go for it.

Mine is still standard, but my daughters Jeep came with a leather steering wheel cover. It did feel better and gave it a more girthy feel. I have thought about getting one, but have not found the time. Let us know if you find one you like.

 

[KennyCanoe]

I have quite a few updates, but here's a fun one - just for kicks I did my detail routine on half the spoiler to see the difference, and it was certainly apparent:

20230318-211855 hosted at ImgBB

Image 20230318-211855 hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

This is a little misleading because a lot of the white you're seeing is polish dust being thrown up by the orbital, it was never as bad as these make it look, but still, it was easily the roughest part of the car.

I'm pretty happy; considering the condition of the rest of the car, if I finish my whole detail routine on the rest of it I think it will end up looking pristine.

If you'd like me to keep posting updates I'd be happy to, just let me know. I know I have some questions to ask you guys. But the more I drive it the more I like it, and it's always fun to wrench on an unfamiliar car!

I really think turning the steering and throttle response more responsive would take it from a good car to a great car, not sure if there are things available to improve those characteristics, but I'm definitely open to suggestions!

 

[INDY86]

Just some random thoughts on your car. About that noise, check all 4 tires for cupping. This car requires a 4 wheel alignment that the previous. owner may have neglected to do. This can cause tire issues like cupping. A clean carfax means nothing. Many a car has been in an accident and repaired by the owner or body shop as on the side work, not reported to insurance companies. It's as it's always been buyer beware.

 

[KennyCanoe]

Just some random thoughts on your car. About that noise, check all 4 tires for cupping. This car requires a 4 wheel alignment that the previous. owner may have neglected to do. This can cause tire issues like cupping. A clean carfax means nothing. Many a car has been in an accident and repaired by the owner or body shop as on the side work, not reported to insurance companies. It's as it's always been buyer beware.

Interesting - I'll definitely check that out. I really don't think it's anything serious, most people may not even notice, but my eyes (and ears) notice everything.

We got some snow here today, and I was a bit nervous, but only the subdivisions had snow on the roads and with the traction control I felt pretty confident, just made sure to drive carefully.

I found out I do have remote start! I read the manual wrong, I thought the doors had to be unlocked to use it, but it's the opposite, which makes complete sense. I doubt I'll use it much, but it's cool, I've never had that before.

I picked up some Sylvania more powerful low beams and LED fog lights, since that was part of the reason my old car bit the dust - poor headlights and poor vision at night. I haven't driven it with the new low beams in, but I can't see much obvious difference - I'll install the LED fogs tomorrow, and hope to see a bigger difference but I'm skeptical. However, I have a slew of some illegally bright auxillary lights that I'll install eventually I have two pairs of LED pods, one single LED pod, and a pair of Hella 500's just laying around. (I would never use these with other cars on the road, they're BRIGHT and would easily blind other drivers).

The oil light has come on briefly a few times (3-5 seconds), always right after I exit the highway and come to a stop, and then turns off and I don't see it again. It's happened ~3 times. Temperature is always rock steady and I can tell the oil is new and filled correctly. Anything to worry about?

This is kind of hard to explain, but there is a metal toggle switch in the lower center console, hanging upside down. From what I can tell it doesn't do anything. Is this factory? I can't imagine what it'd be for.

Also, my windshield wiper washers don't seem to work. The manual says to pull the stalk all the way down for a few seconds and they should start spraying, but don't; I even tried pressing in the button on the end of the stalk and can hear what sounds to me like a washer pump, but still, nothing comes out. I went to top off the fluid and it was totally full. Any ideas?

Thanks for all of your help; If I can figure out how to make the steering and throttle more responsive, I could see keeping this car for a while, at least a daily driver. I think freshening up the bushings and maybe shocks/springs would help a lot, and during a google search I found a company that apparently makes an ECU that increases the throttle response. But I'm always skeptical of anything making much of a difference unless the car has forced induction.

Anyway, any opinions are welcome, and hopefully I can get get my detail on tomrrow and get some pics (not that you've never seen a G6, but still )
Thanks.

Edit: on a whim, at 2am (what an exciting life I lead), I decided to try my hand at putting in the LED fog light bulbs. It couldn't be more straightforward, only took about 10 minutes, but unless you enlist a buddy to help you or jack up the car and remove more pieces, it's an absolute BEAR to get them in/out. You have to pull back the inner fender pretty damn hard while somehow getting both arms inside the front bumper, and I was exhausted after installing one. The other can wait until tomorrow.
Haven't driven it so I'm not sure if it will make much difference in visibility, but it definitely looks cool. Very noticeably whiter than the OEM fog light, more modern looking and just plain cooler.
I was tempted to try and get some yellow LED fogs but decided against it; I think the only thing that would make a pretty appreciable difference in night-time visibility would be to retrofit some headlights into HID's. Not sure if they make aftermarket ones, or if their quality is any good. From the aftermarket headlights I've seen just by googling, they look pretty cheap/poor quality.

 

[boomer]

there is a metal toggle switch in the lower center console

Not a factory component. You can pretend it is for the turbo or NOS

The oil light has come on briefly a few times (3-5 seconds), always right after I exit the highway and come to a stop, and then turns off and I don't see it again.

The only time the oil light should come on is when you are starting the car to check the indicator is working. If it happens when you are taking an exit bend, the clover leaf type exits, I would be guessing low oil is causing the sump pickup to go dry as all the oil moves to one side. Could also be a faulty sensor. In my experience you can usually hear a change if the oil stops circulating properly. I would want to get to the bottom of it if it were my car.

Also, my windshield wiper washers don't seem to work.

If you can hear the pump I would guess you have a leak. Take a look under the hood liner, it is common for the plastic nozzles to get brittle with age. Equally one of the unions might be broken.

 

[KennyCanoe]

Not a factory component. You can pretend it is for the turbo or NOS


The only time the oil light should come on is when you are starting the car to check the indicator is working. If it happens when you are taking an exit bend, the clover leaf type exits, I would be guessing low oil is causing the sump pickup to go dry as all the oil moves to one side. Could also be a faulty sensor. In my experience you can usually hear a change if the oil stops circulating properly. I would want to get to the bottom of it if it were my car.


If you can hear the pump I would guess you have a leak. Take a look under the hood liner, it is common for the plastic nozzles to get brittle with age. Equally one of the unions might be broken.

Okay, I'll check that ASAP, thanks.

And for those wondering about the mysterious switch, here it is:

0

Your guess is as good as mine. It's very professionally installed and flicks back and forth perfectly. My guess is that it's wired somehow to the female USB port on that cable.

I'm definitely gonna mess with people and show it to them and tell them "whatever you do, DON'T flip that switch", and then provide them with no further information.