PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 Owners Manual

The fog lamps will turn off while the high-beam
headlamps are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
DInstrument Panel Brightness:The control for this
feature is located on the instrument panel to the right
of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside your vehicle will go on when you open
any door. These lamps will fade out after about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closed or
when the ignition is turned on. These lamps will also go
on when you press the trunk release, unlock symbol
button or the horn symbol on the keyless entry system
transmitter.
The lamps inside your vehicle will stay on for about
20 seconds after your key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps
Your vehicle has reading lamps on the rearview mirror.
Push the button to turn the reading lamps on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlet can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio. The outlet can accept electrical equipment
rated at a maximum of 20 amps.
The accessory power outlet is located on the instrument
panel, under the radio.
To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do not
plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
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Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on the accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check
with your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the installation instructions included with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have an ashtray and cigarette lighter.
To use the lighter, located on the instrument panel
below the radio, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
To clean the center console ashtray, remove the entire
ashtray and empty it.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
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Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating and
ventilation of your vehicle. You may also be able to
control the cooling of your vehicle, if equipped. The
in-between mode will be a combination of the two modes
that the control is selected between.
Temperature:Turn the left knob on the control panel to
adjust the temperature of the air in the vehicle. Turn
the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature.
#(Air Conditioning) (If Equipped):Press the left
knob on the control panel to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light on the button
will come on to let you know the air conditioning is
activated. When the system is on, this setting cools and
dehumidies the air entering your vehicle.
The air conditioning will not function if the fan is turned
off. If air conditioning is selected with fan off, the
LED light will ash three times and then turn off.
You may notice a slight change in engine performance
when the air conditioning compressor turns off and
turns on again. This is normal. The system is designed
to make adjustments to help with fuel economy while
still maintaining the selected temperature.
Air conditioning does not operate at temperature below
40°F (4°C). In temperatures above 40°F (4°C), the
air conditioning cannot be turned off in defrost
and oor/defog modes because it helps to remove
moisture from the vehicle. It also helps to keep
the windows clear.
On hot days, open the windows to let the hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
shown, Climate Control System without
Air Conditioning similar
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For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select recirculation mode.
3. Select the air conditioning to on.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
9(Fan):Turn the center knob on the control panel
to control the fan speed. Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed.
9(Off):Turn the center knob to this position to turn
the fan off.
?(Recirculation):Press the center knob on the
control panel to recirculate air inside the vehicle
and prevent outside air from coming in. It can be used
to prevent outside odors from entering your vehicle
and cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly. Press
this button to turn the recirculation mode on or off.
An indicator light on the button will come on to let you
know the recirculation mode is activated.Recirculation is available in the bi-level and vent modes.
If recirculation is selected in either oor/heat, oor/defog,
or defrost mode, the LED light will ash three times
indicating it is not available in that mode.
The right knob on the control panel is used to direct the
airow inside your vehicle. Turn the knob to select
one of the following modes:
H(Vent):Turn the right knob on the control panel to
this mode to direct air to the instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level):Turn the right knob on the control panel
to this mode to direct air to the instrument panel
outlets, and the remaining air to the oor outlets and the
defroster and side window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the oor
outlets.
[(Floor):Turn the right knob on the control panel to
this mode to direct most of the air to the oor outlets.
The remaining air is directed to the side window
and defroster outlets. Recirculation is not available in
this mode. If low or no airow is on the passenger side,
ensure that the carpet covering is tucked under oor
outlets.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost from
your windshield and side windows. Use the defog mode
to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost
from the windshield more quickly. For best results, clear
all snow and ice from the windshield before defrosting.
To prevent fogging on the inside of the windows in modes
other than oor/defog and defrost, make sure the air
conditioning compressor, if equipped, is on and
recirculation mode is off
/(Floor/Defog):Turn the right knob on the control
panel to this mode to direct the air to the windshield, the
side window outlets, and to the oor outlets. When you
select this mode, the system runs the air conditioning
compressor unless the outside temperature is near
freezing or below. Recirculation is not available in
this mode.
0(Defrost):Turn the right knob on the control panel
to this mode to direct most of the air to the windshield,
and the side window outlets. When you select this mode,
the system runs the air conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is near or below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove
fog or frost from the rear window. Be sure to clear as
much snow from the rear window as possible. An
indicator light on the knob will come on to let you know
that the rear window defogger is activated. The rear
window defogger will turn off about fteen minutes after
the knob is pressed. If turned on again, the defogger will
run for approximately seven and one-half minutes before
turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by
pressing the knob again or by turning off the engine.
Do not operate rear defogger when convertible top
is down.
=(Rear Defogger):Press the right knob on the
control panel to turn the rear window defogger on or off.
Do not use rear defogger when the top is stowed.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
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Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of your instrument panel to direct the airow.
Your vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the
direction and amount of airow inside the vehicle.
Move the louvers up or down to change the direction of
the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that may
be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
as you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning
lights and gages. They’re a big help.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know
how fast you are going, about how much fuel is left in the tank, and many other things you will need to drive safely
and economically.
United States Cluster shown, Canada similar
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Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your vehicle’s odometer works together with the
driver information center. If equipped, you can set a
Trip A and Trip B odometer. See “Trip Information”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-36.
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running. Simply open the driver’s door and the
mileage will be displayed briey.
If your vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed, the
new one will be set to the correct mileage total of the
old odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays
the engine speed in
revolutions per
minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your vehicle
could be damaged, and the damages would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not operate
the engine with the tachometer in the shaded
warning area.
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Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for several seconds, then it
will ash for several more.
This chime and light will be repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to RUN or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds
to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This would only occur if the passenger airbag is
enabled. SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-37
for more information. The passenger safety belt light
will also come on and stay on for several seconds, then
it will ash for several more.
This chime and light will be
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
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Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensor, the airbag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on page 1-30.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then
the light should go out.
This means the system is
ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start the
vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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