automatic transmission PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 Owner's Manual

2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
You will not need to access your battery for jump
starting. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and
a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal.
The remote positive (+)
terminal is located under a
red plastic cover on the
engine compartment
fuse block. Open the cover
to access the terminal.
5-36

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger (p-metric) vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U. S.
Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
5-47

If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage by
driving slowly to a level place and stopping. Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
2. Park your vehicle. If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake rmly and put
the shift lever in PARK (P). SeeShifting Into
Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-25.If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, move
the shift lever to REVERSE (R) and set the parking
brake rmly. SeeParking Your Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-27for additional
information.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid
air loss, call a tire repair facility. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.If the at tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail or
other similar road hazard, the tire inator kit may
be used to repair the damaged tire temporarily. The kit
uses a liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures in
the tread area of the tire.
After repairing a tire with the tire inator kit, take your
vehicle to an authorized GM dealer to have the tire
inspected and repaired as soon as possible. The tire
sealant is a temporary repair only. SeeTire Inator
Kit on page 5-60.
Tire Inator Kit
Your vehicle has a tire inator kit. There is no jack or
spare tire. The kit uses a liquid tire sealant and air at the
same time to seal small punctures in the tread area of
the tire. Be sure to read and follow all of the tire
inator kit instructions.
5-60

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-21for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Cooling System 7.9 qt 7.5 L
Engine Oil with Filter 5.0 qt 4.7 L
Fuel Tank 13.8 gal 62.7 L
Transmission, Automatic (Complete Drain and Rell) 9.5 qt 9.0 L
Transmission, Manual (Complete Drain and Rell) 2.75 qt 2.6 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in
this manual.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
2.4L L4 BAutomatic
Manual0.042 inch (1.06 mm)
5-82

❑Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C)
or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the uid and lter at 100,000 miles
(160 000 km).
55,000 Miles (88 000 km)
❑Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC): The
Engine Oil Life System will tell you when to change
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *)
❑Vehicles without Driver Information Center: Change
engine oil and lter (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
❑Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC): The
Engine Oil Life System will tell you when to change
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *)
❑Vehicles without Driver Information Center: Change
engine oil and lter (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
the lter. If vehicle is driven in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect lter at every engine oil change. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18for more
information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
6-9

100,000 Miles (160 000 km)
❑Vehicles with Driver Information Center (DIC): The
Engine Oil Life System will tell you when to change
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote *)
❑Vehicles without Driver Information Center: Change
engine oil and lter (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-51for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Change automatic transmission uid and lter if
the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C)
or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you have not used your vehicle under severe service
conditions listed previously and, therefore, have not
changed your automatic transmission uid, change both
the uid and lter.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush, and rell cooling system (or every
60 months since last service, whichever occurs rst).
This service can be complex; you should have
your dealer perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-19for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure
cap.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belt. Visually inspect
belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or obvious damage.
Replace belt if necessary.An Emission Control
Service.
6-12

Automatic Transmission Inspection
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the uid level in the brake system and clutch
system reservoir. SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 5-19.
A uid loss in the brake or clutch hydraulic system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assemblies, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, hood and body door
hinges, rear compartment, and any folding seat
hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment.
6-15

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-24.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL, push the clutch down halfway, and try
to start the engine. The vehicle should start only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
oor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch is not
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
6-16

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-24
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to RUN, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the ignition should
turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in
PARK (P). The key should come out only in LOCK.
With a manual transmission, the key should come
out only in LOCK.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right.
It should only lock when turned to the right.
6-17

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-18