maintenance schedule PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-4
Child Restraints
.......................................1-18
Airbag System
.........................................1-30
Restraint System Check
............................1-43
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-11
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-16
Mirrors
....................................................2-29
OnStar
®System
......................................2-30
Storage Areas
.........................................2-33
Convertible Top
.......................................2-33
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-17
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-20
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-36
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-45Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-34
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Rear Axle
...............................................5-39
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-40
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-43
Tires
......................................................5-44
Appearance Care
.....................................5-69
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-77
Electrical System
......................................5-77
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-82
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Pontiac Solstice Owner ManualM

The oil light could also come on in three other situations:
When the ignition is on but the engine is not
running, the light will come on as a test to show you
it is working, but the light will go out when you
turn the ignition to START. If it does not come on
with the ignition on, you may have a problem
with the fuse or bulb. Have it xed right away.
If you are idling at a stop sign, the light may blink
on and then off.
If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for
a moment. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
Security Light
This light ashes when the
vehicle security system is
activated.
3-33

OIL LIFE
Press the information button until OIL LIFE is displayed.
The engine oil life system shows an estimate of the
oil’s remaining useful life. It will show 100% when the
system is reset after an oil change. It will alert you
to change your oil on a schedule consistent with your
driving conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the
oil life, additional maintenance is recommended in
the Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-13andPart A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services on page 6-4.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System” underEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16
and “OIL–LIFE RESET” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-40.
COOLANT
Press the information button until COOLANT is
displayed. This mode shows the temperature of the
engine coolant in either degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
or degrees Celsius (°C).
DIC Warnings and Messages
These warning messages will appear in the DIC display
if there is a problem detected in one of your vehicle’s
systems. With most messages, a warning chime
will sound when the message is displayed.
The messages will clear from the display when the
condition no longer exists. You can also acknowledge
and clear some messages from the display by pressing
and holding either the reset or information buttons.
The message will come back on the next time the
vehicle is turned off and back on if the condition still
exists. Your vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message will display if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message will display if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
3-38

BRAKE FLUID
This message will display if the ignition is on to inform
the driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the
brake system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as
possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message will display when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When you acknowledge the CHANGE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. See
“OIL-LIFE RESET” underDIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 3-40,Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16, and
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on page 6-4
for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message will display if the gas cap has not been
fully tightened. You should recheck your gas cap to
ensure that it is on properly. A few driving trips with the
cap properly installed should turn the message off.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message will display when the cruise control
system is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for
more information.
DOOR AJAR
This message will display if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. When this message
appears, you should make sure that the door(s)
are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message will display if the starting of the engine is
disabled. Have your vehicle serviced immediately by
your GM dealer.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message will display if the remote keyless entry
transmitter battery is low. You should replace the battery
in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-4.
3-39

If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
Without a Driver Information Center)
If your vehicle does not have a Driver Information
Center (DIC), change the engine oil and lter at the
intervals specied in the maintenance schedule. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center, it has
the Engine Oil Life System. SeeEngine Oil Life System
on page 5-16for information on when to change your
engine oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles
With Driver Information Center)
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC), it
has the Engine Oil Life System, a computer system
that lets you know when to change the engine oil and
lter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to
work properly, you must reset the system every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message will come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-38.
Change the oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, the engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained
service people who will perform this work using genuine
GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
5-16

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealership service department and have it repaired as
soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4. Be sure to use the
transmission uid listed inPart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-21.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-21.
Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission
uid level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason for
uid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealership service department and have it repaired as
soon as possible. You may also have your uid
level checked by your dealer when you have your oil
changed. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-21for the proper uid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives uid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-31for more information.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
5-19

How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-21.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see
Replacement Bulbs on page 5-43.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
5-40

Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage rmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire ination pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If
the ination pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Re-check the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-52andWheel Replacement
on page 5-56for more information.The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. See “Scheduled Maintenance”
for additional information.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-29, for an example of the tire and loading
information label and its location on your vehicle.
5-51

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-2
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-13
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-13
At Least Once a Month.................................6-14
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-14At Least Once a Year...................................6-15
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-19
Steering and Suspension Inspection................6-19
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-19
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-19
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-20
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-20
Brake System Inspection................................6-20
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-21
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-23
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended uids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure to
follow scheduled maintenance may not be covered by
warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into ve parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services”explains
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualied and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your GM dealer’s service department do these jobs.
Your GM dealer has GM-trained and supported service
people that will perform the work using genuine GM parts.
6-2