steering PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2007 Owners Manual

There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the
airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system
for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is
an electrical problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 131for more information.Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
45

The right front passenger’s airbag is in the
instrument panel on the passenger’s side.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant
and an airbag, the bag might not inate
properly or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury or even
death. The path of an inating airbag
must be kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an airbag,
and do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any
other airbag covering.
46

Frontal airbags are not intended to inate during
vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many
side impacts.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an
airbag should have inated simply because of the
damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair
costs were. Ination is determined by what the
vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
What Makes an Airbag Inate?
In an impact of sufficient severity, the airbag
sensing system detects that the vehicle is in a
crash. The sensing system triggers a release of
gas from the inator, which inates the airbag.
The inator, airbag, and related hardware are all
part of the airbag modules inside the steering wheel
and in the instrument panel in front of the right front
passenger.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the
steering wheel or the instrument panel. The
airbag supplements the protection provided by
safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
But airbags would not help you in many types of
collisions, including rollovers, rear impacts,
and many side impacts, primarily because an
occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything more
than a supplement to safety belts, and then only in
moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions.
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates?
After an airbag inates, it quickly deates, so
quickly that some people may not even realize the
airbag inated. Some components of the airbag
module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s
airbag or the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s bag — may be hot for a short time.
48

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
of the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: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.
Also, the airbag system may not work properly
if you relocate any of the airbag sensors.
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 theCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 362.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the
front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
the instrument panel, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the 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. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 362.
55

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
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. SeeCare of Safety Belts on page 317
for more information.
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.Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers,
and have them repaired or replaced. The airbag
system does not need regular maintenance.
Notice:If you damage the covering for the
driver’s or the right front passenger’s airbag,
the airbag may not work properly. You may
have to replace the airbag module in the
steering wheel or both the airbag module
and the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s airbag. Do not open or break the
airbag coverings.
56

One key works all of
the lock cylinders on
the vehicle.
Your vehicle has an Immobilizer Vehicle
Theft-Deterrent System. The key has a
transponder in the key head that matches a
decoder in the vehicle’s steering column. If a
replacement key or any additional key is needed,
you must purchase it from your dealer. The
key will have a
1stamped on it. Keep the bar
code tag that came with the original keys. Give this
tag to your dealer if you need a new key made.
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.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 368.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system
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 modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
61

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it
to four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break
the key. Use the correct key and turn the key
only with your hand. Make sure the key is all the
way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and
right while you turn the key hard. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering
column. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove your key when the ignition is
turned to LOCK.If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK unless the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, the ignition
switch can be turned to LOCK in any shift
lever position.
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transmission
removing the key from the ignition switch
will lock the steering column and result in
a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This
could cause a collision. If you need to
turn the engine off while the vehicle is
moving, turn the key to ACC.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
77

Shift Lock Release
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
following procedure allows the ignition to be turned
to LOCK, and for the removal of the ignition key, in
case of a dead battery or low voltage battery.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).
2. Using a tool, pry off the cover to the lock
release access hole, located at the bottom
of the steering column.3. Place your nger into the access hole and
locate the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s
door while turning the ignition key to LOCK.
5. Remove the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer as soon
as possible.
79

OnStar®Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that
can be used to interact with OnStar®Hands-Free
Calling. SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 185for more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the
button for a few seconds and give the command
“ONSTAR” in order to activate the OnStar
®
Hands-Free Calling feature.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial
phone extensions. See the OnStar
®Owner’s
Guide for more information.
How OnStar®Service Works
In order to provide you with OnStar®services, your
vehicle’s OnStar®system has the capability of
recording and transmitting vehicle information. This
information is automatically sent to an OnStar
®Call
Center at the time of an OnStar®button press,
Emergency button press or if your airbags or AACN
system deploys. The vehicle information usually
includes your GPS location and, in the event of a
crash, additional information regarding the accident
that your vehicle has been involved in (e.g. the
direction from which your vehicle was hit).When you use the Virtual Advisor feature of
OnStar
®Hands-Free Calling, your vehicle also
sends OnStar®your GPS location so that we can
provide you with location-based services.
OnStar
®service cannot work unless your vehicle is
in a place where OnStar®has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service in that area.
OnStar
®service also cannot work unless you are in
a place where the wireless service provider
OnStar
®has hired for that area has coverage,
network capacity and reception when the service is
needed, and technology that is compatible with the
OnStar
®service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed
areas, or at all times.
OnStar
®service that involves location information
about your vehicle cannot work unless GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed and available in
that place as well.
97

Oil Pressure Light..................................... 142
Security Light............................................ 143
Reduced Engine Power Light
(2.4L Engine Only)................................. 143
Highbeam On Light................................... 143
Trunk Ajar Light........................................ 144
Service Vehicle Soon Light
(2.4L Engine Only)................................. 144
Fuel Gage................................................. 144
Low Fuel Warning Light............................ 145
Driver Information Center (DIC).................. 145
DIC Operation and Displays...................... 146
DIC Warnings and Messages.................... 148
DIC Vehicle Personalization....................... 152Audio System(s)......................................... 157
Setting the Time (Without Date Display).... 158
Setting the Time (With Date Display)......... 159
Radio with CD (Base)............................... 161
Radio with CD (MP3)................................ 166
Using an MP3........................................... 176
XM Radio Messages................................. 183
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................. 185
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.................. 185
Radio Reception........................................ 186
Care of Your CDs..................................... 187
Care of the CD Player.............................. 187
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................. 187
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System....... 187
Section 3 Instrument Panel
106