traction control PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2007 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 108
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 110
Other Warning Devices............................. 110
Horn.......................................................... 110
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 111
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 111
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 112
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 112
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 113
Windshield Wipers..................................... 113
Windshield Washer.................................... 114
Cruise Control........................................... 115
Headlamps................................................ 118
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 119
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 119
Fog Lamps................................................ 120
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 120
Entry/Exit Lighting...................................... 120
Mirror Reading Lamps............................... 120
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 121
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 121
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 122Climate Controls......................................... 122
Climate Control System............................. 122
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 126
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 127
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 128
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 129
Tachometer............................................... 129
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 130
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 130
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 131
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 132
Charging System Light.............................. 134
Brake System Warning Light..................... 134
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 135
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
(2.0L Engine Only).................................. 136
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 137
Low Coolant Warning Light....................... 138
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 138
Section 3 Instrument Panel
105

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control
System on page 122.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 126.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 111.
D. Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped). See
Cruise Control on page 115.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 128.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on
page 185.
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 120.
H. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 132.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 110.
J. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). SeeFog
Lamps on page 120.
K. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Button (If Equipped).
SeeElectronic Stability Control on page 200or
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 198.L. Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls (If
Equipped). SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 145.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 110.
N. Windshield Wiper/Washer Controls. See
Windshield Wipers on page 113andWindshield
Washer on page 114.
O. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System
on page 122.
P. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). Accessory
Power Outlet (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and
Cigarette Lighter on page 122andAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 121.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeManual Transmission
Operation on page 85. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 82
(if equipped with automatic transmission).
R. Parking Brake Lever. SeeParking Brake on
page 86.
S. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 157.
T. Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on page 98.
U. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 68.
V. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 98.
109

Cruise Control
If your vehicle has cruise control, it can maintain
a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control
does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when
you are not using cruise, you might hit a
button and go into cruise when you do not
want to. You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise control switch
off until you want to use cruise control.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the left side of the
steering wheel.
J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
115

If the light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the
light comes on when you are driving, stop as
soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then
start the engine again to reset the system. If the
light still stays on after driving at a speed of at least
13 mph (20 km/h), or comes on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. If the regular
brake system warning light is not on, you still have
brakes, but you do not have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, you
do not have anti-lock brakes and there is a problem
with your regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 134.
The ABS warning light will come on briey when
you turn the ignition key to RUN. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it xed so
it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
(2.0L Engine Only)
This light is located in
the center of the
instrument panel cluster.
For vehicles that have the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system or the Traction Control
System (TCS), this warning light should come on
briey when the engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem. This light, along with the appropriate
Driver Information Center (DIC) messages,
indicates when the ESC system and the TCS are
working or are disabled.
136

If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled.
Check your DIC messaging to determine
which feature(s) is no longer functioning and
whether it is because of the driver turning off the
feature(s), or the system may not be working
properly and your vehicle requires service. If the
TCS is disabled, wheel spin will not be limited.
If the ESC system is disabled, the system will not
aid in maintaining vehicle directional control. In
either case, adjust your driving accordingly.
If the light is on and ashing, the TCS or the ESC
system is actively working. Check the DIC
messaging for details to determine which system
is working. If the LOW TRACTION message
appears, the system is limiting wheel spin. If the
ESC ACTIVE message appears, the system
is aiding in maintaining vehicle directional control.
SeeElectronic Stability Control on page 200
andTraction Control System (TCS) on page 198
for more information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 148for
more information on the messages associated
with this light.Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on when
the engine has
overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 260for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 260. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.
137

CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure
that it is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the message off.
COMPETITIVE MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays when the Competitive Driving mode is
selected. The Traction Control System (TCS) will
not be operating while in the Competitive Driving
mode and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster will be on solid. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability Control on
page 200andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light (2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control
system is active. SeeCruise Control on page 115
for more information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the
vehicle’s doors are not closed properly. When this
message displays, make sure that the door(s)
are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
ashes when ESC is assisting you with directional
control of the vehicle. You may feel or hear the
system working and see this message displayed
in the DIC.
149

Slippery road conditions may exist when this
message is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message may stay on for a few
seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal
when the system is operating. SeeElectronic
Stability Control on page 200andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine
Only) on page 136for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when ESC is turned off. Adjust
your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability
Control on page 200andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine Only) on
page 136for more information.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the
battery in the transmitter. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 62.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System
(TCS), this message displays and the ESC/TCS
light on the instrument panel cluster ashes
when the system is actively limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
This message stays on for a few seconds after the
system stops limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 198and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L
Engine Only) on page 136for more information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 86for
more information.
150

SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem
with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), this message displays and a chime
sounds if there has been a problem detected with
ESC. The ESC/TCS light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster. This light stays on solid as
long as the detected problem remains present.
When this message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Electronic Stability Control on page 200and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine
Only) on page 136for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop
carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the
ignition off and then back on. If this message
still stays on or turns back on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the
ESC inspected by your dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays and a chime
sounds when the system is not functioning
properly. The ESC/TCS light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected problem remains
present. When this message displays, the system
is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 198
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light (2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information. Have the TCS serviced by your dealer
as soon as possible.
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction Control
System (TCS), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the TCS is turned off. Adjust
your driving accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 198andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light (2.0L Engine Only)
on page 136for more information.
151

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 190. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when
driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. For more information, seeDefensive
Driving on page 190.
157

Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment
to your vehicle, such as an audio system,
CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone,
or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer. Also,
check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be
added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or
other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has
been added.Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition is
turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 80for more information.Setting the Time (Without Date
Display)
If your vehicle has an AM/FM base radio with a
single CD player and preset buttons numbered
one through six, the radio will have a clock button
for setting the time. You can set the time by
following these steps:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC (accessory) or
RUN. Press the power knob, located in the
center of the radio, to turn the radio on.
2. Press the clock button until the hour numbers
begin ashing on the display. Press the clock
button a second time and the minute
numbers will begin ashing on the display.
158