air condition PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owners Manual

Refer to your child restraint instructions and instructions
in this manual for securing a child restraint using the
vehicle’s safety belts.
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position
Your vehicle has airbags. In addition, your vehicle has
a passenger sensing system which is designed to
turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag under
certain conditions. SeePassenger Sensing System
on page 1-43andPassenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 3-25for more information on this, including
important safety information.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inating airbag.
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing
child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no
one can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though it is turned off. We recommend
that rear-facing child restraints be secured in
a rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If you secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is
better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-43
for additional information.
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The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver’s airbag is not part of the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors
that are part of the right front passenger’s seat.
The sensors are designed to detect the presence
of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag should be
enabled (may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
We recommend that rear-facing child restraints not be
transported in your vehicle, even if the airbag is off.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front
passenger’s airbag inates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child restraint
would be very close to the inating airbag.
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing
child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no
one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy
under some unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off. We recommend that
rear-facing child restraints be secured in a
rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If you secure a forward-facing child restraint
in the right front seat, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is
better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.
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Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-23for additional information.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also
use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine
is not running at high speed when shifting your
vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides better fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower
gear and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-14.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you
could damage the transmission. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive in LOW (L)
when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h)
and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
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Both mirrors can be manually folded by pulling them
toward the vehicle. This feature may be useful
when going through a car wash or a conned space.
Push the mirrors away from the vehicle to the normal
position before driving.
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside assistance,
press the OnStar button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.OnStar service is provided to you subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions. You may cancel your
OnStar service at any time by contacting OnStar.
A complete OnStar Owner’s Guide and the OnStar
Terms and Conditions are included in the vehicle’s
OnStar Subscriber glove box literature. For more
information, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or
TTY 1-877-248-2080, or press the OnStar button
to speak with an OnStar advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
Not all OnStar features are available on all vehicles.
To check if your vehicle is equipped to provide the
services described below, or for a full description of
OnStar services and system limitations, see the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in your glove box or visit onstar.com.OnStar Services
For new vehicles with OnStar, the Safe & Sound Plan,
or the Directions & Connections Plan is included for
one year from the date of purchase. You can extend
this plan beyond the rst year, or upgrade to the
Directions & Connections Plan. For more information,
press the OnStar button to speak with an advisor.
Some OnStar services (such as Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance) may not be
available until you register with OnStar.
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Notice:Leaving the convertible top down and
exposing the interior of your vehicle to outdoor
conditions may cause damage. Always close
the convertible top if leaving your vehicle outdoors.
Notice:Lowering the convertible top when there
are objects in the storage area could damage
it or break the glass rear window. Always verify
that no objects are in the storage area before
lowering the convertible top.
Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or
dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage to
the inside of your vehicle. Dry off the top before
lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the top on your vehicle in
cold weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you may damage
top components. Do not lower the top in cold
weather.Notice:If you raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is in motion, you could damage
the top or the top mechanism. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always put
an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual
transmission in FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R), turn
the ignition off and engage the parking brake before
raising or lowering the convertible top.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the convertible top can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
convertible top and its mechanism. Keep
people away from your vehicle when you
are lowering or raising the top.
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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 your vehicle
has air conditioning. For a combination setting, move
the control between two modes.
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 your vehicle has air
conditioning, 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
indicator 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,
oor/defog, and recirculation 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 recirculation 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. If there is little or no airow on the passenger
side, make sure that the carpet covering is tucked under
the 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.
Use a temperature setting that provides warm air.
The warmer the air the quicker the windows will clear.
To prevent fogging on the inside of the windows in modes
other than oor/defog and defrost, make sure the air
conditioning compressor, if the vehicle has one, 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.
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 show 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
about seven and one-half minutes before turning off.
If the vehicle speed is greater than 50 mph (80 km/h)
and the rear defogger is active, it will remain on as
long as the speed is greater than 50 mph (80 km/h).
The defogger can also be turned off by pressing the
knob again or by turning off the engine.
=(Rear Defogger):Press the right knob on the
control panel to turn the rear window defogger on or off.
Do not operate rear defogger when convertible top
is down.
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.
3-19

Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the
side of the 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 or turn them clockwise
or counterclockwise to change the direction of the
airow.
Your vehicle has ow through ventilation that allows
outside air to be forced through the ventilation system
when the vehicle is moving. Outside air will enter
the vehicle when the air conditioning fan is running.
Flow through ventilation can be stopped in vent
and bi-level modes by pressing the recirculation button.
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 the 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 the
vehicle more effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle.
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
the 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 the
details show on the next few pages, some warning lights
come on briey when you start the engine just to let you
know they are 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 is 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 get to know your vehicle’s warning lights
and gages. They can be a big help.
3-20

Charging System Light
This light will come
on briey when you
turn on the ignition,
but the engine is not
running, as a check to
show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-40
for more information. This light could indicate that
you have problems with a generator drive belt, or
another electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when the engine is
started. If it does not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
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