sensor PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce
the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s
or right front passenger’s head and chest. However,
they are only designed to inate if the impact exceeds
a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash
is likely to be in time for the airbags to inate and
help restrain the occupants.
Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is
not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of
the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down.Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than
if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with specic vehicle design.
In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to
crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe
frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage
airbags inate at a level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
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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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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-16.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an airbag when
it inates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about 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. Changing or moving
any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly if the original
seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery
or trim designed for a different vehicle.
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Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater
or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger
sensing system. This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent
the passenger sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-43.
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
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.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: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. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
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Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL
can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but
they can be especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running
lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that helps control the DRL. Make sure it is not
covered or the headlamps will come on when they are
not needed.
The DRL system makes both low beam headlamps turn
on at reduced intensity when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The shift lever is not in PARK (P).
While the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, and instrument panel lights will not be on.The DRL system turns off on U.S. vehicles by using
the on/off switch for one ignition cycle, if the vehicle
is in the PARK (P) position, or if the vehicle speed
is less than 5 mph (8 km/h) after the vehicle is started.
For vehicles rst sold in Canada the DRL system
will turn off when a automatic transmission vehicle is in
the PARK (P) position or the park brake is set on a
manual transmission vehicle and the vehicle speed
is less than 8 mph (13 km/h).
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when it is needed.
Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has a fog
lamp button, it is located
on the instrument panel,
to the right of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on to turn your fog lamps on.
3-14

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-36.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash
for a few seconds.
The light should go out
and the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your
vehicle serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after
you start your vehicle, it means the airbag
system may not be working properly. The
airbags in your vehicle may not inate in a
crash, or they could even inate without a
crash. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle serviced right away
if the airbag readiness light stays on after
you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when you start the engine. If the light does not come
on then, have it xed immediately. If there is a problem
with the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information
Center (DIC) message may also come on. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-40for more
information.
3-24

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
(ESC) on page 4-9,Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
on page 4-9, andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
on page 3-29for more information.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. 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/retailer 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. 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 (ESC) on page 4-9andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light on page 3-29for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
NOT READY
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display briey after starting the
vehicle if the system’s sensors are not yet calibrated.
The system is not functional until the message
stops displaying. Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the message is no longer displayed, the system
is functional. SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)
on page 4-9for more information.
3-41

SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-31. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-61for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire
positions on your vehicle. The tire positions must be
re-learned after rotating the tires or after replacing
a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65,Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-59,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58for more
information.
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 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. SeeTrunk on page 2-9andTrunk Ajar
Light on page 3-36.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to a preferred setting.
All of the features listed may not be available on
your vehicle. Only the features available will be
displayed on the DIC.
3-44

TIRE LEARN?
This mode is available on vehicles without the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) system. After rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor, the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) must re-learn the tire positions.
To re-learn the tire positions, seeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-59. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-65andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-40for more information.
LOCK HORN
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s horn to chirp
every time the lock button on the RKE transmitter
is pressed, can be enabled or disabled. When LOCK
HORN appears on the display, press and hold the
reset button for at least one second to scroll through
the available settings:
OFF (default):The horn will not chirp on the rst
press of the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
The horn will still chirp on the second press.
ON:The horn will chirp on the rst press of the lock
button on the RKE transmitter.SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-4for more information.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
UNLOCK HORN
If your vehicle has Remote Keyless Entry (RKE),
this feature, which allows the vehicle’s horn to chirp
on the rst press of the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter, can be enabled or disabled. When UNLOCK
HORN appears on the display, press and hold the
reset button for at least one second to scroll through
the available settings:
OFF (default):The horn will not chirp when the unlock
button on the RKE transmitter is pressed.
ON:The horn will chirp on the rst press of the unlock
button on the RKE transmitter.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-4for more information.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
3-46

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inated simply by looking at them. Radial tires
may look properly inated even when they are
under-inated. Check the tire’s ination pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
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 Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in
your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire ination pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is signicantly under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
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