air conditioning PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
A. Temperature
Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode
ControlD. Air Conditioning
E. Recirculation
F. Rear Window
DefoggerThe heating and ventilation of the vehicle can be
controlled with this system. For vehicles with air
conditioning, you will also be able to control the cooling
of the vehicle.
9(Off):Turn the fan control to this position to turn
the fan off.
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
inside the vehicle.
Select from the following modes:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
\(Bi-Level):Air is directed to the instrument panel,
oor, defroster and side window outlets. Cooler air
is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air to the
oor outlets. Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
shown, Climate Control System without Air
Conditioning similar
3-16

[(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some directed to the side window and defroster outlets.
If low or no airow is on the passenger side, make
sure that the carpet covering is tucked under oor
outlets.
/(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
side window, and oor outlets. In this mode, the system
runs the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is near freezing or below.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window outlets. In 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.
To prevent fogging on the inside of the windows in
modes other than oor/defog and defrost, make sure the
air conditioning compressor is on and recirculation
mode is off.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on. This
setting cools and dehumidies the air entering the
vehicle.The air conditioning does not work if the fan is turned
off. If air conditioning is selected with fan off, the
indicator light ashes three times and then turns off.
There could be 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 temperatures 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 the vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select
H.
2. Select
?.
3. Select the air conditioning to on.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
3-17

Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
?(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that
recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
Recirculation is available in the bi-level and vent modes.
If recirculation is selected in either oor/heat, oor/defog,
or defrost mode, the indicator light ashes three times
indicating it is not available in that mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
=(Rear Defogger):Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger turns off about fteen minutes
after the knob is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger runs for about seven and one-half minutes
before turning off. If vehicle speed is greater than
50 mph (80 kph) and the rear defogger is active, it
remains on as long as the speed is greater than 50 mph
(80 kph). The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine.
Do not use the rear defogger when the 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 the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-18

Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the instrument panel to direct the airow.
The 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.
The 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
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 prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-19

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three
minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed,
turn off the engine until it cools down.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
5-30

Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-53.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-20.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
5-51

Fuses Usage
11 Trunk
12 Empty
13 Fuel Pump
14 Rear Defogger Relay
15 Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
16 Empty
17 Empty
18 Trunk Release Relay
19 Fuel Pump Relay
20 Empty
21 Mirrors
22 Air Conditioning
23 Empty
24Cooling Fan 2 Relay (LE5);
Empty (LNF)
25 Fuse Puller
26 Powertrain Relay
27 Empty
28Back-up Lamps Relay
(Automatic Transmission); Empty
(Manual Transmission)
29 Data Link Connector
30 OutletFuses Usage
31Back-up Lamps
(Automatic Transmission); Empty
(Manual Transmission)
32 Empty (LE5), Vacuum Pump (LNF)
33 Emissions
34 Crank Relay
35 Empty
36 Empty
37 Power Seat
38Empty (LE5), Vacuum Pump
Relay (LNF)
39 Empty
40 Cooling Fan 1 (LE5); Empty (LNF)
41Empty (LE5); Turbo, Cam
Phaser (LNF)
42 Engine Control Module
43Engine Control Module,
Transmission
44 Antilock Brake System
45Injectors, Ignition Coils (LE5);
Ignition Coils (LNF)
46Back-up Lamps (Manual
Transmission); Empty
(Automatic Transmission)
47 Empty
5-102

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer toRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System
2.0L L4 Engine — Automatic 9.2 qt 8.7 L
2.0L L4 Engine — Manual 9.5 qt 9.0 L
2.4L L4 Engine — Automatic 8.7 qt 8.2 L
2.4L L4 Engine — Manual 8.9 qt 8.4 L
Engine Oil with Filter
2.0L L4 and 2.4L L4 5.0 qt 4.7 L
Fuel Tank 13.6 gal 51.5 L
Transmission, Automatic (Bottom Pan Removal) 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Transmission, Manual (Complete Drain and Rell) 2.75 qt 2.6 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual.
5-104

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts
as needed. To help ensure proper operation, a
pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap
and cleaning the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-46 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-95 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-48.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, and console
door. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(h)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-7