automatic transmission PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 User Guide

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your
vehicle when the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when it is on fairly level
ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25andParking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission) on page 2-27.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
lamps behind you. Move the lever to the right for
nighttime use and to the left for daytime use.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
If the vehicle has this mirror, while sitting in a comfortable
driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly
behind the vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center and move
it up and down or side to side. The day/night control,
located at the bottom of the mirror, allows adjustment to
lessen glare from the lamps behind you. Flip the lever
right for nighttime use; ip the lever left for daytime use.
There are three OnStar
®buttons located at the bottom of
the mirror face. For more information about OnStar®and
the services it provides, seeOnStar®System on
page 2-30.
2-29

The parts of the manual convertible top that are used
when lowering and raising it are:
A. Front Edge
B. Side Edge
C. Rear Buttresses
D. Trunk
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.
2-34

Lowering the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking
brake. Shift an automatic transmission into
PARK (P). Shift a manual transmission into
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the glove
box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
5. The convertible top front latch, located above the
inside rearview mirror, must be unlatched. Pull the
latch down and turn it counterclockwise to unlatch it.
Leave the latch open and rotated to prevent damage.6. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the convertible
top and pull it off of the windshield frame.
7. Push the convertible top down into the trunk (D).
8. After the top is stored, apply one even push, as
shown, on the convertible top to ensure that the
top is fully retracted and securely stored.
9. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down on it with a
swift, rm motion.
2-35

Raising the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake rmly
and shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off, and lower the
windows.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the glove
box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
5. Pull the convertible top forward by rmly gripping the
side edge (B) and applying a brisk upward and
forward motion to get the top in the pull-up position.6. Close the trunk (D) by pushing it down with a swift,
rm motion.
7. At the rear edge of the convertible top, press down
on the two buttresses (C) to latch them into the top
of the trunk.
8. Pull the front edge (A) of the convertible top forward
from the outside of the vehicle, or push the front
edge (A) of the convertible top forward from the
inside of the vehicle.
9. Turn the top front latch handle clockwise to latch
the convertible top.
2-36

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-17.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-20.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped). SeeCruise
Control on page 3-10.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-21.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-69.
G. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-15.
H. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-25.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-14.
K. Drive Information Center (DIC) Controls. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-36.L. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
M. Windshield Wiper/Washer Controls. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield Washer on
page 3-10.
N. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-17.
O. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). Accessory Power
Outlet (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-16andAccessory Power Outlet(s)
on page 3-15.
P. Shift Lever. SeeManual Transmission Operation on
page 2-23. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on
page 2-20(if equipped with automatic transmission).
Q. Parking Brake Lever. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-24.
R. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-45.
S. Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-33.
T. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-9.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-33.
3-5

Headlamps
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has the following four positions:
2(Headlamps):This position turns on the
headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):This position turns on the
parking lamps and taillamps only.
AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):This position
automatically turns on the Daytime Running Lamps
during daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and
taillamps at night.
P(Off/On):This position is an Off/On switch for the
Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada, this applies
to vehicles with an automatic transmission set to
PARK (P) and manual transmission vehicles with the
parking brake engaged.
When operating in AUTO, a momentary turn of the
switch to off/on will turn off the Automatic Headlamp
System. An AUTO LIGHTS OFF message will display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC), if equipped, and
a chime will sound. Rotating the switch to off/on
again will turn the Automatic Headlamp System back
on. An AUTO LIGHTS ON message will display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
The Automatic Headlamp System is always turned on at
the beginning of an ignition cycle for vehicles with
manual transmission. When the parking brake is
engaged, the automatic headlamps will turn off. For
vehicles with an automatic transmission, when the shift
lever is shifted out of PARK (P), the Automatic
Headlamp System will turn on. Shifting the lever back to
PARK (P) will turn off the automatic headlamp system
for vehicles with an automatic transmission.
3-13

DELAY LOCK
This feature, which delays the actual locking of the
vehicle, can be enabled or disabled. When DELAY
LOCK appears on the display, press the reset button to
scroll through the available settings:
ON (default):The doors will not lock until ve seconds
after the last door is closed. You can temporarily
override delayed locking by pressing the lock button on
the remote keyless entry transmitter a second time.
OFF:The doors will lock immediately when pressing the
lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter.
SeeDelayed Locking on page 2-8andRemote Keyless
Entry System Operation on page 2-4for more
information.
Choose one of the available settings and press the
information button to select it and move on to the next
feature.
AUTO UNLK (Unlock)
This feature, which allows the vehicle to automatically
unlock certain doors, can be enabled or disabled. When
AUTO UNLK appears on the display, press the reset
button to scroll through the available settings:
ALL (default):All of the doors will automatically unlock.
DRIVER:The driver’s door will automatically unlock.
NONE:None of the doors will automatically unlock. You
will need to manually unlock the doors.
If you have a manual transmission vehicle, the door(s)
will automatically unlock when the key is turned off.
If you have an automatic transmission vehicle, you can
select when the automatic unlocking will occur. See
“UNLK (Automatic Transmission Only)” following.
SeeAutomatic Door Unlock on page 2-9for more
information.
Choose one of the available settings and press the
information button to select it and move on to the next
feature.
3-43

UNLK (Unlock) (Automatic
Transmission Only)
This screen displays only if your vehicle has an
automatic transmission and DRIVER or ALL is selected
for the AUTO UNLK feature. This feature determines
when the automatic door unlocking will occur. When
UNLK appears on the display, press the reset button to
scroll through the available settings:
KEY OFF:The door(s) will unlock when the key is
turned off.
SHIFT TO P (Park) (default):The door(s) will unlock
when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
SeeAutomatic Door Unlock on page 2-9for more
information.
Choose one of the available settings and press the
information button to select it and move on to the next
feature.
EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS
If your vehicle has remote keyless entry, this feature,
which allows the vehicle’s exterior perimeter lighting to
turn on each time the unlock button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter is pressed, can be enabled or
disabled. When EXT LIGHTS appears on the display,
press the reset button to scroll through the available
settings:
OFF:The exterior perimeter lighting will not turn on
when the unlock button on the remote keyless
entry transmitter is pressed.
ON (default):The exterior perimeter lighting will turn on
when the unlock button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter is pressed.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-4for more information.
Choose one of the available settings and press the
information button to select it and move on to the next
feature.
3-44

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . .5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-20
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-23
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-25Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-30
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-31
Brakes........................................................5-32
Battery........................................................5-34
Jump Starting...............................................5-35
Rear Axle.......................................................5-39
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-40
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-40
Headlamps..................................................5-41
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps......5-41
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-42
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-43
Tires..............................................................5-44
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-46
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-47
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-50
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-51
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-52
Buying New Tires.........................................5-53
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-54
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-55
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-56
Wheel Replacement......................................5-56
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the
dealership service department and have it repaired as
soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4. Be sure to use the
transmission uid listed inPart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-21.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-21.
Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission
uid level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason for
uid loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealership service department and have it repaired as
soon as possible. You may also have your uid
level checked by your dealer when you have your oil
changed. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-21for the proper uid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives uid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-31for more information.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
5-19