instrument panel PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 User Guide

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the passenger’s seat,
but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person
is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the
vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in
the fully upright position, then sit upright in the seat,
centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs
comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for about two minutes.
This will allow the system to detect that person and then
enable the passenger’s airbag.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the frontal airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-24for more on this, including
important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material such as a blanket, or
aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters
and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger
sensing system operates. Remove any additional
material from the seat cushion before reinstalling or
securing the child restraint and before a small occupant,
including a small adult, sits in the passenger position.
You may want to consider not using seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment if your vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-42for more
information about modications that can affect how the
system operates.
1-40

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front of the
vehicle that could keep the airbags from
working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or
height, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Also, the airbag system may not
work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. 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:Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module (located in the console), or the instrument
panel can affect the operation of the airbag
system. 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.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
1-42

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the passenger’s airbag, the bag may not work
properly. You may have to replace the airbag module
in the steering wheel or both the airbag module and
the instrument panel for the passenger’s airbag.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings.
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system may
not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.
1-43

Automatic Door Unlock
If your vehicle has power door locks, the doors with
automatically unlock when the shift lever is moved into
PARK (P) for vehicles with an automatic transmission.
For vehicles with a manual transmission, the doors
will automatically unlock when the key is removed from
the ignition. The automatic unlock feature cannot be
disabled unless your vehicle has a Driver Information
Center (DIC) and an automatic transmission.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center (DIC),
it can be programmed to automatically unlock the doors
several ways for vehicles with an automatic transmission.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-40for more
information.
Trunk
To release the trunk lid from the outside, use the
remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, if equipped.
If your vehicle does not have an RKE transmitter,
see “Remote Trunk Release” following.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
or if electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-28.
2-9

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a
content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Arming the System
With the ignition off, press the remote keyless entry
transmitter lock button, to arm the system.
The system will arm after either of these things occur:
Thirty seconds after all the doors are closed.
Sixty seconds with any door open.
If you press the lock button on the transmitter a second
time while all the doors are closed, the system will arm
immediately. The system will still arm in 60 seconds if a
door is open. When the open door is closed, it will also
become armed.
The security light, located on the instrument panel cluster,
will turn on to indicate that arming has been initiated.
Once the system is armed, the security light will ash
once every three seconds.
If the security light is ashing twice per second, this
means that a door is open.
If you do not want to arm the system, you may lock the
car with the manual lock knobs on the doors.
2-13

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you do not have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on, the key may have a damaged transponder.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to be
not damaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-78. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a
new key made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to “learn”
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. The
following procedure is for programming additional keys
only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or do
not operate, you must see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key
®III+ to have keys made and
programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-15

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-15
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-15
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-15
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-15
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-16Climate Controls............................................3-17
Climate Control System.................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-23
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-23
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-28
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-29
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-29
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-30
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-32
Security Light...............................................3-33
Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-34
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-34
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-34
Fuel Gage...................................................3-35
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-35
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-36
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-36
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-38
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-40
Audio System(s).............................................3-45
Setting the Time (Without Date Display)...........3-47
Setting the Time (With Date Display)...............3-47Radio with CD (Base)...................................3-48
Radio with CD (MP3)....................................3-53
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-68
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-69
Radio Reception...........................................3-70
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-71
Care of the CD Player...................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-71
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
(Trunk Mounted)........................................3-71
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Instrument Panel Overview
3-4

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