PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 Owners Manual

Collision Damage Repair
If your vehicle is involved in a collision and it is
damaged, have the damage repaired by a qualied
technician using the proper equipment and quality
replacement parts. Poorly performed collision repairs
will diminish your vehicle’s resale value, and safety
performance can be compromised in subsequent
collisions.
Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made with the
same materials and construction methods as the parts
with which your vehicle was originally built. Genuine GM
Collision parts are your best choice to assure that your
vehicle’s designed appearance, durability and safety are
preserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can help
maintain your GM New Vehicle Warranty.
Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for
repair. These parts are typically removed from vehicles
that were total losses in prior accidents. In most cases,
the parts being recycled are from undamaged sections of
the vehicle. A recycled original equipment GM part, may
be an acceptable choice to maintain your vehicle’s
originally designed appearance and safety performance,
however, the history of these parts is not known. Such
parts are not covered by your GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any related failures are not covered by that
warranty.Aftermarket collision parts are also available. These are
made by companies other than GM and may not have
been tested for your vehicle. As a result, these parts may
t poorly, exhibit premature durability/corrosion problems,
and may not perform properly in subsequent collisions.
Aftermarket parts are not covered by your GM New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any vehicle failure related
to such parts are not covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose a collision repair
facility that meets your needs before you ever need
collision repairs. Your GM dealer may have a collision
repair center with GM-trained technicians and state
of the art equipment, or be able to recommend a
collision repair center that has GM-trained technicians
and comparable equipment.
7-11

Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are signicant differences in the quality of coverage
afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced protection to your
GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs
by using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance
companies will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend that
you assure your vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts. If such insurance
coverage is not available from your current insurance
carrier, consider switching to another insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the
end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are all
right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else
in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
7-12

Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states with “no
fault” insurance laws, a report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are drivable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a private
collision repair facility to x the damage, make sure
you are comfortable with them. Remember, you will
have to feel comfortable with their work for a
long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your
GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live
with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your
insurance company may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember
if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have the
vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your
insurance coverage does not pay the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for the
repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair valuation
based on that insurance company’s collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can have control of the
repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
7-13

Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in the
Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General Motors
of Canada Limited. You may call them at 1-800-333-0510
or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
7-14

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-762-2737, or write:
Pontiac Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
7-15

Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about
the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-16

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-15
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-42
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-77
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Air Conditioning..............................................3-17
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-25
Readiness Light..........................................3-24
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-30
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-42
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-35
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-37
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-41
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-35
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-36
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-34
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-32
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-71
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-71
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-74
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-72
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-76
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-72
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-69
Convertible Top...........................................5-74
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-70
Finish Care.................................................5-73
Finish Damage............................................5-75
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-71
Leather......................................................5-71
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-75
Tires..........................................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-75
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-76
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-72
Weatherstrips..............................................5-72
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-73
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-16
Audio System(s).............................................3-45
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-69
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-71
Care of Your CDs........................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-71
Radio with CD....................................3-48, 3-53
Setting the Time..........................................3-47
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-68
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-71
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 2-8
Automatic Door Unlock...................................... 2-9
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-20
B
Battery..........................................................5-34
Run-Down Protection...................................3-15
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-21
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Parking......................................................2-24
System Inspection.......................................6-20
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-31
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-40
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-42
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps.....5-41
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-40Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps.................................................5-41
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-43
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-42
Buying New Tires...........................................5-53
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-82
Carbon Monoxide.....................2-9, 2-28, 4-24, 4-34
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-72
Your CD Player...........................................3-71
Your CDs ...................................................3-71
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-33
Chains, Tire...................................................5-59
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-76
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-23
Infants and Young Children...........................1-20
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-26
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Older Children.............................................1-18
Securing a Child Restraint in the Passenger
Seat Position...........................................1-27
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-74
Convertible Top...........................................5-74
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-72
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-70
Finish Care.................................................5-73
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-69
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-71
Leather......................................................5-71
Tires..........................................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-75
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-72
Weatherstrips..............................................5-72
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-73
Climate Control System...................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-13
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convertible Top..............................................2-33Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-29
Low Warning Light.......................................3-29
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-25
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-33
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-15
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
3

Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Automatic Door Unlock.................................. 2-9
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Manual Door Locks....................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-7
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-10
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-36
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-36
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-40
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-38
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-29
Winter........................................................4-24
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-77
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-78
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-78
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-78Electrical System (cont.)
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-78
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-80
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-34
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-19
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-29
Cooling System Inspection............................6-20
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-28
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-25
Overheating................................................5-23
Reduced Power Light...................................3-34
Starting......................................................2-19
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-17
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage...............................................5-75
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-71
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-59
4