service PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2006 Owner's Guide

Radio with CD (MP3)
Radio Data System (RDS)
The audio system has a Radio Data System (RDS). The
RDS feature is available for use only on FM stations that
broadcast RDS information. This system relies upon
receiving specic information from these stations and will
only work when the information is available. While the
radio is tuned to an FM-RDS station, the station name or
call letters will appear on the display.In rare cases, a radio station may broadcast incorrect
information that will cause the radio features to work
improperly. If this happens, contact the radio station.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ is a satellite radio service that is based in the
48 contiguous United States and in Canada (if available).
XM™ offers over 100 coast-to-coast channels including
music, news, sports, talk, traffic/weather, and children’s
programming. XM™ provides digital quality audio and
text information that includes song title and artist name.
A service fee is required in order to receive the XM™
service. For more information, contact XM™ at
www.xmradio.com or call 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
Radio with CD shown, Radio with Six-Disc CD (MP3)
similar
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Playing the Radio
O
(Power/Volume):Press this knob to turn the
system on and off.
Turn this knob clockwise to increase or counterclockwise
to decrease the volume.
Speed Compensated Volume (SCV):The radio is also
equipped with Speed Compensated Volume (SCV).
When SCV is on, the radio volume automatically adjusts
to compensate for road and wind noise as you speed
up or slow down while driving. That way, the volume
level should sound about the same as you drive.
To activate SCV:
1. Set the radio volume to the desired level.
2. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
3. Press the pushbutton under the AUTO VOLUM
label on the radio display.
4. Press the pushbutton under the desired Speed
Compensated Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med,
or High) to select the level of radio volume
compensation. The display will time out after
approximately 10 seconds. Each higher setting
allows for more radio volume compensation at faster
vehicle speeds.
Finding a Station
BAND:Press this button to switch between AM, FM, or
XM™ (if equipped). The display will show the selection.
f(Tune):Turn this knob to select radio stations.
©SEEK¨:Press the right or left SEEK arrow to go
to the next or to the previous station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either SEEK arrow for
a few seconds until you hear a beep. The radio will
go to a station, play for a few seconds, then go on to the
next station. Press either SEEK arrow again to stop
scanning.
The radio will only seek and scan stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
4(Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service, MP3,
and RDS Features):Press the information button
to display additional text information related to the
current FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3 song. A choice
of additional information such as: Channel, Song,
Artist, and CAT may appear. Continue pressing the
information button to highlight the desired label, or press
the pushbutton positioned under any one of the labels
and the information about that label will be displayed.
When information is not available, No Info will appear on
the display.
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Radio Messages
Calibration Error:The audio system has been
calibrated for your vehicle from the factory. If Calibration
Error appears on the display, it means that the radio
has not been congured properly for your vehicle and it
must be returned to your dealer for service.Locked:This message is displayed when the
THEFTLOCK
®system has locked up the radio.
Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.
If any error occurs repeatedly or if an error cannot be
corrected, contact your dealer.
XM™ Radio Messages
Radio Display
MessageCondition Action Required
XL (Explicit Language
Channels)XL on the radio display,
after the channel name,
indicates content with
explicit language.These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a
customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
XM Updating Updating encryption code The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and no
action is required. This process should take no longer than
30 seconds.
No XM Signal Loss of signal The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a
location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When you move
into an open area, the signal should return.
Loading XM Acquiring channel audio
(after 4 second delay)The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and text
data. No action is needed. This message should disappear
shortly.
Channel Off Air Channel not in service This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another
channel.
3-58

XM™ Radio Messages (cont’d)
Radio Display
MessageCondition Action Required
Channel Unavail Channel no longer
availableThis previously assigned channel is no longer assigned.
Tune to another station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for that preset button.
No Artist Info Artist Name/Feature not
availableNo artist information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
No Title Info Song/Program Title not
availableNo song title information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
No CAT Info Category Name not
availableNo category information is available at this time on this
channel. The system is working properly.
No Information No Text/Informational
message availableNo text or informational messages are available at this
time on this channel. The system is working properly.
CAT Not Found No channel available for
the chosen categoryThere are no channels available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
XM Theftlocked Theft lock active The XM™ receiver in the vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™
receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this
message appears after having your vehicle serviced, check
with your dealer.
XM Radio ID Radio ID label (channel 0) If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the
XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown Radio ID not known
(should only be if
hardware failure)If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there
may be a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer.
3-59

Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference and static
during normal radio reception if items such as cellphone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and
external electronic devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static,
unplug the item from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations will boost the power
levels during the day, and then reduce these levels during
the night. Static can also occur when things like storms
and power lines interfere with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals will
reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada (if available). Just as with
FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In
addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage,
bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause loss of
XM signal for a period of time. The radio may display
NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.
3-70

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not, under
any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds,
you may tend to think you are going slower than you
actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-21

Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway hypnosis?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the
wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Do
not let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can
leave the road in less than a second, and you could
crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and
to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get some
exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness
on the highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from
driving in at or rolling terrain.
4-22

If you put things inside your vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages or anything else — they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
Put things in the rear area of your vehicle.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service
if you need to have your disabled vehicle towed.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Notice:Dolly towing or dinghy towing your vehicle
may cause damage because of reduced ground
clearance. Always put your vehicle on a atbed truck.
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
see “Towing Your Vehicle” earlier in this section.
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow
a trailer.
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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

Tire Chains..................................................5-59
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-59
Tire Inator Kit.............................................5-60
Appearance Care............................................5-69
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-69
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-70
Leather.......................................................5-71
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.........................................5-71
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-72
Weatherstrips...............................................5-72
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-72
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-72
Finish Care..................................................5-73
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-73
Convertible Top............................................5-74
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-74Tires...........................................................5-75
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-75
Finish Damage.............................................5-75
Underbody Maintenance................................5-75
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-76
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-76
Vehicle Identication......................................5-77
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-77
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-77
Electrical System............................................5-77
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-77
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-78
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-78
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-78
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-78
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-80
Capacities and Specications..........................5-82
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2