Page 1 PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2007 Owners Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master
cylinder reservoir is
lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 244for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid
level in the reservoir might go down. The rst
is that the brake uid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are put in, the uid level goes back
up. The other reason is that uid is leaking out
of the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
If it is, you should have your brake and/or clutch
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later your brakes and/or clutch will not
work well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake/clutch
uid. Adding uid will not correct a leak. If you
add uid when your brake linings are worn, then
you will have too much uid when you get
new brake linings. You should add or remove
uid, as necessary, only when work is done on the
brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it
can spill on the engine. The uid will burn
if the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake and/or clutch
hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your
brake warning light will come on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 134.
270

What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3
brake uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed
container only. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 353.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the
brake/clutch system, the brakes/clutch
may not work well, or they may not even
work at all. This could cause a crash.
Always use the proper brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake/clutch system parts. For example,
just a few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake/clutch hydraulic
system can damage brake/clutch system
parts so badly that they will have to
be replaced. Do not let someone put in the
wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint nish can
be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 318.
271

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested
with top-quality GM brake parts. When you replace
parts of your braking system — for example, when
your brake linings wear down and you need new
ones put in — be sure you get new approved GM
replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may
no longer work properly. For example, if someone
puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle,
the balance between your front and rear brakes can
change — for the worse. The braking performance
you have come to expect can change in many other
ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery.
When it is time for a new battery, get one that has
the replacement number shown on the original
battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
replacement battery. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 244for battery location.Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for
25 days or more, remove the black, negative (−)
cable from the battery. This will help keep
your battery from running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 274for tips on working
around a battery without getting hurt.
273

The remote negative (−)
ground bracket is
located in the rear of the
engine compartment,
on the passenger’s side
of the vehicle, and is
marked GND (−).
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 244for more information on the location
of the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals
on your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a ashlight if you need
more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water.
You do not need to add water to the
battery installed in your new vehicle. But
if a battery has ller caps, be sure the
right amount of uid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that rst. If you
don’t, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on your
skin, ush the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
276

To disconnect the jumper cables from both
vehicles, do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from
the vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
other vehicle.
5. Return the positive (+) terminal cover to its
original position.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle
uid unless you suspect there is a leak or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate
a problem. Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be
on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug
hole, located on the rear axle, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise
the level to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of lubricant to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 353.
279

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see
Replacement Bulbs on page 283.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and can burst if you drop or
scratch the bulb. You or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
To replace the low/high-beam/Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) headlamp bulb, do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on
page 243for more information.
2. Locate the headlamp bulb socket.3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and
pull it from the headlamp assembly.
4. Holding the base of the socket, pull the old
bulb from the socket.
5. Replace with a new bulb.
6. Reverse Steps 3 through 4 to reinstall.
280

Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Fog Lamps
A. Front Turn Signal/
Parking Lamp
B. Fog Lamp
(If Equipped)
To replace one of these bulbs, do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on
page 243for more information.
2. Reach underneath the front bumper and
locate the bulb assembly.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and
pull out the bulb assembly.
4. Disconnect the bulb socket from the wiring
harness.
5. Install a new bulb.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall the bulb
assembly and headlamp assembly.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps
To replace one of these bulbs, do the following:
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 68
for more information.
2. Remove the two screws, which hold the
taillamp assembly, from inside the vehicle.
3. Remove the taillamp assembly.
4. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to
remove.
5. Pull the bulb from the socket.
6. Install a new bulb.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the taillamp
assembly.
281

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-Up Lamps 3047
Fog Lamp 898*
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamp 3757NAK
Front Sidemarker Lamp 194
Headlamps, High/Low-Beam/
Daytime Running LightsH13
License Plate Lamp 168
Stoplamp, Taillamp and
Turn Signal Lamp3157K
* Uplevel Model
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear and cracking. SeeAt Least Twice a Year
on page 347for more information.Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. For proper type and
length, seeNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 355.
To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly
do the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
283

2. Push the release lever (B) to disengage the
hook and push the wiper arm (A) out of the
blade (C).
3. Push the new wiper blade securely on the
wiper arm until you hear the release lever
click into place.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and where
to obtain service, see your GM Warranty booklet
for details. For additional information refer to
the tire manufacturer’s booklet included with your
vehicle’s Owner Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
Overloading your vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much friction. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 226.
CAUTION: (Continued)
284

CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting accident could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be checked when
your vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 292.
Overinated tires are more likely to
be cut, punctured, or broken by a
sudden impact — such as when you
hit a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If the tire’s tread is badly worn, or
if your vehicle’s tires have been
damaged, replace them.Notice:If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size
tires, they are classied as low-prole
tires. Low-prole tires are more susceptible to
damage from road hazards or curb impact
than standard prole tires. Tire and or wheel
assembly damage can occur when coming into
contact with road hazards like, potholes or
sharp edged objects or when sliding into
a curb. Your GM warranty does not cover this
type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
ination pressure and when possible avoid
contact with curbs, potholes and other
road hazards.
Winter Tires
If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size tires, they are
classied as low-prole performance tires. These
tires are designed for very responsive driving on
wet or dry pavement. If you expect to drive on snow
or ice covered roads often, you may want to get
winter tires for your vehicle. The low-prole
performance tires may not offer the traction you
would like or the same level of performance as
winter tires on snow or ice covered roads.
285