fuel PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2007 User Guide

Low Fuel Warning Light
This light will come on
briey when you are
starting the engine.
This light also comes on when the fuel tank is low
on fuel. When you add fuel the light should go
off. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Your vehicle may have a Driver Information Center
(DIC). The DIC display gives you the status of many
of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC is also used to
display driver personalization menu modes and
warning/status messages. All messages will appear
in the DIC display, located at the bottom of the
tachometer on the instrument panel cluster.The DIC buttons are
located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
q(Information):Press this button to scroll
through the vehicle information mode displays.
r(Reset):Press this button to reset some
vehicle information mode displays, select a
personalization menu mode setting, or
acknowledge a warning message.
Press and hold the information and reset buttons
at the same time for one second, then release
the buttons to enter the personalization menu.
SeeDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 152for
more information.
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DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. The
DIC has different modes which can be accessed
by pressing the DIC buttons. The button functions
are detailed in the following.
Information Modes
q
(Information):Press this button to scroll
through the following vehicle information modes:
Odometer
Press the information button until the odometer is
displayed. This mode shows the total distance
the vehicle has been driven in either miles (mi) or
kilometers (km).
To change the DIC display to English or metric
units, see “UNITS” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 152.
TRIP A or TRIP B
Press the information button until TRIP A or
TRIP B is displayed. These modes show the
current distance traveled since the last reset for
each trip odometer in either miles (mi) or
kilometers (km). Both odometers can be used at
the same time.
Each trip odometer can be reset to zero separately
by pressing and holding the reset button for a
few seconds while the desired trip odometer
is displayed.
FUEL RANGE
Press the information button until FUEL RANGE is
displayed. This mode shows the remaining
distance you can drive without refueling in either
miles (mi) or kilometers (km). It is based on
fuel economy and the fuel remaining in the tank.
When the fuel level is low, FUEL RANGE LOW
will display.
The fuel economy data used to determine fuel
range is an average of recent driving conditions.
As your driving conditions change, this data is
gradually updated. The FUEL RANGE mode
cannot be reset.
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ECON (Economy)
Press the information button until ECON is
displayed. This mode shows how many miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
your vehicle is getting based on current and
past driving conditions.
Press and hold the reset button while ECON is
displayed to reset the average fuel economy.
Average fuel economy will then be calculated
starting from that point. If the average fuel economy
is not reset, it will be continually updated each time
you drive.
AV (Average) SPEED
Press the information button until AV SPEED is
displayed. This mode shows the vehicle’s average
speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h).
Press and hold the reset button while AV SPEED
is displayed to reset the average vehicle speed.
OIL LIFE
Press the information button until OIL LIFE is
displayed. The engine oil life system shows
an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. It will
show 100% when the system is reset after an
oil change. It will alert you to change your oil on a
schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring
the oil life, additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance Schedule in
this manual. SeeEngine Oil on page 247and
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 336.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System” underEngine Oil Life System on
page 252.
COOLANT
Press the information button until COOLANT is
displayed. This mode shows the temperature
of the engine coolant in either degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
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CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure
that it is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the message off.
COMPETITIVE MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays when the Competitive Driving mode is
selected. The Traction Control System (TCS) will
not be operating while in the Competitive Driving
mode and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster will be on solid. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability Control on
page 200andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light (2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control
system is active. SeeCruise Control on page 115
for more information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the
vehicle’s doors are not closed properly. When this
message displays, make sure that the door(s)
are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
ashes when ESC is assisting you with directional
control of the vehicle. You may feel or hear the
system working and see this message displayed
in the DIC.
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Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
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?
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Run your engine only as long as you must. This
saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it
go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat
that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
You will need a well-charged battery to restart the
vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start
the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as
little as possible. Preserve the fuel as long as
you can. To help keep warm, you can get out of
the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck,
you will need to spin the wheels, but you do not
want to spin your wheels too fast. The method
known as rocking can help you get out when you
are stuck, but you must use caution.
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Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label is attached
to the rear edge of the driver’s door. It tells
you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle,
called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed
the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or
rear axle.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
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Service........................................................ 235
Accessories and Modications................... 235
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 236
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 236
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...................................... 237
Fuel............................................................. 237
Gasoline Octane........................................ 237
Gasoline Specications.............................. 237
California Fuel........................................... 238
Additives................................................... 238
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 239
Filling the Tank......................................... 240
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 242
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 242
Hood Release........................................... 243
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 244
Engine Oil................................................. 247
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 252
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 254
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 256
Manual Transmission Fluid........................ 256
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 256
Engine Coolant.......................................... 257Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 260
Engine Overheating................................... 260
Cooling System......................................... 262
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 268
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 269
Brakes...................................................... 270
Battery...................................................... 273
Jump Starting............................................ 274
Rear Axle.................................................... 279
Bulb Replacement....................................... 280
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 280
Headlamps................................................ 280
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Fog Lamps............................................ 281
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps...... 281
Back-Up Lamps......................................... 282
License Plate Lamp................................... 282
Replacement Bulbs................................... 283
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 283
Tires............................................................ 284
Winter Tires.............................................. 285
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 286
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 289
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
233

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important
part of the proper maintenance of your vehicle.
To help keep your engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, GM recommends
the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also
use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to
as spark knock.If the octane is less than 87, you may notice a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). General Motors recommends against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 238for additional information.
237

California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California specications.
See the underhood emission control label. If this
fuel is not available in states adopting California
emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may
fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 138. If this occurs, return to
your authorized GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered
by your warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United
States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean, or if your vehicle experiences problems due
to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that
is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Also, your dealer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
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