PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owners Manual

Your Responsibility
Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the
OnStar advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, this means that your system is not functioning
properly and should be checked by your dealer/retailer.
If the light appears clear (no light is appearing), your
OnStar subscription has expired. You can always
press the OnStar button to conrm that your OnStar
equipment is active.
Storage Areas
Glove Box
To open, lift the handle up. Use the key to lock
and unlock.
Cupholder(s)
There are two cupholders located in the center console,
press and release to extend forward.
2-35

Your vehicle has a cupholder on the passenger side
of the center console. To access it, press and release
the forward section of the cupholder.
Center Console Storage
There is also an upright center console storage area
between the seatbacks. To open the storage area, press
and release the button near the top so it extends out.
Then, turn the button in either direction to unlatch the
lid and pull the console lid down. Press the release
button back in after you close the lid.
Convertible Top
For care and cleaning of the convertible top, see
Convertible Top on page 5-90under “Service and
Appearance Care”. High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of the manual convertible top.
The parts of the manual convertible top that are used
when lowering and raising it are:
A. Front Edge
B. Side EdgeC. Rear Buttresses
D. Trunk
2-36

Notice:Leaving the convertible top down and
exposing the interior of your vehicle to outdoor
conditions may cause damage. Always close
the convertible top if leaving your vehicle outdoors.
Notice:Lowering the convertible top when there
are objects in the storage area could damage
it or break the glass rear window. Always verify
that no objects are in the storage area before
lowering the convertible top.
Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or
dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage to
the inside of your vehicle. Dry off the top before
lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the top on your vehicle in
cold weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you may damage
top components. Do not lower the top in cold
weather.Notice:If you raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is in motion, you could damage
the top or the top mechanism. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always put
an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a manual
transmission in FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R), turn
the ignition off and engage the parking brake before
raising or lowering the convertible top.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the convertible top can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
convertible top and its mechanism. Keep
people away from your vehicle when you
are lowering or raising the top.
2-37

Lowering the Manual Convertible Top
1. Empty the trunk of all contents.
2. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
Shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into FIRST (1)
or REVERSE (R).
3. Make sure the ignition is turned off.
4. Push the trunk release button located in the glove
box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.
5. Lift the trunk.
6. The convertible top front latch, located above
the inside rearview mirror, must be unlatched.
Pull the latch down and turn it counterclockwise
to unlatch it.
Leave the latch open and turned to prevent damage.
7. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the convertible
top and pull it off of the windshield frame.
8. Push the convertible top down into the trunk (D).
2-38

9. After the top is stored, apply one even push,
as shown, on the convertible top to ensure that
the top is fully retracted and securely stored.
10. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down from the
rear center of it with a swift, rm motion.
Do not operate the rear defogger when the convertible
top is down.A clear Mylar
®protective lm has been installed at the
factory on the trunk lid surface under the convertible
top buttresses. This lm is designed to help prevent
paint damage to the trunk lid. Do not remove this
protective lm. It is intended to remain permanently
affixed to the trunk lid surface.
Raising the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake rmly
and shift an automatic transmission into PARK (P).
Shift a manual transmission into FIRST (1) or
REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off, and lower the
windows.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the glove
box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
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5. Pull the convertible top forward by rmly gripping the
side edge (B) and applying a brisk upward and
forward motion to get the top in the full-up position.
6. Pull the front edge (A) of the convertible top forward
from the outside of the vehicle, or push the front
edge (A) of the convertible top forward from the
inside of the vehicle.
7. Turn the top front latch handle clockwise to latch
the convertible top.
8. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down from the
rear center of it with a swift, rm motion.9. At the rear edge of the convertible top, press down
on the two buttresses (C) to latch them into the
top of the trunk.
A clear Mylar
®protective lm has been installed at the
factory on the trunk lid surface under the convertible
top buttresses. This lm is designed to help prevent
paint damage to the trunk lid. Do not remove this
protective lm. It is intended to remain permanently
affixed to the trunk lid surface.
2-40

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................................3-13
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).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-16
Climate Controls............................................3-17
Climate Control System.................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-20Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-20
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-21
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-22
Tachometer.................................................3-22
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-23
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-24
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-25
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light.........................
.3-27
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-28
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light............................................3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-30
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-30
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-31
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-32
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-34
Security Light...............................................3-35
Reduced Engine Power Light
(2.4L Engine Only)....................................3-35
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-35
Trunk Ajar Light............................................3-36
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-36
Fuel Gage...................................................3-36
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-37
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-37
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-38
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-40
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-44
Audio System(s).............................................3-49
Setting the Time...........................................3-50
Radio(s)......................................................3-53Using an MP3..............................................3-63
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-67
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-68
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-69
Radio Reception...........................................3-69
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-70
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-70
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

✍NOTES
3-3

Instrument Panel Overview
3-4