service indicator PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 User Guide

SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
When this light is on solid
and either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION
OFF message is displayed,
the system will not limit
wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-40for more information.
The Traction Control System is automatically enabled
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system enabled. You can turn TCS off if you
ever need to.It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle
to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle
is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-23.
To turn the system off or
on, press and release the
ESC/TCS button located
on the instrument panel.
The DIC will display the appropriate message as
described previously when you press the button.
4-7

Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have a limited-slip rear differential
which provides maximum power and performance.
It is designed to give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when one of the rear wheels
has no traction and the other does, this feature will
allow the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
During a sudden shift, such as shifting from FIRST (1)
to SECOND (2) gear at low engine speeds or suddenly
applying the clutch, you may feel or hear a clunking
or rattling noise. This is normal.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system which combines antilock brake, and
traction and stability control systems that help the
driver maintain directional control of the vehicle in
most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the
system performs several diagnostic checks to ensure
there are no problems. You may hear or feel the system
working. This is normal and does not mean there is a
problem with your vehicle. The system should initialize
before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light comes on, and the ESC OFF and/or SERVICE ESC
message displays.
For more information, seeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-37andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29.
This light ashes on the
instrument panel cluster
while the ESC system is
on and activated.
ESC activates when the computer senses a discrepancy
between your intended path and the direction the vehicle
is actually traveling. ESC selectively applies braking
pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the direction which you are steering.
4-9

When the system activates, an ESC ACTIVE message
displays on the Driver Information Center. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-40. This light ashes
on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system
is on and activated. You may also hear a noise or feel
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue
to steer the vehicle in the direction you want it to go.
When the light is comes on and the message(s)
SERVICE ESC, ESC OFF, or both displays, the system
will not assist the driver in maintaining directional
control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-40.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started. To
assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially
in slippery road conditions, you should always leave the
system on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed.If the vehicle is in cruise control while the system begins
to assist the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle, the ESC/TCS light ashes and the cruise control
automatically disengages. When road conditions allow
you to use cruise again, you may re-engage the
cruise control. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
The ESC/TCS button
is located on the
instrument panel.
The traction control system can be turned off or back
on by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable
both traction control and ESC, press and hold the
button from ve to ten seconds.
When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION
OFF and ESC OFF messages appear, and the ESC/TCS
light comes on to warn the driver that both traction control
and ESC are disabled.
4-10

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under your
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for
low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy
gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT
can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance
of the emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in
the country where you will be driving.
5-7

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Front disc brake pads
have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is moving, except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong
with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-101.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-39

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-61,
for additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Industry
and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with RSS-210 of
Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-60

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-48
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-95
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-17
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-25
Readiness Light..........................................3-24
Airbag System................................................1-36
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?..................................................1-42
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-40
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-38
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-48
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-41
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-43
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-48
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-41
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-70
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-70
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-28Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-91
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-88
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-92
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-89
Convertible Top...........................................5-90
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-86
Finish Care.................................................5-89
Finish Damage............................................5-92
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-87
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-85
Leather......................................................5-87
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-92
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-93
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-88
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-90
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-16
Audio System.................................................3-49
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-69
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-70
Radio Reception..........................................3-69
Setting the Time..........................................3-50
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-68
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-70
1

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-8
Disc, MP3......................................................3-63
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Automatic Door Unlock.................................. 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Manual Door Locks....................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-2
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-37
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-38
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-44
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-40
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-16
Before a Long Trip......................................4-17
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-18
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-18
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-24
Winter........................................................4-19
E
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-95
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-95
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-95
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-95
Underhood Fuse Block.................................5-97
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-9
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-29
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-30
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-29
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-19
Overheating................................................5-27
Reduced Power Light...................................3-35
Running While Parked..................................2-30
Starting......................................................2-20
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-21
4

Light (cont.)
Reduced Engine Power................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-23
Security.....................................................3-35
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-36
Tire Pressure..............................................3-31
Trunk Ajar..................................................3-36
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-15
Lights............................................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Limited-Slip Rear Axle....................................... 4-9
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-24
Locks
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-8
Automatic Door Unlock.................................. 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Manual Door................................................ 2-7
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Loss of Control...............................................4-14
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-30
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-37M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........6-14
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-32
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-24
Manual, Using.................................................... iii
Manual Windows............................................2-11
7

Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-40
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-15
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
MP3 .............................................................3-63
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-14
O
Odometer......................................................3-22
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-14
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-19Older Children, Restraints................................1-22
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-32
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-16
Outside
Manual Mirror.............................................2-31
Power Mirrors.............................................2-31
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-92
Park Brake....................................................2-25
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-28
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-25
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-43
8