Window PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owner's Manual

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
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free your
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-24.
If your vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If the stuck condition is too
severe for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn
the traction system off and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment re or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-74.
4-23

Tires..............................................................5-51
Winter Tires.................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-55
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-58
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-59
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-61
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-67
Buying New Tires.........................................5-68
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-69
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-71
Wheel Replacement......................................5-72
Tire Chains..................................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-75
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................5-76
Appearance Care............................................5-85
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-85
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-86
Leather.......................................................5-87
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-87
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-88Weatherstrips...............................................5-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-89
Finish Care..................................................5-89
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-90
Convertible Top............................................5-90
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim . . .5-91
Tires...........................................................5-91
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-92
Finish Damage.............................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting
.................................5-92
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-93
Vehicle Identication......................................5-94
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-94
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-94
Electrical System............................................5-95
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-95
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-95
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-95
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-95
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-96
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-97
Capacities and Specications........................5-101
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
your engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-30.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning,
but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
If you get the engine coolant temperature warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If your air conditioner is on, turn it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
5-28

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-58.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-24.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-24.
5-55

Check the tire sealant expiration date on the sealant
canister, if it has expired, see your dealer/retailer for a
replacement.
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit to Temporarily Seal a Punctured Tire
Follow these directions closely for correct sealant usage.
1. Place the sealant and compressor kit on the
ground and unwrap the sealant lling hose
from the compressor.
2. Remove the air compressor accessory plug from
the unit. To do this, pull the top portion of the
wrapped cord out rst, then the bottom, and then
unsnap the plug. Do not insert the plug into an
accessory outlet yet.
3. Remove the valve stem or tire pressure
monitoring sensor cap from the at tire by
turning it counterclockwise.
If an object, such as a nail, has penetrated the tire,
do not remove it.4. Attach the sealant lling hose (A) onto the tire valve
stem. Turn it clockwise until it is tight.
Make sure the sealant and compressor kit on/off
switch (B) is in the O (off) position.
5. Plug the air compressor accessory plug (C) into an
accessory power outlet in the vehicle. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-16for more information.
Do not slam the door or close the window on the
compressor accessory plug cord.
5-78

To install a new sealant canister:
1. Align the sealant lling hose with the slot in the air
compressor.
2. Push the sealant canister down and turn it
clockwise.
3. Wrap the sealant lling hose around the air
compressor channel to stow it in its original location.
4. Push the air compressor inator hose onto the
sealant canister inlet and push the lever down.
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is
cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt
can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
your upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should
be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause stains
to set rapidly.Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.
When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners
specically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
Notice:If you use abrasive cleaners when cleaning
glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch
the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass on your vehicle,
use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that may become
concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space.
Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety
instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s
interior, maintain adequate ventilation by opening
your vehicle’s doors and windows.
Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs
using a small brush with soft bristles.
5-85

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage
your vehicle and the damage would not be covered
by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as they
should.
Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery, even
if your vehicle is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-48.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses in the fuse
block. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to turn
off. If this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse block protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the
current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and
closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is xed or
goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected
from short circuits by a combination of J-Case fuses,
mini-fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces
the chance of res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure
you replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and do not have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle
that you can get along without – like the radio or
cigarette lighter – and use its fuse, if it is the correct
amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.
5-95

Fuses Usage
16Climate Control System,
Automatic Occupant Sensing
Module, Crank Relay,
Instrument Panel Cluster
17 Empty
18 Empty
19 Steering Wheel Controls
20 Spare
21 Spare
22 Empty
23 Radio
24 Sensing and Diagnostic Module
25Engine Control Module,
Transmission Control Module
26 Door Locks
27 Interior Lamps
28 Steering Wheel Control BacklightingFuses Usage
29 Power Windows
30 Climate Control System
31 Empty
32 Retained Accessory Power
Underhood Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Lift the cover for access to the fuse block.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any electrical components
on your vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
To remove fuses, use the fuse puller, or hold the end
of the fuse between your thumb and index nger
and pull straight out.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
5-97

Fuses Usage
1 Empty (LE5); Cooling Fan (LNF)
2 Rear Window Defogger
3 Empty
4 Body Control Module 3
5 Crank
6 Body Control Module 2
7 Body Control Module
Fuses Usage
8 Cooling Fan 2 (LE5); Empty (LNF)
9 Empty
10 Trunk
11 Trunk
12 Empty
13 Fuel Pump
14 Rear Defogger Relay
15 Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
16 Empty
17 Empty
18 Trunk Release Relay
19 Fuel Pump Relay
20 Empty
21 Mirrors
22 Air Conditioning
23 Empty
24Cooling Fan 2 Relay (LE5);
Empty (LNF)
5-98

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