radio PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owner's Manual

Using an MP3
MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
The radio plays MP3 les that were recorded on a
CD-R or CD-RW disc. The les can be recorded with
the following xed bit rates: 32 kbps, 40 kbps, 56 kbps,
64 kbps, 80 kbps, 96 kbps, 112 kbps, 128 kbps,
160 kbps, 192 kbps, 224 kbps, 256 kbps, and 320 kbps or
a variable bit rate. Song title, artist name, and album can
display when recorded using ID3 tags version 1 and 2.
Compressed Audio
The radio also plays discs that contain both
uncompressed CD audio (.CDA les) and MP3 les.
By default the radio reads only the uncompressed audio
and ignores the MP3 les. Pressing the CAT (category)
button toggles between compressed and uncompressed
audio format.
MP3 Format
If you burn your own MP3 disc on a personal computer:
Make sure the MP3 les are recorded on a CD-R
or CD-RW disc.
Do not mix standard audio and MP3 les on one disc.
Make sure the CD does not have more than a
maximum of 50 folders, 50 playlists, and 255 les
to read and play.
Create a folder structure that makes it easy to nd
songs while driving. Organize songs by albums using
one folder for each album. Each folder or album
should contain 18 songs or less.
Avoid subfolders. The system can support up to
8 subfolders deep, however, keep the total number
of folders to a minimum in order to reduce the
complexity and confusion in trying to locate a
particular folder during playback.
Make sure playlists have a .mp3 or .wpl extension
(other le extensions might not work).
Minimize the length of the le, folder, or playlist
names. Long le, folder, or playlist names, or a
combination of a large number of les and folders,
or playlists can cause the player to be unable to play
up to the maximum number of les, folders, playlists,
or sessions. If you wish to play a large number of
les, folders, playlists, or sessions, minimize the
length of the le, folder, or playlist name. Long
names also take up more space on the display,
and might not fully display.
Finalize the audio disc before you burn it. Trying to
add music to an existing disc can cause the disc
not to function in the player.
3-63

Playlists can be changed by using the previous and
next folder buttons, the tuner knob, or the seek buttons.
An MP3 CD-R or CD-RW that was recorded using no
le folders can also be played. If a CD-R or CD-RW
contains more than the maximum of 50 folders,
50 playlists, and 255 les, the player lets you access
and navigate up to the maximum, but all items over
the maximum are not accessible.
Root Directory
The root directory of the CD-R or CD-RW is treated as
a folder. If the root directory has compressed audio
les, the directory displays as F1 ROOT. All les
contained directly under the root directory are accessed
prior to any root directory folders. However, playlists (Px)
are always accessed before root folders or les.
Empty Directory or Folder
If a root directory or a folder exists somewhere in
the le structure that contains only folders/subfolders
and no compressed les directly beneath them,
the player advances to the next folder in the le
structure that contains compressed audio les.
The empty folder does not display.
No Folder
When the CD-R or CD-RW contains only compressed
les, the les are located under the root folder. The next
and previous folder functions are not displayed on a
CD-R or CD-RW that was recorded without folders or
playlists. When displaying the name of the folder the
radio displays ROOT.
When the CD-R or CD-RW contains only playlists and
compressed audio les, but no folders, all les are
located under the root folder. The folder down and the
folder up buttons search playlists (Px) rst and then
goes to the root folder. When the radio displays
the name of the folder, the radio displays ROOT.
Order of Play
Tracks recorded to the CD-R or CD-RW are played in
the following order:
Play begins from the rst track in the rst playlist
and continues sequentially through all tracks in
each playlist. When the last track of the last playlist
has played, play continues from the rst track of
the rst playlist.
Play begins from the rst track in the rst folder
and continues sequentially through all tracks in
each folder. When the last track of the last folder
has played, play continues from the rst track of
the rst folder.
3-64

When play enters a new folder, the display does not
automatically show the new folder name unless
the folder mode was chosen as the default display.
The new track name displays.
File System and Naming
The song name that displays is the song name that is
contained in the ID3 tag. If the song name is not present
in the ID3 tag, then the radio displays the le name
without the extension (such as .mp3) as the track name.
Track names longer than 32 characters or four pages
are shortened. Parts of words on the last page of
text and the extension of the lename does not display.
Preprogrammed Playlists
Preprogrammed playlists that were created using
WinAmp™, MusicMatch™, or Real Jukebox™ software,
can be accessed, however, they cannot be edited
using the radio. These playlists are treated as special
folders containing compressed audio song les.
Playing an MP3
Insert a CD-R or CD-RW partway into the slot
(Single CD Player), or press the load button and wait
for the message to insert disc (Six-Disc CD Player),
label side up. The player pulls it in, and the CD-R
or CD-RW should begin playing.If the ignition or radio is turned off with a CD-R or
CD-RW in the player, it stays in the player. When
the ignition or radio is turned on, the CD-R starts to
play where it stopped, if it was the last selected audio
source.
As each new track starts to play, the track number
and song title displays.
ZEJECT:Press this button to eject CD-R(s) or
CD-RW(s). To eject the CD-R or CD-RW that is currently
playing, press and release this button. A beep sounds
and Ejecting Disc displays. Once the disc is ejected,
Remove Disc displays. The CD-R or CD-RW can be
removed. If the CD-R or CD-RW is not removed, after
several seconds, the CD-R or CD-RW automatically
pulls back into the player and begins playing. For the
Six-Disc CD player, press and hold this button for
two seconds to eject all discs.
f(Tune):Turn this knob to select MP3 les on the
CD-R or CD-RW currently playing.
©SEEK¨:Press the left SEEK arrow to go to the
start of the current MP3 le, if more than ten seconds
have played. Press the right SEEK arrow to go to
the next MP3 le. If either SEEK arrow is held or
pressed multiple times, the player continues moving
backward or forward through MP3 les on the CD.
3-65

Sc(Previous Folder):Press the pushbutton
positioned under the Folder label to go to the rst track
in the previous folder.
cT(Next Folder):Press the pushbutton positioned
under the Folder label to go to the rst track in the
next folder.
sREV (Reverse):Press and hold this button to
reverse playback quickly within an MP3 le. You will
hear sound at a reduced volume. Release this button
to resume playing the le. The elapsed time of the
le displays.
\FWD (Fast Forward):Press and hold this button
to advance playback quickly within an MP3 le. You will
hear sound at a reduced volume. Release this button
to resume playing the le. The elapsed time of the
le displays.RDM (Random):With the random setting, MP3 les on
the CD-R or CD-RW can be played in random, rather
than sequential order, on one CD-R/CD-RW or all discs
in a six-disc CD player. To use random, do one of
the following:
1. To play MP3 les in random order from the CD-R
or CD-RW that is currently playing, press the
pushbutton positioned under the RDM label until
Random Current Disc displays. Press the same
pushbutton again to turn off random play.
2. To play songs from all CDs loaded in a six-disc
CD player in random order, press the pushbutton
positioned under the RDM label until Randomize
All Discs displays. Press the same pushbutton
again to turn off random play.
h(Music Navigator):Use the music navigator
feature to play MP3 les on the CD-R or CD-RW in order
by artist or album. Press the pushbutton located below
the music navigator label. The player scans the disc to
sort the les by artist and album ID3 tag information.
It can take several minutes to scan the disc depending on
the number of MP3 les recorded to the CD-R or CD-RW.
The radio can begin playing while it is scanning the disc
in the background. When the scan is nished, the CD-R
or CD-RW begins playing again.
3-66

Once the disc has been scanned, the player defaults to
playing MP3 les in order by artist. The current artist
playing is shown on the second line of the display
between the arrows. Once all songs by that artist are
played, the player moves to the next artist in alphabetical
order on the CD-R/CD-RW and begins playing MP3 les
by that artist. If you want to listen to MP3 les by another
artist, press the pushbutton located below either arrow
button. The CD goes to the next or previous artist in
alphabetical order. Continue pressing either button until
the desired artist displays.
To change from playback by artist to playback by album,
press the pushbutton located below the Sort By label.
From the sort screen, push one of the buttons below the
album button. Press the pushbutton below the back label
to return to the main music navigator screen. The album
name displays on the second line between the arrows
and songs from the current album and begins to play.
Once all songs from that album are played, the player
moves to the next album in alphabetical order on the
CD-R or CD-RW and begins playing MP3 les from
that album.
To exit music navigator mode, press the pushbutton
below the Back label to return to normal MP3 playback.
BAND:Press this button to listen to the radio while
a CD is playing. The CD remains inside the radio
for future listening.CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary):Press this button to play a CD
while listening to the radio. The CD icon and a message
showing disc and/or track number displays while a CD
is in the player. Press this button again and the system
automatically searches for an auxiliary input device such
as a portable audio player. If a portable audio player is
not connected, “No Aux Input Device” displays.
XM Radio Messages
XL (Explicit Language Channels):These channels,
or any others, can be blocked at a customer’s request,
by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
XM Updating:The encryption code in the receiver is
being updated, and no action is required. This process
should take no longer than 30 seconds.
No XM Signal:The system is functioning correctly,
but the vehicle is in a location that is blocking the XM™
signal. When you move into an open area, the signal
should return.
Loading XM:The audio system is acquiring and
processing audio and text data. No action is needed.
This message should disappear shortly.
Channel Off Air:This channel is not currently in
service. Tune to another channel.
3-67

Channel Unavail:This previously assigned channel is
no longer assigned. Tune to another station. If this
station was one of the presets, choose another station
for that preset button.
No Artist Info:No artist information is available at this
time on this channel. The system is working properly.
No Title Info:No song title information is available
at this time on this channel. The system is working
properly.
No CAT Info:No category information is available at
this time on this channel. The system is working
properly.
No Information:No text or informational messages are
available at this time on this channel. The system is
working properly.
CAT Not Found:There are no channels available for
the selected category. The system is working properly.
XM TheftLocked:The XM™ receiver in the vehicle
could have previously been in another vehicle.
For security purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be
swapped between vehicles. If this message appears
after having your vehicle serviced, check with
your dealer/retailer.XM Radio ID:If tuned to channel 0, this message
alternates with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label.
This label is needed to activate the service.
Unknown:If this message is received when tuned
to channel 0, there could be a receiver fault. Consult
with your dealer/retailer.
Check XM Receivr:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
XM Not Available:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of
your vehicle’s radio. The feature works automatically
by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different
vehicle, it does not operate and LOC, LOCK, or
LOCKED could display.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio does not
operate if stolen.
3-68

Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Radio controls are located
on the inboard side of the
steering wheel. If your
vehicle has this feature,
some audio controls
can be adjusted at this
location. They include
the following:
wx(Previous/Next):Press the arrows to go to
the previous or to the next stored radio station and
stay there. Press and hold the arrows longer than
three-quarters of a second to advance to the previous
or to the next station with a strong signal in the
selected band.When a CD is playing, press the arrows to go to the
previous or to the next track. Press and hold the arrows
longer than three-quarters of a second to continue
reversing back or advancing ahead, to other tracks
within the disc.
+−(Volume):Press the plus or minus button to
increase or to decrease the volume.
g(Mute/Voice Activation):Press this button to
silence the system. Press this button again to turn
the sound on. If your vehicle has OnStar
®, press and
hold this button for two seconds to activate voice
on the OnStar
®system. See theOnStar®System
on page 2-32in this manual for more information.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory
power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug
the item from the accessory power outlet.
3-69

AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for
FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other.
For better radio reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the day, and then reduce
these levels during the night. Static can also occur
when things like storms and power lines interfere with
radio reception. When this happens, try reducing
the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals only
reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings
or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the
sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio
signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In
addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage,
bridges, garages, or through tunnels could cause loss
of the XM™ signal for a period of time. The radio
may display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate interference.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can withstand most car
washes without being damaged. If the mast should
ever become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand.
If the mast is badly bent, replace it.
Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still
tightened to its base. If tightening is required, tighten
by hand, then with a wrench one quarter turn.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System
Your vehicle may have the XM™ Satellite Radio
antenna that is located on the trunk of your vehicle.
Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up
for clear radio reception.
3-70

Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And it
could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
You will not need to access your battery for jump
starting. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and
a remote negative (−) jump starting terminal.
The remote positive (+)
terminal is located under a
red plastic cover on the
engine compartment fuse
block. Open the red plastic
cover to access the
terminal.Do not remove fuse block cover to jump start the
vehicle.
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 5-12
for 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.
5-42

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inated simply by looking at them. Radial tires
may look properly inated even when they are
under-inated. Check the tire’s ination pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
ination pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
ination pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in
your vehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire ination pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is signicantly under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
5-59