wheel PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Owner's Manual

Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator
light on the fog lamp button will come on when the
fog lamps are on. Push the button again to turn the
fog lamps off.
The parking lamps will automatically turn on and off
when the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps will turn off while the high-beam
headlamps are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
DInstrument Panel Brightness:The control for
this feature is located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside your vehicle will go on when you
open any door. These lamps will fade out after about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closedor when the ignition is turned on. These lamps will
also go on when you press the trunk release, unlock
symbol button or the horn symbol on the Remote
Keyless Entry System (RKE) Transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle will stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps
Your vehicle has reading lamps on the rearview
mirror. Push the button to turn the reading lamps
on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system
automatically turns the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This prevents draining of the battery.
3-15

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
This light is located
in the center of the
instrument panel cluster.
For vehicles that have the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system or the Traction Control System
(TCS), this warning light should come on briey when
the engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
This light, along with the appropriate Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages, indicates when the ESC
system and the TCS are working or are disabled.If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and potentially
the ESC system have been disabled. Check your DIC
messaging to determine which feature(s) is no longer
functioning and whether it is because of the driver turning
off the feature(s), or the system may not be working
properly and your vehicle requires service. If the TCS is
disabled, wheel spin will not be limited. If the ESC system
is disabled, the system will not aid in maintaining vehicle
directional control. In either case, adjust your driving
accordingly.
If the light is on and ashing, the TCS or the ESC
system is actively working. Check the DIC messaging
for details to determine which system is working.
If the LOW TRACTION message appears, the system
is limiting wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE message
appears, the system is aiding in maintaining vehicle
directional control.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-9
andTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
for more information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-40for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.
3-29

Low Fuel Warning Light
This light, below the
fuel gage, will come
on briey when the
engine is started.
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 has 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 instrument
panel cluster.The DIC buttons are
located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
INFO (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 3-44for more information.
3-37

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when
ESC is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-9and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery
in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-4.
LEARN COMPLETE
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays when the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) has completed the tire
learning process. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-59for more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when the system
is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message stays on for a
few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-29
for more information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-25for more
information.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer immediately.
3-42

Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio,
make sure that it can be added by checking with
your dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to
do it properly. Added sound equipment may
interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can
be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-20
for more information.Setting the Time
Without Date Display
AM/FM Base Radio with a Single
CD Player
This type of radio has aH(clock) button for setting the
time. You can set the time by following these steps:
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN. Press the
O(power) knob, located in
the center of the radio, to turn the radio on.
2. Press the
Hbutton until the hour begins ashing
on the display. Press the
Hbutton a second time
and the minute begins ashing on the display.
3. While either the hour or the minute numbers are
ashing, turn the
f(tune) knob, located on the
upper right side of the radio, clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the time.
4. Press the
Hbutton again until the clock display
stops ashing to set the currently displayed time;
otherwise, the ashing stops after ve seconds and
the current time displayed is automatically set.
3-50

Setting Preset Stations
(Radio with CD (Base))
Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2, and six AM),
can be programmed on the six numbered pushbuttons,
by performing the following steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Tune in the desired station.
4. Press and hold one of the six numbered
pushbuttons for three seconds until a beep sounds.
When that pushbutton is pressed and released,
the station that was set, returns.
5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for each pushbutton.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is parked. Tune to your
favorite stations using the presets, favorites button, and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has this feature.
SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
FAV (Favorites):A maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the six pushbuttons
positioned below the radio station frequency labels and
by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button).
Press the FAV button to go through up to six pages
of favorites, each having six favorite stations availableper page. Each page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped)
stations. To store a station as a favorite, perform
the following steps:
1. Tune to the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page where
you want the station stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until a
beep sounds. When that pushbutton is pressed
and released, the station that was set, returns.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio station
you want stored as a favorite.
The number of favorites pages can be setup using
the MENU button. To setup the number of favorites
pages, perform the following steps:
1. Press the MENU button to display the radio
setup menu.
2. Press the pushbutton located below the FAV 1
through 6 label.
3. Select the desired number of favorites pages
by pressing the pushbutton located below the
displayed page numbers.
4. Press the FAV button, or let the menu time out,
to return to the original main radio screen showing
the radio station frequency labels and to begin
the process of programming your favorites for
the chosen amount of numbered pages.
3-55

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

If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the
pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be
harder to push.
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
and the 2.0L turbocharged engine, it also has a hydraulic
brake boost feature which supplements the power brake
system to maintain consistent brake performance under
conditions of low brake booster vacuum. Low brake
booster vacuum conditions can include initial start up
after the vehicle has been parked for several hours,
very frequent brake stops, or high altitude driving. When
hydraulic brake boost is active, you might feel minor
brake pulsation or movement but this is normal. If brake
pedal feel changes or the brake pedal feels hard to push,
you might not be receiving the intended brake boost
and the SVC BRAKE SYSTEM DIC message may be
displayed.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
it also the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel will come
on briey when you
start your vehicle.
When you start the engine, or when you begin to
drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear
a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is
going on, and you might even notice that the brake
pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You
slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is
what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-4

ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
If you have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with
Antilock Brake System (ABS), you can steer and brake
at the same time. However, if you do not have ESC
with ABS, your rst reaction — to hit the brake pedal
hard and hold it down — might be the wrong thing to do.
Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the
vehicle cannot respond to your steering. Momentum will
carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the
wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into
the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.
If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking while
maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing
on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel
the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help
you retain steering control. If you do have ABS, it is
different. SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-4.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

Brake Assist
If your vehicle has ESC with ABS, it also has a brake
assist feature that responds to emergency braking by
generating additional pressure and engaging the ABS.
When this happens, the brake pedal will feel easier to
push. Just hold the brake pedal down rmly and let the
system work for you. You might feel the brakes vibrate
or notice some noise, but this is normal. The brakes will
return to normal operation after the brake pedal is
released.
Brake assist cannot compensate for unsafe driving
practices and braking effectiveness, itself, depends
on the condition of the road, tires, and brakes and
vehicle mass.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark to limit wheel spin.
If your vehicle has TCS, there is a ESC/TCS button
located on the instrument panel.
This light will ash when
your traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
4-6