PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2008 Workshop Manual

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-24for more on this, including
important safety information.A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket
or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has
approved for your specic vehicle. SeeAdding
Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 1-48for more information about modications
that can affect how the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
1-47

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-16.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned
off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an airbag when
it inates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system
from working properly. Changing or moving
any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag
sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing
system may not operate properly if the original
seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery
or trim designed for a different vehicle.
1-48

Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater
or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger
sensing system. This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent
the passenger sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-43.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-49

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip
apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a
new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-23for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-88.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-24for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules, seeWhat Makes an
Airbag Inflate? on page 1-41. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
1-50

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems
in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
belt was not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system
earlier in this section.
Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your
vehicle has been in a crash, or if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle or while
you are driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-24.
1-51

✍NOTES
1-52

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Manual Door Locks.........................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Delayed Locking.............................................2-8
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-8
Automatic Door Unlock....................................2-8
Trunk............................................................2-9
Windows........................................................2-10
Manual Windows..........................................2-11
Power Windows............................................2-12
Sun Visors...................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-13
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-15
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-17
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-17
Ignition Positions..........................................2-17
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-20Starting the Engine (Key Access)....................2-20
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-22
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-25
Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-26
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-28
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission).....2-28
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-29
Engine Exhaust............................................2-29
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-30
Mirrors...........................................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-31
Outside Manual Mirror...................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-31
OnStar
®System.............................................2-32
Storage Areas................................................2-35
Glove Box...................................................2-35
Cupholder(s)................................................2-35
Center Console Storage.................................2-36
Convertible Top..............................................2-36
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children
or others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured
or killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
The key can be used for the ignition and all locks.
2-2

Your vehicle has a vehicle theft-deterrent system.
The key has a transponder in the key head that is
electronically coded to match a decoder in your
vehicle that allows the key to start the vehicle. If a
replacement key or any additional key is needed,
you must purchase it from your dealer/retailer.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation on page 2-15for
additional information.
The key has a bar-coded key tag that a dealer/retailer
or qualied locksmith can use to make new keys.
Store this information in a safe place, not in your vehicle.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
If you are locked out of your vehicle, contact
Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-7.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
Your Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system operates on
a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry 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.
2-3

At times you may notice a decrease in operating range.
This is normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter
does not work or if you have to stand closer to
your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
If you are still having trouble, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualied technician for
service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors can
be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk can be
unlatched from about
3 feet (1 m) up to
60 feet (18 m) away
with the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Q(Lock):Press the lock button to lock all the doors.
If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC),
the parking lamps may ash once and the horn may chirp
to indicate locking has occurred. See “LOCK HORN”
underDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-44.
2-4