check engine light PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 User Guide

soon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked and
set to those shown on the Tire Loading Information
label. SeeTires on page 5-47,Loading the Vehicle on
page 4-20, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-53.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-35. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-29.
COMPETITIVE MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when the Competitive Driving mode is selected.
The Traction Control System (TCS) will not be operating
while in the Competitive Driving mode and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster will be on
solid. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6,Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) on page 4-6, andElectronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-27for more
information.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-9for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when ESC is
assisting you with directional control of the vehicle. You
may feel or hear the system working and see this
message displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditions
may exist when this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for
a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when
the system is operating. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light on page 3-27for more information.
3-38

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-25.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
the vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force
applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace with thetraffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down. If
the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once
the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
4-4

This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-46.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service work performed. See
Maintenance Record on page 6-16.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 91 or higher. You can also use regular
unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but the
vehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced, and
you might notice a slight audible knocking noise,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If the octane is
less than 87, you might notice a heavy knocking
noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you could damage the engine. If you are
using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-6for
additional information.
5-5

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter from the
vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release loose
dust and dirt. If the lter remains caked with dirt, a new
lter is required.
To inspect or replace the lter, open the clamps that
hold the cover on and lift off the cover. Be sure to
reinstall the cover tightly.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
ames if the engine backres. If it is not there and
the engine backres, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to a
dealer/retailer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4. Be sure to use the transmission uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
5-22

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of engine
overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature warning light on
your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-28for more
information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If
the engine is overheating, the fan should be running.
If not, do not continue to run the engine and have
the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re because of being
driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{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.
5-29

{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.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use a ashlight if
you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do not
need to add water to the battery installed in your
new vehicle. But if a battery has ller caps, be
sure the right amount of uid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that rst. If you don’t,
explosive gas could be present.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you. Do
not get it on you. If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, ush the place with water
and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure you
badly. Keep your hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
5-38

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts
as needed. To help ensure proper operation, a
pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap
and cleaning the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 5-46 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-95 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies 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. Have any torn or
frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-48.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, and console
door. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(h)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-7

Audio System(s).............................................3-49
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 2-7
Automatic Door Unlock...................................... 2-7
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-19
B
Battery..........................................................5-35
Run-Down Protection...................................3-14
Bluetooth
®.....................................................3-68
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brake Fluid....................................................5-32
Brakes..........................................................5-32
System Warning Light..................................3-25
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-44
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps.....5-43
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-41
Headlamps.................................................5-42Bulb Replacement (cont.)
License Plate Lamps....................................5-45
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps....5-43, 5-44
Buying New Tires...........................................5-63
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-104
Carbon Monoxide.............................2-8, 2-27, 4-17
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-93
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-60
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-33
Chains, Tire...................................................5-70
Charging System Light....................................3-25
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-29
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-97
2

D
Daytime Running Lamp...................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Locking............................................... 2-7
Disc, MP3......................................................3-60
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-7
Automatic Door Unlock.................................. 2-7
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Manual Door Locks....................................... 2-6
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-6
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-2
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-34
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-35
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-41
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-37
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-13
Before a Long Trip......................................4-15
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-16
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-14
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-20
Winter........................................................4-17
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
E
EDR .............................................................7-15
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-98
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-99
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-101
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-14
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-14
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-6
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-27
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-29
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-28
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-27
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-19
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-17
4

Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-23
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-26
Brake System Warning.................................3-25
Charging System.........................................3-25
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-28
Highbeam On.............................................3-33
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-28
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-34
Oil Pressure...............................................3-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-24
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-22
Security.....................................................3-32
Tire Pressure..............................................3-29
Trunk Ajar..................................................3-33
Lighting
Entry/Exit...................................................3-14
Lights............................................................3-12
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-7
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-7
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-10
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Locks
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-7
Automatic Door Unlock.................................. 2-7
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-7
Manual Door................................................ 2-6
Power Door .................................................. 2-6Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-28
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-31
M
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 Replacement Parts....................6-14
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-29
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-22
Manual Windows............................................2-11
7