engine PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 User Guide

Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving with the
automatic transmission. It provides the best fuel
economy. If you need more power for passing and
you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator
all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and
have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
4 (Fourth):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than
D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose
4 (Fourth) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads and when going down a steep hill.I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using
the brakes, for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while
driving on steep hills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose
I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly
and winding roads.
L (Low):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than I (Intermediate) without using the brakes. You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If
the shift lever is put in L (Low), the transmission will not
shift into a low gear until the vehicle is going slowly
enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you
are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a
hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-21

Manual Transmission Operation
This is the shift pattern.
Here is how to operate the manual transmission:
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when the vehicle is traveling
less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the
shift lever in N (Neutral) and let up on the clutch
pedal. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into
1 (First).
2 (Second):Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the
accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second). Then,
slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth):Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth) the same way you do for
2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal down.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to
N (Neutral).
N (Neutral):Use this position when you start or idle the
engine.
R (Reverse):To back up, press the clutch pedal. After
the vehicle stops, shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let
up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator
pedal. If it is hard to shift, let the shift lever return
to N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal. Then press
the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse). Do
not attempt to shift into the fth gear position prior
to shifting into R (Reverse). The transmission has a lock
out feature which prevents a fth gear to reverse gear
shift.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Also, use 1 (First) or R (Reverse) along with the parking
brake, for parking the vehicle.
2-22

Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal
down. Then see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without rst pushing the shift lock release
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into P (Park).
2-24

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
2-27

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when it is on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the automatic transmission shift lever to
P (Park), or the manual transmission shift lever to
Neutral.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-24andParking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-26.
2-28

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-5
Horn .............................................................3-5
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-6
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-7
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-7
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control................................................3-9
Headlamps..................................................3-12
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-13
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-14
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-14
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-14
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-14
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-15
Climate Controls............................................3-16
Climate Control System.................................3-16
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-19Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-19
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-20
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-21
Tachometer.................................................3-21
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-22
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-23
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-24
Charging System Light..................................3-25
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-25
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-26
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light........................................................3-27
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-28
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-28
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-29
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-29
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-32
Security Light...............................................3-32
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-33
Trunk Ajar Light............................................3-33
Fuel Gage...................................................3-33
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-34
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

[(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets, with
some directed to the side window and defroster outlets.
If low or no airow is on the passenger side, make
sure that the carpet covering is tucked under oor
outlets.
/(Floor/Defog):This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the windshield,
side window, and oor outlets. In this mode, the system
runs the air conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is near freezing or below.
0(Defrost):This mode removes fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window outlets. In this mode, the system
runs the air conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is near or below freezing.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
To prevent fogging on the inside of the windows in
modes other than oor/defog and defrost, make sure the
air conditioning compressor is on and recirculation
mode is off.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. An indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning is on. This
setting cools and dehumidies the air entering the
vehicle.The air conditioning does not work if the fan is turned
off. If air conditioning is selected with fan off, the
indicator light ashes three times and then turns off.
There could be a slight change in engine performance
when the air conditioning compressor turns off and turns
on again. This is normal. The system is designed to
make adjustments to help with fuel economy while still
maintaining the selected temperature.
Air conditioning does not operate at temperatures below
40°F (4°C). In temperatures above 40°F (4°C), the air
conditioning cannot be turned off in defrost, oor/defog,
and recirculation modes because it helps to remove
moisture from the vehicle. It also helps to keep
the windows clear.
On hot days, open the windows to let the hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select
H.
2. Select
?.
3. Select the air conditioning to on.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
3-17

Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
?(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that
recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used to help prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
Recirculation is available in the bi-level and vent modes.
If recirculation is selected in either oor/heat, oor/defog,
or defrost mode, the indicator light ashes three times
indicating it is not available in that mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
=(Rear Defogger):Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger turns off about fteen minutes
after the knob is pressed. If turned on again, the
defogger runs for about seven and one-half minutes
before turning off. If vehicle speed is greater than
50 mph (80 kph) and the rear defogger is active, it
remains on as long as the speed is greater than 50 mph
(80 kph). The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine.
Do not use the rear defogger when the convertible top
is down.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
3-18

Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the instrument panel to direct the airow.
The vehicle has air outlets that allow you to adjust the
direction and amount of airow inside the vehicle. Move
the louvers up or down or turn them clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow.
The vehicle has ow through ventilation that allows
outside air to be forced through the ventilation system
when the vehicle is moving. Outside air will enter
the vehicle when the air conditioning fan is running.
Flow through ventilation can be stopped in vent
and bi-level modes by pressing the recirculation button.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-19

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The vehicle’s odometer works together with the
Driver Information Center (DIC). For vehicles with a Trip
A and Trip B odometer, it can be set. See “Trip
Information” underDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-35.
The odometer mileage can be checked while the vehicle
is not running. The mileage briey displays when the
driver’s door is opened.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed, the
new one will be set to the correct mileage total of
the old odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer
displays the engine
speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated while the
tachometer is in the shaded warning area, the
vehicle could be damaged, and the damages would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the tachometer in the
shaded warning area.
3-21