service indicator PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 User Guide

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
NOT READY
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message may display briey after starting the
vehicle if the system’s sensors are not yet calibrated.
The system is not functional until the message
stops displaying. Adjust your driving accordingly. When
the message is no longer displayed, the system is
functional. SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on
page 4-6for more information.
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. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-27for
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 5-54for 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 4-8and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-27for
more information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23for 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.
3-39

SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This
light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, the
system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-27
for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster. This
light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, thesystem is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-27
for more information. Have the TCS serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS is
not working properly. The tire pressure light also
ashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-29. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-56for more
information. If the warning comes on and stays on, there
may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
TIRE LEARN ON
On vehicles without the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system and with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS
is re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tire
positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-60,Tire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-54, andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-53for more information.
3-40

Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help
correct and prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in
your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines,
if they comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing
more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that
were not designed for those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against
the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can
reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the
emission control system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,
return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
5-7

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

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-104.Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake
linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
5-34

The TPMS operates on a radio frequency and complies
with RSS-210 of Industry and Science 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.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver
when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors
are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s
tires and transmits the tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light located on the
instrument panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specic tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light
and the DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the tires are inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can
be viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-35andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-37.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
5-56

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-14
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-47
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-16
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-24
Readiness Light..........................................3-23
Airbag System................................................1-36
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-47
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-40
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-42
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-46
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-40
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-40
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-39
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-38
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-81
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-81
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-26Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-96
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-93
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-97
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-94
Convertible Top...........................................5-95
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Finish Damage............................................5-97
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-92
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-90
Leather......................................................
5-92
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-97
Tires..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-8
Ashtray.........................................................3-15
Audio System.................................................3-46
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-79
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-81
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-81
Radio Reception..........................................3-80
Setting the Clock.........................................3-47
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-78
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-81
1

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

Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-37
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-14
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-29
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-29
MP3 .............................................................3-60
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-16
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
O
Odometer......................................................3-21
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-32
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-19
Older Children, Restraints................................1-22
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-16
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-30Outlet Adjustment............................................3-19
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-14
Outside
Manual Mirrors............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-29
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-97
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-24
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Park Brake....................................................2-23
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-26
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-24
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-42
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-14
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-14
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-68
8