airbag PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Owner's 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
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking,
stability, ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like
antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control.
Some of these accessories could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certied parts, including
control module modications, are not covered under the
terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine
GM Accessories. When you go to your GM
dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will
know that GM-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-47.
5-3

California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle), many uids, and
some component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in remote keyless transmitters, may
contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be
necessary. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts, and
tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off. You
could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service work, use the proper
service manual. It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual can. To order
the proper service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-14.
5-4

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

The vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-46.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses in the fuse
block. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to turn
off. If this happens, have the headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse block protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and
closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is xed or
goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of J-Case fuses,
mini-fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and do not have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of the vehicle that you
can get along without – like the radio or cigarette
lighter – and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
Floor Console Fuse Block
The oor console fuse block is located on the passenger
side of the vehicle under the carpet.
Remove the fuse block cover to access the fuses. Use
the fuse puller to remove fuses.
After re-installing the fuse block cover, be sure to tuck
the carpet under the heater oor outlets.
5-99

Fuses Usage
1 Fuse Puller
2 Empty
3 Empty
4 Empty
5 Empty
6 Amplier
7 Cluster
Fuses Usage
8 Ignition Switch, PassKey III+
9 Stoplamp
10Climate Control System,
PassKey III+
11 Empty
12 Spare
13 Airbag
14 Spare
15 Wiper
16Climate Control System, Automatic
Occupant Sensing Module, Crank
Relay, Instrument Panel Cluster
17 Empty
18 Empty
19 Steering Wheel Controls
20 Spare
21 Spare
22 Empty
23 Radio
24 Sensing and Diagnostic Module
25Engine Control Module,
Transmission Control Module
26 Door Locks
27 Interior Lamps
5-100

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated
computers that record information about the vehicle’s
performance and how it is driven. For example,
your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and
control engine and transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy
airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provideantilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle.
These modules may store data to help your dealer/
retailer technician service your vehicle. Some modules
may also store data about how you operate the
vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average
speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s
personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or
near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment
or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The
EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle
is designed to record such data as:
How various systems in your vehicle were operating
Whether or not the driver and passenger safety
belts were buckled/fastened
How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the
accelerator and/or brake pedal
How fast the vehicle was traveling
7-15

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

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