PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Workshop Manual

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, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger
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. 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 eitherprevent 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 1-42.
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.
1-47

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job. See your dealer/retailer to 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. See
Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-22for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-93.
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 3-23for 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 1-40. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-48

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 3-23.
1-49

✍NOTES
1-50

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Manual Door Locks.........................................2-6
Power Door Locks..........................................2-6
Delayed Locking.............................................2-7
Automatic Door Lock.......................................2-7
Automatic Door Unlock....................................2-7
Trunk............................................................2-8
Windows........................................................2-10
Manual Windows..........................................2-11
Power Windows............................................2-11
Sun Visors...................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-12
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-12
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-14
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-14
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-16
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-16
Ignition Positions..........................................2-16
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-17Starting the Engine.......................................2-17
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-19
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-22
Parking Brake..............................................2-23
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)......2-24
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-25
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission).......2-26
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-26
Engine Exhaust............................................2-27
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-28
Mirrors...........................................................2-29
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-29
OnStar
®System.............................................2-30
Storage Areas................................................2-33
Glove Box...................................................2-33
Cupholders..................................................2-33
Center Console Storage.................................2-33
Roof Panel.....................................................2-33
Removing the Roof Panel..............................2-34
Installing the Roof Panel................................2-36
Convertible Top..............................................2-37
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 children
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.
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. See
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation on
page 2-14for additional information.
2-2

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 the 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 7-6.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
The 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.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. 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 the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician for
service.
2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 60 feet (18 m) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-3.
Q(Lock):Press 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” under
DIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-41.
K(Unlock):Press once to unlock the driver door.
Press
Kagain within ve seconds to unlock the other
doors. The interior lamps come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the parking lamps ash once to
indicate unlocking has occurred. See “UNLOCK HORN”
underDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-41.
V(Trunk Release):Press and hold for
approximately one second to unlock the trunk. The trunk
release only works if the ignition is off or the vehicle
speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h).
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The horn sounds three times
and the parking lamps ash three times.
Press and hold
Lfor three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the parking lamps ash
for 30 seconds. The ignition must be off for the vehicle
locator/remote alarm to work. Press
Lagain or
turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN to
turn off the alarm.
The vehicle may have Remote Lock/Unlock
Conrmation. This feature provides feedback that a
command has been received by the vehicle. The parking
lamps ash and the horn may sound briey. See
“LOCK HORN” and “UNLOCK HORN” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-41for programming
information.
2-4

Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the vehicle will
work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased and programmed through your
dealer/retailer. When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to the vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be programmed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters no longer work once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can have up to four
transmitters programmed to it.
Battery Replacement
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a at, thin object
inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
2-5

Doors and Locks
Manual Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance of
being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if
the doors are not locked. So, wear safety
belts properly and lock the doors whenever
you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked vehicles
may be unable to get out. A child can be
overcome by extreme heat and can suffer
permanent injuries or even death from heat
stroke. Always lock your vehicle whenever
you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.To lock and unlock the vehicle manually:
From inside the vehicle, pull up or down on the
manual door lock knob located on the windowsill.
From the outside the vehicle, turn the key toward
the front or rear of the vehicle to unlock or lock
the door.
Power Door Locks
You can use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter to lock and unlock the doors from inside or
outside the vehicle. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-4for more
information.
In vehicles with power door lock switches, the switches
are located on the doors.
T:Press the top of the switch to lock all doors. Press
the bottom of the switch to unlock all doors.
2-6