flat tire PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Owners Manual

Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-54
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-56
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-60
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-62
Buying New Tires.........................................5-63
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-67
Wheel Replacement......................................5-67
Tire Chains..................................................5-70
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-70
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(Without Selector Switch)............................5-71
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(With Selector Switch)................................5-80
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.........5-89
Appearance Care............................................5-90
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-90
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-91
Leather.......................................................5-92
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-92
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-93
Weatherstrips...............................................5-93Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-94
Finish Care..................................................5-94
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-95
Convertible Top............................................5-95
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim..................................................5-96
Tires...........................................................5-96
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-97
Finish Damage.............................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-97
Vehicle Identication
......................................5-98
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-98
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-98
Electrical System............................................5-98
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-98
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-99
Floor Console Fuse Block..............................5-99
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-101
Capacities and Specications........................5-104
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension, or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device only if
its manufacturer recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly,
re-adjust or remove the device if it is contacting
the vehicle, and do not spin the wheels. If you do
nd traction devices that will t, install them on the
rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit. See
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (Without Selector
Switch) on page 5-71orTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit (With Selector Switch) on page 5-80. There is
no spare tire, no tire changing equipment, and no place
to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-47. If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But, if you should
ever have a blow out, here are a few tips about what to
expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like
a skid and may require the same correction you
would use in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your
foot from the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way you want the vehicle
to go. It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop, well off the road
if possible.
5-70

Always do a safety check rst. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-70. Do not remove any objects that have
penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its
storage location. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit Storage on page 5-89.
Make sure the on/off button (D) is in the off (O)
position.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F) and the
power plug (C).
3. Place the kit on the ground.
Make sure the tire valve stem is positioned close to
the ground so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the at tire by
turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve
stem. Turn it clockwise until it is tight.6. Plug the power plug (C) into the accessory power
outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other
accessory power outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-14.
If the vehicle has an accessory power outlet, do not
use the cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the door or
window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while
using the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off (D) button to turn the tire sealant
and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air into
the tire.
The pressure gage (E) will initially show a high
pressure while the compressor pushes the sealant
into the tire. Once the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the pressure will quickly
drop and start to rise again as the tire inates with
air only.
5-75

18. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure.
Refer to Steps 1 through 11 under “Using the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to
Inate a Tire (Not Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen more than 10 psi
(68 kPa) below the recommended ination pressure,
stop driving the vehicle. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the tire pressure has not dropped more than
10 psi (68 kPa) from the recommended ination
pressure, inate the tire to the recommended
ination pressure.
19. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire or vehicle.
20. Dispose of the used sealant canister (B) and
sealant/air hose (F) assembly at a local
dealer/retailer or in accordance with local state
codes and practices.
21. Replace it with a new canister available from your
dealer/retailer.
22. After temporarily sealing a tire using the tire sealant
and compressor kit, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer/retailer within a 100 miles
(161 km) of driving to have the tire repaired or
replaced.Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inate a Tire
(Not Punctured)
To use the air compressor to inate a tire with air only
and not sealant:
Always do a safety check rst. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-70.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its
storage location. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit Storage on page 5-89.
5-77

Always do a safety check rst. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-70. Do not remove any objects that have
penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its
storage location. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit Storage on page 5-89.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F) and the
power plug (H).
3. Place the kit on the ground.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the at tire by
turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve
stem. Turn it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (H) into the accessory power
outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other
accessory power outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-14.
If the vehicle has an accessory power outlet, do not
use the cigarette lighter.If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the door or
window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while
using the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (A) counterclockwise to the
Sealant + Air position.
9. Press the on/off (B) button to turn the tire sealant
and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air into
the tire.
The pressure gage (C) will initially show a high
pressure while the compressor pushes the sealant
into the tire. Once the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the pressure will quickly drop
and start to rise again as the tire inates with air only.
5-84

19. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure.
Refer to Steps 1 through 11 under “Using the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to
Inate a Tire (Not Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen more than 10 psi
(68 kPa) below the recommended ination pressure,
stop driving the vehicle. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the tire pressure has not dropped more than
10 psi (68 kPa) from the recommended ination
pressure, inate the tire to the recommended
ination pressure.
20. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, and
vehicle.
21. Dispose of the used sealant canister (E) and
sealant/air hose (F) assembly at a local
dealer/retailer or in accordance with local state
codes and practices.
22. Replace it with a new canister available from your
dealer/retailer.
23. After temporarily sealing a tire using the tire sealant
and compressor kit, take the vehicle to an
authorized dealer/retailer within a 100 miles
(161 km) of driving to have the tire repaired or
replaced.Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inate a Tire
(Not Punctured)
To use the air compressor to inate a tire with air only
and not sealant:
Always do a safety check rst. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-70.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its
storage location. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit Storage on page 5-89.
5-86

Model, year, color, and license plate number of the
vehicle
Odometer reading, Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN), and delivery date of the vehicle
Description of the problem
Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/100,000 miles
(160 000 km), whichever comes rst.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered. In
Canada, a person driving the vehicle without permission
from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Pontiac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to make any changes
or discontinue the Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notication.
Pontiac and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are made too often, or
the same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
for the vehicle to get to the nearest service station.
Lock-Out Service:Service is provided to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identication
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway:Tow to the nearest Pontiac dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and
cannot be driven. Assistance is also given when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Service is provided to change a
at tire with the spare tire. The spare tire, if
equipped, must be in good condition and properly
inated. It is the owner’s responsibility for the repair
or replacement of the tire if it is not covered by
the warranty.
Battery Jump Start:Service is provided to jump
start a dead battery.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the
5 years/100,000 miles (160 000 km) Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are hotel, meals,
and rental car.
7-7

Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-14
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-21
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage...............................................5-97
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-81
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-5
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-22
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-13
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Driving for Better Economy............................. 4-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7Fuel (cont.)
Gage .........................................................3-33
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-34
Fuses
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-99
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-101
G
Gage
Fuel..........................................................3-33
Speedometer..............................................3-21
Tachometer.................................................3-21
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-33
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-5
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-41
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-99
5

Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-29
Tire Sealant
Storing.......................................................5-89
Tires.............................................................5-47
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-96
Buying New Tires........................................5-63
Chains.......................................................5-70
Cleaning....................................................5-96
Different Size..............................................5-65
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-70
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-53
Inspection and Rotation................................5-60
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-56
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-54
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit...........5-71, 5-80
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-49
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-50
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-67
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-62
Winter Tires................................................5-48
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-25
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-25
Your Vehicle...............................................4-25Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-8
Limited-Slip Rear Axle..................................4-10
Traction Control System...................................3-27
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-23
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-19
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-22
Trunk.............................................................. 2-8
Trunk Ajar Light
..............................................3-33
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-65
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-20
Parking Your...............................................2-26
Running While Parked..................................2-28
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-15
11