lights PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Safety Belts
.............................................. 1-6
Child Restraints
.......................................1-22
Airbag System
.........................................1-36
Restraint System Check
............................1-48
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-6
Windows
.................................................2-10
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-12
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-16
Mirrors
....................................................2-29
OnStar
®System
......................................2-30
Storage Areas
.........................................2-33
Roof Panel
..............................................2-33
Convertible Top
.......................................2-37
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-16
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-19
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-34
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-46Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-25
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Rear Axle
...............................................5-40
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-41
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-46
Tires
......................................................5-47
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Specications
...................5-104
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-15
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Pontiac Solstice Owner ManualM

Arming the System
While the ignition is off, press the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter lock button, to arm the system.
The system will arm after either of these things occur:
Thirty seconds after all the doors are closed.
Sixty seconds with any door open.
If you press the lock button on the transmitter a second
time while all the doors are closed, the system will
arm immediately. The system arms in 60 seconds if a
door is open, or after the open door is closed.
If you do not want to arm the system, lock the car with
the manual door lock knobs.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system:
Press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
Turn the ignition on.
If the system is armed and the trunk is opened using
the trunk release button on the transmitter, the system
will temporarily disarm itself and re-arm when the
trunk has been closed. This allows you to exit the
vehicle, lock the doors using the transmitter, or open the
trunk using the transmitter without having to disarm
and re-arm the system.
Once the system is disarmed, the security light will stop
ashing.
How the System Alarm is Activated
To activate the system if it is armed:
Open the driver’s door or trunk. This causes a ten
second pre-alarm chirping noise followed by the
horn sounding and lights ashing for 30 seconds.
Open a passenger’s door. This immediately causes
a full alarm of the horn sounding and lights ashing
for 30 seconds.
After the 30 second alarm ends, the system will
re-arm itself.
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
To turn off the system alarm, do one of the following:
Press the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
The system will then re-arm itself.
Press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
This will also disarm the system.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on. This will
also disarm the system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If you hear three chirps when you press the unlock, lock,
or trunk release buttons on the RKE transmitter, it
means that the content theft security system alarm was
activated previously.
2-13

If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the shift
lever is in P (Park).
If you have a manual transmission, the ignition switch
can be turned to LOCK/OFF in any shift lever position.
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transmission removing the
key from the ignition switch will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of ability to steer the
vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need
to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the position in which
you can operate some of the electrical accessories. It
unlocks the steering wheel and ignition.
R(ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The
switch stays in this position when the engine is running.If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle
if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/(START):This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows, if equipped
Sunroof, if equipped
The power windows and sunroof will continue to work
for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.
The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to OFF/LOCK, the radio will continue to work
for 10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
2-17

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

Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Headlamps
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has the following four positions:
2(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps and
taillamps only.AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):Automatically
turns on the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) during
daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and
taillamps at night.
P(Off/On):Turns the Automatic Headlamp System
on or off. In Canada, this applies to vehicles with
an automatic transmission set to P (Park) and manual
transmission vehicles with the parking brake engaged.
When operating in AUTO, a brief turn of the switch
to off/on will turn off the Automatic Headlamp System.
An AUTO LIGHTS OFF message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and a chime will sound.
Turning the switch to off/on again will turn the Automatic
Headlamp System back on. An AUTO LIGHTS ON
message will display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
The Automatic Headlamp System is always turned on at
the beginning of an ignition cycle for vehicles with
manual transmission. When the parking brake is
engaged, the automatic headlamps will turn off.
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, when the
shift lever is shifted out of P (Park), the Automatic
Headlamp System turns on. Shifting the lever back to
P (Park) will turn off the automatic headlamp system.
3-12

Headlamps on Reminder
If the drivers door is opened with the ignition off and the
lamps on, a warning chime will sound. This indicates
that the headlamps are still on.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. Fully functional daytime running lamps are required
on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that helps control the DRL. Do not cover this
sensor or the headlamps will come on when they are
not needed.
The DRL system makes both low beam headlamps turn
on at reduced intensity when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The shift lever is not in P (Park).
While the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, and instrument panel lights will not be on.The DRL system turns off on U.S. vehicles by using the
on/off switch for one ignition cycle, if the vehicle is in
the P (Park) position, or if the vehicle speed is less than
5 mph (8 km/h) after the vehicle is started.
For vehicles rst sold in Canada the DRL system will
turn off when a automatic transmission vehicle is in the
P (Park) position or the park brake is set on a manual
transmission vehicle and the vehicle speed is less than
8 mph (13 km/h).
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when it is needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button is located on the
instrument panel, to the right of the steering wheel.
The ignition must be on to use the fog lamps.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on and off. An indicator
light on the button comes on when the fog lamps
are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps will turn off while the high-beam
headlamps are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-13

Instrument Panel Brightness
The control for this feature is located on the instrument
panel to the right of the steering wheel.
DInstrument Panel Brightness:Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten or dim
the lights.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door is
opened. These lamps will fade out after about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closed or
when the ignition is turned on. These lamps will also go
on when you press the trunk release, unlock symbol
button or the horn symbol on the Remote Keyless Entry
System (RKE) Transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle will stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition to
provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps
The vehicle has reading lamps on the rearview mirror.
Push the button to turn the reading lamps on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
The vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system
automatically turns the lamp off after 20 minutes. This
prevents draining of the battery.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlet can be used to connect
electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone.
The accessory power outlet is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio.
To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.
3-14

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

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-42for
important safety information. The instrument panel has
a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to
let you know the status of the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may inate).If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be
a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-23
for more information, including important safety
information. United StatesCanada
3-24

BOOST (Turbo Only)
If your vehicle has this feature, press the information
button until BOOST displays. This mode shows a
graphic that indicates the amount of boost the engine is
receiving in either pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa).
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is no
longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it
from the display, press and hold any of the DIC
buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning
message comes back on the next time the vehicle is
turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning
chime sounds when the message displays. Your
vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-25for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-19andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in
one or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If
a tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as
3-37