park assist PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2009 Owners Manual

Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The
engine will not start in any other position. To restart the
vehicle when it is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle
is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in N (Neutral) and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the
oor and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the
engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch
to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2-18

If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Heeding the light can prevent
more serious damage to the vehicle. This system
assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following can prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
3-30

Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature will allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
During a sudden shift, such as shifting from 1 (First) to
2 (Second) gear at low engine speeds or suddenly
applying the clutch, a clunking or rattling noise may be
heard or felt. This is normal.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time
because there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as possible
from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
4-10

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

If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and stopping. Then
do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-5.
2. Park your vehicle. If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake rmly and put
the shift lever in P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-24.If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, move the
shift lever to R (Reverse) and set the parking
brake rmly. SeeParking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-26for additional
information.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has
damaged sidewalls, or has a puncture larger than a
14inch (6 mm), the tire is too severely damaged for the
tire sealant and compressor kit to be effective. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the tire has a puncture less than a
14inch (6 mm) in
the tread area of the tire, seeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without Selector Switch) on page 5-71
orTire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With Selector
Switch) on page 5-80.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(Without Selector Switch)
System Identication
If the vehicle has the tire sealant and compressor kit
shown above, see the operating instructions that follow.
5-71

Power
Door Locks.................................................. 2-6
Electrical System.........................................5-99
Retained Accessory.....................................2-17
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-11
Privacy..........................................................7-15
Event Data Recorders..................................7-15
Navigation System.......................................7-16
OnStar.......................................................7-16
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-16
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-16
Radio(s)........................................................3-49
Radios
Reception...................................................3-80
Setting the Clock.........................................3-47
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-78
Rear Axle......................................................5-40
Limited-Slip.................................................4-10
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-29
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-12
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4Removing the Roof Panel................................2-34
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-45
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-14
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-13
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-13
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-48
Replacing Restraint System Parts After
a Crash..................................................1-49
Retained Accessory Power...............................2-17
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-20
Roof Panel....................................................2-33
Installing the Roof Panel...............................2-36
Removing the Roof Panel.............................2-34
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-15
Running the Vehicle While Parked.....................2-28
S
Safety Belt Reminders.....................................3-22
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-93
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-18
9