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2009 Pontiac Solstice Owner's Manual - Page 181

2009 Pontiac Solstice Manual

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If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-26. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down ﬁrmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or motor operating might be heard and the brake pedal pulsating might be felt, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS. ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking. Brake Assist This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased. 4-5

Section	Page
2009 Pontiac Solstice BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint System	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Seat Height Adjuster	6
Reclining Seatbacks	7
Seatback Latches	9
Safety Belts	10
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	10
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	15
Lap-Shoulder Belt	22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	25
Safety Belt Extender	25
Child Restraints	26
Older Children	26
Infants and Young Children	29
Child Restraint Systems	33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	35
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	36
Airbag System	40
Where Are the Airbags?	42
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	43
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	44
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	44
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	44
Passenger Sensing System	46
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	50
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	51
Restraint System Check	52
Checking the Restraint Systems	52
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	53
Features and Controls	55
Keys	56
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	57
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	58
Doors and Locks	60
Manual Door Locks	60
Power Door Locks	60
Delayed Locking	61
Automatic Door Lock	61
Automatic Door Unlock	61
Trunk	62
Windows	64
Manual Windows	65
Power Windows	65
Sun Visors	66
Theft-Deterrent Systems	66
Content Theft-Deterrent	66
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	68
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	68
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	70
New Vehicle Break-In	70
Ignition Positions	70
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	71
Starting the Engine	72
Automatic Transmission Operation	73
Manual Transmission Operation	76
Parking Brake	77
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)	78
Shifting Out of Park	79
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission)	80
Parking Over Things That Burn	80
Engine Exhaust	81
Running the Vehicle While Parked	82
Mirrors	83
Manual Rearview Mirror	83
Outside Manual Mirrors	83
Outside Power Mirrors	83
OnStar® System	84
Storage Areas	87
Glove Box	87
Cupholders	87
Center Console Storage	87
Roof Panel	87
Removing the Roof Panel	88
Installing the Roof Panel	90
Convertible Top	91
Instrument Panel	95
Instrument Panel Overview	98
Hazard Warning Flashers	99
Horn	99
Tilt Wheel	100
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	100
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	101
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	101
Flash-to-Pass	101
Windshield Wipers	102
Windshield Washer	103
Cruise Control	103
Headlamps	106
Headlamps on Reminder	107
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	107
Fog Lamps	107
Instrument Panel Brightness	108
Entry/Exit Lighting	108
Mirror Reading Lamps	108
Battery Run-Down Protection	108
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	108
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	109
Climate Controls	110
Climate Control System	110
Outlet Adjustment	113
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	113
Instrument Panel Cluster	114
Speedometer and Odometer	115
Tachometer	115
Safety Belt Reminders	116
Airbag Readiness Light	117
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	118
Charging System Light	119
Brake System Warning Light	119
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	120
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	121
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	122
Low Coolant Warning Light	122
Tire Pressure Light	123
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	123
Oil Pressure Light	126
Security Light	126
Highbeam On Light	127
Trunk Ajar Light	127
Fuel Gage	127
Low Fuel Warning Light	128
Driver Information Center (DIC)	128
DIC Operation and Displays	129
DIC Warnings and Messages	131
DIC Vehicle Personalization	135
Audio System(s)	140
Setting the Clock	141
Radio(s)	143
Using an MP3	154
XM Radio Messages	161
Bluetooth®	162
Theft-Deterrent Feature	172
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	173
Radio Reception	174
Fixed Mast Antenna	175
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	175
Chime Level Adjustment	175
Driving Your Vehicle	177
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	178
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	178
Defensive Driving	178
Drunk Driving	179
Control of a Vehicle	179
Braking	180
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	180
Braking in Emergencies	181
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	182
Traction Control System (TCS)	184
Limited-Slip Rear Axle	186
Steering	186
Off-Road Recovery	187
Passing	188
Loss of Control	188
Driving at Night	189
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	190
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	191
Highway Hypnosis	191
Hill and Mountain Roads	192
Winter Driving	193
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	195
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	196
Loading the Vehicle	196
Towing	201
Towing Your Vehicle	201
Recreational Vehicle Towing	201
Towing a Trailer	201
Service and Appearance Care	203
Service	205
Accessories and Modifications	205
California Proposition 65 Warning	206
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	206
Doing Your Own Service Work	206
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	207
Fuel	207
Gasoline Octane	207
Gasoline Specifications	207
California Fuel	208
Additives	208
Fuels in Foreign Countries	209
Filling the Tank	210
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	212
Checking Things Under the Hood	212
Hood Release	213
Engine Compartment Overview	214
Engine Oil	217
Engine Oil Life System	221
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	223
Automatic Transmission Fluid	224
Manual Transmission Fluid	225
Hydraulic Clutch	225
Cooling System	225
Engine Coolant	227
Engine Overheating	231
Power Steering Fluid	232
Windshield Washer Fluid	233
Brakes	234
Battery	237
Jump Starting	238
Rear Axle	242
Headlamp Aiming	243
Bulb Replacement	244
Halogen Bulbs	244
Headlamps	244
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps	245
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps (Base Level)	245
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps (Removable Hardtop)	246
Back-Up Lamps	246
License Plate Lamp	247
Replacement Bulbs	247
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	248
Tires	249
Winter Tires	250
Tire Sidewall Labeling	251
Tire Terminology and Definitions	252
Inflation - Tire Pressure	255
Tire Pressure Monitor System	256
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	258
Tire Inspection and Rotation	262
When It Is Time for New Tires	264
Buying New Tires	265
Different Size Tires and Wheels	267
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	267
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	269
Wheel Replacement	269
Tire Chains	272
If a Tire Goes Flat	272
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (Without Selector Switch)	273
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With Selector Switch)	282
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage	291
Appearance Care	292
Interior Cleaning	292
Fabric/Carpet	293
Leather	294
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	294
Care of Safety Belts	295
Weatherstrips	295
Washing Your Vehicle	295
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	296
Finish Care	296
Windshield and Wiper Blades	297
Convertible Top	297
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim	298
Tires	298
Sheet Metal Damage	299
Finish Damage	299
Underbody Maintenance	299
Chemical Paint Spotting	299
Vehicle Identification	300
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	300
Service Parts Identification Label	300
Electrical System	300
Add-On Electrical Equipment	300
Headlamp Wiring	301
Power Windows and Other Power Options	301
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	301
Floor Console Fuse Block	301
Underhood Fuse Block	303
Capacities and Specifications	306
Maintenance Schedule	309
Maintenance Schedule	310
Introduction	310
Maintenance Requirements	310
Your Vehicle and the Environment	310
Using the Maintenance Schedule	311
Scheduled Maintenance	312
Additional Required Services	314
Maintenance Footnotes	315
Owner Checks and Services	316
At Each Fuel Fill	316
At Least Once a Month	317
At Least Once a Year	317
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	320
Maintenance Replacement Parts	322
Engine Drive Belt Routing	323
Maintenance Record	324
Customer Assistance Information	327
Customer Assistance and Information	328
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	328
Online Owner Center	330
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	331
Customer Assistance Offices	331
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	332
Roadside Assistance Program	332
Scheduling Service Appointments	334
Courtesy Transportation	335
Collision Damage Repair	336
Reporting Safety Defects	339
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	339
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	339
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	340
Service Publications Ordering Information	340
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	341
Event Data Recorders	341
OnStar®	342
Navigation System	342
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	342

Match case Limit results 1 per page

If there is a problem with

ABS, this warning light

stays on. See

Antilock

Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light on

page 3-26

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.

Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam

on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what

happens with ABS:

A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If

one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer

will separately work the brakes at each wheel.

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as

required, faster than any driver could. This can help

the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.

As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps

receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking

pressure accordingly.

Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get

a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping

distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,

there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that

vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough

room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

Using ABS

Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal

down firmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or

motor operating might be heard and the brake pedal

pulsating might be felt, but this is normal.

Braking in Emergencies

ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same

time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than

even the very best braking.

Brake Assist

This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to

assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed

in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the

stability system hydraulic brake control module to

supplement the power brake system under conditions

where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied

the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow

down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic

brake control module increases brake pressure at each

corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor

brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this

time is normal and the driver should continue to

apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates

The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage

when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal

pressure is quickly decreased.

4-5