2009 Pontiac Solstice Owners Manual

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carrier, consider switching to another insurance carrier. If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may require you to have insurance that assures repairs with Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the end of your lease for poor quality repairs. If a Crash Occurs Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash. (cid:129) Check to make sure that you are all right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured. If there has been an injury, call emergency services for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or you are instructed to move it by a police officer. (cid:129) Give only the necessary and requested information to police and other parties involved in the crash. Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the crash. This will help guard against post-crash legal action. 7-11 (cid:129) If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6 for more information. If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name, the service’s name, and the phone number. (cid:129) Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance information and registration if you keep these items in your vehicle. (cid:129) Gather the important information you will need from the other driver. Things like name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle license plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN), insurance company and policy number, and a general description of the damage to the other vehicle. If possible, call your insurance company from the scene of the crash. They will walk you through the information they will need. If they ask for a police report, phone or go to the police department headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of the report for a nominal fee. In some states/provinces with “no fault” insurance laws, a report may not be necessary. This is especially true if there are no injuries and both vehicles are driveable. 7-12 (cid:129) Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your vehicle. Whether you select a dealer/retailer or a private collision repair facility to ﬁx the damage, make sure you are comfortable with them. Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with their work for a long time. (cid:129) Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and make sure you understand what work will be performed on your vehicle. If you have a question, ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome this opportunity. Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair Process In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs, GM recommends that you take an active role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there. Specify to the facility that any required replacement collision parts be original equipment parts, either new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your GM vehicle warranty. Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your insurance company may initially value the repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Remember if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not pay the full cost. If another party’s insurance company is paying for the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair valuation based on that insurance company’s collision policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with that company. In such cases, you can have control of the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within reasonable limits. Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it ﬁnds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer/retailer, or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington D.C., 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from safercar.gov. Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to: Transport Canada Road Safety Branch 2780 Sheffield Road Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9 7-13 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, please notify General Motors. Call 1-800-762-2737, or write: Pontiac Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33172 Detroit, MI 48232-5172 In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French), or write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give additional technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. Owner Information Owner publications are written speciﬁcally for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee Current and Past Model Order Forms Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, specify year and model name of the vehicle. 7-14 ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: helminc.com Or you can write to: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated computers that record information about the vehicle’s performance and how it is driven. For example, your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and control engine and transmission performance, to monitor the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle. These modules may store data to help your dealer/ retailer technician service your vehicle. Some modules may also store data about how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat positions, and temperature settings. Event Data Recorders This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: (cid:129) How various systems in your vehicle were operating (cid:129) Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened (cid:129) How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal (cid:129) How fast the vehicle was traveling 7-15 This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. Important: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. GM will not access this data or share it with others except: with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee; in response to an official request of police or similar government office; as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process; or, as required by law. Data that GM collects or receives may also be used for GM research needs or may be made available to others for research purposes, where a need is shown and the data is not tied to a speciﬁc vehicle or vehicle owner. OnStar® If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and Conditions for information on data collection and use. See also OnStar® System on page 2-30 in this manual for more information. Navigation System If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the system may result in the storage of destinations, addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip information. Refer to the navigation system operating manual for information on stored data and for deletion instructions. Radio Frequency Identiﬁcation (RFID) RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system security, as well as in connection with conveniences such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use or record personal information or link with any other GM system containing personal information. 7-16 A Accessories and Modiﬁcations ............................ 5-3 Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-14 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ....................................................... 1-47 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Add-On Electrical Equipment ............................ 5-98 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ................................. 5-21 Air Conditioning .............................................. 3-16 Airbag Passenger Status Indicator ........................... 3-24 Readiness Light .......................................... 3-23 Airbag System ................................................ 1-36 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ................................................... 1-47 How Does an Airbag Restrain? ...................... 1-40 Passenger Sensing System ........................... 1-42 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......... 1-46 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? ...................... 1-40 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .... 1-40 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .................... 1-39 Where Are the Airbags? ............................... 1-38 Antenna, Fixed Mast ....................................... 3-81 Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ...................................................... 3-81 Antilock Brake System (ABS) ............................. 4-4 Antilock Brake, System Warning Light ................ 3-26 Appearance Care Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels .............. 5-96 Care of Safety Belts .................................... 5-93 Chemical Paint Spotting ............................... 5-97 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................... 5-94 Convertible Top ........................................... 5-95 Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 5-91 Finish Care ................................................. 5-94 Finish Damage ............................................ 5-97 Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ................................................. 5-92 Interior Cleaning .......................................... 5-90 Leather ...................................................... 5-92 Sheet Metal Damage ................................... 5-97 Tires .......................................................... 5-96 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-97 Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 5-93 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-93 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................ 5-95 Appointments, Scheduling Service ....................... 7-8 Ashtray ......................................................... 3-15 Audio System ................................................. 3-46 Audio Steering Wheel Controls ...................... 3-79 Chime Level Adjustment ............................... 3-81 Fixed Mast Antenna ..................................... 3-81 Radio Reception .......................................... 3-80 Setting the Clock ......................................... 3-47 Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................ 3-78 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ............ 3-81 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-49 Automatic Door Lock ......................................... 2-7 Automatic Door Unlock ...................................... 2-7 Automatic Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-22 Operation ................................................... 2-19 Bulb Replacement (cont.) License Plate Lamps .................................... 5-45 Replacement Bulbs ...................................... 5-45 Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps .... 5-43, 5-44 Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-63 California Fuel .................................................. 5-6 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements ....... 5-4 California Proposition 65 Warning ....................... 5-4 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii Capacities and Speciﬁcations .......................... 5-104 Carbon Monoxide ............................. 2-8, 2-27, 4-17 Care of Safety Belts ................................................ 5-93 CD, MP3 ....................................................... 3-60 Center Console Storage Area ........................... 2-33 Chains, Tire ................................................... 5-70 Charging System Light .................................... 3-25 Check Engine Lamp .............................................. 3-29 Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-97 Battery .......................................................... 5-35 Run-Down Protection ................................... 3-14 Bluetooth® ..................................................... 3-68 Brake Emergencies ................................................ 4-5 Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-32 Brakes .......................................................... 5-32 System Warning Light .................................. 3-25 Braking ........................................................... 4-4 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-5 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-16 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-42 Back-Up Lamps ........................................... 5-44 Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps ..... 5-43 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-42 Headlamp Aiming ........................................ 5-41 Headlamps ................................................. 5-42 Child Restraints Child Restraint Systems ............................... 1-29 Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-25 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children .......... 1-31 Older Children ............................................. 1-22 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ........................................... 1-32 Chime Level Adjustment .................................. 3-81 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-15 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels .............. 5-96 Convertible Top ........................................... 5-95 Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................. 5-94 Fabric/Carpet .............................................. 5-91 Finish Care ................................................. 5-94 Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ................................................. 5-92 Interior ....................................................... 5-90 Leather ...................................................... 5-92 Tires .......................................................... 5-96 Underbody Maintenance ............................... 5-97 Washing Your Vehicle ................................... 5-93 Weatherstrips .............................................. 5-93 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................ 5-95 Climate Control System ................................... 3-16 Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-19 Clock, Setting ................................................. 3-47 Clutch, Hydraulic ............................................. 5-23 Collision Damage Repair .................................. 7-10 Compressor Kit Storing ....................................................... 5-89 Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant .................... 5-71, 5-80 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 2-12 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-3 Convertible Top .............................................. 2-37 Coolant Engine ....................................................... 5-25 Engine Temperature Warning Light ................. 3-28 Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-28 Cooling System .............................................. 5-23 Cruise Control .................................................. 3-9 Cupholders .................................................... 2-33 Customer Assistance Information Courtesy Transportation .................................. 7-9 Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users ....................................................... 7-5 Customer Assistance Offices ........................... 7-5 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... 7-2 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program ............... 7-6 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors .... 7-14 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government ............................................ 7-13 Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government ............................................ 7-13 Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-6 Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-14 D Daytime Running Lamp ................................... 3-13 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Delayed Locking ............................................... 2-7 Disc, MP3 ...................................................... 3-60 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-4 Door Automatic Door Lock ..................................... 2-7 Automatic Door Unlock .................................. 2-7 Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-7 Manual Door Locks ....................................... 2-6 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-6 Driver Driving Seat Height Adjuster ...................................... 1-2 Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-34 DIC Operation and Displays .......................... 3-35 DIC Vehicle Personalization .......................... 3-41 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-37 At Night ..................................................... 4-13 Before a Long Trip ...................................... 4-15 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Drunken ....................................................... 4-3 Highway Hypnosis ....................................... 4-15 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-16 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-14 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ................. 4-20 Winter ........................................................ 4-17 Driving for Better Fuel Economy ......................... 4-2 EDR ............................................................. 7-15 Electrical System Add-On Equipment ...................................... 5-98 Floor Console Fuse Block ............................. 5-99 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-99 Headlamp Wiring ......................................... 5-99 Power Windows and Other Power Options ...... 5-99 Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-101 Electronic Immobilizer PASS-Key® III+ ........................................... 2-14 Electronic Immobilizer Operation PASS-Key® III+ ........................................... 2-14 Electronic Stability Control ................................. 4-6 Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light ........... 3-27 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... 5-21 Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp ........... 3-29 Coolant ...................................................... 5-25 Coolant Temperature Warning Light ................ 3-28 Drive Belt Routing ....................................... 6-15 Engine Compartment Overview ...................... 5-12 Exhaust ..................................................... 2-27 Oil ............................................................. 5-15 Oil Life System ........................................... 5-19 Overheating ................................................ 5-29 Starting ...................................................... 2-17 Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-14 Event Data Recorders ..................................... 7-15 Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-21 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 Fuel Fog ........................................................... 3-13 ............................................................... 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 .............................. 5-7 Fuel (cont.) Fuses Gage ......................................................... 3-33 Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .................................. 5-5 Low Warning Light ....................................... 3-34 Floor Console Fuse Block ............................. 5-99 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-99 Underhood Fuse Block ............................... 5-101 Gage Gasoline Fuel .......................................................... 3-33 Speedometer .............................................. 3-21 Tachometer ................................................. 3-21 Octane ........................................................ 5-5 Speciﬁcations ............................................... 5-5 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-33 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .................. 7-6 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-5 Headlamp Aiming ....................................................... 5-41 Headlamp Wiring ............................................ 5-99 Headlamps ............................................ 3-12, 5-42 Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-42 Daytime Running Lamp ................................ 3-13 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-7 Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps ..... 5-43 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-42 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-7 On Reminder .............................................. 3-13 Heater ........................................................... 3-16 Height Adjuster, Driver Seat ............................... 1-2 Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-33 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-15 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-16 Hood Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Release ..................................................... 5-11 Horn ............................................................... 3-5 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-11 Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-23 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-16 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-25 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................... 5-53 Inﬂator Kit, Tire ....................................... 5-71, 5-80 Installing the Roof Panel .................................. 2-36 Instrument Panel Brightness .................................................. 3-14 Cluster ....................................................... 3-20 Overview ..................................................... 3-4 Jump Starting ................................................. 5-36 Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-3 Keys ............................................................... 2-2 Labeling, Tire Sidewall ..................................... 5-49 Lamp Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-29 Lamps Mirror Reading ............................................ 3-14 Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................... 1-18 LATCH System for Child Restraints ................... 1-31 Latches, Seatback ............................................ 1-5 License Plate Lamps ....................................... 5-45 Light Airbag Readiness ........................................ 3-23 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning ............ 3-26 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-25 Charging System ......................................... 3-25 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning ............. 3-28 Highbeam On ............................................. 3-33 Low Coolant Warning ................................... 3-28 Low Fuel Warning ....................................... 3-34 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-32 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator .................. 3-24 Safety Belt Reminders .................................. 3-22 Security ..................................................... 3-32 Tire Pressure .............................................. 3-29 Trunk Ajar .................................................. 3-33 Lighting Entry/Exit ................................................... 3-14 Lights ............................................................ 3-12 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-7 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-7 On Reminder .............................................. 3-13 Limited-Slip Rear Axle ..................................... 4-10 Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-20 Locks Automatic Door Lock ..................................... 2-7 Automatic Door Unlock .................................. 2-7 Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-7 Manual Door ................................................ 2-6 Power Door .................................................. 2-6 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-12 Low Coolant Warning Light .............................. 3-28 Low Fuel Warning Light ................................... 3-34 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children ............. 1-31 Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... 6-8 At Least Once a Month .................................. 6-9 At Least Once a Year .................................... 6-9 Introduction .................................................. 6-2 Maintenance Footnotes .................................. 6-7 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-16 Maintenance Replacement Parts .................... 6-14 Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Owner Checks and Services ........................... 6-8 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-12 Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4 Using .......................................................... 6-3 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................... 3-29 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-2 Manual Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-23 Operation ................................................... 2-22 Manual Windows ............................................ 2-11 Message DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-37 Mirror Reading Lamps ..................................... 3-14 Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-29 Outside Manual Mirrors ................................ 2-29 Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-29 MP3 ............................................................. 3-60 MyGMLink.com ................................................ 7-4 Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-19 Outlets Accessory Power ......................................... 3-14 Outside Manual Mirrors ............................................ 2-29 Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-29 Owner Checks and Services .............................. 6-8 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii Navigation System, Privacy .............................. 7-16 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-16 Odometer ...................................................... 3-21 Off-Road Recovery .......................................... 4-11 Oil Engine ....................................................... 5-15 Pressure Light ............................................. 3-32 Oil, Engine Oil Life System .............................. 5-19 Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-22 Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-4 OnStar, Privacy .............................................. 7-16 OnStar® System, see OnStar® Manual ............... 2-30 Paint, Damage ............................................... 5-97 Park Shifting Into ................................................ 2-24 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-25 Park Brake .................................................... 2-23 Parking Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-26 Parking Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-26 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..................... 3-24 Passenger Sensing System .............................. 1-42 Passing ......................................................... 4-12 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer ............... 2-14 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation ................................................... 2-14 Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California ...... 5-4 Phone Bluetooth® .................................................. 3-68 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 Identiﬁcation ....................... 7-16 Radio Frequency Identiﬁcation (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 ..................................................... 2-4 Removing 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 Safety Belt Reminders ..................................... 3-22 Safety Belts Care of ...................................................... 5-93 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-11 Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................ 1-18 Safety Belts (cont.) Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-21 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-21 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-6 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4 Seatback Latches ............................................. 1-5 Seats Driver Seat Height Adjuster ............................. 1-2 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-3 Seatback Latches .......................................... 1-5 Securing a Child Restraint Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-32 Security Light ................................................. 3-32 Service ........................................................... 5-3 Accessories and Modiﬁcations ......................... 5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ..................................................... 5-5 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements ............................................ 5-4 California Proposition 65 Warning .................... 5-4 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4 Engine Soon Lamp ...................................... 3-29 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-14 Service, Scheduling Appointments ....................... 7-8 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............. 1-46 Setting the Clock ............................................ 3-47 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-97 Shifting Into Park ............................................ 2-24 Shifting Out of Park ........................................ 2-25 Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .......................... 3-7 Speciﬁcations, Capacities ............................... 5-104 Speedometer .................................................. 3-21 Starting the Engine ......................................... 2-17 Steering ........................................................ 4-10 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ......................... 3-79 Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-6 Storage Areas Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-33 Cupholders ................................................. 2-33 Glove Box .................................................. 2-33 Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit ...... 5-89 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ..................... 4-19 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-12 Tachometer .................................................... 3-21 Taillamps Turn Signal, and Stoplamps .................. 5-43, 5-44 Theft-Deterrent, Radio ..................................... 3-78 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 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6 Time, Setting .................................................. 3-47 10 Tire Tire Sealant Pressure Light ............................................. 3-29 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 Inﬂation - 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 Deﬁnitions .................... 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 ............................................... 4-25 Traction 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 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-65 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 Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-98 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ................... 5-98 Vehicle Personalization DIC ........................................................... 3-41 Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-19 Visors ........................................................... 2-12 Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ............... 3-19 Warnings DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-37 Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-5 Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-67 Different Size .............................................. 5-65 Replacement ............................................... 5-67 Windows ....................................................... 2-10 Manual ...................................................... 2-11 Power ........................................................ 2-11 Windshield Washer ........................................................ 3-9 Washer Fluid .............................................. 5-31 Wiper Blade Replacement ............................. 5-46 Wiper Blades, Cleaning ................................ 5-95 Wipers ......................................................... 3-8 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-17 Winter Tires ................................................... 5-48 XM Radio Messages ....................................... 3-67 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ................ 3-81 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2 12 2009 Pontiac Solstice Owner Manual M 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 ........................................................ 2-2 ....................................... 2-6 ................................................. 2-10 ............................ 2-12 ........... 2-16 .................................................... 2-29 ...................................... 2-30 ......................................... 2-33 .............................................. 2-33 ....................................... 2-37 Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 .......................... 3-4 ...................................... 3-16 ........ 3-19 .................. 3-34 ....................................... 3-46 Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar® System Storage Areas Roof Panel Convertible Top Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s) Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle Towing Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 ....... 4-2 ................................................... 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 Identiﬁcation ................................. 5-98 Electrical System ...................................... 5-98 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ................... 5-104 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1 ................................ 6-2 Customer Assistance Information .................... 7-1 ........... 7-2 ........................... 7-13 ........... 7-15 Index ................................................................ 1 Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy Maintenance Schedule Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 1-800-551-4123 helminc.com Propriétaires Canadiens On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès de concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante: Helm Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 1-800-551-4123 helminc.com Index To quickly locate information about the vehicle use the Index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found. ©2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved. GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, PONTIAC, the PONTIAC Emblem, and the name SOLSTICE are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. GM reserves the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Pontiac Division wherever it appears in this manual. This manual describes features that may or may not be on your speciﬁc vehicle. Read this manual from beginning to end to learn about the vehicle’s features and controls. Pictures, symbols, and words work together to explain vehicle operation. Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference. Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 15899510 A First Printing ii A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. The notice tells what to do to help avoid the damage. There are also warning labels on the vehicle which use the same words, CAUTION or Notice. Safety Warnings and Symbols A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means “Do Not,” “Do not do this” or “Do not let this happen.” A box with the word CAUTION is used to tell about things that could hurt you or others if you were to ignore the warning. { CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. Cautions tell what the hazard is and what to do to avoid or reduce the hazard. Read these cautions. iii Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage, or indicator. M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information. * : This symbol is shown when you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information. Vehicle Symbol Chart Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the index. I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps # : Fog Lamps . : Fuel Gage + : Fuses i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer j : LATCH System Child Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure 9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar® $ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System iv } : Power / : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders 7 : Tire Pressure Monitor F : Traction Control M : Windshield Washer Fluid Section 1 Seats and Restraint System Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Manual Seats ................................................1-2 Seat Height Adjuster .......................................1-2 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-3 Seatback Latches ...........................................1-5 Safety Belts .....................................................1-6 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone .................1-6 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-11 Lap-Shoulder Belt .........................................1-18 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-21 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-21 Child Restraints .............................................1-22 Older Children ..............................................1-22 Infants and Young Children ............................1-25 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-29 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) ......................................1-31 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ............................................1-32 Airbag System ...............................................1-36 Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-38 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .....................1-39 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? .......................1-40 How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-40 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .....1-40 Passenger Sensing System ............................1-42 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-46 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ....................................................1-47 Restraint System Check ..................................1-48 Checking the Restraint Systems ......................1-48 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ...................................................1-49 1-1 Front Seats Manual Seats { CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. Lift the lever located under the front of the seat to unlock it. 1-2 Slide the seat to where you want it and release the lever. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place. Seat Height Adjuster On vehicles with a power driver’s seat height adjuster the switch is located on the front outboard side of the driver’s seat. Raise or lower the seat by holding the switch up or down. Reclining Seatbacks { CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. To adjust the seatback, turn the knob on the outboard side of the seatback until the seatback is in the desired position. 1-3 { CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts cannot do their job when you are reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. Do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 1-4 Seatback Latches To fold the seatback forward, lift the latch and push the seatback forward. The seats have a latch located on the outboard side near the top of the seatback that enables the front seatback(s) to fold forward. { CAUTION: If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked. 1-5 Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts. { CAUTION: Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, the injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from the vehicle. You and your passenger(s) can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passenger(s) are restrained properly too. 1-6 { CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-22 for additional information. In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. Here is why: You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without safety belts, they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. Put someone on it. Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels. 1-7 Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop. The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... 1-8 or the instrument panel... or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense. 1-9 Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a crash — even one that is not your fault — you and your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt? A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down. Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. 1-10 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-22 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-25. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know. Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the ﬂoor in front of you. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash. 1-11 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt snugly against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as much protection this way. 1-12 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way. 1-13 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong buckle. 1-14 Q: What is wrong with this? A: The belt is over an armrest. { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests. 1-15 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-16 Q: What is wrong with this? A: The belt is behind the body. { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. 1-17 Q: What is wrong with this? A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-18 { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer/retailer to ﬁx it. Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. 1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. If the shoulder portion of a passenger belt is pulled out all the way, the child restraint locking feature may be engaged. If this happens, just let the belt go back all the way and start again. 3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-21. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants. 1-19 Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle’s safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 1-49. To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Slide the latch plate up the safety belt webbing when the safety belt is not in use. The latch plate should rest on the stitching on the safety belt, near the guide loop. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the safety belt and the vehicle. 1-20 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts. Safety Belt Extender If the safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer/retailer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to ﬁt. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. 1-21 Child Restraints Older Children The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat, state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below ﬁt test: (cid:129) Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, then return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Does the lap belt ﬁt low and snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Can proper safety belt ﬁt be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. 1-22 Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. { CAUTION: Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time. 1-23 { CAUTION: Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. 1-24 Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. { CAUTION: Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts. 1-25 { CAUTION: Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) infant will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint. 1-26 { CAUTION: Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. 1-27 { CAUTION: To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant’s neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. 1-28 { CAUTION: A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints. Child Restraint Systems A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness. 1-29 Securing an Add-on Child Restraint in the Vehicle { CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-30 Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in your vehicle — even when no child is in it. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint { CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Some child restraints have a LATCH system. As part of the LATCH system, your child restraint may have lower attachments and/or a top tether. The LATCH system can help hold the child restraint in place during driving or in a crash. Some vehicles have lower and/or top tether anchors designed to secure a child restraint with lower attachments and/or a top tether. Some child restraints with a top tether are designed to be used whether the top tether is anchored or not. Other child restraints require that the top tether be anchored. A national or local law may require that the top tether be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Your vehicle does not have lower anchors or top tether anchors to secure a child restraint with the LATCH system. If a national or local law requires that your top tether be anchored, do not use a child restraint in this vehicle because a top tether cannot be properly anchored. You must use the safety belts to secure your child restraint in this vehicle, unless a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored. 1-31 Refer to your child restraint instructions and instructions in this manual for securing a child restraint using the vehicle’s safety belts. { CAUTION: Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position This vehicle has airbags. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-42 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-24 for more information on this, including important safety information. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. 1-32 A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-42 for additional information. Rear-facing child restraints should not be installed in the vehicle, even if the airbag is off. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-31 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If you secure a child restraint using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-31 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, the off indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-24. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 1-33 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 1-34 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. If the child restraint has a top tether anchor, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-31 for more information. 8. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. If the airbag is off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 1-42 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. 1-35 Airbag System The vehicle has the following airbags: (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the driver. (cid:129) A frontal airbag for the right front passenger. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the steering wheel for the driver and on the instrument panel for the right front passenger. Airbags are designed to supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Even though today’s airbags are also designed to help reduce the risk of injury from the force of an inﬂating bag, all airbags must inﬂate very quickly to do their job. Here are the most important things to know about the airbag system: { CAUTION: You can be severely injured or killed in a crash if you are not wearing your safety belt — even if you have airbags. Airbags are designed to work with safety belts, but do not replace them. Also, airbags are not designed to deploy in every crash. In some crashes safety belts are your only restraint. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-39. Wearing your safety belt during a crash helps reduce your chance of hitting things inside the vehicle or being ejected from it. Airbags are “supplemental restraints” to the safety belts. Everyone in your vehicle should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. 1-36 { CAUTION: { CAUTION: Airbags inﬂate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily close to the airbag, as you would be if you were sitting on the edge of your seat or leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you in position before and during a crash. Always wear your safety belt, even with airbags. The driver should sit as far back as possible while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Young children and infants need the protection that a child restraint system can provide. Always secure children properly in your vehicle. To read how, see Older Children on page 1-22 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-25. There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol. The system checks the airbag electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-23 for more information. 1-37 Where Are the Airbags? The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the steering wheel. The right front passenger’s airbag is in the instrument panel on the passenger’s side. 1-38 { CAUTION: If something is between an occupant and an airbag, the bag might not inﬂate properly or it might force the object into that person causing severe injury or even death. The path of an inﬂating airbag must be kept clear. Do not put anything between an occupant and an airbag, and do not attach or put anything on the steering wheel hub or on or near any other airbag covering. When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? Frontal airbags are designed to inﬂate in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only designed to inﬂate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. Thresholds can also vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. In addition, your vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. 1-39 (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Frontal airbags are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inﬂator. Gas from the inﬂator ﬁlls the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inﬂator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-39 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts. What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the frontal airbags inﬂate, they quickly deﬂate, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbags inﬂated. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 1-40. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. 1-40 { CAUTION: When an airbag inﬂates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn on the hazard warning ﬂashers when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. (cid:129) Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. (cid:129) Your vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 7-15 and Event Data Recorders on page 7-15.

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2009 Pontiac Solstice Owners Manual