2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE service

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
9(LOCK):This position locks your steering column.
It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only be able
to remove your key when the ignition is turned to LOCK.If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch
cannot be turned to LOCK unless the shift lever is in
PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, the ignition switch can
be turned to LOCK in any shift lever position.
{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transmission removing the
key from the ignition switch will lock the
steering column and result in a loss of ability to
steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If
you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle
is moving, turn the key to ACC.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates some of
your electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel
and ignition.
R(RUN):This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in the RUN position when the engine is running. But
even when the ignition is not running, you can use RUN
to operate your electrical accessories and to display
some warning and indicator lights.
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/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
while in LOCK or ACC, when the key has not been
removed from the ignition.
Shift Lock Release
The following procedure allows the ignition to be turned
to LOCK and for ignition key removal in case of a dead
battery or low voltage battery.
1. Make sure the shift lever is in PARK (P).2. Using a tool, pry off the cover from the bottom of
the steering column.
3. Place your nger into the access hole and locate
the plunger.
4. Press and hold the plunger toward the driver’s door
while turning the ignition key to LOCK. Remove
the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your GM dealer as soon
as possible.
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AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):This position is for
normal driving. If you need more power for passing,
and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and
have more power.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for
higher speeds until then.
FOURTH (4):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are examples for using FOURTH (4) instead of
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
When going down a steep hill.INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it offers braking from
the engine for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade.
If repetitive shifts occur between third and fourth
gears on steep uphills, this position can be used to
prevent repetitive shifting. Fuel economy will be lower
than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). A time you
might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) is when driving on hilly
and winding roads.
LOW (L):This position gives you even more power but
lower fuel economy than INTERMEDIATE (I). You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transmission will not shift
into Low gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
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Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat.
To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of a discharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has a discharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-35for more information.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
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{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your
vehicle when the engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when it is on fairly level
ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-25andParking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transmission) on page 2-27.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
When you are sitting in a comfortable driving position,
adjust the mirror so you can see clearly behind your
vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center to move it up
or down and side to side. The day/night adjustment
allows you to adjust the mirror to avoid glare from the
lamps behind you. Move the lever to the right for
nighttime use and to the left for daytime use.
Manual Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®
If the vehicle has this mirror, while sitting in a comfortable
driving position, adjust the mirror so you can see clearly
behind the vehicle. Grip the mirror in the center and move
it up and down or side to side. The day/night control,
located at the bottom of the mirror, allows adjustment to
lessen glare from the lamps behind you. Flip the lever
right for nighttime use; ip the lever left for daytime use.
There are three OnStar
®buttons located at the bottom of
the mirror face. For more information about OnStar®and
the services it provides, seeOnStar®System on
page 2-30.
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Outside Manual Mirror
Adjust the outside rearview mirror so you can see a little
of the side of your vehicle, and the area beside your
vehicle from a comfortable driving position. Some
mirrors can be folded in to enter narrow passageways.
Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver’s door.
Move the selector switch located next to the four-way
control pad to the left or right to choose either the driver’s
side or passenger’s side mirror. To adjust a mirror, use
the arrows located on the four-way control pad to move
the mirror in the desired direction. Adjust each outside
mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it
can be seen while sitting in a comfortable driving position.Both mirrors can be manually folded by pulling them
toward the vehicle. This feature may be useful when
going through a car wash or a conned space. Push
the mirrors away from the vehicle to the normal position
before driving.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and live advisors
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services. If your airbags
deploy, the system is designed to make an automatic call
to OnStar
®Emergency where we can request emergency
services be sent to your location. If you lock your keys in
the car, call OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can
send a signal to unlock your doors. If you need roadside
assistance, press the OnStar
®button and they will get
you the help you need.
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A complete OnStar®User’s Guide and the Terms and
Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca. Contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to speak
to an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe and
Sound Plan is included for one year from the date of
purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the rst year,
or upgrade to the Directions and Connections
®Plan to
meet your needs. For more information, press the
OnStar
®button to speak to an advisor.
Safe and Sound Plan

Advanced Automatic Collision Notication
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
Accident Assist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections®Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
Ride Assist
Information and Convenience Services
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Storage Areas
Glove Box
To open the glove box, lift up on the lever. Use key to
lock and unlock.
Cupholder(s)
Your vehicle has a cupholder on the passenger side of
the center console. To access it, press and release
the forward section of the cupholder and pull out.
Center Console Storage Area
There is also an upright center console storage area
between the seatbacks. To open the storage area, press
and release the button near the top so it extends out.
Then, turn the button in either direction to unlatch the lid
and pull the console lid down. After you close the lid,
press the release button back in.
Convertible Top
For care and cleaning of the convertible top, see
Convertible Top on page 5-74under “Service and
Appearance Care”. High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
The following procedures explain the proper operation
of the manual convertible top.
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