2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE stop start

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road,
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer uid
reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of
streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when
strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.
4-16

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper
lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do not, under
any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the
next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds,
you may tend to think you are going slower than you
actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-21

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . .5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-20
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-20
Engine Coolant.............................................5-20
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-23
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-25Cooling System............................................5-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-30
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-31
Brakes........................................................5-32
Battery........................................................5-34
Jump Starting...............................................5-35
Rear Axle.......................................................5-39
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-40
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-40
Headlamps..................................................5-41
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps......5-41
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-42
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-43
Tires..............................................................5-44
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-46
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-47
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-50
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-51
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-52
Buying New Tires.........................................5-53
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-54
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-55
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-56
Wheel Replacement......................................5-56
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly.
This spray can happen if your tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open
the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise
to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-72.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-30.If your vehicle is equipped with a Driver Information
Center (DIC), the CHECK GAS CAP message will be
displayed if the fuel cap is not properly installed.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-38for
more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not t properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-30.
5-9

{CAUTION:
Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with
the climate control system off can cause
deadly carbon monoxide (CO). SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-28.
7. Start the vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on
page 2-19for more information. The vehicle must be
running while using the air compressor.
{CAUTION:
Inating something too much can make it
explode, and you or others could be injured.
Be sure to read the inator instructions, and
inate the tire to its recommended pressure.
Do not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa).
8. Move the inator kit switch to the I (on) position.9. Inate the tire up to the recommended ination
pressure using the air pressure gage on the top
of the unit.
10. Turn off the air compressor by moving the switch to
the O (off) position.
{CAUTION:
Storing the tire inator kit or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the vehicle
could cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could strike
someone. Store the tire inator kit in the
proper place.
11. Place the equipment in the original location in the
trunk of your vehicle.
5-67

Seatback Latches............................................. 1-4
Seats
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-2
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-4
Securing a Child Restraint
Passenger Seat Position...............................1-27
Security Light.................................................3-33
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-3
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-30
Publications Ordering Information...................7-15
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-34
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-41
Setting the Time.............................................3-47
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-75
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-25
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-26
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Specications, Capacities.................................5-82
Speedometer..................................................3-22
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-19
Steering........................................................4-10
Steering and Suspension Inspection..................6-19
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-69
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-33
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-33
Glove Box..................................................2-33
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-12
T
Tachometer....................................................3-22
Taillamps
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..........................5-42
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-13
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-14
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-15
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-20
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tires.............................................................5-44
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-74
Buying New Tires........................................5-53
Chains.......................................................5-59
Cleaning....................................................5-75
Different Size..............................................5-54
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-59
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-50
Inspection and Rotation................................5-51
10