2007 PONTIAC SOLSTICE check engine light

CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure
that it is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the message off.
COMPETITIVE MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays when the Competitive Driving mode is
selected. The Traction Control System (TCS) will
not be operating while in the Competitive Driving
mode and the ESC/TCS light on the instrument
panel cluster will be on solid. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeElectronic Stability Control on
page 200andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light (2.0L Engine Only) on page 136for more
information.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control
system is active. SeeCruise Control on page 115
for more information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the
vehicle’s doors are not closed properly. When this
message displays, make sure that the door(s)
are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), this message displays and the
ESC/TCS light on the instrument panel cluster
ashes when ESC is assisting you with directional
control of the vehicle. You may feel or hear the
system working and see this message displayed
in the DIC.
149

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. The brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic
following distances, you will eliminate a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 235.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle may have the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking
system that will help prevent a braking skid.
If your vehicle has ABS,
this warning light on the
instrument panel will
come on briey when
you start your vehicle.
When you start your engine, or when you begin to
drive away, your ABS will check itself. You may
hear a momentary motor or clicking noise
while this test is going on, and you may even
notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a
little. This is normal.
195

Notice:When traction control is turned off,
or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is
possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift
with the rear wheels spinning with a loss of
traction, it is possible to cause damage to the
transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the
rear wheels do not have traction. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered.
See your warranty book for additional
information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or
rough roads or under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/
downshifts of the transmission. When this
happens, you may notice a reduction in
acceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration.
This is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light will ash and the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When
road conditions allow you to use cruise control
again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See
Cruise Control on page 115.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 235for more information.Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have a limited-slip rear
differential which provides maximum power and
performance. It is designed to give you additional
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It
works like a standard axle most of the time, but
when one of the rear wheels has no traction
and the other does, this feature will allow
the wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
During a sudden shift, such as shifting from
FIRST (1) to SECOND (2) gear at low engine
speeds or suddenly applying the clutch, you may
feel or hear a clunking or rattling noise. This is
normal.
Electronic Stability Control
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control
systems and helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in most driving conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic
checks to ensure there are no problems. You may
hear or feel the system working.
200

Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
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?
216

Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your
vehicle can affect the airow around it. This may
cause wind noise and affect windshield washer
performance. Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important
part of the proper maintenance of your vehicle.
To help keep your engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, GM recommends
the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also
use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may
be slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to
as spark knock.If the octane is less than 87, you may notice a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). General Motors recommends against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 238for additional information.
237

Center Console Storage Area........................ 99
Chains, Tire................................................. 302
Charging System Light................................ 134
Check
Engine Light............................................ 138
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 242
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 323
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 33
Infants and Young Children........................ 30
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children....... 37
Older Children........................................... 27
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Passenger Seat Position......................... 38
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 122
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 321
Convertible Top........................................ 320
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 318
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 315
Finish Care.............................................. 319
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 314
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 317
Leather.................................................... 316
Tires........................................................ 322Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance........................... 323
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 318
Weatherstrips........................................... 317
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 320
Climate Control System............................... 122
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 126
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 256
Collision Damage Repair............................. 375
Content Theft-Deterrent................................. 72
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 194
Convertible Top............................................. 99
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light........... 137
Low Warning Light................................... 138
Surge Tank Pressure Cap........................ 260
Cooling System........................................... 262
Cruise Control............................................. 115
Cupholder(s)................................................. 98
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation........................... 371
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users......................... 366
Customer Assistance Offices.................... 366
Customer Satisfaction Procedure.............. 362
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program...... 367
385

Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...... 136
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter...................................... 254
Battery..................................................... 273
Check and Service Engine Soon Light..... 138
Coolant.................................................... 257
Coolant Temperature Warning Light.......... 137
Cooling System Inspection....................... 352
Drive Belt Routing.................................... 356
Engine Compartment Overview................ 244
Exhaust..................................................... 91
Oil ........................................................... 247
Oil Life System........................................ 252
Overheating............................................. 260
Reduced Power Light............................... 143
Starting...................................................... 80
Entry/Exit Lighting....................................... 120
Event Data Recorders (EDR)...................... 373
Extender, Safety Belt..................................... 26
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner................................... 254
Finish Damage............................................ 322
Fixed Mast Antenna.................................... 187Flashers, Hazard Warning........................... 110
Flash-to-Pass.............................................. 113
Flat Tire...................................................... 302
Fluid
Automatic Transmission............................ 256
Manual Transmission................................ 256
Power Steering........................................ 268
Windshield Washer.................................. 269
Fog Lamps.................................................. 120
Fuel............................................................ 237
Additives.................................................. 238
California Fuel.......................................... 238
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.............. 242
Filling Your Tank...................................... 240
Fuels in Foreign Countries....................... 239
Gage....................................................... 144
Gasoline Octane...................................... 237
Gasoline Specications............................ 237
Low Warning Light................................... 145
System Inspection.................................... 351
Fuses
Floor Console Fuse Block........................ 327
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...................... 326
Underhood Fuse Block............................. 329
387

G
Gage
Fuel......................................................... 144
Speedometer........................................... 129
Tachometer.............................................. 129
Gasoline
Octane..................................................... 237
Specications........................................... 237
Glove Box..................................................... 98
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.......... 367
H
Hazard Warning Flashers............................ 110
Headlamp Wiring......................................... 326
Headlamps.........................................118, 280
Bulb Replacement.................................... 280
Daytime Running Lamps.......................... 119
Flash-to-Pass........................................... 113
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Fog Lamps........................................... 281
Halogen Bulbs......................................... 280
High/Low Beam Changer......................... 112
On Reminder........................................... 119
Heater......................................................... 122Highbeam On Light..................................... 143
Highway Hypnosis....................................... 217
Hill and Mountain Roads............................. 218
Hood
Checking Things Under............................ 242
Release................................................... 243
Horn............................................................ 110
How to Use This Manual................................ 4
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly............... 18
Hydraulic Clutch.......................................... 256
I
Ignition Positions........................................... 77
Infants and Young Children, Restraints.......... 30
Ination - Tire Pressure............................... 292
Inator Kit, Tire........................................... 303
Inspection
Brake System.......................................... 352
Engine Cooling System............................ 352
Exhaust System....................................... 351
Fuel System............................................ 351
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.................. 351
Steering and Suspension ......................... 351
Throttle System........................................ 352
388