2007 PONTIAC SOLSTICE ignition

Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to the START
position, and then released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not start and the
key is held in START for many seconds,
cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the
ignition switch to ACC or LOCK.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with your
dealer. If you do not, your engine might not
perform properly. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
81

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
the shift lever is located on the center console
between the front seats.
There are several
different positions for
the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
the engine because your vehicle cannot
move easily.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. 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 you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P)
before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes rst
and then press the shift lever button before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in
RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain
brake application. Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 89.
82

REVERSE (R):To back up, press the clutch
pedal. After the vehicle stops, shift into
REVERSE (R). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal. If it is hard
to shift, let the shift lever return to NEUTRAL and
release the clutch pedal. Then press the clutch
pedal again and shift into REVERSE (R). Do
not attempt to shift into the fth gear position prior
to shifting into REVERSE (R). Your transmission
has a lock out feature which prevents a fth
gear to reverse gear shift.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Shift to
REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
Also, use FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R), along with
the parking brake, for parking your vehicle.Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the
ignition is on, the brake system warning light will
come on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 134.
86

To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the release button in
as you move the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime
will sound and a warning message will be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph
(8 kph). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 148.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake system
parts. Verify that the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is
off before driving.Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. 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 you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding
the button on the shift lever and pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
87

The parts of the manual convertible top that are
used when lowering and raising it are:
A. Front Edge
B. Side EdgeC. Rear Buttresses
D. Trunk
Notice:Leaving the convertible top down and
exposing the interior of your vehicle to
outdoor conditions may cause damage. Always
close the convertible top if leaving your
vehicle outdoors.Notice:Lowering the convertible top when
there are objects in the storage area could
damage it or break the glass rear window.
Always verify that no objects are in the storage
area before lowering the convertible top.
Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or
dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage
to the inside of your vehicle. Dry off the
top before lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the top on your vehicle in
cold weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you may
damage top components. Do not lower the top
in cold weather.
Notice:If you raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is in motion, you could
damage the top or the top mechanism. The
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Always put an automatic transmission in
PARK (P) or a manual transmission in FIRST (1)
or REVERSE (R), turn the ignition off and
engage the parking brake before raising or
lowering the convertible top.
100

{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the convertible top can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
convertible top and its mechanism. Keep
people away from your vehicle when you
are lowering or raising the top.
Lowering the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking
brake. Shift an automatic transmission into
PARK (P). Shift a manual transmission
into FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the
glove box, or on the remote keyless entry,
if equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.5. The convertible top front latch, located above
the inside rearview mirror, must be unlatched.
Pull the latch down and turn it
counterclockwise to unlatch it.
Leave the latch open and turned to
prevent damage.
101

6. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the
convertible top and pull it off of the windshield
frame.
7. Push the convertible top down into the
trunk (D).
8. After the top is stored, apply one even push,
as shown, on the convertible top to ensure
that the top is fully retracted and securely
stored.
9. Close the trunk (D) by pressing down on it
with a swift, rm motion.Do not operate rear defogger when convertible top
is down.
A clear Mylar
®protective lm has been installed at
the factory on the trunk lid surface under the
convertible top buttresses. This lm is designed to
help prevent paint damage to the trunk lid. Do not
remove this protective lm. It is intended to remain
permanently affixed to the trunk lid surface.
Raising the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake
rmly and shift an automatic transmission into
PARK (P). Shift a manual transmission into
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
2. Make sure the ignition is turned off, and lower
the windows.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the
glove box, or on the remote keyless entry, if
equipped.
4. Lift the trunk.
102

Hazard Warning Flashers
Your hazard warning ashers let you warn others.
They also let police know you have a problem.
Your front and rear turn signal lamps will ash on
and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
in the center of the
instrument panel.
Your hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position your key is in, and even if the key is
not in the ignition switch.Press the button to make the front and rear turn
signal lamps ash on and off. Press the button
again to turn the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your
turn signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up
at the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m)
behind your vehicle.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the
steering wheel.
110