2007 PONTIAC SOLSTICE change wheel

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
of the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your
vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height,
front end or side sheet metal, they may keep
the airbag system from working properly.
Also, the airbag system may not work properly
if you relocate any of the airbag sensors.
If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of theCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 362.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the
front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
the instrument panel, or airbag wiring can
affect the operation of the airbag system.
If you have questions, call Customer
Assistance. The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are
in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction
Procedure in this manual. SeeCustomer
Satisfaction Procedure on page 362.
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Instrument Panel Overview........................ 108
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 110
Other Warning Devices............................. 110
Horn.......................................................... 110
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 111
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 111
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 112
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 112
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 113
Windshield Wipers..................................... 113
Windshield Washer.................................... 114
Cruise Control........................................... 115
Headlamps................................................ 118
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 119
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 119
Fog Lamps................................................ 120
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 120
Entry/Exit Lighting...................................... 120
Mirror Reading Lamps............................... 120
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 121
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 121
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 122Climate Controls......................................... 122
Climate Control System............................. 122
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 126
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 127
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 128
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 129
Tachometer............................................... 129
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 130
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 130
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 131
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 132
Charging System Light.............................. 134
Brake System Warning Light..................... 134
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 135
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
(2.0L Engine Only).................................. 136
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 137
Low Coolant Warning Light....................... 138
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 138
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise the steering
wheel to the highest level to give your legs more
room when you enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel
is located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, pull down the lever. Then move
the wheel to a comfortable position, pull up
the lever to lock the wheel in place.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
GTurn and Lane-Change Signals. See
Turn and Lane-Change Signals on page 112.
23Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on
page 112.
Flash-to-Pass. SeeFlash-to-Pass on page 113.
OExterior Lamp Control. SeeHeadlamps on
page 118.
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Cruise Control
If your vehicle has cruise control, it can maintain
a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more
without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
This can really help on long trips. Cruise control
does not work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when
you are not using cruise, you might hit a
button and go into cruise when you do not
want to. You could be startled and even
lose control. Keep the cruise control switch
off until you want to use cruise control.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the left side of the
steering wheel.
J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
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Let us say the road is wet and you are driving
safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of
you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking.
Here is what happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each
wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than
any driver could. The computer is programmed to
make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the
obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving
updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
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Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal
or always decrease stopping distance. If you get
too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not
have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel a slight brake pedal pulsation
or notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a
situation that requires hard braking.
If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the
same time. However, if you do not have ABS, your
rst reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and
hold it down — may be the wrong thing to do.
Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the
vehicle cannot respond to your steering.Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was
headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That
could be off the road, into the very thing you were
trying to avoid, or into traffic.
If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to
squeeze the brakes hard without locking the
wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease
off the brake pedal. This will help you retain
steering control. If you do have ABS, it is different.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on page 195.
In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
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The ESC/TCS light will be on and the traction
control system will not be operating. Adjust your
driving accordingly. This electronic stability control
mode is recommended only for use during closed
track events and competitive driving venues.
When you press the ESC button again, or restart
the vehicle, the ESC and TCS will be turned
back on.
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.Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the
engine stops or the system is not functioning,
you can steer but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents
mentioned on the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is
subject to the same laws of physics when driving on
curves. The traction of the tires against the road
surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change
its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is
no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the
same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a
vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.
203

Of course, traction is reduced when water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the
road. For safety, you will want to slow down and
adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by
shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the
surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding.
Learn to recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to
make a mirrored surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
If you have the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid.
If you do not have ABS, then in a braking skid,
where the wheels are no longer rolling, release
enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels
rolling again. This restores steering control. Push
the brake pedal down steadily when you have to
stop suddenly. As long as the wheels are rolling,
you will have steering control.Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to
be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night
vision problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the
glare from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need
to slow down and keep more space between
you and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only so
much road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe
place and rest.
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