2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE Owners Manual

Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines for the
rst 500 miles (805 km):
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow.
Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Do not make full-throttle starts; also refrain
from using the full throttle while driving.
Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
If these break-in procedures are not followed,
the vehicle’s engine, axle, or other parts could
be damaged.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
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/OFF):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/OFF.
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If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the
shift lever is in PARK (P).
If you have a manual transmission, the ignition switch
can be turned to LOCK/OFF 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/ACCESSORY.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
R(ON/RUN):This is the position the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in ON/RUN when the engine is
running. But even when the ignition is not running, you
can use ON/RUN to operate your electrical accessories
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
while in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY, when the key
has not been removed from the ignition.
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Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is
an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave
the key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove the key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock the ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not
be able to start your vehicle after it has been parked
for an extended period of time.
Shift Lock Release
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the
following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to
LOCK/OFF, and for the removal of the ignition key,
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 to the lock release
access hole, located at the bottom of the steering
column.
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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/OFF.
5. Remove the key.
Have your vehicle serviced at your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned off, power
to the radio and windows will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position — this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
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Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral position and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down
to the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle will
not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
That is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
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/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.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 let the cranking motor 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:The 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/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
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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 ON/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. SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-28.
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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.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-23for additional information.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also
use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine
is not running at high speed when shifting your
vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides better fuel economy for your vehicle.
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.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-14.
Notice:If your vehicle seems to start up rather
slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you
could damage the transmission. Have your vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive in LOW (L)
when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h)
and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
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FOURTH (4):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than
DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You might choose
FOURTH (4) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on
hilly, winding roads and when going down a steep hill.
INTERMEDIATE (I):This position is also used for
normal driving. However, it reduces the vehicle’s
speed without using your brakes, for slight downgrades
where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due
to steepness of grade. If constant upshifting or
downshifting occurs while driving on steep hills, this
position can be used to prevent repetitive types of shifts.
You might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of
DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly and winding roads.
LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than INTERMEDIATE (I) without using your brakes.
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.Manual Transmission Operation
This is the shift pattern for
a manual transmission.
Here is how to operate your manual transmission:
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch pedal. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
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