2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE change wheel

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the
area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or
stability system. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)
on page 4-9. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, or with a manual
transmission between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and
REVERSE (R), spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions,
you will cause a rocking motion that could free your
vehicle. If that does not get your vehicle out after a few
tries, it might need to be towed out. If your vehicle does
need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on
page 4-29.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label and the Certication label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
4-24

Low-Prole Tires
If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size tires, they
are classied as low-prole tires. These tires
are designed for very responsive driving on wet
or dry pavement. You may also notice more
road noise with low-prole performance tires
and that they tend to wear faster.
Notice:If your vehicle has low-prole tires,
they are more susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than standard prole
tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact with road
hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged objects,
or when sliding into a curb. Your vehicle
warranty does not cover this type of damage.
Keep tires set to the correct ination pressure
and, when possible avoid contact with curbs,
potholes, and other road hazards.
Winter Tires
If your vehicle has P245/45R18 size tires, they
are classied as low-prole performance tires.
These tires are designed for very responsive
driving on wet or dry pavement. If you expect
to drive on snow or ice covered roads often,
you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.The low-prole performance tires may not offer the
traction you would like or the same level of performance
as winter tires on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice covered roads. With winter
tires, there may be decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter tire tread life. After
switching to winter tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
See your dealer/retailer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also, seeBuying
New Tires on page 5-68.
If you choose to use winter tires:
Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the original
equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
5-52

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-61,
for additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Industry
and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with RSS-210 of
Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-60

If your vehicle has Goodyear Eagle F1-GS1
P245/45R18 size tires, they are directional
tires and must roll in a certain direction for
the best overall performance. The direction
is shown by an arrow on the tire sidewall.
Because these tires are directional, they
should be rotated as shown here. These
tires should only be moved from front to
rear and rear to front on the same side of
the vehicle.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-58andLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-24.
Reset the Tire Pressure monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-61.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-101.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel
could come off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.Directional Tires
5-66

{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel
could come off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or the
threads of the wheel nuts. If you do, the wheel
nuts might come loose and the wheel could
fall off, causing a crash.
{CAUTION:
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened
wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become
loose and even come off. This could lead to a
crash. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts.
If you have to replace them, be sure to get new
GM original equipment wheel nuts.
Notice:Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid
expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel
nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper
torque specication.
5-73

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades, if
contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn or
damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-50 and Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 5-90 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you
see anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed
safety belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint
Systems on page 1-50.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, and console
door. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(h)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-7

S
Safety Belt
Reminder Light............................................3-23
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-88
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................1-18
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-21
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-20
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-6
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback Latches............................................. 1-5
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-3
Seatback Latches.......................................... 1-5
Securing a Child Restraint
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-32
Security Light.................................................3-35
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle.......................................... 5-5Service (cont.)
California Pershlorate Materials Requirements..... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-32
Publications Ordering Information...................7-16
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-36
Service, Scheduling Appointments....................... 7-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-48
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-92
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-28
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-8
Specications, Capacities...............................5-101
Speedometer..................................................3-22
Starting the Engine.........................................2-20
Steering........................................................4-12
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-69
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................
2-36
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-35
Glove Box..................................................2-35
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-23
Sun Visors.....................................................2-13
10

T
Tachometer....................................................3-22
Taillamps
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..........................5-48
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-68
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-13
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-13
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-15
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-15
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-50
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-31
Tires.............................................................5-51
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-91
Buying New Tires........................................5-68
Chains.......................................................5-74
Cleaning....................................................5-91
Different Size..............................................5-69
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-58
Inspection and Rotation................................5-65
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-61
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-59
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit...................5-76
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-55Tires (cont.)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-71
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-67
Winter Tires................................................5-52
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-29
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-29
Your Vehicle...............................................4-29
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-6
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.................................... 4-9
Traction Control System...................................3-29
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-23
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-22
Transmission Operation, Manual........................
2-24
Trunk.............................................................. 2-9
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-36
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-70
Using this Manual............................................... iii
11