2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE brake light

{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
You might want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer uid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a ashlight, a red cloth, and a
couple of reective warning triangles. And, if you will be
driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of
sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags to
help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these
items in your vehicle.
Also seeTires on page 5-51.
4-19

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is lled
with DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the brake
uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that uid is
leaking out of the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
If it is, you should have the brake and/or clutch hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes and/or clutch will not work well.It is not a good idea to top off the brake/clutch uid.
Adding uid will not correct a leak. If uid is added
when the brake linings are worn, there will be too
much uid when new brake linings are installed.
Add or remove uid, as necessary, only when work
is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine. The uid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake uid only when work is done on
the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
5-37

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes. Front disc brake pads
have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is moving, except
when you are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong
with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-101.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-39

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

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-48
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-95
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-17
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-25
Readiness Light..........................................3-24
Airbag System................................................1-36
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?..................................................1-42
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-40
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-38
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-48
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-41
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-43
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-48
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-41
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-70
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-70
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-28Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-91
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-88
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-92
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-89
Convertible Top...........................................5-90
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-86
Finish Care.................................................5-89
Finish Damage............................................5-92
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-87
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-85
Leather......................................................5-87
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-91
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-92
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-93
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-88
Weatherstrips..............................................5-88
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-90
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-16
Audio System.................................................3-49
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-69
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-70
Radio Reception..........................................3-69
Setting the Time..........................................3-50
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-68
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-70
1

Audio System(s).............................................3-53
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 2-8
Automatic Door Unlock...................................... 2-8
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Run-Down Protection...................................3-15
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brakes..........................................................5-37
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Braking........................................................... 4-3
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-48
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps.....5-47
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
Headlamps.................................................5-47
License Plate Lamps....................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-48
Buying New Tires...........................................5-68
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements....... 5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-101
Carbon Monoxide.....................2-9, 2-29, 4-19, 4-29
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-88
CD, MP3 .......................................................3-63
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-36
Chains, Tire...................................................5-74
Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-92
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-29
Infants and Young Children...........................1-25
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-31
Older Children.............................................1-22
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-32
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-16
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-91
Convertible Top...........................................5-90
2

Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-2
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-35
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-18
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-18
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-23
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-25
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-58
Inator Kit, Tire...............................................5-76
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-21
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-41
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-53
Lamps
Mirror Reading............................................3-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-18
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-31
Latches, Seatback............................................ 1-5
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-49
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-24
Antilock Brake System Warning.....................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
Charging System.........................................3-27
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-30
Highbeam On.............................................3-35
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-30
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-37
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-32
Oil Pressure...............................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-25
6

Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-40
Mirror Reading Lamps.....................................3-15
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-31
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®.............2-31
Outside Manual Mirror..................................2-31
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-31
MP3 .............................................................3-63
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-17
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............6-14
O
Odometer......................................................3-22
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-14
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-34
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-19Older Children, Restraints................................1-22
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-32
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-20
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-16
Outside
Manual Mirror.............................................2-31
Power Mirrors.............................................2-31
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-92
Park Brake....................................................2-25
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-26
Shifting Out of............................................2-28
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-29
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-25
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-43
8