2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE ignition

Headlamps
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has the following four positions:
2(Headlamps):This position turns on the
headlamps, parking lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):This position turns on the
parking lamps and taillamps only.
AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):This position
automatically turns on the Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) during daytime, and the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps at night.
P(Off/On):This position is an Off/On switch for the
Automatic Headlamp System. In Canada, this applies to
vehicles with an automatic transmission set to PARK (P)
and manual transmission vehicles with the parking brake
engaged.
When operating in AUTO, a brief turn of the switch to
off/on will turn off the Automatic Headlamp System.
An AUTO LIGHTS OFF message will display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime will sound.
Turning the switch to off/on again will turn the Automatic
Headlamp System back on. An AUTO LIGHTS ON
message will display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
The Automatic Headlamp System is always turned on at
the beginning of an ignition cycle for vehicles with manual
transmission. When the parking brake is engaged, the
automatic headlamps will turn off.
For vehicles with an automatic transmission, when the
shift lever is shifted out of PARK (P), the Automatic
Headlamp System will turn on. Shifting the lever back to
PARK (P) will turn off the automatic headlamp system.
Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition off and
the lamps on, a warning chime will sound. This lets
you know that the headlamps are still on.
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Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL
can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but
they can be especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running
lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that helps control the DRL. Make sure it is not
covered or the headlamps will come on when they are
not needed.
The DRL system makes both low beam headlamps turn
on at reduced intensity when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The shift lever is not in PARK (P).
While the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, and instrument panel lights will not be on.The DRL system turns off on U.S. vehicles by using
the on/off switch for one ignition cycle, if the vehicle
is in the PARK (P) position, or if the vehicle speed
is less than 5 mph (8 km/h) after the vehicle is started.
For vehicles rst sold in Canada the DRL system
will turn off when a automatic transmission vehicle is in
the PARK (P) position or the park brake is set on a
manual transmission vehicle and the vehicle speed
is less than 8 mph (13 km/h).
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when it is needed.
Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has a fog
lamp button, it is located
on the instrument panel,
to the right of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on to turn your fog lamps on.
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Push the button to turn the fog lamps on. An indicator
light on the fog lamp button will come on when the
fog lamps are on. Push the button again to turn the
fog lamps off.
The parking lamps will automatically turn on and off
when the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps will turn off while the high-beam
headlamps are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
DInstrument Panel Brightness:The control for
this feature is located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside your vehicle will go on when you
open any door. These lamps will fade out after about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closedor when the ignition is turned on. These lamps will
also go on when you press the trunk release, unlock
symbol button or the horn symbol on the Remote
Keyless Entry System (RKE) Transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle will stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps
Your vehicle has reading lamps on the rearview
mirror. Push the button to turn the reading lamps
on and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed to
protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system
automatically turns the lamp off after 20 minutes.
This prevents draining of the battery.
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Charging System Light
This light will come
on briey when you
turn on the ignition,
but the engine is not
running, as a check to
show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-40
for more information. This light could indicate that
you have problems with a generator drive belt, or
another electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when the engine is
started. If it does not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
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When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set the parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does
not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake
is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. Make sure the parking brake
is fully released. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push or, the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-29.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning
light on can lead to an accident. If the light
is still on after you have pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this
light will come on
briey when you
start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but
you do not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you do not have antilock
brakes and there is a problem with your regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-27
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-40for
all brake related DIC messages.
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Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-27for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27.
Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive with the
engine coolant temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting your
vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
Low Coolant Warning Light
This light comes on
briey when you turn
your ignition on.
If this light comes on and stays on, the coolant level in
your vehicle is low. If the light is on you may have a
serious overheating problem.
Notice:Driving with the low coolant warning light
on could cause your vehicle to overheat. See “Engine
Overheating” underEngine Coolant on page 5-24.
Your vehicle could be damaged and the damages
might not be covered by your warranty.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24for more information.
Your vehicle should be serviced as soon as possible.
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Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle has a
tire pressure light.
This light comes on briey when the engine is
started and provides information about tire pressures
and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-40for more
information. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinated, inate to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 5-51for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light will ash
for about a minute and then stay on solid for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat
with every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-59for more information.
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of
the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine
light comes on to
indicate that there is
an OBD II problem
and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. This can prevent more serious
damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after a while, the emission controls might
not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that
might not be covered by your warranty.Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3.
This light comes on, as a check to show it is working,
when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN but the engine
is not running. If the light does not come on, have
it repaired. This light also comes on during a malfunction
in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has been
detected. A misre increases vehicle emissions
and could damage the emission control system
on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
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