2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE automatic transmission

Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of
the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver
seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-24.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
The vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.The shift lock release is always functional except in
the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-36for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), see
your dealer/retailer.
2-25

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-27.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when it is on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the automatic transmission shift lever to
P (Park), or the manual transmission shift lever to
Neutral.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-24andParking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-26.
2-28

Removing the Roof Panel
{CAUTION:
Do not try to remove a roof panel while the vehicle
is moving. Trying to remove the roof panel while
the vehicle is moving could cause an accident.
The panel could fall into the vehicle and cause
you to lose control, or it could y off and strike
another vehicle. You or others could be injured.
Remove the roof panel only when the vehicle is
parked.
Until you are sure you can remove the panel alone,
have someone help you.
Notice:If you drop or rest a roof panel on its
edges, the roof panel, paint and/or weatherstripping
may be damaged.Park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Shift
an automatic transmission into (P) Park. Shift a
manual transmission into (N) Neutral.
1. Make sure the ignition is off.
2. Lower the windows.
There are two release latches on the front of the
roof panel and one rear release latch on the back of
the roof panel.
3. To unlock the release latches on the front of the
roof panel, grasp each handle and pull it outward.
2-34

Installing the Roof Panel
{CAUTION:
An improperly attached roof panel may fall into or
y off the vehicle. You or others could be injured.
After installing the roof panel, always check that it
is rmly attached by pushing up on the underside
of the panel. Check now and then to be sure the
roof panel is rmly in place.
Notice:If you drop or rest a roof panel on its
edges, the roof panel, paint and/or weatherstripping
may be damaged. Always place the roof panel in
the stowage receivers after removing it from
the vehicle.
In most cases, it makes it easier if two people re-install
the roof panel.
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
Shift an automatic transmission into (P) Park. Shift
a manual transmission into (N) Neutral.
2. Check that the front release latches and the rear
release latch on the vehicle’s roof opening are in
their opened positions before attempting to
install the roof panel.3. Carefully place the roof panel over the top of the
vehicle.
4. Position the rear edge of the roof panel on the back
of the roof opening. Then align and t the pins at
the rear of the roof panel. Gently lower the
front edge of the roof panel to the front of the roof
opening.
5. Turn the front release
handles inward so that
they latch to the
closed position.
6. Push up on the handle of the rear roof release
handle to latch its hook in the closed position.
7. Push and pull the roof panel up and down and
side-to-side to ensure the roof panel is securely
installed.
2-36

Notice:Lowering the top if it is damp, wet, or dirty
can cause stains, mildew, and damage to the
inside of your vehicle. Dry off the top before
lowering it.
Notice:If you lower the top on your vehicle in cold
weather (0°F/-18°C or lower), you may damage
top components. Do not lower the top in cold
weather.
Notice:If you raise or lower the convertible top
while the vehicle is in motion, you could damage the
top or the top mechanism. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Always put an
automatic transmission in (P) Park or a manual
transmission in (1) First or (R) Reverse, turn
the ignition off and engage the parking brake before
raising or lowering the convertible top.
{CAUTION:
Moving parts of the convertible top can be
dangerous. People can be injured by the
convertible top and its mechanism. Keep people
away from your vehicle when you are lowering or
raising the top.
Lowering the Manual Convertible Top
1. Empty the trunk of all contents.
2. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
Shift an automatic transmission into (P) Park. Shift
a manual transmission into (1) First or (R) Reverse.
3. Turn the ignition off.
4. Open the trunk.
5. Pull down on the convertible top front latch, located
above the inside rearview mirror, and turn it
counterclockwise to unlatch it.
Leave the latch open and turned to prevent damage.
2-38

6. Pull rearward on the side edge (B) of the convertible
top and pull it off of the windshield frame.
7. Push the convertible top down into the trunk (E).
8. After the top is stored, as shown, push on the
convertible top to ensure that the top is fully
retracted and securely stored.
9. Close the trunk (E) by pressing down from the rear
center of it with a swift, rm motion.
Do not operate the rear defogger when the convertible
top is down.Raising the Manual Convertible Top
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake rmly
and shift an automatic transmission into (P) Park.
Shift a manual transmission into (1) First or
(R) Reverse.
2. Turn off the ignition, and lower the windows.
3. Push the trunk release button located in the glove
box, or on the remote keyless entry, if equipped.
4. Open the trunk.
5. Pull the convertible top forward by rmly gripping the
side edge (B) and applying a brisk upward and
forward motion to get the top in the full-up position.
2-39

The main components of the instrument panel are the
following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-16.
B.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-19.
C.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-6.
D.Cruise Control on page 3-9(If Equipped).
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-20.
F.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-79
(If Equipped).
G.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-14.
H.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-24.
I.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-5.
J.Fog Lamps on page 3-13(If Equipped).
K. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Button (If Equipped). SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6orTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8.
L.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-34.
M.Horn on page 3-5.
N.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
O.Climate Control System on page 3-16.P. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped).Ashtray(s) and
Cigarette Lighter on page 3-15andAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-14(If Equipped).
Q. Shift Lever. SeeManual Transmission Operation on
page 2-22. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-19(If equipped with automatic
transmission).
R.Parking Brake on page 2-23.
S.Audio System(s) on page 3-46.
T.Cupholders on page 2-33.
U. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-8.
V.Glove Box on page 2-33.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|(Hazard Warning Flasher):Press this button
located on the instrument panel, to make the front and
rear turn signal lamps ash on and off. This warns
others that you are having trouble.
Press
|again to turn the ashers off.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the steering
wheel.
3-5

Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
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):Turns on the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps and
taillamps only.AUTO (Automatic Headlamp System):Automatically
turns on the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) during
daytime, and the headlamps, parking lamps, and
taillamps at night.
P(Off/On):Turns the Automatic Headlamp System
on or off. In Canada, this applies to vehicles with
an automatic transmission set to P (Park) 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 displays 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 P (Park), the Automatic
Headlamp System turns on. Shifting the lever back to
P (Park) will turn off the automatic headlamp system.
3-12