2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE brake

Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-25.To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime will
sound and a warning message will be displayed in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the vehicle is
moving faster than 5 mph (8 kph). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-37.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-23

Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. 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 you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-23for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you have
moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal
down. Then see if you can move the shift lever away
from P (Park) without rst pushing the shift lock release
button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into P (Park).
2-24

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

Parking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission)
Before leaving the manual transmission vehicle, fully
press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever in either
1 (First) gear or R (Reverse), and rmly apply the
parking brake. SeeManual Transmission Operation on
page 2-22.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
2-26

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