2007 Getting to Know Your Solstice - Cherod.com

DRIVER INFORMATIONInstrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Instrument Panel Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Vehicle Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4SAFETY & SECURITYRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Door Lock/Unlock without RKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . .7OnStar ® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Emergency Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8COMFORTSeat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9ENTERTAINMENTRadio and CD Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10XM Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Multiple-Disc CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . .13CONVENIENCEExterior Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Speed-Sensitive Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Map Pockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15PERFORMANCE & MAINTENANCEManual Transmission Operating Tips . . . . . . . .16Automatic Transmission Operating Tips . . . . .16Operating the Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Car Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Premium Unleaded Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Tire Inflator Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Towing and Dinghy Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Resetting the Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19OWNER INFORMATIONRoadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20My GMLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Congratulations on your purchase of a Pontiac Solstice. Please read this information and your Owner Manualto ensure an outstanding ownership experience. Note that your vehicle may not include all the featuresdescribed in this booklet. Keep this booklet with your Owner Manual for easy reference.

DRIVER INFORMATIONInstrument Panel2Getting to Know Your SolsticeA. Side Window Air OutletsB. Air OutletsC. Turn Signal/Multifunction LeverD. Cruise Control Buttons (if equipped)E. Instrument ClusterF. Audio Steering Wheel Controls(if equipped)G. Instrument Panel Brightness ControlH. Passenger Air Bag Status IndicatorI. Hazard Warning Flashers ButtonJ. Fog Lamp Button (if equipped)K. Hood Release LeverL. Driver Information Center Controls(if equipped)M. HornN. Windshield Wiper/Washer ControlsO. Climate ControlsP. Accessory Power OutletQ. Gearshift LeverR. Parking Brake LeverS. Audio SystemT. CupholderU. Trunk Release Button (in Glove Box)V. Glove BoxSee Section 3 of your Owner Manual.

Instrument Panel ClusterBCADEYour vehicle’s instrument panel isequipped with this cluster or onevery similar to it.The instrument panel clusterincludes these key features:A. SpeedometerB. Fuel GaugeC. Warning LightsD. TachometerE. Odometer/Driver InformationCenterNote: The instrument panel clusteris designed to let you know aboutmany important aspects of yourvehicle’s operation. It is importantto read your Owner Manual andbecome familiar with the informationbeing relayed to you by the lights,gauges and indicators, as well aswhat action can be taken to ensuresafety and to prevent damage.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.3

4Getting to Know Your SolsticeVehicle SymbolsFollowing are examples of symbols youmay find on your vehicle. It is importantto become familiar with them, as theyalert you to various vehicle operatingconditions.Air Bag Readiness LightAir Conditioning (A/C)Antilock Brake SystemWarning LightCruise Control SetDIC Info ButtonDIC Reset ButtonHeadlampsInstrument Panel BrightnessControlLow Fuel Warning LightMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)OffOff/OnOnParking LampsRear Window DefoggerReduced Engine Power LightSafety Belt Reminder LightSecurity LightService Vehicle Soon LightTrunk Ajar LightDriver Information Center (DIC)(if equipped)Your vehicle’s Driver Information Center(DIC) provides vehicle information, vehiclewarning messages and vehicle featurepersonalization. The DIC messageswill be shown on your instrument panelcluster display.To operate the DIC, the ignition switchmust be on. The DIC is controlledthrough two buttons located on the leftside of the steering wheel.BA(Information): Press this button (A)to scroll through the vehicle informationmode displays.(Reset): Press this button (B) toreset some information mode options,select a personalization setting oracknowledge a warning message.

5Press both buttons for several secondsand release to enter the personalizationmenu.Vehicle InformationPress the button to scroll throughthe following vehicle information:• Odometer• Trip A or Trip B• Fuel Range (until empty)• Economy (average fuel economy)• AV Speed (average vehicle speed)• Oil Life (remaining useful oil life)• Coolant (engine coolant temperature)• Boost (if equipped) — If your vehiclehas this feature, press the buttonuntil BOOST is displayed. Thismode shows a graphic that indicatesthe amount of boost the engine isreceiving in either pounds per squareinch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).Press and hold the button to resetthe information while it is displayed.Vehicle Feature PersonalizationA variety of your vehicle’s features canbe personalized to your preference. Topersonalize features:1. The vehicle must be stopped toaccess the personalization menu.Press and hold both the andbuttons for several seconds andrelease to enter the personalizationmenu.2. Press the button to scrollthrough the available personalizationfeatures.3. Press the button to togglebetween the available settings foreach feature.4. Press the button to record yourselection and move to the next feature.Personalization features include thefollowing (note that the first setting listedunder each feature is the default factorysetting):• UNITS– English– Metric• OIL LIFE RESET• LOCK HORN (Horn chirp duringRemote Keyless Entry locking)– Off– On• UNLOCK HORN (Horn chirp duringRemote Keyless Entry unlocking)– Off–On• LIGHT FLASH (Exterior light flashduring Remote Keyless Entry lockingor unlocking)–On–Off• AUTO UNLK (Automatically unlocksthe vehicle doors)– All– Driver– None• DELAY LOCK (Delays locking thevehicle for five seconds after the lastdoor is closed)–Off–On• UNLK (Determines when Auto Unlockwill occur)– Key Off (manual transmission)– Park (automatic transmission)

6Getting to Know Your Solstice• EXT LIGHTS (Exterior perimeterlighting during Remote Keyless Entryunlock)–On–Off• LANGUAGE– English– French– Spanish– GermanWarnings and MessagesIf a problem is sensed in one of yourvehicle’s systems, a warning or messagewill appear in the DIC display (seeyour Owner Manual for a complete list ofpossible warnings and messages).After a warning or message appears,press either the or button toclear the display screen for further use.Remember, acknowledging the messageonly makes the message disappear; itdoes not resolve the problem.If your vehicle is equipped with OnStarand your Check Engine light or anyother warning message appears, youcan press the blue OnStar button andspeak to an OnStar Advisor. In manyvehicles, OnStar Advisors can accesscertain diagnostic information and cantell you how serious the problem is andwhat you should do about it.Note: Your vehicle’s warnings andmessages provide critical informationthat can prevent damage to your vehicle.Review your Owner Manual tobecome familiar with the informationdisplayed and the action required.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.SAFETY & SECURITYRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)(if equipped)(Lock): Press this button when bothdoors are closed to immediately lockthem. The interior lamps will also turnoff. If enabled through the DriverInformation Center (DIC), the parkinglamps will flash and/or the horn will chirpto indicate locking has occurred.If the Lock button is pressed while anydoor is open and the Delayed Lock featureis enabled, the doors will not lock.Instead, a chime will sound. After bothdoors are closed, the doors will lock. Tocancel this delay, press the Lock buttona second time within five seconds.(Unlock): Press this button to unlockthe driver’s door. If the button is pressedagain within five seconds, all remainingdoors will unlock. The interior lamps willilluminate and remain on for 20 secondsor until the ignition is turned on. Ifenabled through the DIC, the parkinglamps will flash and the horn will chirp toindicate unlocking has occurred.(Trunk/Buttress Release): Pressthis button to release the trunk lid andconvertible top buttress. You can openthe trunk with the transmitter when thevehicle is stationary.The trunk and buttress may also beopened using the Trunk Release buttonlocated in the glove box.

7Automatic Door Locks(if equipped)(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):The vehicle must be turned off to usethis feature.Press and hold the button forapproximately one second to locate yourvehicle. The horn will sound three timesand the parking lamps will flash threetimes.To sound the panic alarm, press andhold the button for three seconds. Thehorn will sound and the parking lampswill flash for 30 seconds. Press the buttonagain or turn the ignition key to anyposition to cancel the panic alarm.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.Door Lock and Unlock Functionswithout the RKE TransmitterYour vehicle’s doors can also be locked/unlocked using the key.• To lock either door from the outside,turn the key clockwise.• To unlock either door from the outside,turn the key counterclockwise.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.For your safety, all power door locks willautomatically lock when the shift lever ismoved out of Park with an automatictransmission, or when the vehicle speedis greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) with amanual transmission.This feature cannot be disabled; however,if your vehicle has a Driver InformationCenter and an automatic transmission,you can personalize the unlock features.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.Passenger Air Bag StatusIndicatorYour vehicle is equipped with aPassenger Sensing System located inthe front passenger seat for the frontpassenger frontal air bag, and a passengerair bag status indicator located onthe instrument panel center stack.See Sections 1 and 3 of your Owner Manual.

8Getting to Know Your SolsticeOnStar ® (if equipped)If your vehicle is OnStar-equipped, theOnStar system provides in-vehicle safety,security and phone services, available24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Theseservices are easily accessed through thethree OnStar buttons in your vehicle.The OnStar system offers hands-freephone service using a microphone,located to the left of the driver on thepillar near the windshield, and thevehicle’s audio speakers.For more information about OnStar features,refer to the OnStar Owner’s Guideand enclosed audio CD located in yourglove box.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.Emergency Trunk ReleaseThe trunk lidcan beopened frominside thetrunk bypulling on theemergency trunk release handle locatedon the driver’s side of the trunk.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.COMFORTSeat AdjustmentsReclinerTo recline thefront seats,open the doorand rotate theknob on theoutboard sideof the seatuntil the seatbackis inthe desiredposition.Seatback LatchPull up thelatch onthe outboardsideof the seatnear thetop of theseatbackto fold theseat forward.This provides access to the seatbackmap pocket.Driver Seat Height Adjuster(if equipped)Your vehicle may have a power driverseat height adjuster. The switch is locatedon the outboard side of the driver’sseat. To use the adjuster, first move theseat to where you want it. To raise orlower the seat, hold the switch up ordown.See Section 1 of your Owner Manual.Forward or Rearward AdjusterTo move the seats forward or rearward,lift and hold the lever under the front ofeach seat and manually slide the seat.Release the lever to lock the seat inplace. Try to move the seat to ensure itis locked in place.

9Tilt Steering WheelAdjusting the Steering Wheel1. Pull down the lever located on the leftside of the steering column.2. Adjust the wheel to a comfortableposition. The wheel can be moved upor down.3. Push the lever all the way up to lockthe wheel in place.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.Climate ControlsABCTemperature ControlTurn the temperature control knob (A) toraise or lower the temperature setting.(Air Conditioning) (if equipped):Press the temperature control knob toturn the air conditioning system on oroff. The indicator light will flash threetimes and the air conditioning systemwill not function if the fan is turned off.Fan SpeedTurn the fan speed control knob (B) toincrease or decrease fan speed.(Off): This position turns off thesystem.(Recirculation): Press the fanspeed control knob to turn the recirculationmode on or off. This mode will recirculateinside air throughout the passengercompartment and keep outside airfrom coming in.Airflow ModesTurn the airflow control knob (C) to oneof the following five modes to changethe direction of the airflow:(Vent): This mode directs air to theinstrument panel outlets.(Bi-Level): This mode directs air tothe instrument panel outlets and flooroutlets.(Floor): This mode directs most ofthe air to the floor outlets and some air tothe side window outlets and windshield.(Defog): This mode directs air to thewindshield, side window outlets andfloor outlets.(Defrost): This mode directs most ofthe air to the windshield and some air tothe side window outlets.(Rear Window Defogger): Pressthe airflow control knob to turn the rearwindow defogger on or off. The defoggerwill shut off automatically after a setperiod of time.However, if the vehicle speed is greaterthan 50 mph (80 km/h) and the reardefogger is active, it will remain on aslong as the speed is greater than 50mph (80 km/h).

10Getting to Know Your SolsticeNote: Do not use the rear windowdefogger when the convertible top isstored.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.ENTERTAINMENTRadio and CD OperationWhile most of the features on your radiowill look familiar, the following are somethat may be new:(Power/Volume): Press this knob toturn the system on or off. Turn the knobto adjust the volume.(Information): Press this button totoggle the radio display between stationfrequency and time. If equipped, it willalso display additional text informationrelated to the current FM-RDS or XMstation, or MP3 song.(Tune): Turn this knob to select radiostations or, when a CD is playing, toselect a track or MP3 file.Press the knob to display the tonecontrol (bass/treble) or speaker control(balance/fade) setting. Turn the knobto adjust the setting.(Balance/Fade): Press this button,or the Tune knob, to adjust the speakercontrol. Adjust the setting using theSEEK, FWD or REV button.BAND: Press this button to switch toFM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 and XM2 (ifequipped). With a CD loaded, press thisbutton to switch between radio and CDoperation.(Seek/Scan): Press the right or leftarrow button to go to the next or previousradio station or, when a CD is playing,to the next track or MP3 file or thestart of the current track or MP3 file.To enter the scan mode, press and holdeither arrow button for a few seconds (abeep will sound). Radio stations will bescanned. Press either arrow buttonagain to stop scanning.(Reverse): Press and hold thisbutton to reverse playback quickly withina track or MP3 file.(Forward): Press and hold thisbutton to advance playback quickly withina track or MP3 file.CD/AUX: Press this button to play a CDinstead of the radio. Press again and thesystem will automatically search for anauxiliary input device such as a portableaudio player. A portable device can beconnected to the auxiliary input locatedon the lower-right side of the radio.RDM (Random): Press this button toplay CD tracks or MP3 files in randomorder. Press again to turn off randomplay.RPT (Repeat): Press this button to hearthe current CD track again. Press againto turn off repeat play.EQ (Automatic Equalization): Pressthis button to select preset equalizationsettings.

11CAT (Category) (if equipped): Pressthis button to find XM stations within adesired category.Setting Preset StationsBefore setting your preset or favoritestations, shift your vehicle into Park(automatic transmission) or into Neutraland set the parking brake (manualtransmission).Note: Choosing to engage in extendedsearching for specific audio stations orsongs by using buttons and knobs — orto give extended attention to entertainmenttasks — can lead you to lookaway from the road frequently or longerthan usual. Looking away from the roadfor prolonged periods may cause you tomiss seeing things on the road that youneed to see. Be sure to keep your eyeson the road and mind on the drive —and avoid engaging in extended searchingfor specific items while driving.To Store up to 18 Preset Stations:1. Turn on the radio.2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2or AM.3. Tune in the desired radio station.4. Press and hold one of the six numberedpushbuttons until a beepsounds to store the station.Setting Favorite StationsFAV (Favorite) (if equipped): Press thisbutton to go through up to six pages ofany combination (AM, FM or XM, ifequipped) of preset favorite radio stations.On each page, up to six stationsare available by using the six pushbuttonsbelow the radio station frequencylabels on the radio display.To Set Up the Number of FavoriteStation Pages:1. Press the MENU button to display theradio setup menu.2. Press the pushbutton located belowthe FAV 1–6 label on the radiodisplay.3. Select the desired number of favoritestation pages.4. Press the FAV button. You may nowbegin storing your favorite stations forthe chosen amount of numberedpages.To Store Favorite Stations:1. Tune to the desired radio station.2. Press the FAV button to display thepage where the station is to bestored.3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttonsuntil a beep sounds to storethe station.4. Repeat the steps for each pushbuttonon each page.Setting the Speed CompensatedVolume (if equipped)With Speed Compensated Volume, theradio automatically adjusts the volumeto compensate for road noise as vehiclespeed changes.To Set Speed Compensated Volume:1. Set the radio volume to the desiredlevel.2. Press the MENU button to display theradio setup menu.3. Press the pushbutton below the autovolume label on the radio display.

12Getting to Know Your Solstice4. Press the pushbutton under thedesired setting (Off, Low, Mediumor High) to select the level ofcompensation.5. The compensation will be set oncethe display times out after 10 seconds.Setting the TimeTo Set the Time (without date display):1. Press the (Clock) button until thehour numbers begin flashing on theradio display. Press the button againto adjust the minute numbers.2. With either the hour or minute numbersflashing, use the (Tune) knobto select the time.3. Press the Clock button again to setthe currently displayed time.To Set the Time (with date display,if equipped):1. Turn on the radio.2. Press the (Clock) button. Or,if equipped, press the MENU buttonuntil the clock option is displayed;and then press the pushbutton locatedunder the clock option label. TheHR, MIN, MM, DD, YYYY labels willappear on the display.3. Press the pushbutton under any ofthe labels to be changed.4. Press the pushbutton again or theFWD button to increase the numbers.Press the REV button to decreasethe numbers. Rotating the (Tune)knob also will increase or decreasethe selected label.5. Press the Clock or MENU buttonagain to set the currently displayedtime and date.MP3 Capability (if equipped)If your AM/FM stereo with CD has MP3playing capability, a CD-R or CD-RWcontaining MP3 audio tracks will playautomatically when inserted into the CDplayer. An MP3 symbol will be displayed.Radio Data System (if equipped)When you tune to a Radio Data System(RDS) station, the station name and callletters will appear on the display insteadof the frequency. RDS stations may alsoprovide the time of day, a program typefor current programming and the nameof the program being broadcast.RDS features are available for use onlyon FM stations that broadcast RDSinformation. RDS relies on receivingspecific information from these stationsand will work only when the informationis available.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.XM Satellite Radio (if equipped)XM Satellite Radio offers more than 160channels of digital-quality sound thatgoes wherever you go — coast to coast.XM displays song title, artist andentertainment genre.On equipped radios, two additionallistening bands are available: XM1 andXM2. To access these bands, press theBAND button until XM1 or XM2 appearson the display.Activation fee and service subscriptionare extra. Available only in the 48 U.S.contiguous states and Canada. Formore information, visit XM onlineat www.XMradio.com or call1-800-852-XMXM (9696).See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.

13Multiple-Disc CD Player(if equipped)To Eject a CD:• To eject the CD that is currently playing,press the EJECT buttononce.• To eject all CDs, press and hold theEJECT button for two seconds.If a CD is not removed after several seconds,it will be automatically pulled backinto the player.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.With the in-dash 6-Disc CD Player, notethat you cannot directly load a CD as insingle-play systems.To Load a Single CD:• Press and release the LOADbutton. Wait for the display prompt toload the CD.To Load Multiple CDs:• Press and hold the LOAD buttonfor two seconds. Follow the displayprompts to load each CD.To Play a Specific CD:• Press the numbered pushbutton thatcorresponds to the loaded CD numberon the display.Note: CDs with any affixed labels mayjam in the CD player. Label a CD usinga permanent marker. If more than oneCD is inserted into the slot at one time,or if scratched or damaged CDs areplayed, the CD player could be damaged.When using the CD player, useonly CDs in good condition withoutlabels; load one CD at a time; and keepthe CD player and the loading slot freeof foreign materials, liquids or debris.Audio Steering Wheel Controls(if equipped)A number ofaudio controlscan be adjustedat the steeringwheel.+ – (Volume):Press the plus orminus button toincrease or decrease the volume.(Seek/Scan): Press the up or downarrow to go to the next or previous radiostation or, when a CD is playing, to thenext or previous track.Press and hold the up or down arrow fortwo seconds (a beep will sound) to enterthe scan mode. Radio stations will bescanned while in the radio mode andCD tracks while in the CD mode. Pressand hold the up or down arrow for fourseconds to scan all of the loaded CDs.(Mute): Press this button to silencethe system. Press the button again toturn on the sound.Press and hold the button for one secondto interact with the OnStar system.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.

14Getting to Know Your SolsticeCONVENIENCEExterior LampsYour Solstice is equipped with an AutomaticHeadlamp System, which turns onthe Daytime Running Lamps during daytimeand the headlamps and other exteriorlamps at night or when necessary.The headlamps and parking lamps alsowill turn on if the wipers are on for morethan 15 seconds.Exterior Lamp Control SwitchThe exterior lamps can be operatedmanually using the control switch locatedon the lever to the left of the steeringcolumn. The switch can be rotated toeach of the following positions:(Headlamps): This position turnson the headlamps, parking lamps andtaillamps.(Parking Lamps): This positionturns on the parking lamps and taillampsonly.AUTO (Automatic Lamp Control): Thisposition automatically turns on DaytimeRunning Lamps in the daytime, andheadlamps, parking lamps and taillampsat night or when necessary.(On/Off): When operating in theAUTO position, a momentary turn of thelamp control switch to the positionwill turn off the Automatic HeadlampSystem. The Driver Information Centerwill display an Auto Lights Off message.To activate the Automatic HeadlampSystem, turn the switch to the positionagain. An Auto Lights On messagewill be displayed. The Automatic HeadlampSystem is always turned on whenthe vehicle is started.The Daytime Running Lamps will turn offwhen the vehicle is shifted into Park(automatic transmission) or the parkingbrake is set (manual transmission). TheDaytime Running Lamps will be off if theparking brake is applied when the vehicleis started, but will not turn off whenthe parking brake is applied after thevehicle has been moving.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.Cruise Control (if equipped)The cruise control buttons are locatedon the steering wheel.(On/Off): Press this button to turnthe cruise control system on or off.RES + (Resume): Press this button toresume a set speed, or to increase theset speed, if the system is engaged.

15SET – (Set): Press this button to seta speed, or to decrease the set speedif the system is engaged.When the cruise control speed is set,the Driver Information Center will displaythe Cruise Engaged message.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.Speed-Sensitive Wipers(Low): Move the lever up to thisposition to turn the wipers on Low.(High): Move the lever up to thisposition to turn the wipers on High.(Windshield Washer): Push thebutton on the end of the wipers lever tospray washer fluid on the windshield.See Section 3 of your Owner Manual.Map PocketsThe speed-sensitive wipers lever islocated to the right of the steering column.The headlamps and parking lampswill turn on if the wipers are on for morethan 15 seconds. The lever can bemoved to each of the following positions:(Mist): Move the lever down to thisposition to turn the wipers on for a singlewipe. Hold the lever at this position foradditional wipes.(Off): This position turns off thewindshield wipers.(Intermittent): Move the lever up tothis position to have the wipers adjustwith your vehicle speed. Your wiperspeed will increase as you drive fasterand decrease when you slow down.Rotate the speed-sensitive intermittentadjustment band on the lever toincrease or decrease the delay betweenintermittent wipes.Map pockets are located on the frontseat cushions as well as the seatbacksof both seats. Lift the latch near the topof the seatback to release the seat andfold it forward.There also is a netted storage areabehind the driver’s seat.See Section 1 of your Owner Manual.

16Getting to Know Your SolsticePERFORMANCE & MAINTENANCEManual Transmission OperatingTips (if equipped)Starting the EngineTo start the engine, you must hold theclutch pedal all the way down to thefloor before turning the key; otherwise,the engine will not start. The shift leveralso should be in Neutral and the parkingbrake should be engaged.Reverse OperationWhen shifting into Reverse, bring yourvehicle to a complete stop. Trying toengage Reverse with the vehicle movingcould damage the transmission. If youfind it difficult to shift into Reverse,return the shift lever to Neutral andrelease the clutch pedal; then depressthe clutch pedal again and shift intoReverse.Parking the VehicleWhen parking your vehicle, shift themanual transmission into 1st or Reverseand set the parking brake. These are thebest positions for parking a manualtransmission-equipped vehicle.Rear AxleYour Solstice may be equipped with alimited slip rear differential. This optionaldifferential is designed to provide maximumpower and performance.The Solstice driveline is designed totransmit maximum engine torque to therear wheels as efficiently as possible,which greatly enhances handling andacceleration capabilities.During an abrupt torque transfer (e.g.,1st to 2nd gearshift at low enginespeeds, or abrupt de-clutching), youmay notice an audible feedback noisethat could be interpreted as clunking orrattling. This audible feedback noise isnormal and will not compromise thereliability of the clutch, transmission ordifferential.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.Automatic TransmissionOperating Tips (if equipped)The shift indicator positions on the automatictransmission are PRND4IL.Automatic Overdrive (D) is the best positionfor normal driving. When driving onhilly, winding roads and engine brakingis needed, use the Intermediate (I) position.The Low (L) position can be usedwhen driving slowly on very steep hills,or in snow or mud.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.Operating the Convertible TopNote: A clear Mylar protective film hasbeen installed at the factory on the trunklid surface under the convertible top buttresses.This film is designed to helpprevent paint damage to the trunk lidover time. Do not remove this protectivefilm. It is intended to remain permanentlyaffixed to the trunk lid surface.Lowering the Convertible Top1. With an automatic transmission inPark or a manual transmission in 1stor Reverse and the parking brake set,turn off the ignition.2. Open the trunk lid.

173. Unlock the convertible top front latch,located above the inside rearviewmirror, by pulling it down and turningcounterclockwise. Leave the latchopen and rotated to prevent damage.4. Pull rearward on the side edge ofthe convertible top and pull it off thewindshield frame.5. Push the convertible top down intothe trunk.6. Push evenly on the center of the topto ensure that it is fully retracted andsecurely stored.7. Close the trunk lid.Raising the Convertible Top1. With an automatic transmission inPark or a manual transmission in 1stor Reverse and the parking brake set,lower the windows and then turn offthe ignition.2. Open the trunk lid.3. Pull the convertible top forward byfirmly gripping the side edge andapplying a brisk upward and forwardmotion to get the top in the full-upposition.4. Pull the front edge of the convertibletop forward from the outside of thevehicle, or push the front edge of theconvertible top forward from theinside of the vehicle.5. Turn the top front latch handle clockwiseto latch the convertible top.6. Close the trunk lid.7. At the rear edge of the convertibletop, press down on the buttresses tolatch them into the top of the trunk.Note: Do not raise or lower the convertibletop while the vehicle is in motion.Convertible Top CareTo properly care for the convertible top,keep in mind these precautions:• High pressure car washes may causewater to enter the vehicle.• Do not lower the convertible top ifthere are objects in the storage area.• Dry off the top before lowering it.Storing the top when it is wet cancause stains and mildew.• Do not lower the top in cold weather.• Do not operate the rear defoggerwhen the top is stored.• Always close the top when leavingyour vehicle outdoors.See Section 2 of your Owner Manual.

18Getting to Know Your SolsticeCar WashingThe convertible top should be cleanedoften. However, high pressure car washesmay cause water to enter the vehicle.After washing and thoroughly rinsing thevehicle, let the top dry in direct sunlight.A chamois or cloth may leave lint onthe top.Cleaning the Chrome or AluminumWheelsKeep the wheels clean using mild soapand water and a soft, clean cloth. Strongsoaps and cleaners could damage thesurface of the wheels.The chrome or aluminum wheels mayalso be damaged if the vehicle is driventhrough an automatic car wash that hassilicone carbide tire cleaning brushes.Note: Before entering an automatic carwash, ensure that there is the necessaryamount of ground clearancebetween the vehicle and the car washguide rails.Premium Unleaded GasolineUse premium unleaded gasoline with aposted octane rating of 91 or higher forbest engine performance. You may alsouse regular unleaded gasoline rated at87 octane or higher, but your vehicle’sperformance may be slightly reduced.Unleaded gasoline with an octane ratingbelow 87 is not recommended.See Section 5 of your Owner Manual.Tire PressureThe Tire and Loading Information labellists the proper size, speed rating andrecommended tire inflation pressure forthe tires on your vehicle. This label islocated on the driver’s doorjamb. Overinflatedand underinflated tires affectfuel economy and vehicle handlingas well as promote tire wear.See Section 5 of your Owner Manual.See Section 5 of your Owner Manual.

19Tire Inflator KitThe tire inflator kit is located at the backof the trunk on the driver’s side. It includesan air compressor, a tire sealantcanister, an accessory plug and an airpressure gauge. Refer to the tire inflatorkit instructions for complete operatinginformation.See Section 5 of your Owner Manual.Towing and Dinghy TowingYour vehicle was not designed to tow atrailer.It also was not designed to be towedbehind another vehicle with any of itswheels on the ground; therefore, dinghytowing also is not recommended.See Section 4 of your Owner Manual.Resetting the Oil Life System(if equipped)The Oil Life System calculates engine oillife based on vehicle use and displays aCHANGE OIL SOON message in theDriver Information Center (DIC) when it’snecessary to change your engine oil andfilter. The Oil Life System should bereset to 100% only following an oilchange.To Reset the Oil Life System:1. With the engine off, turn the ignitionto Run.2. Press the (Information) and(Reset) buttons on the DIC at thesame time to enter the personalizationmenu.3. Press the button until the DICdisplays OIL LIFE RESET.4. Press and hold the button for atleast one second.5. An ACKNOWLEDGED message willdisplay when the system has beenreset.See Section 5 of your Owner Manual.

20Getting to Know Your SolsticeOWNER INFORMATIONRoadside Assistance1-800-ROADSIDE (1-800-762-3743)TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438As the owner of a new Pontiac vehicle,you are automatically enrolled in thePontiac Roadside Assistance program.This value-added service is intended toprovide you with peace of mind as youdrive in the city or travel the open road.Pontiac’s Roadside Assistance toll-freenumber is staffed by a team of technicallytrained advisors who are available 24hours a day, 365 days a year, to provideminor repair information or make arrangementsto tow your vehicle to the nearestPontiac dealer.Pontiac will provide the following servicesfor 3 years/36,000 miles (60,000 km),at no expense to you:• Fuel delivery• Lockout service (identification required)• Tow to nearest dealership for warrantyservice• Flat tire assistance• Jump startsIn many instances, mechanical failures arecovered under Pontiac’s comprehensivewarranty. However, when other servicesare utilized, our advisors will explain anypayment obligations you might incur.For prompt and efficient assistance whencalling, please provide the following informationto the advisor:• Location of the vehicle• Telephone number and your location• Vehicle model, year and color• Vehicle mileage• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)• Vehicle license plate numberPontiac reserves the right to limit servicesor reimbursement to an owner or driverwhen, in Pontiac’s judgment, the claimsbecome excessive in frequency or type ofoccurrence.Roadside Assistance and OnStar(if equipped)If your vehicle is OnStar-equipped, whenyou press the OnStar button, the vehiclewill send your current GPS location to anOnStar Advisor who will speak to you,assess your problem, contact RoadsideAssistance and relay your exact locationso you will get the help you need.My GMLinkThe Pontiac Owner Center at My GMLinkis a complimentary service for Pontiacowners, a one-stop resource to enhanceyour Pontiac ownership experience.Exclusive member benefits include onlineservice reminders, vehicle maintenancetips, online owner manual, special privilegesand more. Sign up today atwww.mygmlink.com.Certain restrictions, precautions and safety procedures apply to your vehicle. Please read your OwnerManual for complete instructions. All information contained herein is based on information available at thetime of printing and is subject to change without notice. Copyright 2006 by GM Corp. All rights reserved.!15859548=A!15859548 A