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2008 Pontiac Solstice Owner's Manual - Page 174

2008 Pontiac Solstice Manual

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Traction Control Operation Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary. The traction control system is enabled automatically when you start your vehicle, and it will activate and flash the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION message if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more information on the LOW TRACTION message, see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-37. Notice: If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, you could damage the differential. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and this message are displayed. Notice: When traction control is turned off, or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the rear wheels do not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See your warranty book for additional information. The traction control system may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise or vibration. This is normal. If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system activates, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise control will automatically disengage. When road conditions allow you to use cruise control again, you may re-engage the cruise control. See Cruise Control on page 3-10. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3 for more information. 4-8

Section	Page
2008 Pontiac Solstice BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Seat Height Adjuster	6
Reclining Seatbacks	7
Seatback Latches	9
Safety Belts	10
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	10
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	15
Lap-Shoulder Belt	22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	24
Safety Belt Extender	25
Child Restraints	26
Older Children	26
Infants and Young Children	29
Child Restraint Systems	33
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	35
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	36
Airbag System	40
Where Are the Airbags?	42
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	44
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	45
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	45
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	46
Passenger Sensing System	47
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	52
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	52
Restraint System Check	54
Checking the Restraint Systems	54
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	55
Features and Controls	57
Keys	58
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	59
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	60
Doors and Locks	63
Manual Door Locks	63
Power Door Locks	64
Delayed Locking	64
Automatic Door Lock	64
Automatic Door Unlock	64
Trunk	65
Windows	66
Manual Windows	67
Power Windows	68
Sun Visors	69
Theft-Deterrent Systems	69
Content Theft-Deterrent	69
PASS-Key® III+	71
PASS-Key® III+ Operation	71
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	73
New Vehicle Break-In	73
Ignition Positions	73
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	76
Starting the Engine (Key Access)	76
Automatic Transmission Operation	78
Manual Transmission Operation	80
Parking Brake	81
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)	82
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	84
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)	84
Parking Over Things That Burn	85
Engine Exhaust	85
Running the Engine While Parked	86
Mirrors	87
Manual Rearview Mirror	87
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	87
Outside Manual Mirror	87
Outside Power Mirrors	87
OnStar® System	88
Storage Areas	91
Glove Box	91
Cupholder(s)	91
Center Console Storage	92
Convertible Top	92
Instrument Panel	97
Instrument Panel Overview	100
Hazard Warning Flashers	102
Other Warning Devices	102
Horn	102
Tilt Wheel	102
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	103
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	104
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	104
Flash-to-Pass	104
Windshield Wipers	105
Windshield Washer	106
Cruise Control	106
Headlamps	109
Headlamps on Reminder	109
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	110
Fog Lamps	110
Instrument Panel Brightness	111
Entry/Exit Lighting	111
Mirror Reading Lamps	111
Battery Run-Down Protection	111
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	112
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	112
Climate Controls	113
Climate Control System	113
Outlet Adjustment	116
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	116
Instrument Panel Cluster	117
Speedometer and Odometer	118
Tachometer	118
Safety Belt Reminders	119
Airbag Readiness Light	120
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	121
Charging System Light	123
Brake System Warning Light	123
Antilock Brake System Warning Light	124
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	125
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	126
Low Coolant Warning Light	126
Tire Pressure Light	127
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	128
Oil Pressure Light	130
Security Light	131
Reduced Engine Power Light (2.4L Engine Only)	131
Highbeam On Light	131
Trunk Ajar Light	132
Service Vehicle Soon Light	132
Fuel Gage	132
Low Fuel Warning Light	133
Driver Information Center (DIC)	133
DIC Operation and Displays	134
DIC Warnings and Messages	136
DIC Vehicle Personalization	140
Audio System(s)	145
Setting the Time	146
Radio(s)	149
Using an MP3	159
XM Radio Messages	163
Theft-Deterrent Feature	164
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	165
Radio Reception	165
Fixed Mast Antenna	166
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	166
Driving Your Vehicle	167
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	168
Defensive Driving	168
Drunk Driving	168
Control of a Vehicle	169
Braking	169
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	170
Braking in Emergencies	171
Traction Control System (TCS)	172
Limited-Slip Rear Axle	175
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	175
Steering	178
Off-Road Recovery	180
Passing	180
Loss of Control	180
Driving at Night	182
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	182
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	183
Highway Hypnosis	184
Hill and Mountain Roads	184
Winter Driving	185
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	189
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	190
Loading Your Vehicle	190
Towing	195
Towing Your Vehicle	195
Recreational Vehicle Towing	195
Towing a Trailer	195
Service and Appearance Care	197
Service	199
Accessories and Modifications	199
California Proposition 65 Warning	200
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	200
Doing Your Own Service Work	200
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	201
Fuel	201
Gasoline Octane	201
Gasoline Specifications	201
California Fuel	202
Additives	202
Fuels in Foreign Countries	203
Filling the Tank	204
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	206
Checking Things Under the Hood	206
Hood Release	207
Engine Compartment Overview	208
Engine Oil	211
Engine Oil Life System	215
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	217
Automatic Transmission Fluid	219
Manual Transmission Fluid	219
Hydraulic Clutch	219
Engine Coolant	220
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	223
Engine Overheating	223
Cooling System	225
Power Steering Fluid	231
Windshield Washer Fluid	232
Brakes	233
Battery	236
Jump Starting	237
Rear Axle	241
Headlamp Aiming	242
Bulb Replacement	242
Halogen Bulbs	242
Headlamps	243
Front Turn Signal, Parking and Fog Lamps	243
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	244
Back-Up Lamps	244
License Plate Lamp	245
Replacement Bulbs	245
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	246
Tires	247
Winter Tires	248
Tire Sidewall Labeling	249
Tire Terminology and Definitions	251
Inflation - Tire Pressure	254
Tire Pressure Monitor System	255
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	257
Tire Inspection and Rotation	261
When It Is Time for New Tires	263
Buying New Tires	264
Different Size Tires and Wheels	265
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	266
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	267
Wheel Replacement	268
Tire Chains	270
If a Tire Goes Flat	271
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit	272
Appearance Care	281
Interior Cleaning	281
Fabric/Carpet	282
Leather	283
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	283
Care of Safety Belts	284
Weatherstrips	284
Washing Your Vehicle	284
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	285
Finish Care	285
Windshield and Wiper Blades	286
Convertible Top	286
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim	287
Tires	287
Sheet Metal Damage	288
Finish Damage	288
Underbody Maintenance	288
Chemical Paint Spotting	288
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	289
Vehicle Identification	290
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	290
Service Parts Identification Label	290
Electrical System	291
Add-On Electrical Equipment	291
Headlamp Wiring	291
Power Windows and Other Power Options	291
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	291
Floor Console Fuse Block	292
Underhood Fuse Block	293
Capacities and Specifications	297
Maintenance Schedule	299
Maintenance Schedule	300
Introduction	300
Maintenance Requirements	300
Your Vehicle and the Environment	300
Using the Maintenance Schedule	300
Scheduled Maintenance	302
Additional Required Services	304
Maintenance Footnotes	305
Owner Checks and Services	306
At Each Fuel Fill	306
At Least Once a Month	307
At Least Once a Year	307
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	310
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	312
Engine Drive Belt Routing	313
Maintenance Record	314
Customer Assistance Information	317
Customer Assistance and Information	318
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	318
Online Owner Center	320
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	321
Customer Assistance Offices	321
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	322
Roadside Assistance Program	323
Scheduling Service Appointments	325
Courtesy Transportation	326
Collision Damage Repair	327
Reporting Safety Defects	331
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	331
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	332
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	332
Service Publications Ordering Information	332
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	333
Event Data Recorders	334
OnStar®	335
Navigation System	335
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	335

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Traction Control Operation

Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine

power to the wheels (engine speed management)

and by applying brakes to each individual wheel

(brake-traction control) as necessary.

The traction control system is enabled automatically

when you start your vehicle, and it will activate and flash

the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION

message if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning

or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more

information on the LOW TRACTION message,

see

Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-37

Notice:

If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to

spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and

Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or

SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, you

could damage the differential. The repairs would not

be covered by your warranty. Reduce engine power

and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these

lights and this message are displayed.

Notice:

When traction control is turned off, or

Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible

to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the

rear wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is

possible to cause damage to the transmission.

Do not attempt to shift when the rear wheels do

not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of

the vehicle is not covered. See your warranty

book for additional information.

The traction control system may activate on dry or rough

roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration

while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the

transmission. When this happens, you may notice

a reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise or

vibration. This is normal.

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system

activates, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise

control will automatically disengage. When road

conditions allow you to use cruise control again,

you may re-engage the cruise control. See

Cruise

Control on page 3-10

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect

your vehicle’s performance. See

Accessories and

Modifications on page 5-3

for more information.

4-8