If you do a search of the Solstice/Sky forums you will see that the ball is molded around weights that are permanently attached to the shifter. What I saw looked like someone ripping the rubber off. No easy way to change that. My Solstice shift knob is almost is perfect shape. It is strange that they would make it this way.
I don't get any sound- warning, blinkers, music from my speakers. Should I change my audio system just like you? If so let me get the wire harness info. I have got stereo and dash kit from your video. Thanks for the video. This is exactly what I was looking for.
A stereo upgrade is really never a bad idea on a car of this age. I have full color diagrams for this car that I share with others on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. I have posted all of the Solstice/Sky/Opel wiring diagrams for the stereo with the amp (April 26, 2020 post), and wiring diagrams for the radio without an amplifier, and also the diagram for the satellite radio (August 24, 2022 post) This should be every diagram for the stereo.
Hey I’m doing an install…the radio is constantly staying on unless I turn it off. But it does not turn off when the ignition is off, key out, and door open
I assume you are installing an aftermarket radio and not trying to repair your factory radio. The switched ignition wire is red/white stripe. In looking at the color schematic on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page, you can see that both the switched ignition (hot in run or ign only) and the battery supply (B+) for the amp have the same color wire (red/white stripe). They run to different places, the switched ign is present on the radio harness and the battery is present at the amp. I would disconnect the stereo and measure the red/white wire at the radio and see if it is switching with the key and door open. Don't use the pink wire coming from the amplifier, that line is +12v all the time. When I built the harness, I removed this pin from the connector.
Yeah that is what I thought. The great thing about Summit Hot rod black (satin) is that it is very UV stable and will not fade over time. I have used it on exterior trim, full sun exposure and 6 years later looks like the day I sprayed it. Thanks for the comment!
You know the stepper motors that control the climate control air flow? Can you access those during this? I am planning to do this same project and was thinking while I had it apart it might be a good time to just replace all of those motors since they are so hard to get to, I believe there are three of them? Also did this unit have a back up camera available? I would like to use a unit that has one but now I am concerned about the curved dash, I didn't even realize that was curved before this video.
Yeah not sure about that one. There are some HVAC doors that have motors in them that fail for sure. I used a backup camera with this that mounted in the license plate frame. Took some power from the rear backup lights to signal the stereo you were in reverse. Works great. Thanks for watching!
@@afternoongarage Thank you, I replace two of those motors a few years ago, but couldn't reach the third (not even sure what the third one controls) I guess I'll have to take the dash apart and see!
For the lights themselves, I have a video where I put LED's in the original housings. ruclips.net/video/qdwBqqKYPN8/видео.html These housings were made specifically for the Pontiac Solstice so there aren't many aftermarket choices with the limited number of cars they made. I also have a light polish video for the Solstice where I refurbished the existing housings in my car.
I enjoy watching your videos and it helps a lot! I installed a JVC KW-V240BT radio cause the red leds matches the red lighting theme but, my DIC Display keeps showing "Key Fob Battery is Low." I did change the key fob battery and test the fuses and it will not go off after the car is on. I don't know what to do there is no tutorials. Just wanted to know if you experience this minor issue...
First, there are times with these GM fobs where the battery holder got loose, cracked the solder joints and required a bit of soldering to get it to work. There are a few videos about this. Check the circuit with a voltmeter to make sure you have 3.0V to the circuit. Follow the trace and measure it away from the battery so you know you are getting good connection away from the battery. I have done this a few times over the years, but I never got a battery low warning. In my experience this FOB is a digital transmitter only. Not sure why/how it would know a voltage level in the FOB itself. I do see a TSB on this issue and it looks like it requires the dealer to reprogram the BCM. I would thoroughly check the wiring first. I am going to put the wiring diagram for the door lock circuit on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. Looks like the door lock module is located behind behind the driver seat and there are only three lines going to it. It looks like it is powered by the onstar fuse. If you have good power and ground there, and a good battery connection on the FOB, I would then look for a serial data line that got misconnected to something during the radio install.
I installed a rear view camera when I did the head unit install. I did most of this work at the same time. The only different thing about a backup camera (assuming you are using a video cable with a power lead) would be the disassembly of the sill plates, and rear plastics to feed the video cable to the rear. I have a video titled "Wind Deflector" that shows how to take off the interior plastics to run this cable under the carpet near the door.
Heck yeah, I love this thing! It is 1/4" and part of Milwaukee's M12 tool line, P/N: 2456-20. I also have their 3/8 impact that has great torque. I am getting away from DeWalt because I find that Milwaukee's tools feel better in the hands. I think electrically they are superior also. They make so many M12 tools, PVC pipe cutters, caulk guns, portable bandsaw, and a great little compact saw called the hackzall.
Not sure what your current requirements are, but I always use Interstate batteries. The high-ampere, high CCA batteries have much more lead than electrolyte in them and can suffer from sulfation. I would be careful of using high-amp batteries as I see those fail much more frequently over a good quality, stock type battery. I would recommend a high-amp alternator that can handle a greater load. After all, how often are you using the stereo extremely loud when the engine is off?
You will need to keep watching my next video titled 'Nav wiring'. I will go through the process I used to figure out what wires are for what and where to hook them up. I will also then build a custom harness that will literally plug in to your aftermarket unit with no splicing at the dash. You can find this video here: ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html
Question, I'm looking at getting a 2009 Soltice GXP. Many are telling me to run from this car! I know nothing. It has 47k miles and appears to be ok. This will be a daily driver 30 miles a day. Anyone have any advice?. Also what kind of lift do you have in your garage and how how is your ceiling?
The Solstice/Sky/GT are some really great cars. I can't imagine who might be telling you to avoid them. They obviously don't know the car well as it is pretty reliable. I would buy one again if I didn't have my GXP. I have a video that explains my 4 post lift and dimensions of my garage here: ruclips.net/video/sFKxLZAOTQI/видео.html
@@afternoongarage Thank you! After much research I think a few just got a lemon which happens on all car brands as we know. I'm getting it in a few weeks. Coming from Vipers and Corvettes this will be a switch.
If you go to this video, ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html , I have all of the specific part numbers I used in this wiring video. Since this video, I have purchased another head unit just like this one. It still works great.
You need to watch my next video where I made a custom wire harness that just plugs in and retains chime, steering wheel controls. I also show which one I purchased at the start of the video. You can see me configuring the steering wheel controls here: ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html
@@afternoongarage Thank you for the quick response... I tried looking for that video and thank you for putting the link in the comment. Will be checking on that soon. 😊👍🏻
The dimensions of the radio is a double-din, or 4"x7". The screen diagonal measurement is 7 inches. I see they still sell the identical unit on Amazon.
Just spent 2k on a Kenwood install and they forgot to hook back up the cig lighter no wonder they they want more money to fix with all that dissassembly required
I found this one by running a search on Car Gurus. They will send you updates if another car is available in your area. I went to buy this car before they even were able to clean it up and take photos. Have it checked out before purchasing. There is a GXP with a manual transmission that just went up for sale in my city, Portland Oregon. Take your time you'll find a good one, there are many out there.
Both of my windows won't go up or down. Dont believe its the fuses, the left was working. I can hear the motors, but no action from the windows. Should I replace all of the inner hardware?
@@thebalanceoflife3078I have just posted the diagram on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. Sometimes you can get some water in the switches and they will fail. I would start by removing a door panel on the right side, unplugging the switch and see if the window will go down with an external power source. This will let you know if the motors are bad, or the switches/wiring. The colors for the motors on each side are brown and dark blue. I have a video of taking the door panel off here: ruclips.net/video/rnatiVJemAI/видео.html It is at the 1:42 mark. Edit: I reread your post and see that you can hear the motors working. This would mean that the window regulators are bad. They have gears/teeth that can wear away. I would suspect the regulators are bad if the motors are still working. Good luck!
@@afternoongarage thanks. Unfortunately i will have to have the work done, just had a stroke in September. I can still drive, and life is better with the top down. THANKS AGAIN
Where is the car stereo installation part? Maybe you should rename the title to " How to remove the gauge console and refinish with a fresh coat of paint".
Not sure what a "gauge console" is. I started this channel because I never see any channels tell you what tools to use, how to disassemble, what products people use, etc. There are too many car instructional videos where they say "hey this is what I'm going to do" and then the next cut is "OK I did it!" without any video on what they actually did. I believe I have made everything clear. Is there something I did that you didn't know about? A tool size perhaps? Some paint or cleaner that you didn't understand? If you do something different, leave a comment on how you approach removing the cluster trim. This is a video on removal of the stereo and replacement. Maybe you are after the electrical portion of the install. Here is the video of the electrical wiring. ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html Cheers :)
![Pontiac Solstice: Car stereo wiring [4K] Ep3](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cyS6yYrp4Ic/mqdefault.jpg)
![Pontiac Solstice: Car stereo wiring [4K] Ep3](/img/tr.png)
![Pontiac Solstice: Headlight restoration [4K] Ep4](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UNA7uJnhKmM/mqdefault.jpg)
The greatest part of this car is definitely the manual shifter. It doubles as a part holder for me when I do interior work
I love how you painted with a glove on the trigger hand, even though the other hand is what got dirty
I typically have no gloves on, so at least I remembered to put on one. Actually when the glove gets torn, I rip it off and get the job done.
@@afternoongarage it don't hurt to get dirty
Great job! Super informative. I'll be subscribing. ✔
Thank you! I really appreciate the sub. Check out my other how-to videos on the kappa.
Wow, excellent video
Don't forget part 2 with the next video where I cover the wiring. Thank you for the compliment!
@@afternoongarage I watched it, the steer control module was a pain in the ass.
Hey could you do a video on changing the gear knob in the Pontiac Solstice?
If you do a search of the Solstice/Sky forums you will see that the ball is molded around weights that are permanently attached to the shifter. What I saw looked like someone ripping the rubber off. No easy way to change that. My Solstice shift knob is almost is perfect shape. It is strange that they would make it this way.
I don't get any sound- warning, blinkers, music from my speakers. Should I change my audio system just like you? If so let me get the wire harness info. I have got stereo and dash kit from your video. Thanks for the video. This is exactly what I was looking for.
A stereo upgrade is really never a bad idea on a car of this age. I have full color diagrams for this car that I share with others on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. I have posted all of the Solstice/Sky/Opel wiring diagrams for the stereo with the amp (April 26, 2020 post), and wiring diagrams for the radio without an amplifier, and also the diagram for the satellite radio (August 24, 2022 post) This should be every diagram for the stereo.
I do t have Facebook
Mine too what did you do
Hey I’m doing an install…the radio is constantly staying on unless I turn it off. But it does not turn off when the ignition is off, key out, and door open
I assume you are installing an aftermarket radio and not trying to repair your factory radio. The switched ignition wire is red/white stripe. In looking at the color schematic on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page, you can see that both the switched ignition (hot in run or ign only) and the battery supply (B+) for the amp have the same color wire (red/white stripe). They run to different places, the switched ign is present on the radio harness and the battery is present at the amp. I would disconnect the stereo and measure the red/white wire at the radio and see if it is switching with the key and door open. Don't use the pink wire coming from the amplifier, that line is +12v all the time. When I built the harness, I removed this pin from the connector.
It's a good thing you did not try to match the paint because that black looks bad ass!
Yeah that is what I thought. The great thing about Summit Hot rod black (satin) is that it is very UV stable and will not fade over time. I have used it on exterior trim, full sun exposure and 6 years later looks like the day I sprayed it. Thanks for the comment!
You know the stepper motors that control the climate control air flow? Can you access those during this? I am planning to do this same project and was thinking while I had it apart it might be a good time to just replace all of those motors since they are so hard to get to, I believe there are three of them? Also did this unit have a back up camera available? I would like to use a unit that has one but now I am concerned about the curved dash, I didn't even realize that was curved before this video.
Yeah not sure about that one. There are some HVAC doors that have motors in them that fail for sure. I used a backup camera with this that mounted in the license plate frame. Took some power from the rear backup lights to signal the stereo you were in reverse. Works great. Thanks for watching!
@@afternoongarage Thank you, I replace two of those motors a few years ago, but couldn't reach the third (not even sure what the third one controls) I guess I'll have to take the dash apart and see!
Good stuff
Thank you, I try to be as explicit as I can showing my work. Also, thank you for subscribing!
Bro those clips for the tc and fog lights are a nightmare. I’m trying to get them back in now
Hi, what headlights can be used instead of the original. I cant find any anywhere
For the lights themselves, I have a video where I put LED's in the original housings. ruclips.net/video/qdwBqqKYPN8/видео.html These housings were made specifically for the Pontiac Solstice so there aren't many aftermarket choices with the limited number of cars they made. I also have a light polish video for the Solstice where I refurbished the existing housings in my car.
anyone knows where to buy both brand new headlight units for 2006?
I enjoy watching your videos and it helps a lot! I installed a JVC KW-V240BT radio cause the red leds matches the red lighting theme but, my DIC Display keeps showing "Key Fob Battery is Low." I did change the key fob battery and test the fuses and it will not go off after the car is on. I don't know what to do there is no tutorials. Just wanted to know
if you experience this minor issue...
First, there are times with these GM fobs where the battery holder got loose, cracked the solder joints and required a bit of soldering to get it to work. There are a few videos about this. Check the circuit with a voltmeter to make sure you have 3.0V to the circuit. Follow the trace and measure it away from the battery so you know you are getting good connection away from the battery. I have done this a few times over the years, but I never got a battery low warning. In my experience this FOB is a digital transmitter only. Not sure why/how it would know a voltage level in the FOB itself. I do see a TSB on this issue and it looks like it requires the dealer to reprogram the BCM. I would thoroughly check the wiring first. I am going to put the wiring diagram for the door lock circuit on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. Looks like the door lock module is located behind behind the driver seat and there are only three lines going to it. It looks like it is powered by the onstar fuse. If you have good power and ground there, and a good battery connection on the FOB, I would then look for a serial data line that got misconnected to something during the radio install.
@@afternoongarage Than you for the late response due to RUclipss algorithm is lagging but
at least it is a start thanks again
can you make a video on how to put a back-up camera on a pontiac solstice? thanks
I installed a rear view camera when I did the head unit install. I did most of this work at the same time. The only different thing about a backup camera (assuming you are using a video cable with a power lead) would be the disassembly of the sill plates, and rear plastics to feed the video cable to the rear. I have a video titled "Wind Deflector" that shows how to take off the interior plastics to run this cable under the carpet near the door.
@@afternoongarage Thank you! Yeah I was looking through your videos and couldn't find it. but now i know!
what the make of the electrical screw driver at 5:14 ? i would like to buy one
Heck yeah, I love this thing! It is 1/4" and part of Milwaukee's M12 tool line, P/N: 2456-20. I also have their 3/8 impact that has great torque. I am getting away from DeWalt because I find that Milwaukee's tools feel better in the hands. I think electrically they are superior also. They make so many M12 tools, PVC pipe cutters, caulk guns, portable bandsaw, and a great little compact saw called the hackzall.
What's a super good battery for the solstice when you put in a system
Not sure what your current requirements are, but I always use Interstate batteries. The high-ampere, high CCA batteries have much more lead than electrolyte in them and can suffer from sulfation. I would be careful of using high-amp batteries as I see those fail much more frequently over a good quality, stock type battery. I would recommend a high-amp alternator that can handle a greater load. After all, how often are you using the stereo extremely loud when the engine is off?
where are you located
What screen measure do I have to put in my 2008 pontiac solstice?
The solstice will fit a 4"x7" stereo, or 2 din with the Metra 95-3302 bracket.
Does the monsoon amp system work with the aftermarket head units.
You will need to keep watching my next video titled 'Nav wiring'. I will go through the process I used to figure out what wires are for what and where to hook them up. I will also then build a custom harness that will literally plug in to your aftermarket unit with no splicing at the dash. You can find this video here: ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html
Question, I'm looking at getting a 2009 Soltice GXP. Many are telling me to run from this car! I know nothing. It has 47k miles and appears to be ok. This will be a daily driver 30 miles a day. Anyone have any advice?. Also what kind of lift do you have in your garage and how how is your ceiling?
The Solstice/Sky/GT are some really great cars. I can't imagine who might be telling you to avoid them. They obviously don't know the car well as it is pretty reliable. I would buy one again if I didn't have my GXP. I have a video that explains my 4 post lift and dimensions of my garage here: ruclips.net/video/sFKxLZAOTQI/видео.html
@@afternoongarage Thank you! After much research I think a few just got a lemon which happens on all car brands as we know. I'm getting it in a few weeks. Coming from Vipers and Corvettes this will be a switch.
I'm looking to put a new stereo with navigation into my Pontiac Solstice, which one is the best to buy and what all do I need to do it?
If you go to this video, ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html , I have all of the specific part numbers I used in this wiring video. Since this video, I have purchased another head unit just like this one. It still works great.
I'm curious about the onstar system and steering controls...
...Do they still work with the new setup?
You need to watch my next video where I made a custom wire harness that just plugs in and retains chime, steering wheel controls. I also show which one I purchased at the start of the video. You can see me configuring the steering wheel controls here: ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html
@@afternoongarage Thank you for the quick response... I tried looking for that video and thank you for putting the link in the comment. Will be checking on that soon. 😊👍🏻
What are the dimensions of the screen?
The dimensions of the radio is a double-din, or 4"x7". The screen diagonal measurement is 7 inches. I see they still sell the identical unit on Amazon.
Just spent 2k on a Kenwood install and they forgot to hook back up the cig lighter no wonder they they want more money to fix with all that dissassembly required
Should be able to just take the shift boot out, lift up the cover a bit and plug it back in. Funny thing, I think I forgot to plug it in as well.
What you recommendation if someone want to buy a 2007 Pontiac solstice Sir ?
I found this one by running a search on Car Gurus. They will send you updates if another car is available in your area. I went to buy this car before they even were able to clean it up and take photos. Have it checked out before purchasing. There is a GXP with a manual transmission that just went up for sale in my city, Portland Oregon. Take your time you'll find a good one, there are many out there.
Both of my windows won't go up or down. Dont believe its the fuses, the left was working. I can hear the motors, but no action from the windows. Should I replace all of the inner hardware?
@@thebalanceoflife3078I have just posted the diagram on the Afternoon Garage Facebook page. Sometimes you can get some water in the switches and they will fail. I would start by removing a door panel on the right side, unplugging the switch and see if the window will go down with an external power source. This will let you know if the motors are bad, or the switches/wiring. The colors for the motors on each side are brown and dark blue. I have a video of taking the door panel off here: ruclips.net/video/rnatiVJemAI/видео.html It is at the 1:42 mark. Edit: I reread your post and see that you can hear the motors working. This would mean that the window regulators are bad. They have gears/teeth that can wear away. I would suspect the regulators are bad if the motors are still working. Good luck!
@@afternoongarage thanks. Unfortunately i will have to have the work done, just had a stroke in September. I can still drive, and life is better with the top down. THANKS AGAIN
UMMMMM.......I think my factory stereo is just fine.... Too much trouble to change.
I like the navigation in the dash and also bluetooth mirroring.
Where is the car stereo installation part? Maybe you should rename the title to " How to remove the gauge console and refinish with a fresh coat of paint".
Not sure what a "gauge console" is. I started this channel because I never see any channels tell you what tools to use, how to disassemble, what products people use, etc. There are too many car instructional videos where they say "hey this is what I'm going to do" and then the next cut is "OK I did it!" without any video on what they actually did. I believe I have made everything clear. Is there something I did that you didn't know about? A tool size perhaps? Some paint or cleaner that you didn't understand? If you do something different, leave a comment on how you approach removing the cluster trim. This is a video on removal of the stereo and replacement. Maybe you are after the electrical portion of the install. Here is the video of the electrical wiring. ruclips.net/video/cyS6yYrp4Ic/видео.html Cheers :)
You just screwed up, you have no CD player.