Pontiac Solstice 2010 Owner's Manual page 106

You can shift into 1 (First) when the vehicle is traveling
less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the
shift lever in N (Neutral) and let up on the clutch pedal.
Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into
1 (First).
2 (Second): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth): Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth) the same way you do for
2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal down.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to N (Neutral).
3-24
N (Neutral): Use this position when you start or idle the
engine.
R (Reverse): To back up, press the clutch pedal. After
the vehicle stops, shift into R (Reverse). Slowly let up on
the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. If it is
hard to shift, let the shift lever return to N (Neutral) and
release the clutch pedal. Then press the clutch pedal
again and shift into R (Reverse). Do not attempt to
shift into the fifth gear position prior to shifting into
R (Reverse). The transmission has a lock out feature
which prevents a fifth gear to reverse gear shift.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Also, use 1 (First) or R (Reverse) along with the parking
brake, for parking the vehicle.