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2008 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual - Page 210

2008 Pontiac Vibe Manual

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Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires Be sure your vehicle's tires are inﬂated to the upper limit for cold tires. You'll ﬁnd these numbers on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). See Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-19. Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue. Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Hitches It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. And, if you have anti-lock brakes, do not try to tap into your vehicle's brake system. If you do, both systems won't work well, or at all. • Don't let the steel in a hitch contact the aluminum on your bumper. If you do, the two will corrode. You can use something like paint or plastic tape to separate the steel and aluminum. The same steel to aluminum problem can happen with fasteners too. • Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle. See Engine Exhaust on page 2-32. Dirt and water can too. 4-30

Section	Page
2008 Pontiac Vibe BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Seat Height Adjuster	7
Reclining Seatbacks	7
Head Restraints	9
Passenger Folding Seatback	10
Rear Seats	12
Rear Seat Operation	12
Safety Belts	14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Lap-Shoulder Belt	27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	30
Safety Belt Extender	30
Child Restraints	31
Older Children	31
Infants and Young Children	34
Child Restraint Systems	37
Where to Put the Restraint	40
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	50
Airbag System	54
Where Are the Airbags?	56
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	61
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	61
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	62
Passenger Sensing System	63
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	68
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	69
Restraint System Check	70
Checking the Restraint Systems	70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	71
Features and Controls	73
Keys	74
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	75
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	76
Doors and Locks	79
Door Locks	79
Power Door Locks	80
Rear Door Security Locks	81
Liftgate/Liftglass	82
Windows	84
Manual Windows	84
Power Windows	85
Sun Visors	86
Theft-Deterrent Systems	86
Immobilizer	86
Immobilizer Operation (Canada Only)	87
Content Theft-Deterrent	88
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	90
New Vehicle Break-In	90
Ignition Positions	91
Starting the Engine	92
Engine Coolant Heater	94
Automatic Transmission Operation	95
Overdrive Off	97
Manual Transmission Operation	98
Parking Brake	99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)	100
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	102
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)	103
Parking Over Things That Burn	103
Engine Exhaust	104
Running the Engine While Parked	104
Mirrors	105
Manual Rearview Mirror	105
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	105
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	106
Outside Remote Control Mirrors	106
Outside Convex Mirror	107
OnStar® System	107
Storage Areas	111
Glove Box	111
Cupholder(s)	111
Coinholder(s)	111
Instrument Panel Storage	111
Center Console Storage	111
Floor Mats	111
Luggage Carrier	112
Rear Storage Area	113
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System	114
Cargo Cover	114
Cargo Tie Downs	114
Sunroof	115
Instrument Panel	117
Instrument Panel Overview	120
Hazard Warning Flashers	122
Other Warning Devices	122
Horn	122
Tilt Wheel	123
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	123
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	124
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	124
Flash-to-Pass	124
Windshield Wipers	125
Windshield Washer	126
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	126
Cruise Control	127
Exterior Lamps	130
Headlamps on Reminder	131
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	131
Automatic Headlamp System	132
Fog Lamps	132
Instrument Panel Brightness	132
Interior Lamps Control	133
Entry Lighting	133
Reading Lamps	133
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	134
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current	134
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	135
Climate Controls	136
Climate Control System	136
Outlet Adjustment	138
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	139
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	141
Instrument Panel Cluster	142
Speedometer and Odometer	143
Trip Odometers	143
Tachometer	144
Safety Belt Reminders	144
Airbag Readiness Light	145
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	146
Charging System Light	148
Brake System Warning Light	148
Antilock Brake System Warning Light	149
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light	150
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light	150
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light	151
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	151
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	152
Oil Pressure Light	154
Lights On Reminder	155
Taillamp Indicator Light	155
Cruise Control Light	155
Overdrive Off Light	155
Highbeam On Light	156
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light	156
Door Ajar Light	156
Fuel Gage	157
Low Fuel Warning Light	158
Audio System(s)	158
Setting the Time	159
Radio(s)	160
Using an MP3	174
XM Radio Messages	179
Radio Reception	179
Fixed Mast Antenna	180
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	180
Driving Your Vehicle	181
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	182
Defensive Driving	182
Drunk Driving	182
Control of a Vehicle	183
Braking	183
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	184
Braking in Emergencies	185
Traction Control System (TCS)	186
StabiliTrak® System	187
Panic Brake Assist	187
Steering	188
Off-Road Recovery	190
Passing	190
Loss of Control	190
Driving at Night	192
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	192
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	193
Highway Hypnosis	193
Hill and Mountain Roads	194
Winter Driving	195
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	198
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	199
Loading Your Vehicle	199
Towing	205
Towing Your Vehicle	205
Recreational Vehicle Towing	205
Towing a Trailer	207
Service and Appearance Care	215
Service	217
Accessories and Modifications	217
California Proposition 65 Warning	217
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	218
Doing Your Own Service Work	218
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	219
Fuel	219
Gasoline Octane	219
Gasoline Specifications	219
California Fuel	219
Additives	220
Fuels in Foreign Countries	220
Filling the Tank	221
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	223
Checking Things Under the Hood	224
Hood Release	224
Engine Compartment Overview	226
Engine Oil	227
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	231
Automatic Transmission Fluid	233
Manual Transmission Fluid	235
Hydraulic Clutch	236
Engine Coolant	237
Radiator Pressure Cap	240
Engine Overheating	240
Cooling System	242
Power Steering Fluid	247
Windshield Washer Fluid	248
Brakes	249
Battery	252
Jump Starting	252
Headlamp Aiming	256
Bulb Replacement	257
Halogen Bulbs	257
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking Lamps	257
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)	259
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	260
Back-Up Lamps	261
Replacement Bulbs	262
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	262
Tires	263
Tire Sidewall Labeling	264
Tire Terminology and Definitions	266
Inflation - Tire Pressure	269
Tire Pressure Monitor System	271
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	272
Tire Inspection and Rotation	275
When It Is Time for New Tires	277
Buying New Tires	277
Different Size Tires and Wheels	279
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	279
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	281
Wheel Replacement	281
Tire Chains	282
If a Tire Goes Flat	283
Changing a Flat Tire	284
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	285
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	287
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	293
Compact Spare Tire	295
Appearance Care	296
Interior Cleaning	296
Fabric/Carpet	297
Leather	298
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	298
Care of Safety Belts	299
Weatherstrips	299
Washing Your Vehicle	299
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	300
Finish Care	300
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades	301
Aluminum Wheels	301
Tires	302
Sheet Metal Damage	302
Finish Damage	302
Underbody Maintenance	302
Chemical Paint Spotting	302
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	303
Vehicle Identification	304
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	304
Service Parts Identification Label	304
Electrical System	304
Add-On Electrical Equipment	304
Headlamp Wiring	305
Windshield Wiper Fuses	305
Power Windows and Other Power Options	305
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	305
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	306
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	307
Capacities and Specifications	309
Maintenance Replacement Parts	310
Engine Drive Belt Routing	311
Maintenance Schedule	313
Maintenance Schedule	314
Introduction	314
Maintenance Requirements	314
Your Vehicle and the Environment	314
How This Section is Organized	315
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	316
Using the Maintenance Schedule	316
Scheduled Maintenance	316
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	324
At Each Fuel Fill	324
At Least Once a Month	325
At Least Twice a Year	325
At Least Once a Year	326
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	329
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	329
Exhaust System Inspection	329
Fuel System Inspection	330
Engine Cooling System Inspection	330
Throttle System Inspection	330
Brake System Inspection	330
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	331
Part E: Maintenance Record	333
Customer Assistance Information	337
Customer Assistance and Information	338
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	338
Online Owner Center	340
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	341
Customer Assistance Offices	341
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	342
Roadside Assistance Program	342
Scheduling Service Appointments	345
Courtesy Transportation	345
Collision Damage Repair	347
Reporting Safety Defects	350
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	350
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	350
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	350
Service Publications Ordering Information	351
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	352
Event Data Recorders	352
OnStar®	353
Navigation System	353
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	353

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires

Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit

for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the Tire and

Loading Information label located on the vehicle’s center

pillar (B-pillar). See

Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-19

Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your

vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Hitches

It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.

Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads

are a few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.

Here are some rules to follow:

•

Don’t let the steel in a hitch contact the aluminum on

your bumper. If you do, the two will corrode. You can

use something like paint or plastic tape to separate

the steel and aluminum. The same steel to aluminum

problem can happen with fasteners too.

•

Will you have to make any holes in the body of your

vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,

then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove

the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon

monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your

vehicle. See

Engine Exhaust on page 2-32

. Dirt and

water can too.

Safety Chains

You should always attach chains between your vehicle

and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue

of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if

it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about

safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer

or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s

recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not

attach them to the bumper. Always leave just enough

slack so you can turn with your rig. And, never allow

safety chains to drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes

Does your trailer have its own brakes?

Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer

brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain

them properly. And, if you have anti-lock brakes, do not

try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do,

both systems won’t work well, or at all.

4-30