2003 PONTIAC VIBE warning

iv
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this book you will find these notices:
NOTICE:
These mean there is something that could damage
your vehicle.
A notice will tell you about something that can damage
your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be
covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the
notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different
colors or in different words.
You'll also see warning labels on your vehicle.
They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
Your vehicle may be equipped with components and
labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols,
used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text
describing the operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gage or indicator.
If you need help figuring out a specific name of a
component, gage or indicator reference the following
topics in the Index:

ªEngine Compartment Overviewº

ªInstrument Panelº

ªComfort Controlsº

ªAudio Systemsº
Also see ªWarning Lights and Gagesº in the Index.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-12 Liftgate/Liftglass
2
-14 Theft
2
-17 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-18 Ignition Positions
2
-19 Starting Your Engine
2
-21 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-25 Manual Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Parking Brake
2
-30 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-32 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-33 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Only)
2
-33 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-34 Engine Exhaust
2
-34 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
2
-35 Horn
2
-35 Tilt Wheel
2
-36 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-38 Windshield Washer
2
-39 Cruise Control (Option)
2
-42 Exterior Lamps
2
-44 Interior Lamps
2
-46 Mirrors
2
-48 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-53 Sun Visors
2
-57 Sunroof (Option)
2
-58 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-60 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-62 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-76 Navigation System (Option)

2-19
CAUTION:
On manual transaxle vehicles, turning the key to
LOCK and removing it will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of ability to steer the
vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need
to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to ACC. Don't push the key in
while the vehicle is moving.
ACC (ACCESSORY) (B): This position operates some
of your electrical accessories (such as the radio, but not
the ventilation fan). It unlocks the steering wheel and
ignition. To move the key from ACC to LOCK, push in
the key and then turn it to LOCK.
ON (C): This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in the ON position when the engine is running.
But even when the ignition is not running, you can use
ON to operate your electrical accessories (including the
ventilation fan and 115 volt power outlet) and to display
some warning and indicator lights.START (D): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate some of your electrical accessories.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver's door
when the ignition is still in ACC or LOCK and the key
is in the ignition.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is
moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.

2-29
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and
pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on,
the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down.
Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the
release button. Hold the release button in as you move
the lever all the way down.
NOTICE:
Driving with the parking brake on can cause
your rear brakes to overheat. You may have to
replace them, and you could also damage other
parts of your vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº in
the Index.

2-59
The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets
B. Instrument Panel Cluster
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Button
D. Audio System
E. Rear Window Defogger Button
F. Front Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
G. Comfort Control System
H. Power Remote Control Mirror Button
I. Instrument Panel Brightness Dial
J. Rear Liftglass Release Button
K. Coinholder
L. Content Theft
-Deterrent Security Light
M. Storage CompartmentN. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
O. Hood Release
P. Tilt Lever
Q. Horn
R. Cruise Control Lever (Option)
S. Ignition Switch
T. Windshield Wiper Lever
U. Cigarette Lighter
V. Shift Lever
W. Power Outlet
X. Parking Brake
Y. Center Console Storage Area
Z. Glove Box

2-62 Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in thousands of
revolutions per minute (rpm).
NOTICE:
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in
the red area, or engine damage may occur.
Temperature Display
The outside air temperature is displayed on the center of
the instrument panel, within the speedometer. The display
will show the outside air temperature in Fahrenheit with a
range from
-22
F to 122
F (-30
C to 50
C).
Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle's functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they're working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.

2-63
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle's functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to let you know when
there's a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
-- and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They're a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Lights
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts, unless the driver's safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also flash until the driver's
belt is buckled. If the
driver's belt is already
buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Your vehicle also has a safety belt reminder light for the
right front passenger position.
This light is located
on the center of the
instrument panel,
above the audio
system.
When the key is turned to ON or START, this light will
come on as a reminder for the right front passenger to
fasten the safety belt. The safety belt light will flash
until the right front passenger's safety belt is buckled.
The passenger's safety belt reminder light will not
illuminate if the right front passenger's belt is already
buckled or if a sensor does not detect the weight of a
passenger in that seat.
If something is placed on the right front passenger's seat,
the sensors in the seat may detect that object and cause the
right front passenger's safety belt reminder light to come
on. If this ever happens, move the object to the rear seat
or place it in a rear storage area, if at all possible.

2-65 Charging System Indicator Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check to
show you it is working.
Then it should go out when
the engine starts.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive
belt or another electrical problem. Have it checked
right away. Driving while this light is on could drain
your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the charging
system light on, be certain to turn off all your
accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States Canada
This light should come on when you turn the key to
START. If it doesn't come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there's a problem.