2003 PONTIAC VIBE engine oil

6-24
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Check the fluid in the transaxle and differential every
30,000 miles (50 000 km). Change the fluid every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little
fluid could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.

6-28
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual transaxle
doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Pontiac dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little
fluid could cause the transaxle to overheat. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if you check your
transaxle fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transaxle is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transaxle case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-31 Carrier Assembly-Differential
(Rear Drive Module)
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on
a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole. A
fluid loss could indicate a problem; check and have it
repaired, if needed.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids
and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, see ªEngine Overheatingº
in the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the
proper coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 265F (129C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

6-32 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half coolant that meets GM Specification 1825-M,
which won't damage aluminum parts. You can also use a
recycled coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825
-M
with a complete coolant flush and refill. If you use this
coolant mixture, you don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned. Use
a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and the
proper coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If you use the proper coolant, you don't have to
add extra inhibitors or additives which claim to
improve the system. These can be harmful.

6-39
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-76
Replacement Bulbs
Lamps Bulb Number
Headlamp High
-/Low-Beam 9003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Turn Signal 1157NA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stoplamps/Taillamps 7443. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up Lamps 7440. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal 7440. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 921. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions.
Cooling System
1.8L Engine (Code 8) 6.9 quarts (6.5 L). . . . . . . . .
1.8L H.O. Engine (Code L) 7.1 quarts (6.7 L). . . . Engine Oil with Filter
1.8L Engine (Code 8) 3.9 quarts (3.7 L). . . . . . . . .
1.8L Engine (Code L) 4.8 quarts (4.4 L). . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank
With AWD 12.0 gallons (45.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Without AWD 13.0 gallons (49.0 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Transaxle
1.8L Engine (Code 8) 3.3 quarts (3.1 L). . . . . . . . .
1.8L Engine (Code 8)
with AWD 3.1 quarts (2.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Transaxle
Five-Speed 2.0 quarts (1.9 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Six
-Speed 2.4 quarts (2.3 L). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Differential0.5 quarts (0.5 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case0.8 quarts (0.8 L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.

6-77 Engine Specifications
Type L4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code
1.8L Engine 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8L H.O. DOHC Engine L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tires
Wheel Nut Torque 76 lb-ft (103 N´m) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure See the Tire
-Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information label. See ªLoading
Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Capacity
If you do your own service work, you'll need the proper
service manual. See ªDoing Your Own Service Workº in
the Index for additional information. It is recommended
that service work on your air conditioning system be
performed by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioning
Refrigerant R134a 1.4 lbs. (0.6 kg). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems

6-78
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter GM Part No. 88969107. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil
Filter (Code 8) GM Part No. 88971573. . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil
Filter (Code L) GM Part No. 88969580. . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter GM Part No. 88970273. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PCV Valve
(Code 8 base model) GM Part No. 94859406. . . . . .
PCV Valve
(Code 8 AWD Model) GM Part No. 94859404. . . . .
PCV Valve (Code L) GM Part No. 88969512. . . . . . . Spark Plugs
1.8L Engine (Code 8) DENSO SK16R11,. . . . . . . .
NGK IFR5A11 or
GM Part No. 94859448
Gap: 0.043 inch (1.1 mm)
1.8L Engine (Code L) DENSO SK20R11,. . . . . . . .
NGK IFR6A11 or
GM Part No. 88969637
Gap: 0.043 inch (1.1 mm)
*Your engine is fitted with iridium
-tipped spark plugs.
Use only iridium
-tipped spark plugs for better engine
performance.