2003 PONTIAC VIBE filter

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Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-10 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-14 Engine Oil
6
-20 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-22 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-24 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-28 Manual Transaxle Fluid
6
-29 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-30 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
6
-31 Engine Coolant
6
-34 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-34 Power Steering Fluid6
-36 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-37 Brakes
6
-41 Battery
6
-42 Bulb Replacement
6
-49 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-50 Tires
6
-61 Appearance Care
6
-61 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-64 Care of Safety Belts
6
-65 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-70 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-71 Electrical System
6
-76 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-78 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-12 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code 8) engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

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When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code L) H.O. DOHC engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-19 When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures are
below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months
-- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
-- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions will cause engine oil
to break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Don't let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or
into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.

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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. See
ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.To check or replace the filter, do the following:1. Release the two clips that hold the cover down.
2. Lift the cover off.
3. Pull out the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Install a new engine air cleaner/filter, if needed.
5. Reinstall the cover.

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Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when you're
driving.

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Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Passenger compartment air, both outside and
recirculated air, is routed through a passenger
compartment air filter. The filter removes certain
contaminants from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airflow, which may occur more
quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the filter needs to be
replaced early. An air filter is available through your
dealer. For how often to change the air filter, see
ªMaintenance Scheduleº in the Index.
The access panel for the air filter is behind the glove
box. To replace the filter, follow these steps:
1. Lower the glove box door and remove the screw on
the right side of the glovebox with a tool. Slide the
arm of the glovebox off.
2. Push each side of the glovebox in and pull
toward you.

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3. Lift the snaps on the filter cover to remove the cover.4. Remove the air filter.
5. Reverse the steps to install the new air filter.
Once you remove the old air filter, if you choose not to
replace it, it will not damage your vehicle. However, the
air will no longer be filtered.