2005 PONTIAC VIBE check engine

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-28if necessary.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in
any other position, your vehicle needs service.
On manual transaxle vehicles, put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try
to start the engine. The starter should work only
when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the
oor. If the starter works when the clutch is not
pushed all the way down, your vehicle needs service.
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-28if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON, but do
not start the engine. Without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
6-15

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transaxle, the ignition should turn
to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transaxle, the ignition should turn to
LOCK only if you push the key in farther, while
turning it toward LOCK.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-16

Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-18

Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-40
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-37
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-51
Chains, Tire...................................................5-73
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-93
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-31
Infants and Young Children...........................1-28
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-38
Older Children.............................................1-26
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-39
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-42
Top Strap...................................................1-35
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-37
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-34Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-92
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-90
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-87
Finish Care.................................................5-91
Glass Surfaces............................................5-89
Instrument Panel.........................................5-89
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-89
Leather......................................................5-89
Tires..........................................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-93
Vinyl..........................................................5-89
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-90
Weatherstrips..............................................5-90
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-91
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-27
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-37
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-86
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-15
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-95
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-96
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-96
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-96
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Cooling System Inspection............................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-25
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage...............................................5-93
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-65
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-74
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-75
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-84
Floor Mats.....................................................2-38
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Manual Transaxle........................................5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-5
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
5

Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Low Warning Light.......................................3-41
System Inspection.......................................6-17
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-96
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-97
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-96
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-37
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-96
Headlamps
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-15
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-49
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Heater...........................................................3-20
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-14
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-27
6

Light (cont.)
Highbeam On.............................................3-40
Lights On Reminder.....................................3-39
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-41
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light...................3-33
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-40
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-35
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Overdrive Off..............................................3-40
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-30
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-28
Stabilitrak
®Indicator.....................................3-34
Taillamp Indicator.........................................3-39
TCS Warning Light......................................3-34
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning..........3-34
Lighting
Entry.........................................................3-16
Locks
Door........................................................... 2-7
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Loss of Control...............................................4-16
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-41
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-40
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts..........5-102
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-13
At Least Once a Month................................6-13
At Least Once a Year..................................6-14
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-14
Brake System Inspection..............................6-18
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-18
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-17
Fuel System Inspection................................6-17
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-13
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-17
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-19
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-21
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-17
Throttle System Inspection............................6-18
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
8

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-76
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-11
General Motors...........................................7-11
United States Government............................7-10
Restraint System Check
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-62
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-63
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-62
Replacing Parts...........................................1-63
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-21
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-30
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-33
S
Safety Belt
Pretensioners..............................................1-24
Reminder Light............................................3-28Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-90
Driver Position............................................1-14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts........1-13
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-21
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-21
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-25
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-21
Safety Belts Are for Everyone......................... 1-8
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster........................1-20
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger............................. 1-5
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-3
Head Restraints............................................ 1-5
Manual........................................................ 1-2
Passenger Folding Seatback........................... 1-5
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-3
Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-39
Rear Seat Position......................................1-40
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-42
11