2006 PONTIAC VIBE Owners Manual

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
If the frontal airbags inate you will also need to replace
the driver and front passenger’s safety belt retractor
assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new retractor
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies, even
if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver
and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your
safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has
been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays
on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-28.
1-67

✍NOTES
1-68

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-6
Door Locks....................................................2-6
Power Door Locks..........................................2-7
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-8
Liftgate/Liftglass.............................................2-9
Windows........................................................2-10
Manual Windows..........................................2-11
Power Windows............................................2-11
Sun Visors...................................................2-12
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-12
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-12
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-14
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-14
Ignition Positions..........................................2-15
Starting the Engine.......................................2-16
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-17
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-18
Overdrive Off...............................................2-21
Manual Transaxle Operation...........................2-21
Parking Brake..............................................2-24
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)......2-25Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)................................2-26
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle).........2-27
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-28
Engine Exhaust............................................2-28
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-29
Mirrors...........................................................2-30
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-30
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-30
Outside Remote Control Mirrors......................2-31
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-31
OnStar
®System.............................................2-32
Storage Areas................................................2-34
Glove Box...................................................2-34
Cupholder(s)................................................2-34
Coinholder(s)................................................2-34
Instrument Panel Storage Area.......................2-34
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-34
Floor Mats...................................................2-34
Rear Storage Area........................................2-35
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System...............2-36
Cargo Cover................................................2-36
Cargo Tie Downs..........................................2-37
Sunroof.........................................................2-37
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. They
could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. The
children or others could be badly injured or
even killed. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
2-2

One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes
the key tag from the key and gives it to the rst owner.
Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a
qualied locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you’ll be able to
have a new one made easily using this code.
If you need a new key, contact your dealership to obtain
the correct key code. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.Remote Keyless Entry System
If the vehicle has the keyless entry system, it operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-3

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-4.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualied technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet
(9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter
supplied with your vehicle. The remote keyless entry
transmitter will look different if your vehicle was
purchased in Canada, however it will operate the same.LOCK:Press this button to
lock all of the doors.
The turn signal lights will ash once to conrm that the
doors have locked. The remote keyless entry system
will not operate while the doors are open, the key is in
the ignition, or if the liftglass or hatch are not
completely closed and latched.
UNLOCK:Press this button once to unlock the
driver’s door. The turn signal lights will ash twice and the
interior lamps will come on to conrm that the door has
unlocked. If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The
interior lamps will stay on for 15 seconds or until the
ignition is turned on.
HATCH/GLASS:Press and hold this button for
approximately one second to open the rear liftglass. If the
ignition key is in the ON position, the liftglass cannot be
opened by the HATCH/GLASS button on the transmitter.
2-4

Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about three years.
You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it is probably time to change the battery.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.To replace the battery, do the following:
1. Insert a small coin or similar object to separate the
bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.
2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new
one. Make sure the positive side of the battery
faces upward. For battery replacement, use
a three-volt battery, type CR2032, or equivalent.
3. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
2-5

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle will not open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash if the doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if equipped. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-4for more information.
If your vehicle has power door locks, open the driver’s
door by turning the key in the lock toward the rear
of the vehicle. Turning the key back toward the center,
then toward the rear again will unlock all of the
doors. Using the key in the passenger’s door will also
unlock all of the doors.
Lock a door by turning the key toward the front of the
vehicle. If you have power door locks, all the doors
will lock.
2-6