2006 PONTIAC VIBE brake

Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-40.
To shift into PARK (P), do the following:
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake by pulling up on the parking
brake lever.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the key in your hand, your
vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your automatic transaxle vehicle
with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in
PARK (P) and your parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then,
see if you can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without rst pulling it toward you. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
2-25

Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift
into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may
put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle.
You may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever out of
PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P)
properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To nd
out how, seeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 2-25.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when
the ignition is in ON. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation
on page 2-18.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever – push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into the gear you wish.
2-26

Shift Lock Release
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition to LOCK. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2. Carefully pry the
cover from the shift
lock override, located
to the right of the
shift lever.
3. Insert the end of a at-tipped tool into the round slot
and press down rmly.
4. While maintaining brake application, move the shift
lever into the drive gear you want.
5. Have the vehicle xed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Before you get out of your vehicle, move the shift lever
into REVERSE (R), and rmly apply the parking
brake. Once the shift lever has been placed into
REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can
turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key and
release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if your vehicle is pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-40.
Evaporation Pump
Your vehicle is equipped with a vacuum pump for the
vehicle’s fuel evaporation system. This pump performs a
fuel evaporation leakage text approximately ve hours
after the engine is turned off. You may hear a sound
coming from underneath the rear cargo compartment for
several minutes.
The noise is normal and does not signify a malfunction.
See you dealer with any questions.
2-27

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-28.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-26.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 2-25.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-40.
2-29

Storage Areas
Glove Box
Open the glove box by pulling the bottom of the
handle upward.
Cupholder(s)
There are two xed cupholders located in the console
area between the two front seats. There are also
two cupholders that fold out of the rear of the console
storage unit.
Coinholder(s)
Your instrument panel may have a coinholder located to
the left of the steering wheel and on the center
console near the parking brake.
Instrument Panel Storage Area
There are storage compartments located on the
instrument panel in two places. They are below the
interior/instrument panel brightness dial and below the
shift lever. Pull the top of the door toward you to open it
or for the compartment below the shift lever, push the
button to open it.
Center Console Storage Area
A storage area is located in the console between
the seats.
To access the storage area, pull up the lock release
lever while raising the lid.
Floor Mats
The driver’s side oor mat is held in place by
two locator hooks.
Be sure the driver’s side oor mat is properly placed on
the oor so that it does not block the movement of
the accelerator pedal.
2-34

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-14
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Interior Lamps Control...................................3-15
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-17
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-24
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-25
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-26
Trip Odometers............................................3-26
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-27
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-28
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-29
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-33
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-34
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Lights On Reminder......................................3-39
Taillamp Indicator Light..................................3-39
Cruise Control Light......................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-25.
C. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-18.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-42.
F. Rear Window Defogger Button. See “Rear Window
Defogger” underClimate Control System on
page 3-18.
G. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-29. Front
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light. SeeSafety
Belt Reminder Light on page 3-27.
H. Power Remote Control Mirror Button. SeeOutside
Remote Control Mirrors on page 2-31.
I. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-15.
J. Rear Liftglass Release Button. SeeLiftgate/Liftglass
on page 2-9.
K. Tire Pressure Monitor Reset Button. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-60.
L. Coinholder. SeeCoinholder(s) on page 2-34.
M. TRAC OFF Button. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9.N. Content Theft-Deterrent Security Light. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-12.
O. Storage Compartment. SeeInstrument Panel
Storage Area on page 2-34.
P. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever and Exterior Lamp
Stalk. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-7andExterior Lamps on page 3-13.
Q. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
R. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
S. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
T. Cruise Control Lever (Option). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
U. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-15.
V. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield Wipers
on page 3-8.
W. Cigarette Lighter or Accessory Power Outlet. See
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on page 3-18
orAccessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-16.
X. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-18.
Y. Power Outlet. SeePower Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current on page 3-17.
Z. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-24.
AA. Center Console Storage Area. SeeCenter Console
Storage Area on page 2-34.
AB. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-34.
3-5

Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then you apply the brake. This will shut off cruise
control. But you won’t need to reset it.
If the vehicle speed is 25 mph (40 km/h) or greater,
push the lever up to +RES (Resume/Accelerate). Your
vehicle will go right back up to your chosen speed
and stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are three ways to go to a higher speed:
Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
speed. Move the lever down to−SET. Release the
lever and the accelerator pedal. You’ll now
cruise at the higher speed.
Move the cruise lever up to +RES. Hold it there
until you get up to the speed you want, and
then release the lever.
To increase your speed in very small amounts,
move the lever to +RES briey and then release
it. Each time you do this, your vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
Push and hold the lever to−SET until you reach the
lower speed you want, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, push the lever
down briey. Each time you do this, you’ll go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Of course,
applying the brake or downshifting to SECOND (2) or
LOW (L) takes you out of cruise control. Many
drivers nd this to be too much trouble and don’t use
cruise control on steep hills.
3-12