2006 PONTIAC VIBE Owners Manual

Aftermarket collision parts are also available.
These are made by companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for your vehicle. As a result,
these parts may t poorly, exhibit premature
durability/corrosion problems, and may not perform
properly in subsequent collisions. Aftermarket parts
are not covered by your GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty, and any vehicle failure related to such parts
are not covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose a collision repair
facility that meets your needs before you ever need
collision repairs. Your GM dealer may have a collision
repair center with GM-trained technicians and state
of the art equipment, or be able to recommend a
collision repair center that has GM-trained technicians
and comparable equipment.
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage.
There are signicant differences in the quality of
coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide reduced protection
to your GM vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs by using aftermarket collision parts.
Some insurance companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you assure your vehicle will be repaired
with GM original equipment collision parts. If such
insurance coverage is not available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching to another
insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts.
Read your lease carefully, as you may be charged at
the end of your lease for poor quality repairs.
7-11

If an Accident Occurs
Here is what to do if you are involved in an accident.
Try to relax and then check to make sure you are all
right. If you are uninjured, make sure that no one else
in your vehicle, or the other vehicle, is injured.
If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Do not
leave the scene of an accident until all matters have
been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary and requested information
to police and other parties involved in the accident.
Do not discuss your personal condition, mental frame
of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This
will help guard against post-accident legal action.
If you need roadside assistance, call GM Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the
tow truck operator or write down the driver’s name,
the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these items
in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company and
policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the accident. They will walk you through the
information they will need. If they ask for a police
report, phone or go to the police department
headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of
the report for a nominal fee. In some states with “no
fault” insurance laws, a report may not be necessary.
This is especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for
your vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer or a
private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable with
their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-12

Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,
GM recommends that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of
choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement
collision parts be original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.
Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your
GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live
with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your
insurance company may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair
professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts.
Remember if your vehicle is leased you may be
obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine
GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not pay
the full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for the
repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair
valuation based on that insurance company’s collision
policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with
that company. In such cases, you can have control of
the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could
cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer, or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
7-13

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-762-2737, or write:
Pontiac Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and specications for
GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-14

Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-15

✍NOTES
7-16

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-16
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-64
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-90
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-20
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-29
Readiness Light..........................................3-28
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-49
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-64
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-57
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-59
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-57
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-55
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-52
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-45
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-12
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-78
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-78Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-33
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-86
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-85
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-81
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-82
Finish Care.................................................5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-84
Leather......................................................5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Tires..........................................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-84
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-86
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-18
Audio System(s).............................................3-42
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-78
Care of Your CDs........................................3-78
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-78
Radio with CD....................................3-43, 3-54
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Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-66
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-77
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-14
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-18
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Panic Assist................................................4-11
Parking......................................................2-24
System Inspection.......................................6-18
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-14
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-46
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-96
Carbon Monoxide.....................2-9, 2-28, 4-26, 4-40
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-78
Cargo Cover..................................................2-36
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-37
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-34
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Chains, Tire...................................................5-68
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-87
2