2006 PONTIAC VIBE brake

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

Reactivating the System
Once the system is set, it will automatically reset the
alarm after the alarm stops. The alarm will activate again
under the same conditions as described earlier.
Disarming the System
The alarm can be disarmed by doing one of the
following:
Turn the ignition key from LOCK to ON.
Unlock any of the doors with the key or with the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
If the liftgate or liftglass is opened with the key, the
system will still be activated.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-40for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-14

(C) ON:This is the position the switch returns to after
you start your engine and release the switch. The switch
stays in the ON position when the engine is running.
But even when the ignition is not running, you can use
ON to operate your electrical accessories, including
the ventilation fan and 115 volt power outlet, and
to display some warning and indicator lights.
(D) START:This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow you
to operate some of your electrical accessories.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is still in ACC or LOCK and the
key is in the ignition.Starting the Engine
Automatic Transaxle
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). The
engine will not start in any other position — that is a
safety feature. To restart when you are already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transaxle
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down — that is a
safety feature.
2-16

{CAUTION:
It is 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). SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 2-25. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-40.Ensure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. 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 key is in ON. 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. SeeShifting
Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-26.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-30.
2-19

NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
while the engine is running at high speed may
damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speeds when shifting your vehicle.DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 27 mph (43 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 29 mph (47 km/h) or more, push your
accelerator pedal all the way down.
You will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power than
DRIVE (D) but lower fuel economy. You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.
LOW (L):This position gives you even more power
than SECOND (2) but lower fuel economy. You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transaxle will not shift
into low gear until the vehicle is going slow enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes, or parking brake to hold the vehicle
in place.
2-20

THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same way
you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press
the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift
to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down on the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped.
Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking brake
for parking your vehicle.Six-Speed Transaxle
FIRST (1):Press the clutch
pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly let
up on the clutch pedal
as you press the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the
accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3):Press the clutch pedal and upshift into
THIRD (3). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
2-22

FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5), SIXTH (6):Shift into
FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6) the same
way you do for THIRD (3). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press
the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops,
press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and
shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down on the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your
vehicle is moving forward could damage the
transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your
vehicle is stopped.
Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking brake
for parking your vehicle. There is an audible beep when
the vehicle is in REVERSE (R) to ensure that FIRST (1)
gear and REVERSE (R) are not confused.Shift Speeds
{CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
This chart shows when to shift to the next gear for the
best fuel economy.
Manual Transmission Recommended
Shift Speeds
Engine 1 to 2 or
2to12to3or
3to23to4or
4to34to5or
5to45to6or
6to5
1.8 L
(Code 8)15 mph
24 km/h25 mph
40 km/h40 mph
64 km/h45 mph
72 km/h—
1.8 L
(Code L)15 mph
24 km/h25 mph
40 km/h40 mph
64 km/h45 mph
72 km/h50 mph
80 km/h
If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the
engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift
to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift
two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly
or for good performance.
2-23

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the lever all the way down.Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-40.
2-24