2007 PONTIAC VIBE stop start

The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even
if your windshield wiper blades are in good
shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see
road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,
the edge of the road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or
when strips of rubber start to separate from the
inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They
may not work as well in a quick stop and
may cause pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car wash, apply the brake pedal
lightly until the brakes work normally.Driving too fast through large water puddles or
even going through some car washes can cause
problems, too. The water may affect your
brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you cannot, try
to slow down before you hit them.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can
build up under your tires that they can actually ride
on the water. This can happen if the road is wet
enough and you are going fast enough. When your
vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact
with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the
pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a
lot of water is standing on the road. If you can
see reections from trees, telephone poles,
or other vehicles, and raindrops dimple the water’s
surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.
There just is not a hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down
when it is raining.
240

When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If
you must start when you are not fresh — such
as after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across North
America. They will be ready and willing to help
if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a major
storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
244

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
start your engine
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the
chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transaxle uid (don’t overll), engine oil,
drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you nd them quickly. If you’re
trailering, it’s a good idea to review this information
before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 297.
268

Service........................................................ 272
Accessories and Modications................... 272
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 273
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 273
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 274
Fuel............................................................. 274
Gasoline Octane........................................ 274
Gasoline Specications.............................. 274
California Fuel........................................... 275
Additives................................................... 275
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 276
Filling the Tank......................................... 277
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 279
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 280
Hood Release........................................... 280
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 282
Engine Oil................................................. 284
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 288
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 290Manual Transaxle Fluid............................. 292
Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 293
Engine Coolant.......................................... 294
Radiator Pressure Cap.............................. 297
Engine Overheating................................... 297
Cooling System......................................... 299
Power Steering Fluid ................................. 304
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 305
Brakes...................................................... 306
Battery...................................................... 309
Jump Starting............................................ 310
Bulb Replacement....................................... 315
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 315
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps....................................... 316
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL)................................ 317
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps...... 318
Back-Up Lamps......................................... 320
Replacement Bulbs................................... 320
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
269

Fuses Usage
Empty Not Used
P/W Power Windows
WIPER Windshield Wipers
AM2 Charging System, Air Bag System,
Starter System, Engine Control
STOPStop Lamps, CHMSL, Engine
Control System, Anti-lock Brakes,
Cruise Control
DOOR Power Door Locks, Liftglass Lock
AM1 Cigarette Lighter, Gauge, ECU-IG,
Wiper, Rear Wiper, Washer Fuses
Empty Not Used
ECU-IGCruise Control, Anti-lock Brakes,
Theft Deterrent System, Automatic
Transaxle Control System, Electric
Cooling Fan
RR WIPERRear Window Wiper, Rear
Window Defogger
A/C Air ConditioningFuses Usage
INV Power Outlets
P/POINT Power Outlets
ECU-B Daytime Running Lamps
CIGCigarette Lighter, Power Rearview
Mirrors, Power Outlets, Audio
System, Automatic Transaxle
Control System
GAUGEGauges and Meters, Back-Up
Lamps, Charging System, Power
Door Locks, Power Windows,
Sunroof, Air Conditioning,
Cruise Control
WASHER Windshield Washers
M-HTR/DEF
1–UPEngine Control System
HTR Air Conditioning System
DEFRear Window Defogger,
M-HTR/DEF 1–UP Fuse
POWER Power Windows, Electric Moon Roof
366

Seats (cont.)
Manual........................................................ 8
Passenger Folding Seatback...................... 14
Rear Seat Operation.................................. 16
Reclining Seatbacks................................... 10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position..................................... 56
Right Front Seat Position........................... 58
Service........................................................ 272
Accessories and Modications.................. 272
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle................................................. 274
California Proposition 65 Warning............. 273
Doing Your Own Work............................. 273
Engine Soon Light................................... 170
Publications Ordering Information............. 417
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle......... 80
Sheet Metal Damage................................... 360
Shifting Into Park (P)................................... 115
Shifting Out of Park (P)............................... 117
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster........................ 31
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.................. 140
Spare Tire
Compact.................................................. 354
Installing.................................................. 346
Removing................................................ 344
Storing..................................................... 351Specications, Capacities............................ 369
Speedometer............................................... 160
StabiliTrak
®System..................................... 231
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light........................... 168
Starting Your Engine................................... 104
Steering...................................................... 232
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection ......................... 392
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel.......................... 139
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area................... 127
Coinholder(s)........................................... 127
Cupholder(s)............................................ 127
Glove Box................................................ 127
Instrument Panel Storage Area................. 127
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System....... 129
Rear Storage Area................................... 128
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow............... 252
Sun Visors.................................................... 99
Sunroof....................................................... 131
T
Tachometer................................................. 161
Taillamp Indicator Light................................ 174
Taillamps
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..................... 318
430