2007 PONTIAC VIBE oil change

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the oor and holding it
there as you hold the key in START for up to
a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again,
do the same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transaxle gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer. If you do not, your engine might
not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You will get
easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant heater
should be plugged in a minimum of four hours
prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures
above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is
not required.
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If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommend that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide
easier cold starting and better protection for
the engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all you need for good
performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Change the oil and lter every 5,000 miles
(8 000 km) or 3 months, whichever occurs rst.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 377.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may
be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very
long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used
oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
used oil, ask your dealer, a service station, or a
local recycling center for help.
287

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 282
for more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the air cleaner/lter at each engine oil change.
Replace the lter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 376for more information.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter
from the vehicle and lightly shake the lter to
release loose dust and dirt. If the lter remains
caked with dirt, a new lter is required.
288

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transaxle
uid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Check the uid in the transaxle and differential
at the intervals listed inPart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 376, and
be sure to use the transaxle uid listed in
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 394.
How to Check Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too
little uid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transaxle uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F
(32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 158°F to
176°F (70°C to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
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How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of transaxle uid to use.
SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 394.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the
proper uid to bring the level into the area between
dimples on the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less
than one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transaxle uid may damage your vehicle, and
the damages may not be covered by your
warranty. Always use the automatic transaxle
uid listed inPart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 394.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push
the dipstick back in all the way; then press the
tab down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have your manual transaxle uid
level checked is when the engine oil is changed.
However, the uid in your manual transaxle
does not require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Pontiac
dealership service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too
little uid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle uid.
292

Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush
attachment frequently to remove dust and loose
dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in
the nozzle may only be used on oor carpet and
carpeted oor mats. For soils, always try to remove
them rst with plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil
as possible using one of the following techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.
To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with
water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently
rub toward the center. Continue cleaning,
using a clean area of the cloth each time it
becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a
mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric
cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be
used, test a small hidden area for colorfastness
rst. If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may result, clean
the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a
paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture
from the fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap
solution can be used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to dry. Never use steam
to clean leather. Never use spot lifters or spot
removers on leather. Many commercial leather
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently change
the appearance and feel of your leather and are
356

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level
and change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The
Plan supplements your new vehicle warranties.
See your Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet
or your dealer for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended uids and lubricants as prescribed
in this manual are necessary to keep your
vehicle in good working condition. Any damage
caused by failure to follow scheduled maintenance
may not be covered by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
your vehicle in good working condition, but also
helps the environment. Improper vehicle
maintenance can even affect the quality of the air
we breathe. Improper uid levels or the wrong
tire ination can increase the level of emissions
from your vehicle. To help protect our environment,
and to keep your vehicle in good condition, be
sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into
ve parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services”
explains what to have done and how often. Some
of these services can be complex, so unless
you are technically qualied and have the
necessary equipment, you should let your
GM dealer’s service department do these jobs.
Your GM dealer has GM-trained and supported
service people that will perform the work using
genuine GM parts.
374

Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to
120,000 miles (192 000 km) should be repeated
after 120,000 miles (192 000 km) at the same
intervals for the life of this vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on
page 386,Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections on page 392, andPart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 394.
Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or
the California Air Resources Board has determined
that the failure to perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emissions warranty or limit recall
liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. We, however, urge that all
recommended maintenance services be performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on
page 393.
5,000 Miles (8 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 333for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
10,000 Miles (16 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control
Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 333for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving
in dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
377