2008 PONTIAC VIBE Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation.......................................2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-9
Liftgate/Liftglass............................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-12
Manual Windows..........................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-13
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-14
Immobilizer..................................................2-14
Immobilizer Operation (Canada Only)...............2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-18
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-18
Ignition Positions..........................................2-19
Starting the Engine.......................................2-20
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-22
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-23
Overdrive Off...............................................2-25
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-26
Parking Brake..............................................2-27Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transmission)............................2-28
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-30
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission).....2-31
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-31
Engine Exhaust............................................2-32
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-32
Mirrors...........................................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-33
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®..............2-33
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-34
Outside Remote Control Mirrors......................2-34
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-35
OnStar
®System.............................................2-35
Storage Areas................................................2-39
Glove Box...................................................2-39
Cupholder(s)................................................2-39
Coinholder(s)................................................2-39
Instrument Panel Storage...............................2-39
Center Console Storage.................................2-39
Floor Mats...................................................2-39
Luggage Carrier...........................................2-40
Rear Storage Area........................................2-41
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System...............2-42
Cargo Cover................................................2-42
Cargo Tie Downs..........................................2-42
Sunroof.........................................................2-43
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children
or others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured
or killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
The key is used for the ignition, doors and all other locks.
The key number is on the tag attached to the key ring.
Keep this tag and give it to your dealer/retailer if a
new key needs to be made.
If your vehicle has an Immobilizer theft deterrent system,
the key will have a transponder in the key head that
matches a decoder in the vehicle. SeeImmobilizer
Operation (Canada Only) on page 2-15for additional
information.
2-2

Do not do any of the following to keys with a
transponder:
Cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
Hit the key hard against other objects.
Leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a
long period of time.
Put the key in water.
Use the key with electromagnetic materials.
If a replacement key or an additional key with a
transponder is needed, see your dealer/retailer.
Bring the key and key number with you.
Any new Immobilizer key must be programmed
before it will start the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be able
to cancel the system or start the vehicle.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for
more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-3

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any RKE system. If the transmitter does not
work or if you have to stand closer to your vehicle
for the transmitter to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” later in
this section.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualied technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet (9 m)
away using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
supplied with your vehicle. The RKE transmitter will look
different if your vehicle was purchased in Canada,
however it will operate the same.
LOCK:Press this button to
lock all of the doors.
The turn signal lights will ash once to conrm that the
doors have locked.
2-4

UNLOCK:Press this button once to unlock the
driver’s door. The turn signal lights will ash twice
and the interior lamps will come on to conrm that
the door has unlocked. If the UNLOCK button is
pressed again within three seconds, all remaining
doors will unlock and the turn signal lights will ash
twice and interior lamps will remain on to conrm that all
doors & hatch have unlocked. The interior lamps will stay
on for 15 seconds or until the ignition is turned on.
HATCH/GLASS:Press this button to open the
rear liftglass. If the ignition key is in the ON position,
the liftglass cannot be opened by the HATCH/GLASS
button on the transmitter.Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is
lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through
your dealer/retailer. Remember to bring any remaining
transmitters with you when you go to your dealer/retailer.
When the dealer/retailer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer/retailer has
coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not
unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum
of four transmitters matched to it.
2-5

Battery Replacement
Under normal use, the battery in your RKE transmitter
should last about three years.
The battery is weak if the transmitter will not work at
the normal range in any location. If you have to get
close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it is probably time to change the battery.
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Insert a small coin or similar object to separate the
bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.
2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new
one. Make sure the positive side of the battery
faces upward. For battery replacement, use
a three-volt battery, type CR2032, or equivalent.
3. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure
no moisture can enter.
2-6

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers, especially children, can easily
open the doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. When a door is locked, the handle
will not open it. You increase the chance of
being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash if
the doors are not locked. So, wear safety
belts properly and lock the doors whenever
you drive.
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if equipped. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-4for more
information.
If your vehicle has power door locks, open the driver’s
door by turning the key in the lock toward the rear of the
vehicle. Turning the key back toward the center, then
toward the rear again will unlock all of the doors. Using
the key in the passenger’s door will also unlock all of
the doors.
Lock a door by turning the key toward the front of the
vehicle. If you have power door locks, all the doors
will lock.
2-7

To manually lock the door from the inside, press the
knob on the door forward. To unlock the door, press the
knob rearward. With manual locks, you must use the
key to lock and unlock the liftgate.
Power Door Locks
If your vehicle has this
feature, the power door
lock switch is located
on the armrest of
the driver’s and front
passenger’s door.
e(Power Door Lock): Press the top of the switch
to lock all the doors. Press the bottom of the switch
to unlock all the doors.
2-8