2008 PONTIAC VIBE ABS

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different
turn signal asher and/or extra wiring. Check with your
dealer. The arrows on your instrument panel will ash
whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly
hooked up, the trailer lamps will also ash, telling other
drivers you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou
start down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of the engine and the transaxle overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) for an automatic transaxle or into gear
for a manual transaxle, yet. When parking uphill,
turn your wheels away from the curb. When parking
downhill, turn your wheels into the curb.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transaxle or REVERSE (R) for a
manual transaxle.
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-32

Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners,
about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a
good guide.
Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.
Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from
the use of many organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.
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.
5-83

Fuses Usage
ABS NO. 2Antilock Brake System
(Without Stability Control System)
RDI FAN Electric Cooling Fan
ABS NO. 1Antilock Brake System
(With Stability Control System)
FOG Front Fog Lamps
EFI2Multiport Fuel Injection System/
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection
System, Emission Control System
EFI3Multiport Fuel Injection System/
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection
System, Emission Control System
HEAD MAINRight Headlamp,
Left Headlamp Fuses
ALT-S Charging System
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection System
HAZARDTurn Signal Lamps,
Emergency Flasher
HORN Horn
DOMEInterior Lights, Gauges and Meters,
Audio System, Remote Keyless
Entry System, Navigation System
(If Equipped)
MAIN Starter System, AM2 Fuse
AMP Audio SystemFuses Usage
MAYDAY OnStar®System
ALTABS NO.1, ABS NO.2, RDI FAN,
FOG, Heater, AM1, POWER,
DOOR, ECU-B, TAIL, STOP,
P/POINT, INV, OBD Fuses,
Charging System
HEAD RHRight-hand Headlamp,
Headlamp High Beam
Indicator Lamp
HEAD LH Left-hand Headlamp
Relays Usage
M/G M/G
HEAD Headlamps
DIMMER Headlamp Dimmer
HORN Horn
FAN NO. 2 Cooling Fan System
FAN NO. 1 Cooling Fan System
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection System
FOG Fog Lamps
5-94

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-65
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-90
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag System................................................1-50
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-55
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-52
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-65
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
Antenna, Fixed Mast........................................3-64
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-33Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-87
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-86
Finish Damage............................................5-88
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-84
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-82
Leather......................................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-88
Tires..........................................................
5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-89
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-87
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-19
Audio System.................................................3-42
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-64
Radio Reception..........................................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
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