2008 PONTIAC VIBE ignition

Do not leave the key or device that disarms
or deactivates the theft deterrent system in
the vehicle.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a theft-deterrent system
designed to activate an alarm if someone attempts to
damage or break into your vehicle. The alarm will sound
and the headlamps and turn signal lamps will ash for
about one minute. The interior lights will also come on
when the interior lamps control is in the door position.
Your vehicle will have one of the following security
lights, located on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
Arming the System
To arm the system:
1. Remove the key from the ignition.
The security light will ash when the key is removed
from the ignition. SeeImmobilizer Operation (Canada
Only) on page 2-15for additional information.
2. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle.
3. Close and lock all doors including the liftgate/liftglass
with the key or Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
The security light will come on when all doors and
liftgate are closed and locked.
The system will be automatically set after
30 seconds. When the system is set, the
security light will ash.
4. After the security light starts ashing, you may
leave the vehicle.
Do not leave anyone in the vehicle when you set
the system, because unlocking the vehicle from the
inside will activate the system.
2-16

Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described in the previous
procedure. The doors and liftgate should be locked
with the key or RKE transmitter. Be sure to wait
until the security light starts ashing.
3. Unlock the driver’s door from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Stop the alarm as described in the disarming
procedure following.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors.
Also check that the system is activated when
the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it
checked by your dealer/retailer.
How the System Alarm is Activated
The system will activate the alarm:
If the driver’s or front passenger’s door is unlocked
without using the key or RKE transmitter.
If any door or the liftgate/liftglass is forcibly opened
without the key or RKE transmitter.
If the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the ignition is hot-wired.
If the side window glass is broken or damaged.
The security light will come on when the system
is activated.
If the driver’s or front passenger’s doors are unlocked
without using the key or RKE transmitter, the other doors
and the liftgate will be automatically locked again.
After one minute the alarm will automatically stop and
the security light will start ashing again.
2-17

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
To disarm the alarm:
Turn the ignition key from LOCK/OFF to ON/RUN.
Unlock any of the doors with the key or with the
RKE transmitter.
If the liftgate or liftglass is opened with the key,
the system will still be activated.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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
the 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 4-27for
the trailer towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-18

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:If your key seems stuck in LOCK and you
cannot turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the key
hard. Turn the key only with your hand. Using a
tool to force it could break the key or the ignition
switch. If none of these work, then your vehicle
needs service.
(A) LOCK/OFF:This is the only position from which
you can remove the key. This locks your steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission. Push in the ignition
switch as you turn the key toward you.If you have an automatic transmission, the ignition switch
cannot be turned to LOCK/OFF unless the shift lever is in
PARK (P).
{CAUTION:
On manual transmission vehicles, turning the
key to LOCK/OFF will lock the steering column
and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision. If you need to turn
the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn
the key only to ACC/ACCESSORY. Do not push
the key in while the vehicle is moving.
(B) ACC/ACCESSORY:This position operates some of
your electrical accessories, such as the radio, but not the
ventilation fan. It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition.
To move the key from ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF,
push in the key and then turn it to LOCK/OFF.
2-19

(C) ON/RUN:This is the position the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in the ON/RUN position when the engine is
running. But even when the ignition is not running, you
can use ON/RUN to operate your electrical accessories,
including the ventilation fan and 115 volt power outlet,
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
(D) START:This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY
and ON/RUN 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/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound,
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for
an extended period of time.
Starting the Engine
Move the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position -- this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
2-20

Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down 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.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
When using a key with a transponder chip and
while starting the engine, do not use a key with thekey ring touching the key grip or other transponder
chip keys nearby. This may cause the engine
not to start or may stop it soon after it starts.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
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 transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The 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/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
2-21

Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for your shift
lever.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
{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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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
Transmission) on page 2-28. If you are pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
Make sure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes rst and then press the shift
lever button 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) on page 2-30.
2-23

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 2
to 12to3
or 3
to 23to4
or 4
to 34to5
or 5
to 45to6
or 6
to 5
1.8 L15 mph
24 km/h25 mph
40 km/h40 mph
64 km/h45 mph
72 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.
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. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-27