2008 PONTIAC VIBE instrument panel

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-59.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-65

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

To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the
door from the outside.
2. Slide the lever up.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear door locks will now work normally.
Liftgate/Liftglass
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate or
liftglass open because carbon monoxide (CO)
gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot
see or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
and even death. If you must drive with the
liftgate open or if electrical wiring or other
cable connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the liftgate or liftglass:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your climate control
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See “Climate Control
System” in the Index.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-32.
2-10

Liftgate/Liftglass Release
To unlock and open the liftgate using the key, insert the
key into the keyhole and turn counterclockwise. Raise
the liftgate by hand.
When closing the liftgate, use the handle to pull it down.To lock the liftgate, turn the key clockwise to the rst
position.
To open the liftglass using the key, insert the key into
the keyhole and turn clockwise to the second position.
Use the handle in the center of the liftglass to help
in lifting the glass.
Your vehicle may have a
liftglass release button
which is located on the
instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel.
Press this button to release
the liftglass.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-4for more information.
2-11

Immobilizer Operation
(Canada Only)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
Your vehicle will have one of the following security lights,
located on the instrument panel to the left of the steering
wheel.
The security light will ash when the system is armed.When the key is inserted in the ignition the transponder in
the key head transmits an electronic code to the vehicle
and automatically cancels the system. Only the correct
key will start the vehicle.
If the engine does not start, there may be a problem
with your theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off
and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-91.
If the engine still does not start with the other key,
your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start,
the rst key may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who
can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new
key made.
If any of the following conditions occur, contact your
dealer/retailer.
The security light stays on.
The security light does not start ashing when the
key is removed from the ignition.
The security light ashes inconsistently.
See your dealer/retailer to have a new key with a
transponder made. Bring the key and key number
with you.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance
Program. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6.
2-15

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

LOW (L):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than SECOND (2) without using your brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in LOW (L), the transmission
will not shift into low gear until the vehicle is going
slow enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Overdrive Off
Vehicles with an automatic transmission have an
O/D (overdrive off) button located on the left side
of the shift lever.
When you turn on your vehicle overdrive will
automatically come on until you turn it off.Press the O/D button to
turn overdrive off or on.
A light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on
when the overdrive is on.
SeeOverdrive Off Light on
page 3-39.
Drive your vehicle with the overdrive on for better fuel
economy and quieter driving.
2-25

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
While sitting in a comfortable driving position, adjust
the mirror so you can see clearly behind your vehicle.
Hold the mirror in the center to move it up or down
and side to side.
The mirror may have an automatic dimming feature that
darkens gradually to reduce the glare of headlamps from
behind. When the ignition key is inserted and turned
on, the inside rear view mirror always turns on in the
automatic function mode.An indicator light located on
the mirror will come on to show you that the function
is on. When the inside air temperature is low, it may take
a little longer for the mirror to darken in response to the
detection of headlights.
Press the AUTO button located in the lower center of
the mirror to turn automatic dimming on and the
((off)
button located next to the AUTO button to turn automatic
dimming off.
One photocell on the front of the mirror senses when it
is becoming dark outside. Another photocell, facing
rearward, senses headlamps behind you.
To keep the photocells operating well, occasionally
clean them with a cotton swab and glass cleaner.
Outside Remote Control Mirrors
Your vehicle has outside power adjustable mirrors.
The controls are located
to the left of the steering
wheel on the instrument
panel.
To adjust either mirror, push the button labeled L (left) or
R (right). Use the arrows on the control pad to adjust the
direction of the mirror. Once both mirrors have been
adjusted, move the selector switch back to the center.
This prevents the mirrors from being moved once they
have been adjusted.
2-34