2008 PONTIAC VIBE light

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens,
have the vehicle serviced promptly, because
an adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-29for more on this, including
important safety information.A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket
or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, seat backpacks, and seat
massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing
system operates. We recommend that you not use
seat covers or other aftermarket equipment other than
any that GM has approved for your specic vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
on page 1-65for more information about modications
that can affect how the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger’s
seat or between the passenger’s seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
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Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder
light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt
system parts. If you see anything that might keep a
safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces.
If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-28for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-85.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-29for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, see
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-57.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
1-66

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems
in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
If your vehicle has the LATCH system and it was
being used during a crash, you may need new
LATCH system parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was not being
used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your
vehicle has been in a crash, if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle, or while you
are driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-29.
1-67

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

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

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