2008 PONTIAC VIBE power steering

Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid
reservoir is located in
the engine compartment
on the passenger’s side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system
or you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
You can check your uid without taking the cap off.
Just look at the reservoir.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be between the HOT marks.
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be between the COLD marks.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-19.
Notice:When adding power steering uid or
making a complete uid change, always use the
proper uid. Failure to use the proper uid can
cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-33

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger car tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the rst character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U. S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 70, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 70% as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code
:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel
in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load range and the speed rating
of a tire. The load range represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied to
carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
5-52

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the tires and make sure the tires are inated
to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-55.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety belt
assemblies 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. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also seeChecking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-66.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. SeeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-48andWindshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 5-87for more information.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-19.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump, rear axle, transfer case,
and automatic or manual transmission uid levels and
add as needed. SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-33
andAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-19or
Manual Transmission Fluid on page 5-21. Check for
leaks. A uid loss in these systems could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
at once.
6-13

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year, for instance,
each spring and fall.You should let your dealer/retailer
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs
are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services can be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chang, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections, or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-32.
6-17

Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M
and displays the American
Petroleum Institute Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity for
your vehicle’s engine, seeEngine
Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
Hydraulic
Brake/Clutch
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Manual
TransmissionGM Goodwrench
®Synthetic
Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346190,
in Canada 10953477 — 1 quart)
or SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Automatic
TransmissionUse only T-IV Automatic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88900925,
in Canada 22689186).
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Manual
Transmission
Shift LinkageChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
6-19

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-88
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-64
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-79
Floor Mats.....................................................2-39
Fluid.....................................................5-19, 5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-33
Windshield Washer......................................5-34
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-16
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-6
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-41Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-42
System Inspection.......................................6-18
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-92
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-91
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-28
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-39
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
5

Power
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-91
Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current.................3-18
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-13
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-17
OnStar.......................................................7-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-17
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-26
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy......7-17
Radios..........................................................3-42
Radio(s)........................................................3-44
Radios
Reception...................................................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
Reading Lamps..............................................3-17
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System.................2-42
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-41Rear Windshield Washer/Wiper.........................3-10
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-34
Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®...........................2-33
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-33
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-25
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.............................................5-73
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-71
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-48
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................5-96
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-66
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-67
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-19
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................5-97
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-32
10