2008 PONTIAC VIBE immobilizer

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

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons, children
or others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or
other controls or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the keys in the
ignition and they could be seriously injured
or killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in a vehicle
with children.
The key is used for the ignition, doors and all other locks.
The key number is on the tag attached to the key ring.
Keep this tag and give it to your dealer/retailer if a
new key needs to be made.
If your vehicle has an Immobilizer theft deterrent system,
the key will have a transponder in the key head that
matches a decoder in the vehicle. SeeImmobilizer
Operation (Canada Only) on page 2-15for additional
information.
2-2

Do not do any of the following to keys with a
transponder:
Cover the key grip with any material that cuts off
electromagnetic waves.
Hit the key hard against other objects.
Leave the key exposed to high temperatures for a
long period of time.
Put the key in water.
Use the key with electromagnetic materials.
If a replacement key or an additional key with a
transponder is needed, see your dealer/retailer.
Bring the key and key number with you.
Any new Immobilizer key must be programmed
before it will start the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
If you make your own duplicate key, you will not be able
to cancel the system or start the vehicle.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6for
more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-3

Sun Visors
To block out glare, swing down the sun visors. You can
also swing them to the side.
The visors can be slid along the rod for extended
coverage for the side windows unless your vehicle
has roof-mounted side impact airbags.
Visor Vanity Mirror
Swing down the sun visor to expose the vanity mirror.
The vanity mirror may have a cover. Lift the cover
to expose the mirror.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make
it impossible to steal.
Immobilizer
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-14

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

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-42
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-91
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-43
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-15
Exterior Lamps............................................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-43
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-15
Heater...........................................................3-20
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-13
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-14
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-22
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-19
Immobilizer....................................................2-14
Immobilizer Operation......................................2-15
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-30
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-55
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-18
Engine Cooling System................................6-18
Exhaust System..........................................6-17
Fuel System...............................................6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-17
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal..........................6-17
Throttle System...........................................6-18
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Storage Area..............................................2-39
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-16
Cluster.......................................................3-26
Interior Lamps
Control.......................................................3-17
6

StabiliTrak®System.......................................... 4-7
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light................................3-35
Starting the Engine.........................................2-20
Steering.......................................................... 4-8
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection.......................6-17
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-7
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-39
Coinholder(s)..............................................2-39
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-39
Glove Box..................................................2-39
Instrument Panel Storage Area......................2-39
Luggage Carrier..........................................2-40
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System..............2-42
Rear Storage Area.......................................2-41
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-18
Sun Visors.....................................................2-14
Sunroof.........................................................2-43T
Tachometer....................................................3-28
Taillamp Indicator Light....................................3-39
Taillamps
Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..........................5-46
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-34
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-16
Immobilizer.................................................2-14
Immobilizer Operation...................................2-15
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-18
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Time, Setting..................................................3-43
Tires.............................................................5-49
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-87
Buying New Tires........................................5-63
Chains.......................................................5-68
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-70
Cleaning....................................................5-88
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-81
12