2008 PONTIAC VIBE power steering

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

Y. Power Outlet. SeePower Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current on page 3-18.
Z. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
AA. Center Console Storage Area. SeeCenter Console
Storage on page 2-39.
AB. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-39.
Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is located
towards the center of
the instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.While the hazard warning ashers are on, the turn
signals do not work.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
position the key is in, and even if the key is not in
the ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
3-6

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make
the most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
If your vehicle has the vehicle stability control system,
it includes a brake assist system which provides
more powerful braking during a sudden, hard brake
application. See “Vehicle Stability Control System”
underTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
feel a slight brake pedal pulsation or notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation
that requires hard braking.
If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the same
time. However, if you do not have ABS, your rst
reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it
down — might be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels
can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot
respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in
whatever direction it was headed when the wheels
stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the
very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.
If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking while
maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing
on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
4-5

This will help you retain steering control. If you do have
ABS, it is different. SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-4.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so
that it can operate when needed. When the ignition
is turned to ON, the system automatically turns on.
This light should come on
briey when you start the
engine.If it stays on or comes on while you are driving, there is
a problem with your traction control system.
The TRAC OFF button is
located to the left of the
steering wheel below
the instrument panel
cluster.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly fallen snow,
turn off the traction control system. The system that
controls engine performance interferes with the process
of freeing the front wheels. To turn off traction control,
press the TRAC OFF button. The traction control system
warning light will come on. The vehicle stability control
system (StabiliTrak
®) is always activated, even when the
traction control system is turned off. To turn the traction
control system back on, press the TRAC OFF button
again. The traction control system warning light will go off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-34for more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-6

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their workwhere the tires meet the road. Unless you have antilock
brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two
control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road
and make you lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions.
Under less favorable conditions you will want to
go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the
front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can drive through
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
4-8

Dinghy Towing
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it cannot be
dinghy towed. See “Dolly Towing” for more information
regarding towing your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a manual transaxle, it can be dinghy
towed.When dinghy towing, be sure to follow the posted legal
speed limit.
1. Put the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Turn the ignition to ACC to avoid locking the steering
wheel. Make sure the audio system is turned off and
that nothing is plugged into the power outlets.
3. Release the parking brake.
After dinghy towing, let the engine idle for more than
three minutes before driving the vehicle.
Do not tow your vehicle from the rear. Your vehicle
could be badly damaged and the repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
4-26

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Cooling System............................................5-28
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-42
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-43
Halogen Bulbs
..............................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-46
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-48
Tires..............................................................5-49
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-50
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-57
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-61
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-63
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-33.
C. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir and Hydraulic
Clutch (If Equipped). See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-35andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-22.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-38.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-93.Engine Oil
If the engine oil pressure
light appears on the
instrument cluster,
check the engine oil
level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-38. You should check the engine oil level
regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13