2009 PONTIAC VIBE light

Jump Starting
If your vehicle’s battery has run
down, you may want to use another
vehicle and some jumper cables
to start your vehicle. Be sure to use
the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
They contain acid that can
burn you.
They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.Notice:Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage
to your vehicle that would not
be covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle
by pushing or pulling it will
not work, and it could damage
your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s
system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only
use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump
start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough
so the jumper cables can reach,
but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are, it
could cause a ground connection
you do not want. You would not
be able to start your vehicle, and
the bad grounding could damage
the electrical systems.To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or
a manual transmission in
NEUTRAL before setting
the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave the radio
or other accessories on during
the jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off
the radio and other accessories
when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that are not needed.
This will avoid sparks and help
save both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
Vehicle Service and Care 9-71
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

4. Open the hoods and locate the
batteries. Find the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal
locations on each vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6for more information
on location.
{CAUTION
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a ashlight if you need more light.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has ller caps, be sure the right
amount of uid is there. If it is
low, add water to take care of
that rst. If you don’t, explosive
gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, ush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{CAUTION
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.5. Check that the jumper cables
do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a short
that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And
do not connect the negative (−)
cable to the negative (−) terminal
on the dead battery because this
can cause sparks.
9-72 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Your vehicle’s interior will continue
to look its best if it is cleaned often.
Although not always visible, dust
and dirt can accumulate on your
upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet,
fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended
to remove particles from the
upholstery. It is important to keep
your upholstery from becoming and
remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as
possible. Your vehicle’s interior may
experience extremes of heat that
could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require
more frequent cleaning. Use care
because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home
furnishings may also transfer
color to your vehicle’s interior.When cleaning your vehicle’s
interior, only use cleaners specically
designed for the surfaces being
cleaned. Permanent damage may
result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not
intended. Use glass cleaner only
on glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces
immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning
cloth.
Notice:If you use abrasive
cleaners when cleaning glass
surfaces on your vehicle, you
could scratch the glass and/or
cause damage to the rear window
defogger. When cleaning the glass
on your vehicle, use only a soft
cloth and glass cleaner.
Many cleaners contain solvents that
may become concentrated in your
vehicle’s breathing space. Before
using cleaners, read and adhere to
all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning your vehicle’s interior,maintain adequate ventilation by
opening your vehicle’s doors and
windows.
Dust may be removed from small
buttons and knobs using a small
brush with soft bristles.
Your dealer/retailer has a product for
cleaning your vehicle’s glass. You
can also obtain a product from your
dealer/retailer to remove odors from
your vehicle’s upholstery.
Do not clean your vehicle using the
following cleaners or techniques:
Never use a knife or any
other sharp object to remove a
soil from any interior surface.
Never use a stiff brush. It can
cause damage to your vehicle’s
interior surfaces.
Never apply heavy pressure or
rub aggressively with a cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can
damage the interior and does not
improve the effectiveness of soil
removal.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-83
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on your
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on your vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can damage
the paint, metal or plastic on your
vehicle. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer/
retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Weatherstrips
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
frequent application may be required.
See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index of the “Maintenance and
Warranty and Owner assistance
Information” manual.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-87
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

❑Check restraint system. 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 see
Airbag System Check on
page 1-35.
❑Replace passenger compartment
air lter.
❑Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap
gasket, and lines for damage
or leaks (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs rst). Replace
parts as needed.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Change manual transmission
uid every 30,000 miles
(48 000 km) only if your vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.35,000 Miles (56 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
40,000 Miles (64 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
45,000 Miles (72 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
❑Inspect passenger compartment
air lter.
50,000 Miles (80 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
11-6 Service and Maintenance
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
55,000 Miles (88 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
60,000 Miles (96 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter
(or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-12
for more information.
❑Check restraint system. 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 seeAirbag
System Check on page 1-35.❑Replace passenger compartment
air lter.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive
belts (or every 48 months,
whichever occurs rst). Visually
inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage.
Replace belt if necessary.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect for tappet noise and
engine vibration. Adjust valve
clearance to factory specications
if necessary (or every 48 months,
whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket,
and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst). Replace parts as
needed.An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Change manual transmission uid
every 30,000 miles (48 000 km)
only if your vehicle is used to tow
a trailer.
Service and Maintenance 11-7
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53
for proper rotation pattern
and additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
85,000 Miles (136 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53
for proper rotation pattern
and additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter
if you are driving in dusty
conditions. Replace lter if
necessary.
90,000 Miles (144 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53for
proper rotation pattern and
additional information.
(See footnote +.)
❑Replace engine air cleaner lter
(or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst). SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-12
for more information.
❑Check restraint system. 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 keepa safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed
safety belts replaced. Also
seeAirbag System Check on
page 1-35.
❑Replace passenger compartment
air lter.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive
belts (or 12 months since last
inspection).An Emission
Control Service.
❑Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap
gasket, and lines for damage
or leaks (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs rst). Replace
parts as needed.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Change manual transmission
uid every 30,000 miles
(48 000 km) only if your vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
Service and Maintenance 11-9
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Scheduling Service
Appointments
(for Service)
When your vehicle requires warranty
service, contact your dealer/retailer
and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment
and advising your service consultant
of your transportation needs, your
dealer/retailer can help minimize
your inconvenience.
If your vehicle cannot be scheduled
into the service department
immediately, keep driving it until it
can be scheduled for service,
unless, of course, the problem is
safety-related. If it is, please call
your dealership/retailer, let them
know this, and ask for instructions.
If the dealer/retailer requests
you to bring the vehicle for service,
you are urged to do so as early
in the work day as possible to allow
for the same day repair.
Scheduling Service
Appointments (for
Vehicle Customization)
Your vehicle may have lighting and
door lock features that can be
programmed to your preference.
You will need to schedule an
appointment with your dealer/retailer
if you would like to change the
way these features are currently
programmed. The following is a list
of the features that can be
programmed. See your
dealer/retailer to change the
programming of these features:
Driver Door Key Unlock Switch:
If this feature is programmed on,
all of the doors will unlock when the
key is turned twice in the driver’s
door lock cylinder. When the vehicle
left the factory this feature was
programmed on.Courtesy Lamp Timer:This
feature allows for changing how
long the courtesy lamps stay
on when all the doors and liftgate
are closed and the key is out of
the ignition, in LOCK/OFF, or
in ACC/ACCESSORY. When the
vehicle left the factory the courtesy
lamps were programmed to stay
on for 15 seconds. This can
be changed to 7.5 seconds or
30 seconds.
Interior Lamps when Ignition
Off:If this feature is programmed
on, the interior lamps will come on
when the ignition is turned off
when it is dark outside. When the
vehicle left the factory this
feature was programmed on.
12-8 Customer Information
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual