2009 PONTIAC VIBE height

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time
the vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive
with worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced — for example,
when the brake linings wear down
and new ones are installed — be
sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done,
the brakes might not work properly.
For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for
the vehicle, the balance between
the front and rear brakes can
change — for the worse. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-29
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a
tire is molded into its sidewall.
The examples show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.(A) Tire Size
:The tire size
is a combination of letters and
numbers used to dene a
particular tire’s width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size” illustration later in this
section for more detail.
(B) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(C) Tire Identication Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire
Identication Number (TIN). The
TIN shows the manufacturer and
plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN
is molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.(D) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies
in the sidewall and under
the tread.
(E) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required
to grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information
seeUniform Tire Quality Grading
on page 9-56.
(F) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load
that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed
to support that load.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
Example
9-42 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

(A) Temporary Use Only:The
compact spare tire or temporary
use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) and should not be
driven at speeds over 65 mph
(105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a
regular road tire has lost air and
gone at. If your vehicle has a
compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 9-70andIf a
Tire Goes Flat on page 9-61.(B) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies
in the sidewall and under
the tread.
(C) Tire Identication Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identication Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and
date the tire was manufactured.
The TIN is molded onto both
sides of the tire, although only
one side may have the date of
manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support
that load.(E) Tire Ination
:The
temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated
to 60 psi (420 kPa). For more
information on tire pressure and
ination seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-47.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination
of letters and numbers dene a
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type, and service
description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary
use only.
Compact Spare Tire Example
Vehicle Service and Care 9-43
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Tire Size
The following illustration
shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle 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. Tires
engineered to European
standards do not use the
letter P as the rst character
in the tire size.(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 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent 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 speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carry capacity a tire is
certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum
speed a tire is certied to carry
a load. Speed ratings range
fromAtoZ.
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.
9-44 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Aspect Ratio:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between the
plies and the tread. Cords may
be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-47.Curb Weight
:The weight of
a motor vehicle with standard
and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code
molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is
in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 8-32.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle
Weight Rating for the front axle.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-32.GAWR RR
:Gross Axle
Weight Rating for the rear axle.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-32.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on light duty trucks
and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure
:The maximum air pressure
to which a cold tire can
be inated. The maximum
air pressure is molded onto
the sidewall.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-45
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose,
the wheel, wheel bolts and wheel
nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except
some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the
kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have
the same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.If you need to replace any of the
wheels, wheel bolts or wheel
nuts, replace them only with new
GM original equipment parts.
This way, you will be sure to have
the right wheel, wheel bolts and
wheel nuts for the vehicle.
{CAUTION
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control.
You could have a collision in
which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 9-62for more information.Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used
or how far it has been driven.
It could fail suddenly and cause
a crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-59
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner............9-12
Finish Damage....................9-89
Fixed Mast Antenna.............6-14
Flashers, Hazard Warning....... 4-3
Flash-to-Pass........................ 4-7
Flat Tire..............................9-61
Flat Tire, Changing...............9-62
Flat Tire, Storing..................9-68
Floor Mats............................ 3-3
Fluid
Automatic Transmission.....9-14
Power Steering.................9-24
Windshield Washer...........9-24
Fog Lamp
Fog .................................. 5-2
Fog Lamp Light...................4-23
Folding Seatback, Passenger . . . 1-4
Fuel...................................8-36
Additives.........................8-37
California Fuel..................8-36
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container.....................8-40
Filling the Tank.................8-38
Fuels in Foreign
Countries.....................8-37
Gage ..............................4-24Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane...............8-36
Gasoline Specications......8-36
Low Warning Light............4-25
System Inspection...........11-16
Fuses
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block...................9-39
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers......................9-36
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...........................9-36
Windshield Wiper..............9-36
G
Gage
Engine Coolant
Temperature.................4-19
Fuel................................4-24
Speedometer...................4-13
Tachometer......................4-13
Gasoline
Octane............................8-36
Specications...................8-36
Glove Box............................ 3-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program..........................12-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers........ 4-3
Head Restraints..................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming ............................9-30
Headlamp Wiring.................9-35
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.............9-31
Daytime Running Lamp....... 5-2
Exterior Lamps................... 5-1
Flash-to-Pass..................... 4-7
Halogen Bulbs..................9-31
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps .........................9-31
High/Low Beam Changer..... 4-7
Heater................................. 7-1
Engine Coolant.................. 8-5
Height Adjuster, Seat.............. 1-2
Highbeam On Light..............4-24
Highway Hypnosis................8-28
Hill and Mountain Roads.......8-28
Hood
Release............................ 9-5
Hooks.................................. 3-3
Horn .................................... 4-3
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly..........................1-11
Hydraulic Clutch...................9-17
i-4 INDEX
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire.....9-64
Removing the Spare Tire
and Tools........................9-63
Replacement Bulbs..............9-35
Replacement Parts,
Maintenance....................10-4
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash...........1-49
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government.....12-15
General Motors...............12-16
United States
Government................12-15
Restraint System Check
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash........1-35
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts After a
Crash..........................1-20
Retained Accessory Power...... 8-4
Roadside
Assistance Program..........12-5
Rocking Your Vehicle to
Get it Out ........................8-31
Routing, Engine Drive Belt....10-5
Running the Vehicle While
Parked............................8-17S
Safety Belt Reminders..........4-14
Safety Belts.......................... 1-8
Care of ...........................1-20
Check.............................1-20
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly.......................1-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt.............1-16
Replacing Parts After a
Crash..........................1-20
Safety Belt Extender.........1-19
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy....................1-19
Scheduled Maintenance........11-4
Seatback, Folding Passenger . . . 1-4
Seats
Head Restraints................. 1-6
Height Adjuster.................. 1-2
Passenger Folding
Seatback....................... 1-4
Rear Seat Operation........... 1-7
Reclining Seatbacks............ 1-3
Securing Child
Restraints................1-50, 1-53
Security Light......................4-22Service................................ 9-2
Accessories and
Modications.................. 9-3
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle..... 9-4
All-Wheel-Drive Light.........4-24
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.... 9-3
California Proposition
65 Warning.................... 9-3
Doing Your Own Work........ 9-4
Engine Soon Lamp...........4-20
Owner Checks................... 9-5
Publications Ordering
Information.................12-16
Service Airbag Notication
System Message..............4-16
Service, Scheduling
Appointments...................12-8
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-33
Setting the Clock................... 6-2
Sheet Metal Damage............9-89
Shifting Into Park.................8-13
Shifting Out of Park..............8-14
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change..................... 4-7
i-8 INDEX
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual