2009 PONTIAC VIBE service

The security light ashes 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 starts the vehicle.
If the engine does not start, there
could be a problem with the
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. Check the
fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 9-36.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the 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 12-5.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Content Theft-Deterrent
This vehicle may have a
theft-deterrent system that activates
an alarm if attempts are made to
damage or break into the vehicle.
The alarm sounds and the lights
ash.
The security light is located on the
center of the instrument panel.
2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Instruments and
Controls
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................4-2
Hazard Warning Flashers. . . .4-3
Horn...................................4-3
Tilt Wheel...........................4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................4-4
Cruise Control....................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................4-7
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........4-7
Flash-to-Pass......................4-7
Windshield Wipers..............4-7
Windshield Washer.............4-8
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer.............................4-8
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)............................4-9
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current..........4-10
Ashtray(s).........................4-10
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................4-11
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .4-12
Speedometer and
Odometer........................4-13
Trip Odometer(s)...............4-13
Tachometer.......................4-13
Safety Belt Reminders......4-14
Airbag Readiness Light.....4-14
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................4-15
Service Airbag Notication
System Message.............4-16
Charging System Light......4-16
Brake System Warning
Light................................4-17
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......4-18
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light
..................4-18
Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light..................4-18
Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light.......4-19
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light................................4-19
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........4-19
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................4-20
Security Light....................4-22
Oil Pressure Light.............4-22
Fog Lamp Light................4-23
Lights On Reminder..........4-23
Taillamp Indicator Light.....4-23
Cruise Control Light..........4-23
Low Washer Fluid
Warning Light..................4-23
Service All-Wheel Drive
Light................................4-24
Highbeam On Light...........4-24
Door Ajar Light.................4-24
Fuel Gage........................4-24
Low Fuel Warning Light. . . .4-25
OnStar®System
OnStar®System................4-25
Instruments and Controls 4-1
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

This light will come on briey when
the vehicle is started, then it should
go out indicating the system is ready.
{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light stays
on or keeps ashing after you
start your vehicle, it means the
airbag system and safety belt
pretension system may not be
working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a
crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle serviced right away if
the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-28
for important safety information.
The instrument panel has a
passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF for several
seconds as a system check.
Then, after several more seconds,
the status indicator will light
either ON or OFF if there is weight
on the seat, to let you know thestatus of the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbags (if equipped).
If the seat is unoccupied, the light
will not be visible after the system
check.
If the word ON is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator,
it means that the right front
passenger frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbags (if equipped)
are enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the right
front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped). SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-28for
more on this, including important
safety information.
Instruments and Controls 4-15
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

If, after several seconds, all status
indicator lights remain on, there
may be a problem with the lights or
the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the
right front passenger’s seat may
not have the protection of the
airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 4-14for more on
this, including important safety
information.
Service Airbag
Notication System
Message
If the Service Airbag Notication
System message appears on the
radio display, the vehicle may not
be able to provide the Automatic
Notication of Airbag Deployment
feature. SeeOnStar
®System on
page 4-25for information on this
feature. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briey when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show the light is
working. It should go out when the
engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
4-16 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake
system is divided into two parts.
If one part is not working, the other
part can still work and stop the
vehicle. For good braking both parts
need to be working well.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
If the vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
this light should come on when
the key is turned to START.If it does not come on, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes
on when the parking brake is
set. The light will stay on if the
parking brake does not fully release.
If it stays on after the parking
brake is fully released, it means
there is a brake problem.
{CAUTION
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the
vehicle has been pulled off the
road and carefully stopped, have
the vehicle towed for service.
See Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light later in this section
andTowing Your Vehicle on
page 9-75.
United States
Canada
Instruments and Controls 4-17
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
The ABS warning light comes on
briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready
to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. If the light comes
on while driving, stop as soon
as possible and turn the ignition off.
Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the light
still stays on, or comes on again
while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, there are
still brakes, but no antilock brakes.If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, there are
no antilock brakes and there is
a problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 4-17.
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light
Vehicles with this feature, have a
warning light that comes on briey
when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN as a check to show it is
working.
If the warning light does not come
on, have it xed so it will be able to
warn if there is a problem.If the warning light stays on, or
comes on while driving, the Speed
Sensitive Power Steering may
not be working. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light
This light should come on briey as
the engine is started.
If there is a tire with low tire
pressure, the light will stay on or
come back on.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 9-48for more information. United States
Canada
4-18 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It makes sure
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light comes on when the ignition
is on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show it is working. If it
does not, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, when the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem
is apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and
the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs that might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.Notice:Modications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead
to costly repairs not covered
by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 9-3.
United States
Canada
4-20 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition
has been detected. A misre
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park the
vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at
least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps
and see your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.Light On Steady:An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing
the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 8-38. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with
quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misring,
hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel
to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on
page 8-36.
If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.
Instruments and Controls 4-21
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual