2010 PONTIAC VIBE Owners Manual

Climate Controls
Climate Control SystemsClimate Control Systems........7-1
Air VentsAir Vents............................
.7-4
MaintenancePassenger Compartment
Air Filter ............................
.7-4
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
A. Air Delivery Mode Control
B. Fan Control
C. Temperature Control D. Recirculation
E. Rear Window Defogger
F. Air Conditioning
Climate Controls 7-1

Fan Control
9(Fan):Turn the center knob
toward 4 to turn the system on or
increase fan speed.
If the airflow seems low when the
fan is at the highest setting, the
passenger compartment air filter
may need to be replaced. For
more information, see Passenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 7-4
and Scheduled Maintenance on
page 10-3.
Temperature Control
Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle. Air Delivery Mode Control
Turn the left knob to select from the
following modes:
H(Vent):
Air is directed to the
upper instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is directed to the
upper instrument panel outlets
and the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor and side window outlets.
-(Defog): Air is directed between
the windshield, side windows,
instrument panel outlets and the floor
outlets. Use the defog mode to clear the
inside of the windshield of fog
or moisture and to warm the
passengers. The air conditioning
compressor runs automatically in this
setting without pressing A/C, unless
the outside temperature is at or
below 32°F (0°C).
1(Defrost):
Air is directed to the
windshield, instrument panel
outlets and the side windows.
Use the defrost mode to remove
fog or frost from the outside of the
windshield more quickly. The air
conditioning compressor runs
automatically in this setting without
pressing A/C, unless the outside
temperature is at or below
32°F (0°C).
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
7-2 Climate Controls

Air Conditioning
For vehicles with this feature, there
will be the following controls:
A/C (Air Conditioning):Press to
turn the air conditioning system
on or off. An indicator light shows
that it is on.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air
Conditioning): Press the A/C and
recirculation buttons at the same
time to select MAX A/C.
On hot days, open the windows to let
hot inside air escape; then close
them. The vehicle will cool quicker
and the A/C system operates more
efficiently.
Because the A/C system removes
moisture from the air, it is normal
for a small amount of water to
drip under the vehicle while idling
or just after turning the engine off.
Recirculation
?(Recirculation): Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off.
An indicator light shows that it is on.
This mode recirculates the air inside
the vehicle and helps to heat or cool
the air more quickly. It can be used to
prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle.
Press the button again to turn the
recirculation mode off and the
outside air mode on. Recirculation is
automatically turned off when the
climate control system mode knob
is turned to defog, defrost, or is
positioned between modes.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to clear fog from the
rear window. It will only work when
the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position.
=(Rear Defogger): Press to turn
the rear window defogger on or off.
An indicator light shows that it is on.
The rear window defogger stays on
for 15 minutes. Clear any snow from
the rear window.
Notice: Do not use a razor
blade or sharp object to clear the
inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines
in the rear glass. These actions
may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.
Climate Controls 7-3

Air Vents
Use the air outlets located in the
center and outboard sides of the
instrument panel, to change the
direction of the air flowing through
the vents.
Operation Tips•
Clear away any ice, snow or
leaves from the outside air
inlets at the base of the
windshield.
•Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
•Keep the area under the
front seats clear of objects for
more effective air circulation.
•If the airflow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air
filter might need to be replaced.
For more information, see
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 7-4.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
Both outside and recirculated air
are routed through a passenger
compartment air filter. Pollen, dust
particles and other contaminants
are removed by the filter. Airflow
reductions indicate that the filter
needs to be replaced. For a
replacement filter see your dealer/
retailer. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 10-3 for replacement
intervals. The access panel for the air filter is
behind the glove box. To replace
the filter:
1. Open the glove box door. Push
each side of the glovebox in
and pull out to remove.
7-4 Climate Controls

2. Push the side fastener to releaseand remove the filter cover. 3. Remove the air filter.
4. Install a new air filter and
reassemble the unit by reversing
the steps.
Replacing the air filter is
recommended, but will not damage
the vehicle if it is not.
Climate Controls 7-5

✍NOTES
7-6 Climate Controls

Driving and
Operating
Driving InformationDriving for Better FuelEconomy ...........................
.8-2
Defensive Driving .................
.8-2
Drunk Driving ......................
.8-3
Control of a Vehicle ..............
.8-3
Braking ...............................
.8-4
Steering ..............................
.8-4
Off-Road Recovery ...............
.8-6
Loss of Control ....................
.8-6
Driving on Wet Roads ............8-7
Highway Hypnosis ................
.8-8
Hill and Mountain Roads ........8-8
Winter Driving ......................
.8-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck ..........8-11
Vehicle Load Limits .............
.8-12
Starting and OperatingNew Vehicle Break-In ...........8-16
Ignition Positions ................
.8-16
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ....................
.8-18Starting the Engine
.............
.8-18
Engine Heater ....................
.8-19
Shifting Into Park ................
.8-20
Shifting Out of Park .............8-22
Parking .............................
.8-22
Parking Over Things That Burn ........................
.8-23
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust..................
.8-23
Running the Vehicle While Parked ............................
.8-24
Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
(Four Speed Automatic) ......8-24
Automatic Transmission (Five Speed Automatic) .......8-27
Manual Mode .....................
.8-28
Manual TransmissionManual Transmission ...........8-29
Drive SystemsAll-Wheel Drive..................
.8-31
BrakesAntilock Brake
System (ABS) ..................
.8-32
Parking Brake ....................
.8-33
Ride Control SystemsTraction Control
System (TCS) ..................
.8-33
StabiliTrak System ..............
.8-35
Cruise ControlCruise Control ....................
.8-36
FuelFuel..................................
.8-38
Recommended Fuel .............8-39
Gasoline Specifications .........8-39
California Fuel Requirements ...................
.8-39
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . .8-40
Fuel Additives ....................
.8-40
Filling the Tank ..................
.8-41
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .........................
.8-43
TowingGeneral Towing Information . . .8-43
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips .....................
.8-44
Trailer Towing ....................
.8-48
Towing Equipment ..............
.8-49
Conversions and Add-OnsAdd-On Electrical
Equipment .......................
.8-50
Driving and Operating 8-1

Driving Information
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
•When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
•Combine several trips into a
single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, seeSafety Belts on
page 2-8.
{CAUTION
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:
•Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
•Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
8-2 Driving and Operating