2010 PONTIAC VIBE ECO mode

RDS relies on receiving specific
information from radio stations and
only works when the information is
available. In rare cases, a radio
station could broadcast incorrect
information that causes the radio
features to work improperly. Contact
the radio station if this happens.
When the radio is tuned to an
RDS station, the station name
or call letters display instead of the
frequency. RDS stations can also
provide the time of day, a program
type (PTY) for current programming,
and the name of the program being
broadcast.
RDS Messages
ALERT:Displays when local
or national emergency
announcements are received.
If the radio tunes to a related network
station for the announcement,
it returns to the original station
when the announcement ends. The announcement should be heard
even if the volume is low or a CD is
playing. If a CD is playing, it will stop
playing during the announcement.
•The RDS alert feature is not
supported by all RDS radio
stations.
•The RDS alert feature cannot be
turned off.
•Alert is not affected by tests of the
emergency broadcast system.
MSG (Message): Displays if the
current RDS station has a message.
The message displays the artist,
song title, call in phone numbers,
etc. If the entire message does
not display, parts of the message
appear every three seconds until
the message is completed.
MSG disappears from the display
once the completed message
has displayed.
Finding a Station
BAND: Press to select AM, FM, or
XM (if equipped).
TUNE ADJ (Tune/Adjust): Turn to
select radio stations.
ySEEK TRACKz: Press to go
to the previous or next radio station.
The radio only stops at stations
with a strong signal.
SCAN: Press to enter scan mode.
The radio will display Scanning, then
goes to the next station, plays for a
few seconds, then continues on to
the next station. Press SCAN again
to stop scanning. The radio only
stops at stations with a strong signal.
INFO (Information) (FM-RDS,
XM™ Satellite Radio Service, and
MP3 Features): Press to display
information for the current FM-RDS,
XM station, or MP3 song. Choose
from Channel, Song, Artist, and
CAT (category).
NO INFO displays when information
is not available from the station.
Infotainment System 6-5

Satellite Radio
Vehicles with an XM™ Satellite
Radio tuner and a valid XM Satellite
Radio subscription can receive
XM programming.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service that
is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM Satellite Radio
has a wide variety of programming
and commercial-free music,
coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality
sound. During your trial or when
you subscribe, you will get unlimited
access to XM Radio Online for when
you are not in your vehicle. A service
fee is required to receive the XM
service. For more information,
contact XM at www.xmradio.com
or call 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S.
and www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
Finding a Station
BAND:Press to select AM, FM,
or XM.
TUNE ADJ (Tune/Adjust): Turn to
select radio stations.
ySEEK TRACKz: Press to go
to the previous or next radio station.
The radio only stops at stations
with a strong signal.
SCAN: Press to enter scan mode.
The radio will display Scanning, then
goes to the next station, plays for a
few seconds, then continues on to
the next station. Press SCAN again
to stop scanning. The radio only
stops at stations with a strong signal.
INFO (Information) (FM-RDS,
XM™ Satellite Radio Service, and
MP3 Features): Press to display
information for the current FM-RDS,
XM station, or MP3 song. Choose
from Channel, Song, Artist, and
CAT (category).
NO INFO displays when information
is not available from the station.
Finding a Category (CAT)
Station
XM stations are organized in
categories.
To select and find a desired
category:
1. Press the CAT button.
2. Turn the TUNE ADJ knob to select a category.
3. Press
yorzto go to the
category’s first station, when the
desired category is displayed.
4. Press
yorzto go to another
station within the selected
category.
5. Press CAT to exit the category select mode or wait for CAT to
time out.
If CAT times out and is no longer on
the display, return to Step 1.
NOT FOUND displays if the desired
category cannot be found.
6-6 Infotainment System

Scanning Categories (CAT)
To scan a desired category:
1. Press the CAT button to enterthe category select mode.
2. Turn the TUNE ADJ knob to select a category.
3. Press
yorzfor two seconds
to scan the stations in the
selected category.
4. Press
yorzagain to stop
scanning.
NOT FOUND displays if the desired
category cannot be found.
XM Radio Messages
xL (Explicit Language Channels):
These channels, or any others,
can be blocked by calling
1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
Updating: The encryption code in
the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process
should take no longer than
30 seconds. No Signal:
The system is
functioning correctly, but the
vehicle is in a location that is blocking
the XM signal. When the vehicle is
moved into an open area, the signal
should return.
Loading XM: The audio system is
acquiring and processing audio and
text data. No action is needed. This
message should disappear shortly.
CH Off Air: This channel is not
currently in service. Tune in
to another channel.
CH Unauth: This channel is
blocked or cannot be received with
your XM Subscription package.
CH Unavail: This previously
assigned channel is no longer
assigned. Tune to another station.
If this station was one of the presets,
choose another station for that
preset button.
No Info: No artist, song title,
category, or text information is
available at this time on this
channel. The system is working
properly. Not Found:
There are no channels
available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
XM Locked: The XM receiver in
the vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security
purposes, XM receivers cannot be
swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having the
vehicle serviced, check with your
dealer/retailer.
Radio ID: If tuned to channel 0,
this message will alternate with the
XM Radio 8 digit radio ID label.
This label is needed to activate
the service. Consult with your
dealer/retailer.
Unknown: If this message is
received when tuned to channel 0,
there could be a receiver fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Chk XMRcvr: If this message does
not clear within a short period of
time, the receiver may have a fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Infotainment System 6-7

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

N (Neutral):In this position,
the engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed. Notice:
Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy from the vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and
you are:
•Going less than 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all the
way down.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC mode allows you to choose
the top gear limit of the vehicle’s
transmission and the vehicle’s speed
while driving down hill or towing a
trailer. To use this feature, do the
following:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) left to S (Shift Control).
While driving in this mode, the
transmission will remain in the
driver selected range. When
coming to a stop, the vehicle
will automatically shift into
1 (First) gear.
2. Move the shift lever forward to increase the gear range, or
rearward to decrease the gear
range available based upon your
current driving conditions and
needs.
8-28 Driving and Operating

StabiliTrak System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak
system which combines antilock
brake, traction and stability control
systems. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from
skidding when cornering on a
slippery road surface or turning
the steering wheel abruptly.
This system activates when the
vehicle speed reaches or exceeds
15 km/h (9 mph), and deactivates
when the vehicle speed reduces to
below 15 km/h (9 mph).
A sound may be heard in the engine
compartment for a few seconds
when the engine is started or just
after the vehicle begins to move.
This means that the system is in
the self-check mode, but does not
indicate a problem.If the vehicle is going to skid during
driving, the traction control system
warning light flashes and an alarm
sounds intermittently. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
To turn off both the traction control
system and StabiliTrak, press and
hold
gwhile the vehicle is stopped.
The traction control system warning
light and the VSC OFF light will come
on. To turn the systems back on,
press
gagain. If both systems are
turned off, they will not turn back on
automatically when vehicle speed
increases.
If the VSC OFF light flashes, there
is a problem in the traction control
system or StabiliTrak.
Driving and Operating 8-35

Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight:The sum of curb weight,
accessory weight, vehicle
capacity weight, and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See Vehicle
Load Limits on page 8-12.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper
than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Ination
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See Tire
Pressure on page 9-49 and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 8-12.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for
a tire and upon which the
tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed
at which a tire can operate. Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remains.
See When It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-56.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire’s traction, temperature,
and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. See Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-58.
9-48 Vehicle Care

Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your
GM vehicle with comprehensive
and collision insurance coverage.
There are significant differences in
the quality of coverage afforded by
various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced
protection to your GM vehicle by
limiting compensation for damage
repairs by using aftermarket collision
parts. Some insurance companies
will not specify aftermarket collision
parts. When purchasing insurance,
we recommend that you assure your
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current insurance
carrier, consider switching to another
insurance carrier.If your vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that assures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read your lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside
Assistance Program on page 12-6 .Gather the following information:
•Driver’s name, address, phone
number
•Driver’s license number
•Owner’s name, address, phone
number
•Vehicle license plate
•Vehicle make, model and
model year
•Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
•Insurance company and policy
number
•General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in
this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See After an Airbag
Inates? on page 2-28 .
Customer Information 12-11