PONTIAC VIBE 2003 Repair Manual

1-55
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here two children are wearing the same belt. The
belt can't properly spread the impact forces. In a
crash, the two children can be crushed together
and seriously injured. A belt must be used by
only one person at a time.
Q:What if a child is wearing a lap-shoulder belt,
but the child is so small that the shoulder belt is
very close to the child's face or neck?
A:If the child is sitting in a seat next to a window,
move the child toward the center of the vehicle. If
the child is sitting in the center rear seat passenger
position, move the child toward the safety belt
buckle. In either case, be sure that the shoulder belt
still is on the child's shoulder, so that in a crash the
child's upper body would have the restraint that
belts provide.

1-56
CAUTION:
Never do this.
Here a child is sitting in a seat that has a
lap
-shoulder belt, but the shoulder part is behind
the child. If the child wears the belt in this way, in
a crash the child might slide under the belt. The
belt's force would then be applied right on the
child's abdomen. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries.
The lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug
on the hips, just touching the child's thighs. This applies
belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash.

1-57
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)

1-58
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in your
vehicle. A damaged restraint system may not
properly protect the person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a crash. To help
make sure your restraint systems are working
properly after a crash, have them inspected and
any necessary replacements made as soon as
possible.
If you've had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCH
system parts?After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.
If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at
the time of the collision.
If the frontal air bags inflate, you'll also need to replace
the driver's and right front passenger's safety belt
retractor assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new
retractor assembly will be there to help protect you in
a collision.
If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system
earlier in this section.

2-
2-1
Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and information on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2
-2 Windows
2
-4 Keys
2
-6 Door Locks
2
-9 Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
2
-12 Liftgate/Liftglass
2
-14 Theft
2
-17 New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
2
-18 Ignition Positions
2
-19 Starting Your Engine
2
-21 Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
2
-22 Automatic Transaxle Operation
2
-25 Manual Transaxle Operation
2
-29 Parking Brake
2
-30 Shifting Into PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-32 Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
2
-33 Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle Only)
2
-33 Parking Over Things That Burn2
-34 Engine Exhaust
2
-34 Running Your Engine While You're Parked
(Automatic Transaxle)
2
-35 Horn
2
-35 Tilt Wheel
2
-36 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
2
-38 Windshield Washer
2
-39 Cruise Control (Option)
2
-42 Exterior Lamps
2
-44 Interior Lamps
2
-46 Mirrors
2
-48 Storage Compartments
2
-53 Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
2
-53 Sun Visors
2
-57 Sunroof (Option)
2
-58 The Instrument Panel -- Your
Information System
2
-60 Instrument Panel Cluster
2
-62 Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
2
-76 Navigation System (Option)

2-2
Windows
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the windows
closed is dangerous. A child can be overcome by
the extreme heat and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from heat stroke. Never
leave a child alone in a vehicle, especially with the
windows closed in warm or hot weather.

2-3 Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and close each window.
Power Windows (Option)
If your vehicle has this
option, the switches
controlling the driver's and
passenger's windows are
located on the driver's door.
The power window switch on each passenger door
controls that window only. These switches work while
the ignition is on.
For the front windows, press the front of a switch to
lower a window and lift the front of the switch to raise a
window. For the rear windows, the power window lever
is located on each door below the arm rest.AUTO (Express
-Down): Press this switch all
the way down and release it to lower the driver's
window quickly.
Lock-Out: Press the
window lock
-out button,
located next to the driver's
power door lock switch, to
disable the passenger's
power window switches.
Press the button again to
enable the window
switches.
The driver can still control the left front passenger
window with the lock
-out button pressed.

2-4
Keys
CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the ignition
key is dangerous for many reasons. A child or
others could be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle with children.

2-5
One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
key tag from the key and gives it to the first owner.
Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you'll be able to
have a new one made easily using this code.
If you need a new key, contact your dealership to obtain
the correct key code. See ªRoadside Assistanceº in the
Index for more information.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of features that can
help prevent theft. However, you can have a lot of
trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever lock
your key inside. You may even have to damage
your vehicle to get in. So be sure you have an
extra key.

2-6
Door Locks
CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers -- especially children -- can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle won't open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash if the doors aren't locked. So, wear
safety belts properly and lock the doors
whenever you drive.

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your doors can help
prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if equipped. See ªRemote Keyless
Entryº in the Index for more information.