5-23 PONTIAC VIBE 2005 Owners Manual

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-23
Manual Transaxle Fluid..................................5-26
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-27
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-30
Engine Overheating.......................................5-30
Cooling System............................................5-32Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-49
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-56
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-61
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-65
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-69
Buying New Tires.........................................5-70
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
C. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-30.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-23.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir and Hydraulic
Clutch (If Equipped). See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-39andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-27.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-98.
5-13

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
C. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-30.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-32.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-23.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir and Hydraulic
Clutch (If Equipped). See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-39andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-27.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-98.
5-15

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Check the uid in the transaxle and differential every
30,000 miles (48 000 km). Change the uid every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 158°F to 176°F
(70°C to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
5-23

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag
system does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades on page 5-91.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-19.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump and automatic or manual
transaxle uid levels and add as needed. SeePower
Steering Fluid on page 5-37andAutomatic Transaxle
Fluid on page 5-23orManual Transaxle Fluid on
page 5-26. Check for leaks. A uid loss in these systems
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired at once.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specied in Part D.
Seat Operation Check
Make sure the head restraints stay in position and all
seat latches lock. Check that the recliner holds by
pushing and pulling the seatback while it is reclined.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assembly, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, hood and body door
hinges, rear compartment and any folding seat
hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment.
6-14

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number or specication may be obtained from
your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench
oil meets all the requirements
for your vehicle. To determine
the proper viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-28.
Hydraulic Brake/
Clutch SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
Manual
TransaxleGM Goodwrench Synthetic
Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346190,
in Canada 10953477 — 1 quart)
or SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Automatic
TransaxleUse only T-IV Automatic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88900925,
in Canada 22689186). See
Automatic Transaxle Fluid on
page 5-23.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Manual
Transaxle
Shift LinkageChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
6-19

Audio System(s).............................................3-42
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-65
Care of Your CDs........................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-65
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-64
Radio with CD............................................3-43
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-53
Setting the Time..........................................3-42
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-64
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-65
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Battery..........................................................5-42
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-23
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Panic Assist................................................4-11
Parking......................................................2-28
System Inspection.......................................6-18
System Warning Light..................................3-32Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-100
Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-32, 4-26, 4-40
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-90
Your CD Player...........................................3-65
Your CDs ...................................................3-64
Cargo Cover..................................................2-39
2

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-95
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-98
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-96
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-96
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-97
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-96
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-28
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Cooling System Inspection............................6-18
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-19
Entry Lighting.................................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-25
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage...............................................5-93
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-65
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-74
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-75
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-84
Floor Mats.....................................................2-38
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Manual Transaxle........................................5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-5
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
5

Tires.............................................................5-57
Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning..........................5-92
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-73
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-75
Cleaning....................................................5-92
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-86
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-74
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-64
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-78
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-65
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-76
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-84
Tire Sidewall Labelling..................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
Top Strap......................................................1-35
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-37Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-37
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-40
Your Vehicle...............................................4-37
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-9
Control System Warning Light.......................3-34
Stabilitrak
®System......................................4-10
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-26
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-25
Trip Odometers..............................................3-27
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-64
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-70
13