engine coolant PONTIAC VIBE 2005 Owners Manual

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks................2-9
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-10
Liftgate/Liftglass............................................2-11
Windows........................................................2-13
Manual Windows..........................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-14
Sun Visors...................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-15
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-17
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-17
Ignition Positions..........................................2-18
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-19
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-21
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-22
Overdrive Off...............................................2-24
Manual Transaxle Operation...........................2-25
Parking Brake..............................................2-28Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)........2-28
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle).....2-30
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle).........2-31
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-32
Engine Exhaust............................................2-32
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-33
Mirrors...........................................................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-34
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-34
Outside Remote Control Mirrors......................2-34
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-35
OnStar
®System.............................................2-35
Storage Areas................................................2-37
Glove Box...................................................2-37
Cupholder(s)................................................2-37
Coinholder(s)................................................2-37
Instrument Panel Storage Area.......................2-37
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-37
Floor Mats...................................................2-38
Rear Storage Area........................................2-38
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System................2-39
Cargo Cover................................................2-39
Cargo Tie Downs..........................................2-40
Sunroof.........................................................2-40
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may have an engine coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side
of the engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that you
contact your dealer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best
advice for that particular area.
2-21

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps................................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Interior Lamps Control...................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-18
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-18
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-27
Trip Odometers............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-33
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-34
Stabilitrak
®Indicator Light...............................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage...................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Lights On Reminder......................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the
gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is
too hot! It means that your engine has overheated. If you
have been operating your vehicle under normal driving
conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-30.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer which
monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The CHECK ENGINE light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required. United StatesCanada
United StatesCanada
3-35

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

Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the release
handle inside the
vehicle. It is located
below the instrument
panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
5-10

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

Engine Coolant
Your vehicle was factory-lled with a coolant developed
to last for 100,000 miles (160 000 km) or 5 years,
whichever comes rst. When coolant is added or
changed, use DEX-COOL
®coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
5-28

Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at LOW,
or a little higher. When your engine is warm, the level
should be up to FULL, or a little higher.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the coolant recovery tank.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the coolant recovery tank,but be
careful not to spill it.
{CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery tank, you will
almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Occasionally check the coolant level in the radiator.
For information on how to add coolant to the radiator,
seeCooling System on page 5-32.
5-29