PONTIAC VIBE 2006 Owners Manual

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-36.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
C. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-28.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-30.
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 5-21.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir and Hydraulic
Clutch (If Equipped). See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-37andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-25.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-94.
5-15

Engine Oil
If the engine oil pressure
light appears on the
instrument cluster, it
means you need to check
your engine oil level
right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-38.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-16

When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the indent at the tip of the dipstick,
you will need to add at least one quart/liter of oil. But you
must use the right kind. This section explains what
kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specications on page 5-96.
Notice:Do not add too much oil. If your engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
hole, your engine could be damaged.SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the
way back in when you are through. 1.8L L4 (VIN Code 8) Engine
1.8L L4 (VIN Code L) Engine
5-17

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should also
have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil container,
and useonlythose oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.
5-18

Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is recommend
that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and
better protection for your engine at extremely low
temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
Change the oil and lter every 5,000 miles (8 000 km) or
3 months, whichever occurs rst. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-5.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station, or a local recycling
center for help.
5-19

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the air
cleaner/lter at each engine oil change. Replace the
lter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4for more information.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter from the
vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release loose
dust and dirt. If the lter remains caked with dirt, a new
lter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lter, do
the following:
1. Release the two clips that hold the cover down.
2. Lift the cover off.
5-20

3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lter.
4. Reinstall the cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
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 at the
intervals listed inPart A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services on page 6-4, and be sure to use the transaxle
uid listed inPart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-19.
5-21

How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
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.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
1. Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position
the shift lever in PARK (P).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to ve minutes.
5-22

Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The automatic transaxle dipstick has an orange
handle and is located near the front of the engine
compartment. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
1. Release the tab and pull out the dipstick and wipe it
with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the
lower level. The uid level must be between the
two dimples in the hot range.
4. If the uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then press the tab
down to lock the dipstick in place.How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transaxle uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the area between dimples on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed inPart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then press the tab
down to lock the dipstick in place.
5-23

Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have your manual transaxle uid
level checked is when the engine oil is changed.
However, the uid in your manual transaxle does not
require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Pontiac dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading.
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.
Check the uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transaxle
is cool enough for you to rest your ngers on the
transaxle case.Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the ller plug hole.
3. If the uid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the uid level is low, add more
uid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here is how to add uid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of uid to use. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Add uid at the ller plug hole. Add only enough
uid to bring the uid level up to the bottom of the
ller plug hole.
3. Install the ller plug. Be sure the plug is fully
seated.
5-24