traction control PONTIAC VIBE 2007 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 136
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 138
Other Warning Devices............................. 138
Horn.......................................................... 138
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 139
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 139
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 140
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 140
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 141
Windshield Wipers..................................... 141
Windshield Washer.................................... 142
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...................... 142
Cruise Control........................................... 143
Exterior Lamps.......................................... 146
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 146
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 147
Automatic Headlamp System..................... 147
Fog Lamps................................................ 148
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 148
Interior Lamps Control............................... 149
Entry Lighting............................................ 149
Reading Lamps......................................... 150
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 150Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current.................................................. 151
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 151
Climate Controls......................................... 152
Climate Control System............................. 152
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 155
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 156
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 158
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 159
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 160
Trip Odometers......................................... 160
Tachometer............................................... 161
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 161
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 162
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 163
Charging System Light.............................. 165
Brake System Warning Light..................... 166
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 167
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light.............. 167
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light........................................ 168
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light......................... 168
Section 3 Instrument Panel
133

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on
page 155.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 159.
C. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 152.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 138.
E. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 177.
F. Rear Window Defogger Button. See “Rear
Window Defogger” underClimate Control
System on page 152.
G. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 163.
Front Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.
SeeSafety Belt Reminder Light on page 161.
H. Power Remote Control Mirror Button. See
Outside Remote Control Mirrors on page 122.
I. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 148.
J. Rear Liftglass Release Button. See
Liftgate/Liftglass on page 96.K. Tire Pressure Monitor Reset Button. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 330.
L. Coinholder. SeeCoinholder(s) on page 127.
M. TRAC OFF Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 230.
N. Content Theft-Deterrent Security Light. See
Content Theft-Deterrent on page 100.
O. Storage Compartment. SeeInstrument Panel
Storage Area on page 127.
P. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever and Exterior
Lamp Stalk. SeeTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 139andExterior Lamps
on page 146.
Q. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on
page 280.
R. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 139.
S. Horn. SeeHorn on page 138.
T. Cruise Control Lever (Option). SeeCruise
Control on page 143.
U. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 103.
137

Cruise Control
If your vehicle has
cruise control, the lever
is located on the
right side of the steering
wheel.
Cruise control, lets you maintain a speed of
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. This can really help
on long trips. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
143

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come
on briey when you
start the engine.
If it stays on or comes on while you are driving,
there is a problem with your Traction Control
System (TCS).
The TCS warning light comes on briey when the
ignition is turned to ON. It will come on again
when you press the TRAC OFF button to turn off
the TCS. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 230for more information.
In the following cases, contact your dealer:
The indicator light does not come on when the
ignition is turned to ON.
The indicator light remains on after the ignition
is turned ON.
The indicator light comes on with the normal
driving mode while driving.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This light warns that
there is a problem with
the Traction Control
System (TCS) or
the Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) system.
The light will come on when the ignition is turned
to ON and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system
does not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to
continue driving.
168

In the following cases, contact your dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the
ignition is turned to ON.
The warning light remains on after the ignition
is turned to ON.
The warning light comes on while driving.
The TCS light will come on when the VSC system
warning light comes on, even if the TRAC OFF
button is not pressed.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 231for more
information on Vehicle Stability Control System.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 230
for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
the engine is too hot. It means that the engine has
overheated. Pull off the road, stop your vehicle,
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 297.
United StatesCanada
169

Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is located on
the fuel gage and
comes on when the fuel
tank is low on fuel.
To turn it off, add fuel to the fuel tank. SeeFuel
on page 274for more information.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 222. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’saudio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when
driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
177

Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD
player, CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way
radio, make sure that it can be added by
checking with your dealer. Also, check federal
rules covering mobile radio and telephone
units. If sound equipment can be added, it is
very important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems
can interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Setting the Time
The radio might have a button marked with an
H or HR to represent hours and an M or MIN to
represent minutes.
Press and hold the hour button until the correct
hour displays. AM appears for morning hours.
Press and hold the minute button until the correct
minute displays. The time can be set with the
ignition on or off.
To synchronize the time with an FM station
broadcasting Radio Data System (RDS)
information, press and hold the hour and minute
buttons at the same time until UPDATED displays.
If the time is not available from the station, NO
UPDATE displays.
RDS time is broadcast once a minute. After tuning
to an RDS broadcast station, it could take a
few minutes for the time to update.
178

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 222
Defensive Driving...................................... 222
Drunken Driving........................................ 223
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 226
Braking...................................................... 226
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 227
Braking in Emergencies............................. 229
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 230
StabiliTrak
®System................................... 231
Panic Brake Assist.................................... 231
Steering.................................................... 232
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 234
Passing..................................................... 235
Loss of Control.......................................... 237
Driving at Night......................................... 238Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 239
City Driving............................................... 242
Freeway Driving........................................ 243
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 244
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 245
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 246
Winter Driving........................................... 248
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.......................................... 252
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 253
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 253
Towing........................................................ 259
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 259
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 259
Towing a Trailer........................................ 261
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
221

If your vehicle has the vehicle stability control
system, it includes a brake assist system which
provides more powerful braking during a sudden,
hard brake application. See “Vehicle Stability
Control System” underTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 230.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you
need to get your foot up to the brake pedal
or always decrease stopping distance. If you get
too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not
have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough
room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down rmly and let anti-lock work for you.
You may feel a slight brake pedal pulsation
or notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
At some time, nearly every driver gets into a
situation that requires hard braking.If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the
same time. However, if you do not have ABS, your
rst reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold
it down — may be the wrong thing to do. Your
wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle
cannot respond to your steering. Momentum will
carry it in whatever direction it was headed when
the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the
road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or
into traffic.
If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this
by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily
increasing pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to
squeeze the brakes hard without locking the
wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease
off the brake pedal. This will help you retain
steering control. If you do have ABS, it is different.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on page 227.
In many emergencies, steering can help you
more than even the very best braking.
229

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a traction control system
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. The system operates only
if it senses that one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system works the front brakes and
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal. Leave the system on during ordinary
driving so that it can operate when needed. When
the ignition is turned to ON, the system
automatically turns on.
This light should come
on briey when you
start the engine.
If it stays on or comes on while you are driving,
there is a problem with your traction control
system.The TRAC OFF button
is located to the left of
the steering wheel
below the instrument
panel cluster.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly
fallen snow, turn off the traction control system.
The system that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing the
front wheels. To turn off traction control, press the
TRAC OFF button. The traction control system
warning light will come on. The vehicle stability
control system (StabiliTrak
®) is always activated,
even when the traction control system is turned
off. To turn the traction control system back
on, press the TRAC OFF button again. The
traction control system warning light will go off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 168for more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 272for more information.
230