stop start PONTIAC VIBE 2008 Owners Manual

Seat Height Adjuster
The driver seat height adjuster is located on the
outboard side of the seat. To raise the seat, pull up
on the lever repeatedly until the seat is at the desired
height. To lower the seat, push down on the lever
repeatedly until the seat is at the desired height.
It is easier to use the adjuster when the seat is
unoccupied.
Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle
is moving. The sudden movement could startle
and confuse you, or make you push a pedal
when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s
seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the seatback to be
sure it is locked.
The seats have manual reclining seatbacks. The lever
used to operate them is located on the outboard side
of the seats.
1-3

Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the system as described in the previous
procedure. The doors and liftgate should be locked
with the key or RKE transmitter. Be sure to wait
until the security light starts ashing.
3. Unlock the driver’s door from the inside.
The system should activate the alarm.
4. Stop the alarm as described in the disarming
procedure following.
5. Repeat this operation for the other doors.
Also check that the system is activated when
the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the system does not work properly, have it
checked by your dealer/retailer.
How the System Alarm is Activated
The system will activate the alarm:
If the driver’s or front passenger’s door is unlocked
without using the key or RKE transmitter.
If any door or the liftgate/liftglass is forcibly opened
without the key or RKE transmitter.
If the battery terminal is disconnected and then
reconnected.
If the ignition is hot-wired.
If the side window glass is broken or damaged.
The security light will come on when the system
is activated.
If the driver’s or front passenger’s doors are unlocked
without using the key or RKE transmitter, the other doors
and the liftgate will be automatically locked again.
After one minute the alarm will automatically stop and
the security light will start ashing again.
2-17

Reactivating the System
Once the system is set, it will automatically reset the
alarm after the alarm stops. The alarm will activate again
under the same conditions as described earlier.
Disarming the System
To disarm the alarm:
Turn the ignition key from LOCK/OFF to ON/RUN.
Unlock any of the doors with the key or with the
RKE transmitter.
If the liftgate or liftglass is opened with the key,
the system will still be activated.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27for
the trailer towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-18

(C) ON/RUN:This is the position the switch returns to
after you start your engine and release the switch. The
switch stays in the ON/RUN position when the engine is
running. But even when the ignition is not running, you
can use ON/RUN to operate your electrical accessories,
including the ventilation fan and 115 volt power outlet,
and to display some warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
(D) START:This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
When the engine is not running, ACC/ACCESSORY
and ON/RUN allow you to operate some of your
electrical accessories.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
when the ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the key in
the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will sound,
when you open the driver’s door. Always remember to
remove your key from the ignition and take it with you.
This will lock your ignition and transmission. Also, always
remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for
an extended period of time.
Starting the Engine
Move the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position -- this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.
2-20

Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down. That is a safety
feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
When using a key with a transponder chip and
while starting the engine, do not use a key with thekey ring touching the key grip or other transponder
chip keys nearby. This may cause the engine
not to start or may stop it soon after it starts.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
2-21

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow on page 4-18.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 27 mph (43 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 29 mph (47 km/h) or more, push your
accelerator pedal all the way down. You will shift
down to the next gear and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding
underLoss of Control on page 4-10
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would
also want to use your brakes off and on.
2-24

Manual Transmission Operation
Five-Speed Transmission
FIRST (1):Press the
clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then, slowly
let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the
accelerator pedal.
You can shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less
than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete
stop and it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift
lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press
the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).
SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5):Shift into
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4) and FIFTH (5) the same
way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down on the clutch
pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
Also, use REVERSE (R) along with the parking brake
for parking your vehicle.
2-26

Windshield Wipers
The lever on the right side of the steering column
controls the windshield wipers and washer.
Move the lever to one of the following positions:
MIST:Move the lever to MIST, for a single wiping
cycle. Hold it there until the wipers start, then let go.
The wipers will stop after one wipe.
OFF:Move the lever to this position to turn the
wipers off.INT (Intermittent):Move the lever to INT to choose a
delayed wiping cycle. The time between wipes can be
changed by turning the INT band. Turn the band forward
or rearward for a longer or shorter delay interval. This
position is useful in light rain or snow, rather than
continuous wiping.
LO (Low):Move the lever to LO for steady wiping at
low speed.
HI (High):Move the lever to HI for steady wiping at
high speed.
REAR:Turn the end of the lever upward to LO or HI,
to turn on the rear window wiper. The wiper does
not work with the rear liftglass open.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If the blades become
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. A circuit
breaker stops them until the motor cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
3-9

Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when the ignition is
turned on, and the engine
is not running, as a check
to show you it is working.
It should go out when the engine is started. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have
a problem with the electrical charging system. Have
it checked by your dealer/retailer. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive
a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn
off all your accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner to help reduce the drain on the battery.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, this light should
come on when you turn the key to START. If it does not
come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
United StatesCanada
3-32

When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake does not release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push or the pedal may go closer to the oor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the
vehicle towed for service. SeeAntilock Brake System
Warning Light on page 3-33andTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-25.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System Warning
Light
With the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes
on when the engine is started and can stay on for
several seconds. This is normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to LOCK. If the light
comes on while you are driving, stop as soon as possible
and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on
again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but you do not have antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you
do not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-32. United States
Canada
3-33