wiper blades PONTIAC VIBE 2008 Owners Manual

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

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires on page 5-49.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have up-to-date
maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-13

Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-65
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-67
Wheel Replacement......................................5-67
Tire Chains..................................................5-68
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-69
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-70
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-71
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-73
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-79
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-81
Appearance Care............................................5-82
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-82
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-83
Leather.......................................................5-84
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-84
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-85
Weatherstrips...............................................5-85
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-86
Finish Care..................................................5-86
Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades............................................5-87Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-87
Tires...........................................................5-88
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-88
Finish Damage.............................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance................................5-88
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-88
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-89
Vehicle Identication......................................5-90
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-90
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-90
Electrical System...........................................
.5-90
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-90
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-91
Power Windows and Other
Power Options..........................................5-91
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-91
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-92
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-93
Capacities and Specications..........................5-95
Maintenance Replacement Parts......................5-96
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................5-97
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-Up Lamp 7440
CHMSL 921
Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamp1157NA
Headlamp High/Low-Beam 9003
Rear Turn Signal 7440
Stoplamp/Taillamp 7443
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See “Wiper Blade
Check” underAt Least Twice a Year on page 6-13
for more information.Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. Here’s how to remove
the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
5-48

Windshield, Backglass, and
Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield and backglass
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer uid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when you
clean the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap and a buildup of
vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
Extreme dusty conditions
Sand and salt
Heat and sun
Snow and ice, without proper removal
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Use only approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because the surface could be damaged. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
5-87

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the tires and make sure the tires are inated
to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-55.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety belt
assemblies 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 seeChecking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-66.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. SeeWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-48andWindshield, Backglass, and Wiper
Blades on page 5-87for more information.
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, rear axle, transfer case,
and automatic or manual transmission uid levels and
add as needed. SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-33
andAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-19or
Manual Transmission Fluid on page 5-21. Check for
leaks. A uid loss in these systems could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
at once.
6-13

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-65
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-90
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-29
Airbag System................................................1-50
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-55
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-52
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-65
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-57
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-59
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-57
Antenna, Fixed Mast........................................3-64
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.....3-64
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-33Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-87
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-88
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-86
Finish Damage............................................5-88
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-84
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-82
Leather......................................................5-84
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-88
Tires..........................................................
5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-89
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-87
Appointments, Scheduling Service....................... 7-9
Ashtray.........................................................3-19
Audio System.................................................3-42
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-64
Radio Reception..........................................3-63
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-64
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
1

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-46
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-87
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-86
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-86
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-84
Interior.......................................................5-82
Leather......................................................5-84
Tires..........................................................5-88
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-85
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.......5-87
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Clock............................................................3-43
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-22
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-39
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11Compact Spare Tire........................................5-81
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-16
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-39
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-39
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-9
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-5
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-5
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors........................................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-14
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering
Information..............................................7-15
3

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-19
Parking Your...............................................2-31
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-90
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-90
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-22
Visors...........................................................2-14
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-25
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-40
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-67
Different Size..............................................5-65
Replacement...............................................5-67Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-36
Windows.......................................................2-12
Manual......................................................2-12
Power........................................................2-13
Windshield
Backglass, and Wiper Blades, Cleaning..........5-87
Washer......................................................3-10
Washer Fluid..............................................5-34
Wiper Blade Replacement.............................5-48
Wiper Fuses...............................................5-91
Wipers......................................................... 3-9
Windshield, Rear Washer/Wiper........................3-10
Winter Driving................................................4-15
X
XM Radio Messages.......................................3-63
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System................3-64
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14