service indicator PONTIAC VIBE 2009 User Guide

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now required
to contain additives that help prevent
engine and fuel system deposits
from forming, allowing the emission
control system to work properly.
In most cases, you should not have
to add anything to the fuel. However,
some gasolines contain only
the minimum amount of additive
required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and
intake valves clean, or if the vehicle
experiences problems due to dirty
injectors or valves, look for gasoline
that is advertised as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline. Also, your
dealer/retailer has additives that
will help correct and prevent most
deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might
be available in your area.We recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under
the vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the
performance of the emission
control system could be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer/retailer for service.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If you plan on driving in another
country outside the United States or
Canada, the proper fuel might be
hard to nd. Never use leaded
gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs caused
by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask
an auto club, or contact a major
oil company that does business
in the country where you will
be driving.
Driving and Operating 8-37
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are
needed. The sound can come
and go or be heard all the time
the vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive
with worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced — for example,
when the brake linings wear down
and new ones are installed — be
sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done,
the brakes might not work properly.
For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for
the vehicle, the balance between
the front and rear brakes can
change — for the worse. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-29
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb weight,
accessory weight, vehicle
capacity weight, and production
options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 8-32.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper
than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Ination
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended
tire ination pressure as
shown on the tire placard.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 9-47andLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-32.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire indicating
the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread remains.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 9-54.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards)
:A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire’s traction, temperature,
and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing
procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-56.
9-46 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is signicantly
under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on
a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-ination
also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is
not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-ination
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will ash
for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-50for
additional information.
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) operates on
a radio frequency and complies
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-49
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modications to
this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) warns the driver when a low
tire pressure condition exists. TPMS
sensors are mounted onto each tire
and wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly.When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the low tire pressure
warning light, located on the
instrument panel cluster, comes on.
This light also comes on for a
few seconds and then goes off when
you turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
This indicates the TPMS is
functioning properly. If the low-tire
pressure warning light comes on
while driving the vehicle, the system
may have detected a low-tire
condition. You need to stop as soon
as possible and check the tires.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be inated
to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information
label, attached to the vehicle, shows
the size of the vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct
ination pressure for the tires when
they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-32, for an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on
your vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-47.
The vehicle’s TPMS can warn you
about a low tire pressure condition
but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-53andTires
on page 9-41.
9-50 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading,
and road conditions inuence
when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear
when the tires have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.You need new tires if any of the
following statements are true:You can see the indicators at
three or more places around
the tire.
You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time, even if they are not being used.
This is also true for the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this aging
takes place, including temperatures,loading conditions, and ination
pressure maintenance. With proper
care and maintenance tires typically
wear out before they degrade due to
age. If you are unsure about the
need to replace the tires as they get
older, consult the tire manufacturer
for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specic tires for the vehicle. If you
need replacement tires, GM strongly
recommends that you get tires that
are the same size, brand, load range,
speed rating, and construction type
(radial and bias-belted tires) as the
vehicle’s original tires. This way, the
vehicle will continue to have tires
that are designed to give the same
performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original
tires. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling on
page 9-42for additional information.
9-54 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

A
Accessories and
Modications...................... 9-3
Accessory Power Outlets........ 4-9
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle....1-34
Additives, Fuel.....................8-37
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-35
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.......9-12
Air Conditioning..................... 7-1
Airbag
Passenger Status
Indicator.......................4-15
Readiness Light................4-14
System, Replacing Parts
After a Crash................1-35
Airbag System.....................1-21
Adding Equipment to
Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-34
Check.............................1-35
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?.....................1-26Airbag System (cont.)
Passenger Sensing
System........................1-28
Servicing Your
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle........................1-33
What Makes an Airbag
Inate?........................1-26
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inates?........1-26
When Should an Airbag
Inate?........................1-24
Where Are the Airbags?.....1-23
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
System...........................8-22
All-Wheel-Drive Service
Light...............................4-24
Antenna, Fixed Mast............6-14
Antenna, XM™ Satellite
Radio Antenna System......6-14
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)..................8-20
Antilock Brake, System
Warning Light...................4-18Appearance Care
Chemical Paint Spotting.....9-90
Exterior Cleaning..............9-86
Finish Damage.................9-89
Interior Cleaning...............9-83
Sheet Metal Damage........9-89
Underbody Maintenance....9-90
Appointments, Scheduling
Service...........................12-8
Ashtray(s)...........................4-10
Audio System........................ 6-1
Audio Steering Wheel
Controls.......................6-13
Fixed Mast Antenna..........6-14
Radio Reception...............6-14
Setting the Clock................ 6-2
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System............6-14
Audio System(s).................... 6-3
Automatic Headlamp System . . . 5-2
Automatic Transmission
Fluid...............................9-14
Operation....................8-6, 8-8
INDEX i-1
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

I
Ignition Positions................... 8-2
Immobilizer........................... 2-9
Immobilizer Operation............. 2-9
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints........................1-38
Ination - Tire Pressure.........9-47
Inspection
Brake System.................11-17
Engine Cooling System....11-17
Exhaust System..............11-16
Fuel System...................11-16
Part C - Periodic
Maintenance...............11-16
Steering, Suspension and
Front Drive Axle Boot
and Seal....................11-16
Throttle System..............11-17
Instrument Panel
Brightness......................... 5-3
Cluster............................4-12
Overview........................... 4-2
J
Jump Starting......................9-71
K
Keyless Entry System............ 2-3
Keys.................................... 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall..........9-42
Lamp
Malfunction Indicator.........4-20
Lamps
Dome ............................... 5-3
Reading............................ 5-4
Lap-Shoulder Belt................1-16
LATCH System
Replacing Parts After a
Crash..........................1-49
LATCH System for Child
Restraints........................1-44
License Plate Lamps............9-34
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide............... 2-8
Light
Airbag Readiness.............4-14
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning..............4-18
Brake System Warning......4-17
Charging System..............4-16Light (cont.)
Cruise Control..................4-23
Door Ajar.........................4-24
Fog Lamp ........................4-23
Highbeam On...................4-24
Lights On Reminder..........4-23
Low Fuel Warning.............4-25
Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light...............4-18
Low Washer Fluid
Warning.......................4-23
Oil Pressure.....................4-22
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator.......................4-15
Safety Belt Reminders.......4-14
Security...........................4-22
Service All-Wheel-Drive......4-24
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light...............4-18
StabiliTrak
®Indicator.........4-19
Taillamp Indicator..............4-23
TCS Warning Light...........4-19
Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning..............4-19
Lighting
Entry................................ 5-3
INDEX i-5
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Lights
Exterior Lamps................... 5-1
Flash-to-Pass..................... 4-7
High/Low Beam Changer..... 4-7
Loading Your Vehicle............8-32
Locks
Door ................................. 2-6
Power Door ....................... 2-7
Rear Door Security Locks.... 2-7
Loss of Control....................8-25
Low Fuel Warning Light........4-25
Low Washer Fluid Warning
Light...............................4-23
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children......................1-44
Luggage Carrier.................... 3-2
M
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.............11-12
At Least Once a Month . . . 11-13
At Least Once a Year......11-13
At Least Twice a Year.....11-13
Brake System
Inspection...................11-17
Engine Cooling System
Inspection...................11-17Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Exhaust System
Inspection...................11-16
Fuel System Inspection....11-16
How This Section is
Organized....................11-2
Introduction......................11-1
Maintenance Replacement
Parts...........................10-4
Maintenance
Requirements...............11-2
Part A - Scheduled
Maintenance Services....11-3
PartB-Owner Checks
and Services...............11-12
Part C - Periodic
Maintenance
Inspections.................11-16
PartD-Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants . . . 11-18
PartE-Maintenance
Record.......................11-20
Scheduled Maintenance.....11-4
Steering, Suspension and
Front Drive Axle Boot
and Seal Inspection.....11-16Maintenance Schedule (cont.)
Throttle System
Inspection...................11-17
Using..............................11-3
Your Vehicle and the
Environment.................11-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp....4-20
Manual Seats........................ 1-2
Manual Transmission
Fluid...............................9-16
Operation........................8-11
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror.....2-13
Outside Power Mirrors.......2-14
MP3 .................................... 6-9
MyGMLink.com....................12-3
N
Navigation System,
Privacy..........................12-18
New Vehicle Break-In............. 8-2
Notices and Cautions............... iii
Notication
Service Airbag Message....4-16
i-6 INDEX
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

O
Odometer...........................4-13
Odometers, Trip...................4-13
Off-Road Recovery...............8-24
Oil
Engine.............................. 9-9
Pressure Light..................4-22
Older Children, Restraints......1-36
Online Owner Center............12-3
OnStar, Privacy..................12-18
OnStar
®System, see
OnStar®Manual...............4-25
Outlet Adjustment.................. 7-3
Outlets
Accessory Power................ 4-9
Outside
Power Mirrors..................2-14
Overhead Console................. 3-2
Owner Checks, Service.......... 9-5
Owners, Canadian.................... ii
P
Paint, Damage.....................9-89
Park
Shifting Into.....................8-13
Shifting Out of..................8-14
Park Brake..........................8-12Parking
Over Things That Burn......8-16
Parking Your Vehicle............8-15
Part A - Scheduled
Maintenance Services........11-3
Part B - Owner Checks
and Services..................11-12
Part C - Periodic Maintenance
Inspections.....................11-16
PartD-Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants......11-18
PartE-Maintenance
Record..........................11-20
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................4-15
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter............................ 7-4
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-28
Passing..............................8-25
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California...... 9-3
Power
Door Locks........................ 2-7
Electrical System..............9-36
Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current........................4-10
Retained Accessory............ 8-4
Steering Fluid...................9-24
Windows.........................2-12Pressure Cap......................9-22
Privacy.............................12-17
Event Data Recorders.....12-17
Navigation System..........12-18
OnStar..........................12-18
Radio Frequency
Identication................12-18
R
Radio Frequency Identication
(RFID), Privacy...............12-18
Radio(s)............................... 6-3
Radios
Reception........................6-14
Setting the Clock................ 6-2
Reading Lamps..................... 5-4
Rear Door Security Locks....... 2-7
Rear Seat Operation.............. 1-7
Rear Windshield Washer/
Wiper............................... 4-8
Rearview Mirrors..................2-13
Reclining Seatbacks............... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . 9-75
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System............................. 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System, Operation.............. 2-4
INDEX i-7
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual