check engine light PONTIAC VIBE 2009 Owners Manual

The security light ashes when the
system is armed.
When the key is inserted in the
ignition the transponder in the key
head transmits an electronic code
to the vehicle and automatically
cancels the system. Only the correct
key starts the vehicle.
If the engine does not start, there
could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. Check the
fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 9-36.
If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have
a new key made.If any of the following conditions
occur, contact your dealer/retailer.
The security light stays on.
The security light does not start
ashing when the key is
removed from the ignition.
The security light ashes
inconsistently.
See your dealer/retailer to have a
new key with a transponder made.
Bring the key and key number
with you.
In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance Program. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 12-5.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Content Theft-Deterrent
This vehicle may have a
theft-deterrent system that activates
an alarm if attempts are made to
damage or break into the vehicle.
The alarm sounds and the lights
ash.
The security light is located on the
center of the instrument panel.
2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Arming the System
To arm the system:
1. Close all the doors and the
liftgate.
2. Lock the doors and liftgate with
the key or Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
The security light comes on solid.
The system automatically arms
after 30 seconds. The security
light ashes when the system
is armed.
No one should be in the vehicle
when the alarm system is armed
because unlocking the vehicle from
the inside activates the system.
To avoid setting off the alarm make
sure all passengers are out of
the vehicle and the windows are
closed before arming the system.
Disarming the System
To disarm the alarm do one of the
following:
Unlock the doors with the key.
Unlock the doors and liftgate with
the RKE transmitter.
Start the engine.
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 door from the
inside. The system should
activate the alarm.
4. Stop the alarm as described in
the disarming procedure.
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 activates the alarm if:
A locked door or the liftgate is
unlocked or opened without the
RKE transmitter.
A locked door is unlocked or
opened without the key.
The liftgate is unlocked or opened
with the key.
The battery is reconnected.
The side windows are tapped or
broken.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the theft
deterrent system in the vehicle.
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Notice:Holding a cigarette
lighter in while it is heating does
not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can
occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown.
Do not hold a cigarette lighter in
while it is heating.
It is not recommended to use the
cigarette lighter to plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment. Use the
accessory power outlet for phones
and other electrical equipment.
SeeAccessory Power Outlet(s)
on page 4-9orPower Outlet
115 Volt Alternating Current
on page 4-10.Warning Lights,
Gages, and Indicators
Warning lights and gages can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gages could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there
may be or is a problem with one
of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when
the engine is started to indicate
they are working.Gages can indicate when there may
be or is a problem with one of the
vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to
indicate a problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
Instruments and Controls 4-11
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Safety Belt Reminders
When the engine is started, a chime
will sound for several seconds to
remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver safety
belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light will also ash
until the driver belt is buckled. If the
driver belt is already buckled, neither
the chime nor the light comes on.
The vehicle also has a safety belt
reminder light for the right front
passenger position next to the
passenger airbag status indicator.
SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 4-15.This light is located on the center of
the instrument panel, next to the
audio system.
When the key is turned to ON/RUN
or START, this light comes on
as a reminder for the right front
passenger to fasten their safety belt.
This light ashes until the right
front passenger safety belt is
buckled. The passenger safety belt
reminder light will not come on if
the right front passenger belt
is already buckled or if a sensor
does not detect the weight of
a passenger in that seat.
If something is placed on the right
front passenger seat, the sensors
in the seat may detect that
object and cause the right front
passenger safety belt reminder
light to come on. If this happens,
remove the object.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light stays on if there is an
electrical problem. The system
monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors,
seat-mounted side impact and
roof-mounted airbag sensors, driver
seat position sensor, driver seat
belt buckle switch, right front
occupant sensing system and
indicator light, front passenger
seat belt buckle switch, seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, inators,
interconnecting wiring and power
sources. For more information
on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-21.
4-14 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

If, after several seconds, all status
indicator lights remain on, there
may be a problem with the lights or
the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the
right front passenger’s seat may
not have the protection of the
airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 4-14for more on
this, including important safety
information.
Service Airbag
Notication System
Message
If the Service Airbag Notication
System message appears on the
radio display, the vehicle may not
be able to provide the Automatic
Notication of Airbag Deployment
feature. SeeOnStar
®System on
page 4-25for information on this
feature. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briey when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show the light is
working. It should go out when the
engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. Driving while this light
is on could drain the battery.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
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2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
The ABS warning light comes on
briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready
to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. If the light comes
on while 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 driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, there are
still brakes, but no antilock brakes.If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, there are
no antilock brakes and there is
a problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 4-17.
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light
Vehicles with this feature, have a
warning light that comes on briey
when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN as a check to show it is
working.
If the warning light does not come
on, have it xed so it will be able to
warn if there is a problem.If the warning light stays on, or
comes on while driving, the Speed
Sensitive Power Steering may
not be working. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light
This light should come on briey as
the engine is started.
If there is a tire with low tire
pressure, the light will stay on or
come back on.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 9-48for more information. United States
Canada
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2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It makes sure
that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle,
helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light comes on when the ignition
is on, but the engine is not running,
as a check to show it is working. If it
does not, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, when the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem
is apparent. Heeding the light can
prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle. This system assists the
service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and
the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs that might
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.Notice:Modications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead
to costly repairs not covered
by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 9-3.
United States
Canada
4-20 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition
has been detected. A misre
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park the
vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at
least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still
ashing, follow the previous steps
and see your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.Light On Steady:An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing
the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 8-38. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with
quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misring,
hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel
to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on
page 8-36.
If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.
Instruments and Controls 4-21
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on the vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection could
prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in the
ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass
this inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system
determines that critical emission
control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the
system. The vehicle would
be considered not ready forinspection. This can happen if
the battery has recently been
replaced or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system
is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems
during normal driving. This can
take several days of routine
driving. If this has been done
and the vehicle still does not
pass the inspection for lack
of OBD II system readiness,
your dealer/retailer can prepare
the vehicle for inspection.
Security Light
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle’s security system,
seeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-10.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
The oil pressure light should come
on briey as the engine is started.
If it does not come on have the
vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
4-22 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Service All-Wheel Drive
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. 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 system.
Have it checked by your dealer/
retailer.
The four-wheel-drive indicator will
light up when the All-Wheel drive
is active.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 4-7for more
information.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on if any door,
the rear liftgate, or the rear liftglass
are not completely closed.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows about how
much fuel is in the fuel tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates
that the fuel ller door is on the driver
side of the vehicle. The fuel gage
works only when the ignition switch is
turned to ON/RUN. When the gage
rst indicates E or empty, there is still
about 2 gallons ( 7.6 L) of fuel left,
but more needs to be added right
away. When the vehicle is low on fuel
the low fuel warning light, located
below the empty mark, comes on.
United StatesCanada
4-24 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual