washer fluid PONTIAC VIBE 2009 Owners Manual

Instruments and
Controls
Instrument Panel
Overview
Instrument Panel
Overview...........................4-2
Hazard Warning Flashers. . . .4-3
Horn...................................4-3
Tilt Wheel...........................4-4
Turn Signal/Multifunction
Lever................................4-4
Cruise Control....................4-4
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals.............................4-7
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer..........4-7
Flash-to-Pass......................4-7
Windshield Wipers..............4-7
Windshield Washer.............4-8
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer.............................4-8
Accessory Power
Outlet(s)............................4-9
Power Outlet 115 Volt
Alternating Current..........4-10
Ashtray(s).........................4-10
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators.................4-11
Instrument Panel Cluster. . .4-12
Speedometer and
Odometer........................4-13
Trip Odometer(s)...............4-13
Tachometer.......................4-13
Safety Belt Reminders......4-14
Airbag Readiness Light.....4-14
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator..........................4-15
Service Airbag Notication
System Message.............4-16
Charging System Light......4-16
Brake System Warning
Light................................4-17
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light.......4-18
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light
..................4-18
Low Tire Pressure
Warning Light..................4-18
Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light.......4-19
StabiliTrak®Indicator
Light................................4-19
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage..........4-19
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp................4-20
Security Light....................4-22
Oil Pressure Light.............4-22
Fog Lamp Light................4-23
Lights On Reminder..........4-23
Taillamp Indicator Light.....4-23
Cruise Control Light..........4-23
Low Washer Fluid
Warning Light..................4-23
Service All-Wheel Drive
Light................................4-24
Highbeam On Light...........4-24
Door Ajar Light.................4-24
Fuel Gage........................4-24
Low Fuel Warning Light. . . .4-25
OnStar®System
OnStar®System................4-25
Instruments and Controls 4-1
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

&(Intermittent):Move the lever
to choose a delayed wiping cycle.
For vehicles with the variable
intermittent feature, the time
between wipes can be adjusted.
Turn the
&band for a longer
or shorter delay interval.
q(Low):Use for steady wiping at
low speed.
l(High):Use for steady wiping at
high speed.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades before using them. If the
blades are frozen to the windshield,
loosen or thaw them. If they
become damaged, get new blades
or blade inserts. SeeWindshield
Wiper Blade Replacement on
page 9-25.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wipers. A circuit breaker stops
them until the motor cools.
Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you to spray
washer uid on the windshield.
The spray continues until the lever
is released. The wipers will run
a few times. SeeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 9-24for information
on lling the windshield washer uid
reservoir.
{CAUTION
In freezing weather, do not use
your washer until the windshield
is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer
Z
Rear Wiper:Turn the end of
the lever to low or high, to turn
on the rear window wiper.
y(Low):For steady rear wiping at
low speed.
x(High):For steady rear wiping
at high speed.
=(Rear Washer):Turn the end
of the lever up or down as far
as it will go, to squirt washer uid
on the rear window. The knob
automatically returns from these
positions after it is released.
The windshield washer reservoir is
used for the windshield and the
rear window. Check the uid level
in the reservoir if either washer
is not working. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-24.
4-8 Instruments and Controls
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

If the light comes on and stays on,
it means that oil is not owing
through the engine properly.
The vehicle could be low on oil and
might have some other system
problem.
Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with this feature,
this light comes on whenever the
front fog lamps are on.
SeeExterior Lamps Controls on
page 5-1for more information.
Lights On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the
headlights are on.
SeeExterior Lamps Controls on
page 5-1for more information.
Taillamp Indicator Light
This light will come on when your
taillamps are on.
SeeExterior Lamps Controls on
page 5-1for more information.
Cruise Control Light
The CRUISE light comes on when
the cruise control is on.
SeeCruise Control on page 4-4for
more information.
Low Washer Fluid
Warning Light
This light comes on when the
windshield washer uid is low.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 9-24for more information.
Canada Only
Canada Only
Instruments and Controls 4-23
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

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.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on at or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
8-28 Driving and Operating
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Vehicle Service
and Care
Service
Service...............................9-2
Accessories and
Modications.....................9-3
California Proposition
65 Warning.......................9-3
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements.....9-3
Doing Your Own
Service Work....................9-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of the Vehicle......9-4
Owner Checks
Owner Checks....................9-5
Hood Release.....................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview...........................9-6
Engine Oil..........................9-9
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. . . .9-12
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-14
Manual Transmission
Fluid................................9-16
Hydraulic Clutch................9-17
Cooling System.................9-18
Engine Coolant.................9-18
Pressure Cap....................9-22
Engine Overheating...........9-22
Power Steering Fluid.........9-24
Windshield Washer Fluid. . .9-24
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement...................9-25
Brakes..............................9-27
Battery..............................9-30
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming..............9-30
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement.............9-31
Halogen Bulbs..................9-31
Headlamps and Parking
Lamps.............................9-31
Taillamps..........................9-33
License Plate Lamp..........9-34
Replacement Bulbs...........9-35
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical
Equipment.......................9-35
Headlamp Wiring..............9-35
Windshield Wiper Fuses. . . .9-36
Power Windows and
Other Power Options.......9-36
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers.........................9-36
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block...............................9-36
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block......................9-39
Tires
Tires.................................9-41
Tire Sidewall Labeling.......9-42
Tire Terminology and
Denitions.......................9-44
Ination - Tire Pressure. . . .9-47
Tire Pressure Monitor
System............................9-48
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation........................9-50
Tire Inspection and
Rotation..........................9-53
When It Is Time for New
Tires...............................9-54
Vehicle Service and Care 9-1
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
″Checking Engine Oil″under
Engine Oil on page 9-9.
B.Pressure Cap on page 9-22.
C.Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 9-24.
D. Coolant Recovery Tank.
SeeEngine Coolant on
page 9-18.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 9-9.
F.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-12.G.Brakes on page 9-27and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-17
(If Equipped).
H.Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 9-39.
I.Battery on page 9-30.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 9-71.
K. Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick. See″Checking
the Fluid Level″underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 9-14
(If Equipped) (Out of View).
Vehicle Service and Care 9-7
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-9.
B.Pressure Cap on page 9-22.
C.Windshield Washer Fluid
on page 9-24.
D. Coolant Recovery Tank. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-18.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 9-9.
F.Brakes on page 9-27and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-17
(If Equipped).
G.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-12.
H.Engine Compartment Fuse Block
on page 9-39.I.Battery on page 9-30.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
SeeJump Starting on page 9-71.
K. Automatic Transmission
Fluid Dipstick. See″Checking
the Fluid Level″underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 9-14
(If Equipped) (Out of View).
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil every time you get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the
vehicle must be on level ground.The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 9-6
for the location of the engine oil
dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the
oil several minutes to drain back
into the oil pan. If you do not
do this, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean
it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-9
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

You may decide not to lift the
hood but to get service help
right away.
Power Steering Fluid
The vehicle has electronic power
steering and does not use power
steering uid. If you suspect a
problem, see your dealer/retailer.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield
washer uid, be sure to read the
manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your
vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing,
use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
How to Check Windshield
Washer Fluid
To check windshield washer uid.
1. Pull dipstick out of windshield
washer reservoir.
2. Washer uid should ll the holes
between the LOW (B) and
NORMAL (A) mark.
3. If the uid reads LOW (B) add
uid.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer uid
until the holes of the dipstick are
lled between the LOW (B) and
NORMAL (A). SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6for reservoir location.
9-24 Vehicle Service and Care
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your
vehicle’s nish is to keep it clean by
washing it often.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use a car washing soap.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain
chemicals that can damage the
emblems or nameplates on your
vehicle. Check the cleaning
product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic
parts, do not use it on your vehicle
or damage may occur and it would
not be covered by the warranty.Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid
or abrasives, as they can damage
the paint, metal or plastic on your
vehicle. Approved cleaning products
can be obtained from your dealer/
retailer. Follow all manufacturers’
directions regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety precautions
and appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the nish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and
water spotting.High pressure car washes may
cause water to enter the vehicle.
Avoid using high pressure washes
closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to
the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Weatherstrips
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
frequent application may be required.
See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index of the “Maintenance and
Warranty and Owner assistance
Information” manual.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-87
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush, and rell the cooling
system (or every 5 years,
whichever occurs rst).
This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/
retailer perform this service.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 9-18
for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and neck. Pressure
test cooling system and pressure
cap.An Emission Control Service.
Part B: Owner Checks
and Services
These owner checks and services
should be performed at the intervals
specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission
control performance.
Be sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once. Whenever
any uids or lubricants are added to
the vehicle, make sure they are
the proper ones, as shown in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level. Failure to keep
the engine oil at the proper level
can cause damage to the engine
not covered by the vehicle
warranty.Check the engine oil level and add
the proper oil if necessary. See
Engine Oil on page 9-9.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level
and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 9-18.
Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid
level in the windshield washer
uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 9-24.
Hood Latch Operation Check
Pull the primary hood latch release
handle inside the vehicle. The
secondary latch should keep the
hood from opening all the way when
the primary latch is released. Make
sure the hood closes rmly.
SeeHood Release on page 9-5.
11-12 Service and Maintenance
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual