fuel PONTIAC VIBE 2003 Owner's Guide

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 miles (8 km). This is
particularly important when outside temperatures are
below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule
if you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Chassis Lubrication
(or 6 months, whichever occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Inspection, if driving in
dusty conditions.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Passenger
Compartment Air Filter Replacement. Transfer Case
Fluid Change (when trailer towing). Rear Differential
Fluid Change (when trailer towing).
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap, Cap Gasket and
Lines Inspection (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first). Automatic Transaxle Check. Manual
Transaxle Fluid Change (severe conditions only)
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first).

Scheduled Maintenance
7-7
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Tire Rotation.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap, Cap Gasket and
Lines Inspection (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first). Automatic Transaxle Fluid Check.
Manual Transaxle Fluid Change (severe conditions
only) (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
Cooling System Service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first).
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Automatic
Transaxle Fluid Change (severe conditions only).
Valve Clearance Inspection, adjust if necessary
(or every 48 months, whichever occurs first).
At 60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (or 48 Months,
Whichever Occurs First)
-- Then Every
15,000 Miles (25 000 km) (or 12 Months,
Whichever Occurs First): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 120,000 Miles (200 000 km): Spark Plug
Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-13
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Replace engine air cleaner filter (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 24 months, whichever occurs
first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your
vehicle is used to tow a trailer.
Check automatic transaxle fluid.
Change transfer case fluid when doing frequent trailer towing.
Change rear differential fluid when doing frequent trailer towing.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-18
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or every 48 months,
whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Replace engine air cleaner filter (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
Inspect for tappet noise and engine vibration. Adjust valve clearance to factory
specifications if necessary (or every 48 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-24
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Lubricate chassis components (or every 6 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)
Replace passenger compartment air filter.
Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or every 12 months since
last inspection).
An Emission Control Service.
Replace engine air cleaner filter (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 24 months, whichever occurs
first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
7-29
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Replace passenger compartment air filter.

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.

Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 24 months, whichever occurs
first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your
vehicle is used to tow a trailer.
Check automatic transaxle fluid.ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
7-32
60,000 Miles (100 000 km) (Continued)

Replace engine air cleaner filter (or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Inspect for tappet noise and engine vibration. Adjust valve clearance to factory
specifications if necessary (or every 48 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 24 months, whichever occurs
first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your
vehicle is used to tow a trailer.

Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
7-35
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Replace passenger compartment air filter.

Replace engine air cleaner filter.
An Emission Control Service.

Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or 12 months since last inspection).
An Emission Control Service.
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 24 months, whichever occurs
first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling
system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Change manual transaxle fluid every 30,000 miles (50 000 km) only if your
vehicle is used to tow a trailer.
Check automatic transaxle fluid.
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.) ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

7-37
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add the proper
coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
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 firmly. See ªHood Releaseº
in the Index for further details.

7-42
Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall). You should let your dealer's
service department or other qualified service center
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are
completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See ªService and Owner
Publicationsº in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out
-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build
-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See ªEngine Exhaustº in
the Index.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.