steering PONTIAC VIBE 2003 Owner's Guide

6-
6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-6 Filling Your Tank
6
-9 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-10 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-14 Engine Oil
6
-20 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-22 Passenger Compartment Air Filter
6
-24 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-28 Manual Transaxle Fluid
6
-29 Hydraulic Clutch
6
-30 All-Wheel Drive (Option)
6
-31 Engine Coolant
6
-34 Radiator Pressure Cap
6
-34 Power Steering Fluid6
-36 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-37 Brakes
6
-41 Battery
6
-42 Bulb Replacement
6
-49 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-50 Tires
6
-61 Appearance Care
6
-61 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-64 Care of Safety Belts
6
-65 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-70 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-71 Electrical System
6
-76 Replacement Bulbs
6
-76 Capacities and Specifications
6
-78 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the release handle
inside the vehicle.
It's located below
the instrument panel
to the left of the
steering wheel.

6-12 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code 8) engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch
Fluid Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-13
When you open the hood of the 1.8 L (Code L) H.O. DOHC engine, you'll see the following:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Radiator Pressure Cap
D. Engine Oil DipstickE. Coolant Recovery Tank
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Dipstick (If Equipped)H. Brake/Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Reservoir
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
J. Battery
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block

6-34
Radiator Pressure Cap
NOTICE:
Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
pressure
-type cap and must be tightly installed to
prevent coolant loss and possible engine damage
from overheating. Be sure the arrows on the cap
line up with the overflow tube on the radiator
filler neck.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for reservoir location.
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located in the
engine compartment on
the passenger's side of
the vehicle.

6-35 How To Check Power Steering Fluid
You can check your fluid without taking the cap off.
Just look at the reservoir.

When the engine compartment is hot, the level
should be between the HOT marks.

When the engine compartment is cool, the level
should be between the COLD marks.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.

7-38 At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
Don't forget to check your spare tire. See ªTiresº in the
Index for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages 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 look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.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. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump and automatic or
manual transaxle fluid levels and add as needed.
See ªPower Steeringº and ªAutomatic Transaxleº
or ªManual Transaxleº in the Index. Check for leaks.
A fluid loss in these systems could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired at once.
Manual Transaxle Check
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transaxle Check
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transaxle Fluidº in the Index. A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.

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.

7-44
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number or specification may be obtained
from your dealer.
USAGE
FLUID/LUBRICANT
Engine OilEngine oil with the American
Petroleum Institute Certified for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol
of the proper viscosity. To
determine the preferred viscosity
for your vehicle's engine, see
ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water (preferable
distilled) and good quality
Ethylene Glycol Base Coolant
(GM Part No. U.S. 1052753,
in Canada 993089, or
equivalent) conforming to GM
Specification 1825M or approved
recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825M. See
ªEngine Coolantº in the Index.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11
Brake Fluid
or equivalent DOT
-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
Washer Solvent
or equivalent.
Hydraulic Clutch
SystemSee ªHydraulic Brake System.º
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Manual
TransaxleGM Goodwrench Synthetic
Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346190, in
Canada 10953477
- 1 quart) or
SAE 75W
-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Automatic
TransaxleUse only AC Delco T-IV
Automatic Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. 88900925). See
ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº
in the Index.

8-10
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case
Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments and specifications
for GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist
in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.In Canada, information pertaining to Product
Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting
your General Motors dealer or by calling
1
-800-GMDRIVE (1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner's manual will include the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In
-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 ± Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern TimeVisit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover)
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds.
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds.