brake PONTIAC VIBE 2003 Workshop Manual

6-29
Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self
-adjusting. The master cylinder reservoir is filled
with hydraulic fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly check the fluid unless you
suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid won't
correct a leak.
The clutch and brake master cylinder use the same
reservoir.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine
how often you should
check the fluid level in
your master cylinder
reservoir and for the
proper fluid. See ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº
and ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Check to make sure that the fluid level is at or above the
MIN mark. If the level is below the MIN mark, see the
instructions on the reservoir cap.

6-37
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold. This
allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master
cylinder reservoir is on the
driver's side of the engine
compartment. It is filled
with DOT
-3 brake fluid.
See ªEngine Compartment
Overviewº in the Index.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake
fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid
level goes back up. The other reason is that fluid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should
have your brake system fixed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes won't work well, or won't
work at all.

6-38
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
United States Canada
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. See ªBrake System Warning
Lightº in the Index.

6-39
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-40 Brake Wear
The GT Series has four-wheel disc brakes. All other
models have front disc brakes and rear drum 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
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your 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 GM torque specifications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don't have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected immediately.
Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or
changing. When you have the front brake pads replaced,
have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of
this manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º

6-41 Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer 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 of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
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. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts.If you don't, your brakes may no longer work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front
and rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The
braking performance you've come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

6-45 Front Turn Signal Lamps
To replace the front turn signal lamp bulbs, do the
following:
1. See ªHeadlampsº for location.
2. Locate the turn signal bulb.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out
of the lamp housing.
4. Reverse the steps to install a new bulb.
Rear Combination Lamps
To replace the turn signal and brake lamp bulbs, do the
following:
A. Brake Lamp
B. Turn Signal Lamp

6-59
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for more
information.Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. If you have to replace a wheel,
use a new GM original equipment wheel.

6-60 Tire Chains
CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P215/50ZR17 size tires, don't
use tire chains, there's not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires for front
-wheel-drive
vehicles. If your vehicle has all
-wheel drive,
install traction devices on either the front tires or
all four tires, but never on the rear tires only.
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P205/55R16 size tires, use tire
chains only where legal and only when you must.
Use only SAE Class ªSº type chains that are the
proper size for your tires. Install them on the front
tires, or for all
-wheel-drive vehicles, the front or all
four (but never rear only) tires and tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened.
Drive slowly and follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting
your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the
contact continues, slow down until it stops. Driving
too fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.

6-73
Fuse Usage
TAIL Front Parking Lamps, Taillamps,
License Plate Lamps, Instrument
Panel Lights, Engine Control
System
OBD On
-Board Diagnostic System
WIPER Windshield Wipers
AM2 Charging System, Air Bag System,
Starter System, Engine Control
STOP Stop Lamps, CHMSL, Engine
Control System, Anti
-lock Brakes,
Cruise Control
DOOR Power Door Locks, Liftglass Lock
AM1 Cigarette Lighter, Gauge,
ECU
-IG, Wiper, Rear Wiper,
Washer Fuses
ECU
-IG Cruise Control, Anti-Lock Brakes,
Theft Deterrent System,
Automatic Transaxle Control
System, Electric Cooling FanFuse Usage
RR WIPER Rear Window Wiper, Rear
Window Defogger
A/C Air Conditioning
INV Power Outlets
P/POINT Power Outlets
ECU
-B Daytime Running Lamps
CIG Cigarette Lighter, Power Rearview
Mirrors, Power Outlets, Audio
System, Automatic Transaxle
Control System
GAUGE Gauges and Meters, Back
-Up
Lamps, Charging System, Power
Door Locks, Power Windows,
Sunroof, Air Conditioning,
Cruise Control
WASHER Windshield Washers
*1 Engine Control System