maintenance PONTIAC VIBE 2004 Owner's Guide

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
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-92.
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
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-26.
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump and automatic or
manual transaxle ¯uid levels and add as needed. See
Power Steering Fluid on page 5-38andAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid on page 5-23orManual Transaxle Fluid
on page 5-25. Check for leaks. A ¯uid loss in these
systems could indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
6-20

Part C: Periodic
MaintenanceInspections
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 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. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
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, cha®ng, 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 ¯oor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
Engine Exhaust
on page 2-33.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
6-24

Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service and
any additional information from ªOwner Checks and Servicesº or ªPeriodic Maintenanceº on the following record
pages. Also, you should retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Record
6-28

Maintenance Record (cont'd)
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Record
6-29

Maintenance Record (cont'd)
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Record
6-30

Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can ®nd your speci®c vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
·Get e-mail service reminders.
·Access information about your speci®c vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner's manual. (United States only)
·Keep track of your vehicle's service history and
maintenance schedule.
·Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
·Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users
To assist customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or
speech-impaired and who use Text Telephones (TTYs),
Pontiac has TTY equipment available at its Customer
Assistance Center. Any TTY user can communicate
with Pontiac by dialing: 1-800-833-PONT (7668).
(TTY users in Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.)
Customer Assistance Offices
Pontiac encourages customers to call the toll-free
number for assistance. If a U.S. customer wishes to
write to Pontiac, the letter should be addressed to
Pontiac's Customer Assistance Center.
United States ± Customer Assistance
Pontiac-GMC Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
1-800-762-2737 or
1-800-833-7668 (For Text Telephone
devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance: 1-800-ROADSIDE (762-3743)
Fax Number: 313-381-0022
7-4

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-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner's Information
Owner publications are written speci®cally 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 Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-17
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-39
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-97
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-45, 3-54
Air Bag .........................................................3-30
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS).............................................1-47
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-51
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System........................... 4-9
Aluminum Wheels...........................................5-94
AM ...............................................................3-63
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-64
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-64
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-32
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-7
Appearance Care............................................5-89
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-95
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-89Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-92
Finish Damage............................................5-94
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-95
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Arming the System.........................................2-14
Ashtrays........................................................3-19
Audio System(s).............................................3-41
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-64
Care of Your CDs........................................3-64
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-64
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-63
Radio with CD............................................3-42
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-52
Setting the Time..........................................3-41
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-63
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-64
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-18
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-20
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-22
1

Child Restraints..............................................1-33
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-39
Older Children.............................................1-27
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-44
Top Strap...................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-38
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-19
Cleaning........................................................5-89
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-89
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-92
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-93
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-89
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-91
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-91
Cleaning Leather............................................5-91
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-91
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-91Climate Control System...................................3-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-26
Coinholder(s)..................................................2-37
Compact Disc Messages..........................3-51, 3-62
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-88
Content Theft-Deferrent....................................2-13
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant.........................................................3-33
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-33
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-8
Cruise Control Light........................................3-39
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-37
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information........................ 7-8
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
3

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-13
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-21
Dinghy Towing................................................4-31
Disarming the System.....................................2-15
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-3
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Door.............................................................3-39
Ajar Light...................................................3-39
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-8
Driver............................................................1-14
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-14
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driving..........................................................4-15
At Night.....................................................4-15
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20Driving (cont.)
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-24
Driving On Grades..........................................4-39
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-24
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
Driving with a Trailer.......................................4-38
E
Electrical System............................................5-97
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-98
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-37
Engine..........................................................5-21
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-44
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-34
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-33
Coolant......................................................5-27
Cooling System Inspection............................6-25
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
4