flat tire PONTIAC VIBE 2005 Owners Manual

Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-72
Wheel Replacement......................................5-72
Tire Chains..................................................5-73
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-78
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-84
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-86
Appearance Care............................................5-87
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-87
Vinyl...........................................................5-89
Leather.......................................................5-89
Instrument Panel..........................................5-89
Interior Plastic Components............................5-89
Glass Surfaces.............................................5-89
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-90
Weatherstrips...............................................5-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-90
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-90
Finish Care..................................................5-91Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades.........5-91
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-92
Tires...........................................................5-92
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-93
Finish Damage.............................................5-93
Underbody Maintenance................................5-93
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-93
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-94
Vehicle Identication......................................5-95
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-95
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-95
Electrical System............................................5-95
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-95
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-96
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-96
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-97
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-98
Capacities and Specications........................5-100
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........5-102
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare tire or
temporary use tire has a tread life of approximately
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should not be driven
at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone at. SeeCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-86andIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-74.(B) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The Tire
Identication Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto
both sides of the tire, although only one side may have
the date of manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. SeeCompact Spare Tire
on page 5-86andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32.
(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated to 60 psi (420 kPa).
For more information on tire pressure and ination
seeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and numbers
dene a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type and service description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size means the tire is for
temporary use only. Compact Spare Tire Example
5-59

You need to stop as soon as possible and check your
tires for damage. If a tire is at, seeIf a Tire Goes
Flat on page 5-74andChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-75. Also check the tire pressure in all four tires,
and set them to the specied level shown on the tire
and loading label. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-64for additional information.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system on
your vehicle will warn you when one of your tires
is signicantly under-inated and when some
combinations of your tires are signicantly
under-inated. However, there are other combinations
of signicantly under-inated tires for which your
tire pressure monitoring system may not warn you.
These other combinations are relatively common,
accounting for approximately half the instances in
which vehicles have signicantly under-inated tires.
For example, your system may not warn you when both
tires on the same side or on the same axle of your
vehicle are signicantly under-inated. It is particularly
important, therefore, for you to check the tire pressure in
all of your tires regularly and maintain proper pressure.
In order for the tire pressure monitoring system to
work properly you will need to reset (initialize) the tire
pressure monitoring system. Any time you check and/or
adjust a tire’s pressure, repair or replace a tire or
wheel or rotate the tires the tire pressure monitor system
needs to be reset.Do not reset (initialize) the system without rst correcting
the cause of the low-tire condition. If the system is
reset when the tire pressures are incorrect, the system
will not function properly and may not alert you when
a tire is low.
To reset (initialize) the system:
1. Park the vehicle at a safe place and apply the
parking brake. Turn the engine off.
2. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
3. If the low-tire pressure
warning light is on,
push the SET (reset)
button for a few
seconds. The low-tire
warning light should go
off. The reset button
is on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
5-66

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures to the amounts shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label. Make certain
that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities and Specications on
page 5-100.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if you need to,
to get all the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a
Flat Tire on page 5-75.
Vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system will need to reset (initialize) the system after
each tire rotation. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-65.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of
tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-69

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.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-75for 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.
Tire Chains
Notice:Use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them
on the front tires for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
If your vehicle has all-wheel-drive, install the
tire chains on the front or all four tires but never
on the rear tires only. 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.
5-73

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
5-74

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured or even killed. Find a level place to
change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put an automatic transaxle shift lever in
PARK (P), or shift a manual transaxle to
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart
while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in
the vehicle.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
To be even more certain the vehicle will not
move, you should put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on the
other side, at the opposite end of the vehicle.
When you have a at tire, use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement of wheel blocks.
The following information will tell you how to use the
jack and change a tire.
5-75

The tools you’ll be using include the jack (A), jack
handle (B) and wheel wrench (C).
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. Attach the jack handle to the jack.
2. Turn the jack handle clockwise to raise the lift head
a little.
3. Using the wheel wrench, loosen all the wheel nuts.
Don’t remove them yet.
5-78

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone.
Store all these in the proper place.
The compact spare tire storage area is designed only
for the compact spare tire, the standard tire cannot
be stored there.
To store the at tire, do the following:
1. Remove the center wheel cap before storing the at
tire, if your vehicle has aluminum wheels.
2. Place the at tire on the rear cargo area oor panel
with the outer side of the wheel facing up.
3. Use the tire tie-down straps located under the oor
panel to secure the at tire.4. Hook the straps (end closest to the buckle) to the
rear, upper tie-down hooks.
5-84

Roadside Assistance Program
As the owner of a new Pontiac vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Pontiac Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Contact Pontiac’s
Roadside Assistance toll-free at 1-800-ROADSIDE
(762-3743). Roadside Assistance Representatives are
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
Lock-out Service (identication required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles (16 km).
Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest dealership
for warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance provided
when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.
Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Dealer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Pontiac’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. However,
when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representative:
Your name, home address, and home telephone
number
Telephone number of your location
Location of the vehicle
Model, year, color, and license plate number
Mileage, Vehicle Identication Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle
Description of the problem
7-6