oil change PONTIAC VIBE 2005 Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps................................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-15
Interior Lamps Control...................................3-16
Entry Lighting...............................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-17
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-18
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-18
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-19Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-22
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-23
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-25
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-26
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-27
Trip Odometers............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-28
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-29
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-30
Charging System Light..................................3-31
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-32
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-33
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-33
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-34
Stabilitrak
®Indicator Light...............................3-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage...................3-35
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Lights On Reminder......................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
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.
The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi,
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and lter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months — whichever
occurs rst.
If none of them are true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and lter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months — whichever
occurs rst. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine
under highway conditions will cause engine oil to
break down slower.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a
problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask
your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
5-20

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is in the engine compartment
on the driver’s side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
air cleaner/lter at each engine oil change. Replace the
lter every 30,000 miles (48 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4for more information.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter remains caked with dirt,
a new lter is required.
5-21

Automatic Transaxle Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Check the uid in the transaxle and differential every
30,000 miles (48 000 km). Change the uid every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
SeePart A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the transaxle
uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above 90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 158°F to 176°F
(70°C to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
5-23

Manual Transaxle Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have your manual transaxle uid level
checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the uid in your manual transaxle does not require
changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may choose
to have this done at your Pontiac dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage the
transaxle. Too much can mean that some of the uid
could come out and fall on hot engine or exhaust
system parts, starting a re. Too little uid could
cause the transaxle to overheat. Be sure to get an
accurate reading if you check the transaxle uid.Check the uid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transaxle
is cool enough for you to rest your ngers on the
transaxle case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the ller plug hole.
3. If the uid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the uid level is low, add more
uid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here is how to add uid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of uid to use.
SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Add uid at the ller plug hole. Add only enough
uid to bring the uid level up to the bottom of the
ller plug hole.
3. Install the ller plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.
5-26

Engine Coolant
Your vehicle was factory-lled with a coolant developed
to last for 100,000 miles (160 000 km) or 5 years,
whichever comes rst. When coolant is added or
changed, use DEX-COOL
®coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
5-28

{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the 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
the 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.8. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
9. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting
surface.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you
do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall off, causing a serious accident.
5-81

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and
recommended uids and lubricants as prescribed in this
manual are necessary to keep your vehicle in good
working condition. Any damage caused by failure
to follow scheduled maintenance may not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. Improper vehicle maintenance can
even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper
uid levels or the wrong tire ination can increase
the level of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect
our environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
6-2

Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emissions warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services
be performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
+A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 6-18.
5,000 Miles (8 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
10,000 Miles (16 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
15,000 Miles (24 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Inspect passenger compartment air lter.
❑Change transfer case uid when doing frequent
trailer towing.
❑Change rear differential uid when doing frequent
trailer towing.
6-5

20,000 Miles (32 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
25,000 Miles (40 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
30,000 Miles (48 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)❑Replace engine air cleaner lter (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs rst). SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter
on page 5-21for more information.An Emission
Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air lter.
❑Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket and lines for
damage or leaks (or every 24 months, whichever
occurs rst). Replace parts as needed.An Emission
Control Service. (See footnote †.)
❑Change manual transaxle uid every 30,000 miles
(48 000 km) only if your vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
❑Change transfer case uid when doing frequent
trailer towing.
❑Change rear differential uid when doing frequent
trailer towing.
35,000 Miles (56 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occursrst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.An
Emission Control Service. (See footnote †.)
6-6