brakes PONTIAC VIBE 2006 Owner's Guide

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 specications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they do not 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.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-18.
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 do
not, 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 have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
5-39

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger car tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as
the rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the
U. S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 70, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
70% as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
R means radial ply construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B means
belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and the speed rating of a tire. The
load range represents the load carry capacity a tire is
certied to carry. The speed rating is the maximum
speed a tire is certied to carry a load. Speed ratings
range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
5-55

{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on the
Tire and Loading Information Label. This label is
attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar). See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31, for more information
about the Tire and Loading Information Label.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as, anti-lock brakes,
traction control, and electronic stability control, the
performance of these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are selected.
You may increase the chance that you will
crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems developed for
your vehicle, and have them properly installed
by a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-64andAccessories
and Modications on page 5-3for additional information.
5-65

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block is located underneath the instrument
panel on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Fuses Usage
TAILFront Parking Lamps, Taillamps,
License Plate Lamps, Instrument
Panel Lights, Engine Control System
OBD On-Board Diagnostic System
Empty Not Used
P/W Power Windows
WIPER Windshield Wipers
AM2Charging System, Air Bag System,
Starter System, Engine Control
STOPStop Lamps, CHMSL, Engine
Control System, Anti-lock Brakes,
Cruise Control
DOOR Power Door Locks, Liftglass Lock
AM1Cigarette Lighter, Gauge, ECU-IG,
Wiper, Rear Wiper, Washer Fuses
5-92

Fuses Usage
Empty Not Used
ECU-IGCruise Control, Anti-lock Brakes,
Theft Deterrent System, Automatic
Transaxle Control System, Electric
Cooling Fan
RR WIPERRear Window Wiper, Rear
Window Defogger
A/C Air Conditioning
INV Power Outlets
P/POINT Power Outlets
ECU-B Daytime Running Lamps
CIGCigarette Lighter, Power Rearview
Mirrors, Power Outlets, Audio
System, Automatic Transaxle
Control SystemFuses Usage
GAUGEGauges and Meters, Back-Up
Lamps, Charging System, Power
Door Locks, Power Windows,
Sunroof, Air Conditioning,
Cruise Control
WASHER Windshield Washers
M-HTR/DEF
1–UPEngine Control System
HTR Air Conditioning System
DEFRear Window Defogger,
M-HTR/DEF 1–UP Fuse
POWER Power Windows, Electric Moon Roof
5-93

Scheduled Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 120,000 miles
(192 000 km) should be repeated after 120,000 miles
(192 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-13,
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on page 6-17,
andPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
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 occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
10,000 Miles (16 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and lter (or every 3 months,
whichever occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-62for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
6-5

Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving
habits or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-18

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may call them at
1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-762-2737, or write:
Pontiac Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33172
Detroit, MI 48232-5172
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and specications for
GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
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).
7-14

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-66
Setting the Time..........................................3-43
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-77
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-78
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-14
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-18
B
Battery..........................................................5-40
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Panic Assist................................................4-11
Parking......................................................2-24
System Inspection.......................................6-18
System Warning Light..................................3-32
Brakes..........................................................5-37
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-14
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-46
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-46Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps.........................................5-46
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-49
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-96
Carbon Monoxide.....................2-9, 2-28, 4-26, 4-40
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your CD Player...........................................3-78
Your CDs ...................................................3-78
Cargo Cover..................................................2-36
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-37
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-34
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Chains, Tire...................................................5-68
Charging System Light....................................3-31
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-87
2