PONTIAC VIBE 2008 Owners Manual

Headlamps on Reminder
If you turn the ignition to LOCK or ACC and leave the
lamps on, you will hear a tone when you open the
driver’s door.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
The DRL system will make the headlamps come on at
a reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on with the engine running.
The exterior lamps switch is off.
The parking brake is released.When the DRL are on, only the headlamps will be on at
a reduced brightness. The taillamps, sidemarker and
other lamps will not be on. The instrument panel will
not be lit up either.
When you turn the exterior lamp switch to the headlamp
position, the DRL will go off and the headlamps will
come on. The other lamps that come on with the
headlamps will also come on.
When it begins to get dark, the headlamps will
automatically switch from DRL to the regular headlamps.
See “Automatic Headlamp System” following.
When you turn the exterior lamp switch off, the regular
lamps will go off and the headlamps will change to
the reduced brightness of DRL provided it is not dark
outside. DRL also comes on if only the parking
lamps are being used.
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Automatic Headlamp System
Your vehicle has an automatic light sensor on the top
left corner of the instrument panel, so be sure it is
not covered or the headlamps will be on continuously.
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system will turn on the low-beam headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as the
taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and instrument
panel lights. This is indicated by the headlamp symbol
on your instrument panel cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 3-26.
If you are driving through a parking garage, overcast
weather, or a tunnel, the automatic headlamp system
may turn on the low-beam headlamps at a normal
brightness along with the taillamps, sidemarker, parking
lamps and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will be dimmer, and the instrument panel cluster lights
may dim. There will be a delay before the lights will turn
on when starting the car at night.
Fog Lamps
-(Fog Lamps):Turn the band on the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the fog lamp symbol
to turn the fog lamps on. They will come on only
when the headlamps are on low beam.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The instrument panel
brightness control is
located to the left of
the steering wheel on
the instrument panel.
Turn the wheel on the
left of the control up or
down to increase or
decrease brightness.
Turn the wheel all the way up for the maximum setting.
It is recommended that the brightness level be kept
at the maximum setting for all daytime driving to
ensure proper visibility.
The brightness of the instrument panel lights will
decrease when the headlamps are on.
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Interior Lamps Control
The interior lights control is located on the overhead
light. To change the interior lights setting, slide the
switch to one of the following positions:
OFF:This position turns the light off.
ON:This position keeps the light on all the time.
Door:This position turns the light on when any door, the
liftgate or the liftglass is opened. The light goes off when
all the side doors, the liftgate and the liftglass are closed.
Entry Lighting
While the interior lights control is in the door position, the
light will come on when any side door, the liftgate or the
liftglass is opened. After all the doors, liftgate and liftglass
are closed, and the key is out of the ignition, in LOCK or
ACC, the light will remain on for about 15 seconds and
then go out except under the following conditions:
The ignition is turned to ACC or ON after all the
doors, the liftgate and the liftglass are closed.
All the doors and liftgate are locked when the liftglass
is closed and the light is still on.When any door is unlocked with the key or remote
keyless entry system transmitter, the light comes on
for 15 seconds, even if the door is not opened.
Reading Lamps
If your vehicle has a sunroof, there will be a reading
lamp near the sunroof switch. Press the button to turn
the lamp on and press it again to turn it off.
If your vehicle does not have a sunroof, the vehicle’s
inside rearview mirror may have reading lamps. If your
vehicle has reading lamps, there are two buttons located
on the bottom of the mirror. Press the buttons to turn the
lamps on and press them again to turn the lamps off.
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Accessory Power Outlet(s)
With the accessory power outlet, you can plug in
auxiliary electrical equipment.
Your vehicle has an outlet under the climate controls.
To use the outlet, the ignition must be in ON or
ACC. Pull down the small cover to access the outlet.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
turn off electrical equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
This circuit is protected by a fuse and has a maximum
current level. Do not use equipment exceeding the
maximum amperage rating.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the power accessory outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem
see your dealer for additional information on the power
accessory plugs.Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current
With this power outlet, you can plug in auxiliary electrical
equipment with a maximum limit of 115 VAC. If you try
to use equipment that requires more than the limit, a
protection circuit will cut the power supply. The power
will automatically restart when equipment that operates
within the limit is plugged in.
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The power outlet is located near the center of the
instrument panel. Before using the outlet, turn on
the ignition and press the button next to the outlet.
An indicator light in the button will come on. After
using the outlet, press the button again to turn it off.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and they may not work properly:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage:
cathode-ray tube type televisions, compressor-driven
refrigerators, electric power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable power
supply: microcomputer-controlled electric blankets,
touch sensor lamps, etc.
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking
materials could ignite them and possibly damage
your vehicle. Never put ammable items in the
ashtray.
To use the lighter, if your vehicle has one, push the
lighter in all the way and let go. When it is ready, it will
pop back out by itself. If the engine is not running,
the key must be in ACC to use the lighter.
It is not recommended to use the cigarette lighter to
plug in auxiliary electrical equipment. Use the accessory
power outlet for phones and other electrical equipment.
SeeAccessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-18or
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current on page 3-18.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold
a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Your vehicle may have a removable ashtray that sits in
your front cupholder in the center console storage area.
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Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the center knob away from OFF to turn
the system on. Turn the knob toward HI to increase
fan speed.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the highest
setting, the passenger compartment air lter may need
to be replaced. For more information, seePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-23andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.To change the current mode, select one of the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the upper instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is directed to the upper instrument
panel outlets, and to the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets and to the
outboard outlets (for the side windows).
?(Recirculation):Press this button, located in the
center of the instrument panel to the left of the audio
system, to turn the recirculation mode on or off. This
mode recirculates the air inside the vehicle. It can be
used to prevent outside air and odors from entering your
vehicle or to help heat or cool the air inside your vehicle
more quickly. When the button is pressed, an indicator
light in the button comes on. Press the button again to
turn off recirculate and to circulate outside air through
the system. The indicator light will go off. Recirculate is
automatically turned off when the climate control system
mode knob is turned to defog or defrost or is between
modes.
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Temperature Control:Turn the right knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button, located in
the center of the instrument panel to the left of the audio
system, to turn the air-conditioning system on or off.
When A/C is pressed, an indicator light in the button
comes on to let you know that the air conditioning
is activated.
MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning):Press the A/C
and recirculation buttons at the same time to select
MAX A/C.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you might notice a small amount of water
dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is used
properly. There are two modes to clear fog or frost from
the windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the inside
of the windshield of fog or moisture and warm the
passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or
frost from the outside of the windshield more quickly.
-(Defog):Air is directed between the windshield,
side windows, instrument panel outlets and the
oor outlets. The air-conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting without pressing
A/C, unless the outside temperature is at or
below 32°F (0°C).
1(Defrost):Air is directed to the windshield,
instrument panel outlets and the side windows.
The air-conditioning compressor will run automatically
in this setting without pressing A/C, unless the
outside temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C).
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
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Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to clear
fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger
button is located on the
center of the instrument
panel, above the audio
system. The defogger
does not operate with
the rear liftglass opened.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in the ON position.
=(Rear Defogger):Press the defogger button to turn
the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light in
the button comes on to let you know that the rear window
defogger is activated. Be sure to clear as much snow
from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off automatically
approximately 15 minutes after the button is pressed.
The defogger can also be turned off by pressing
the button again or by turning off the engine.Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and outboard
sides of the instrument panel, to change the direction of
the air owing through the vents.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
If the airow seems low when the fan is at the
highest setting, the passenger compartment air lter
may need to be replaced. For more information,
see “Passenger Compartment Air Filter” following
andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
3-22

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Passenger compartment air, both outside and
recirculated air, is routed through a passenger
compartment air lter. The lter removes certain
contaminants from the air, including pollen and dust
particles. Reductions in airow, which may occur more
quickly in dusty areas, indicate that the lter needs
to be replaced early. An air lter is available through
your dealer. For how often to change the air lter,
seeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.The access panel for the air lter is behind the glove
box. To replace the lter, follow these steps:
1. Lower the glove box door and remove the screw on
the right side of the glovebox with a tool. Slide the
arm of the glovebox off.
2. Push each side of the glovebox in and pull
toward you.
3-23

3. Push down on the snaps to release and remove the
lter cover.4. Remove the air lter.
5. Reverse the steps to install the new air lter.
It will not cause damage to your vehicle if you choose
not to replace the air lter after removing it. However,
the air coming into your vehicle will not be ltered.
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