cooling PONTIAC VIBE 2008 User Guide

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at
the FULL mark, start your vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues, there is one more
thing you can try. You can add the proper coolant
mixture directly to the radiator but be sure the cooling
system is cool before you do it.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly.
They are under pressure, and if you turn the
radiator pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling system, including the
radiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and radiator pressure cap to
cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
5-30

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it rst stops. Do not press down while turning the
pressure cap.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up
to the base of the ller neck. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23for more information about the proper
coolant mixture.
5-31

4. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the
FULL mark.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
7. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator ller
neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add more of
the proper coolant mixture through the ller neck until
the level reaches the base of the ller neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the ears on the pressure cap are in line with the
vent tube.
5-32

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and
balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest
tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary
on a regular basis. However, if you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or the other,
the alignment might need to be checked. If you notice
your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road,
the tires and wheels might need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer/retailer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which can sometimes be repaired). See your
dealer/retailer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer/retailer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires
lose air and make you lose control. You could
have a collision in which you or others could
be injured. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
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 5-70for more
information.
5-67

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The fuse block is located underneath the instrument
panel on the driver 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
Fuses Usage
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
Empty Not Used
ECU-IGCruise Control, Anti-lock Brakes,
Theft Deterrent System, Automatic
Transmission 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
Transmission Control System
5-92

Fuses Usage
ABS NO. 2Antilock Brake System
(Without Stability Control System)
RDI FAN Electric Cooling Fan
ABS NO. 1Antilock Brake System
(With Stability Control System)
FOG Front Fog Lamps
EFI2Multiport Fuel Injection System/
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection
System, Emission Control System
EFI3Multiport Fuel Injection System/
Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection
System, Emission Control System
HEAD MAINRight Headlamp,
Left Headlamp Fuses
ALT-S Charging System
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection System
HAZARDTurn Signal Lamps,
Emergency Flasher
HORN Horn
DOMEInterior Lights, Gauges and Meters,
Audio System, Remote Keyless
Entry System, Navigation System
(If Equipped)
MAIN Starter System, AM2 Fuse
AMP Audio SystemFuses Usage
MAYDAY OnStar®System
ALTABS NO.1, ABS NO.2, RDI FAN,
FOG, Heater, AM1, POWER,
DOOR, ECU-B, TAIL, STOP,
P/POINT, INV, OBD Fuses,
Charging System
HEAD RHRight-hand Headlamp,
Headlamp High Beam
Indicator Lamp
HEAD LH Left-hand Headlamp
Relays Usage
M/G M/G
HEAD Headlamps
DIMMER Headlamp Dimmer
HORN Horn
FAN NO. 2 Cooling Fan System
FAN NO. 1 Cooling Fan System
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection System
FOG Fog Lamps
5-94

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant
charge amount, see the refrigerant caution label
located under the hood. See your dealer/retailer
for more information.
Cooling System 6.9 qt 6.5 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.4 qt 4.2 L
Fuel Tank 13.2 gal 50.0 L
Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission 3.2 qt 3.0 L
Manual Transmission 2.0 qt 1.9 L
Wheel Nut Torque 76 lb ft 103Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
1.8L L4 8 Automatic and Manual 0.043 inches (1.1 mm)
5-95

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-4
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-12
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-12
At Least Once a Month.................................6-13
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-13At Least Once a Year...................................6-14
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-17
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection....................6-17
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-17
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-18
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-18
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-18
Brake System Inspection................................6-18
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants. . . .6-19
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-21
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

120,000 Miles (192 000 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 5-61for 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 5-17for more information.
❑Replace passenger compartment air lter.
❑Inspect engine accessory drive belts (or every
48 months, whichever occurs rst). Visually inspect
belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or obvious damage.
Replace belt if necessary.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect for tappet noise and engine vibration.
Adjust valve clearance to factory specications
if necessary (or every 48 months, whichever
occurs rst).An Emission Control Service.
❑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 transmission uid every
30,000 miles (48 000 km) only if your vehicle
is used to tow a trailer.
❑Change automatic transmission uid every
60,000 miles (96 000 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.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid does not require changing.
See Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-19for the proper uid to use.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
❑Drain, ush, and rell the cooling system (or every
5 years, whichever occurs rst). This service can be
complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and neck. Pressure test cooling system
and pressure cap.An Emission Control Service.
6-11

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