service PONTIAC VIBE 2008 Workshop Manual

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.
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Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Industry
and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) operates
on a radio frequency and complies with RSS-210
of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization
to use this equipment.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is designed
to warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition
exists. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each tire
and wheel assembly, excluding the spare tire and wheel
assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure
in the vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected,
the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure
warning light located
on the instrument
panel cluster.
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This light also comes on for a few seconds and then
goes off when you turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
This indicates the TPMS is functioning properly.
If the low-tire pressure warning light comes on while
driving your vehicle, the system may have detected a
low-tire condition. You need to stop as soon as possible
and check the tires.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-19, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information label and its location
on your vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-55.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-61andTires on page 5-49.TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When
the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning
light ashes for about one minute and then stays
on for the remainder of the ignition cycle. The low tire
warning light comes on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light to come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the
road tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The initialization (reset) procedure was not
performed correctly after replacing or rotating tires
or wheels. See “TPMS Reset” later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
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Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-63.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
If there is a lot of snow or ice around the wheels
or wheel housings.
If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals
is installed.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer
for service if the TPMS malfunction light comes on
and stays on.
TPMS Reset
In order for the tire pressure monitoring system to work
properly you need to reset (initialize) the tire pressure
monitoring system. Any time you 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 might not alert you when a
tire is low.
When initializing the system, the present tire ination
pressure is stored as standard. The tire pressure warning
system determines decreased air pressure by comparing
the present and the standard tire ination pressures.
When you change the set tire ination pressure, it is
necessary to initialize the tire pressure warning system.
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 ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
3. Adjust the tire pressure of all the installed tires
to the specied cold tire ination pressure level.
4. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
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5. Press and hold the tire
pressure warning reset
switch until the tire
pressure warning light
ashes slowly on/off
three times.
Wait for a few minutes with the ignition in ON/RUN,
and then turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY
or LOCK/OFF.
If the low-tire pressure warning light does not
ash three times while you press and hold the
reset button, the reset has failed. Repeat the
reset process. If the reset cannot be performed,
see your dealer/retailer for service.
If you press the tire pressure reset switch while
the vehicle is moving, the reset is not performed.
If you press the tire pressure reset switch accidentally
and initialization is performed, adjust the tire pressure
to the specied level and initialize the system again.Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs
of wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-63for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This
will ensure that your vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate the tires
as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-63and
Wheel Replacement on page 5-67for more
information.
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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
12) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction — AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specied government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Warning
:The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.Temperature — A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning
:The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that is properly
inated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underination, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your vehicle. It appears
on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel,
on the driver side. You can see it if you look through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN
also appears on the Vehicle Certication and Service
Parts labels and the certicates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code.
This code helps you identify your vehicle’s engine,
specications, and replacement parts. SeeCapacities
and Specifications on page 5-95for your vehicle’s
engine code.
Service Parts Identication Label
This label is on the inside of the glove box.
It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage your
vehicle and the damage would not be covered by
your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery,
even if your vehicle is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-64.
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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

How This Section is Organized
This maintenance schedule is divided into ve parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services”explains
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex, so unless you are technically
qualied and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer/retailer do these jobs.
Your dealer/retailer has trained and supported service
people that will perform the work using genuine parts.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle
can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs,
you can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the
required know-how and the proper tools and
equipment for the job. If you have any doubt,
have a qualied technician do the work. See
Doing Your Own Service Work on page 5-4.
If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.“Part B: Owner Checks and Services”tells you what
should be checked and when. It also explains what
you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections”explains
important inspections that your dealer/retailer can
perform for you.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
lists some recommended products necessary to help
keep your vehicle properly maintained. These products,
or their equivalents, should be used whether you do
the work yourself or have it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record”is a place for you to
record and keep track of the maintenance performed
on your vehicle. Keep your maintenance receipts.
They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
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Part A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services
In this part are scheduled maintenance services which
are to be performed at the mileage intervals specied.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We want to keep your vehicle in good working condition.
But we do not know exactly how you will drive it. You
might drive short distances only a few times a week.
Or you might drive long distances all the time in
very hot, dusty weather. You might use your vehicle
in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to work,
to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of the different ways people use their vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. You might need more frequent
checks and replacements. So please read the following
and note how you drive. If you have questions on how
to keep your vehicle in good condition, see your
dealer/retailer.
This part tells you the maintenance services you should
have done and when to schedule them.
When you go to your dealer/retailer for your service
needs, you will know that trained and supported service
people will perform the work using genuine parts.The proper uids and lubricants to use are listed in
Part D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the
vehicle.
These schedules are for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will nd these on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-19.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
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 6-12,
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on page 6-17,
andPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
6-4