transmission oil PONTIAC VIBE 2008 Owners Manual

Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking
brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down to the oor
and start the engine. Your vehicle will not start if the
clutch pedal is not all the way down. That is a safety
feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
When using a key with a transponder chip and
while starting the engine, do not use a key with thekey ring touching the key grip or other transponder
chip keys nearby. This may cause the engine
not to start or may stop it soon after it starts.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
2-21

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-19
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-21
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Cooling System............................................5-28
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-42
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-43
Halogen Bulbs
..............................................5-43
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-45
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-46
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-48
Tires..............................................................5-49
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-50
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-55
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-57
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-58
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-61
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-63
Buying New Tires.........................................5-63
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-33.
C. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-26.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
E. Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
G. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (If Equipped).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-19.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir and Hydraulic
Clutch (If Equipped). See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 5-35andHydraulic Clutch on page 5-22.
I. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-38.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-93.Engine Oil
If the engine oil pressure
light appears on the
instrument cluster,
check the engine oil
level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-38. You should check the engine oil level
regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check your automatic transmission
uid level is when the engine oil is changed.
Check the uid in the transmission and differential at
the intervals listed inPart A: Scheduled Maintenance
Services on page 6-4, and be sure to use the
transmission uid listed inPart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult,
you may choose to have this done at the
dealer/retailer 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:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-19.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission 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.
5-19

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
what kind of transmission uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-19.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the area between dimples
on the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at the
dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
parts or exhaust system parts, starting a re.
Too little uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if
you check your transmission uid.3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then press the tab
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Manual Transmission 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 dealer/retailer
service department.
5-21

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

25,000 Miles (40 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
30,000 Miles (48 000 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 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.
35,000 Miles (56 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
40,000 Miles (64 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
45,000 Miles (72 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
❑Inspect passenger compartment air lter.
6-6

50,000 Miles (80 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
55,000 Miles (88 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
60,000 Miles (96 000 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.
❑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.
6-7

90,000 Miles (144 000 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 12 months
since last inspection).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.
95,000 Miles (152 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
100,000 Miles (160 000 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 +.)
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter if you are driving in
dusty conditions. Replace lter if necessary.
6-9

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