service PONTIAC VIBE 2009 Owner's Manual

To nd out more, refer to the OnStar
Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove
box, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, or speak with
an OnStar advisor by pressing
the OnStar button or calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of
OnStar Hands-Free Calling that uses
minutes to access location-based
weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. Press the phone
button and give a few simple voice
commands to browse through the
various topics. See the OnStar
Owner’s Guide for more information.
This feature is only available in the
continental U.S.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record
and transmit vehicle information.
This information is automatically
sent to an OnStar Call Center when
the OnStar button is pressed, the
emergency button is pressed, or ifthe airbags deploy. This information
usually includes the vehicles GPS
location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the
crash that the vehicle was involved in
(e.g. the direction from which the
vehicle was hit). When the Virtual
Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the
vehicle also sends OnStar the
vehicles GPS location so they can
provide services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. OnStar service also
cannot work unless the vehicle is in
a place where the wireless service
provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity
and reception when the service is
needed, and technology that is
compatible with the OnStar service.
Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote
or enclosed areas, or at all times.Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.
The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including adequate
battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are
other problems OnStar cannot
control that may prevent OnStar from
providing OnStar service at any
particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important
parts of the vehicle in a crash, hills,
tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.
If the light next to the OnStar buttons
is red, the system may not be
functioning properly. If the light
appears clear (no light is appearing),
your OnStar subscription has
expired and all services have been
deactivated. Press the OnStar button
to conrm that the OnStar equipment
is active.
Instruments and Controls 4-27
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Radio(s)
Playing the Radio
PWR VOL (Power/Volume):Press
to turn the radio on and off. Turn
the PWR VOL knob to adjust
the volume. CLOCK:
Press to adjust the time.
See Setting the Clock on page 6-2
for more information.
Finding a Station
BAND: Press to select AM, FM,
or XM.
TUNE ADJ (Tune/Adjust): Turn to
select radio stations.
ySEEK TRACKz: Press to go to
the previous or next radio station.
The radio only stops at stations with
a strong signal.
SCAN: Press to enter scan mode.
The radio will display Scanning,
then goes to the next station, plays
for a few seconds, then continues
on to the next station. Press SCAN
again to stop scanning. The radio
only stops at stations with a
strong signal.
INFO (Information) (FM-RDS,
XM™ Satellite Radio Service, and
MP3 Features): Press to display
information for the current FM-RDS,
XM station, or MP3 song. Choose
from Channel, Song, Artist, and
CAT (category).
NO INFO displays when information
is not available from the station.
Radio with CD (MP3) shown, Radio with CD (Base) similar
Infotainment 6-3
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Finding a Category (CAT)
Station (XM Satellite Radio
Service Only)
If CAT times out and is no longer
on the display, return to Step 1.
To select and nd a desired
category:
1. Press the CAT button.
2. Turn the TUNE ADJ knob to
select a category.
3. Press
yorzto go to the
category’s rst station, when the
desired category is displayed.
4. Press
yorzto go to another
station within the selected
category.
5. Press CAT to exit the category
select mode or wait for CAT to
time out.
NOT FOUND displays if the desired
category cannot be found.
Scanning Categories (CAT)
(XM Satellite Radio
Service Only)
To scan a desired category:
1. Press the CAT button to enter
the category select mode.
2. Turn the TUNE ADJ knob to
select a category.
3. Press
yorzfor two seconds
to scan the stations in the
selected category.
4. Press
yorzagain to stop
scanning.
NOT FOUND displays if the desired
category cannot be found.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service
that is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM Satellite Radio
has a wide variety of programming
and commercial-free music,
coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality
sound. During your trial or when you
subscribe, you will get unlimited
access to XM Radio Online for when
you are not in your vehicle. A service
fee is required to receive the XM
service. For more information,
contact XM at www.xmradio.com
or call 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S.
and www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
Infotainment 6-5
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

RDM (Random):Press the button
below the RDM label to hear
the tracks in random order.
Sc(Previous Folder):Press
the button below to go to the
rst track in the previous folder.
cT(Next Folder):Press
the button below to go to the rst
track in the next folder.
h(Music Navigator):Press the
button below to play MP3 les in
order by artist or album.
SORT:Press the button below the
SORT label to change between
playback by artist or album while
using the Music Navigator.
BACK:Press the button below the
BACK label to return to the main
music navigator screen.
ST(Previous/Next):Press the
button below to go to the next
or previous artist or album in
alphabetical order while using
the Music Navigator.
XM Radio Messages
XL (Explicit Language Channels):
These channels, or any others, can
be blocked at a customer’s request,
by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).
Updating:The encryption code
in the receiver is being updated,
and no action is required. This
process should take no longer
than 30 seconds.
No Signal:The system is
functioning correctly, but the vehicle
is in a location that is blocking
the XM™ signal. When the vehicle
is moved into an open area, the
signal should return.
Loading XM:The audio system is
acquiring and processing audio
and text data. No action is needed.
This message should disappear
shortly.CH Off Air:This channel is not
currently in service. Tune to another
channel.
CH Unavail:This previously
assigned channel is no longer
assigned. Tune to another station.
If this station was one of the presets,
choose another station for that
preset button.
No Info:No artist, song title,
category, or text information is
available at this time on this channel.
The system is working properly.
No Info:No text or informational
messages are available at this time
on this channel. The system is
working properly.
Not Found:There are no channels
available for the selected category.
The system is working properly.
6-12 Infotainment
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

XM Locked:The XM™ receiver in
your vehicle may have previously
been in another vehicle. For security
purposes, XM™ receivers cannot
be swapped between vehicles. If this
message is received after having
your vehicle serviced, check
with your dealer/retailer.
Radio ID:If tuned to channel 0,
this message alternates with
the XM™ Radio eight digit radio
ID label. This label is needed
to activate the service.
Unknown:If this message is
received when tuned to channel 0,
there may be a receiver fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Chk XMRcvr:If this message does
not clear within a short period of
time, the receiver may have a fault.
Consult with your dealer/retailer.Audio Steering Wheel
Controls
For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the following:
−
q+ (Volume):Press to
decrease or increase the volume.
ª«(Next/Previous):Press to
select the next or previous radio
station, CD track, or MP3 folder.
Pressªor«to go to the next
or previous preset station.
Press and holdªor«until a
beep is heard to go to the next
or previous radio station.
Only stations with a strong
signal will be selected.
Pressªor«to go to the next
or previous CD track.
Press and holdªor«until a
beep is heard to go to the next or
previous MP3 folder.
MODE:Press to turn the audio
system on or to select between AM,
FM, XM, CD, or AUX.
Press and hold to turn the audio
system off.
Infotainment 6-13
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere
with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try
reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo gives the best sound,
but FM signals only reach about
10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere
with FM signals, causing the
sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives
digital radio reception from
coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just
as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or through tunnels could
cause loss of the XM signal for a
period of time. The radio may
display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate
interference.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The xed mast antenna can
withstand most car washes without
being damaged. If the mast should
ever become slightly bent, straighten
it out by hand. If the mast is badly
bent, replace it.
Check occasionally to make sure
the mast is still tightened to the
antenna base located on the roof
of the vehicle. If tightening is
required, tighten by hand.
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is
located on the roof of the vehicle.
Keep this antenna clear of snow and
ice build up for clear radio reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the
performance of the XM system may
be affected if the sunroof is open.
Loading items onto the roof of
the vehicle can interfere with the
performance of the XM system.
Make sure the XM Satellite Radio
antenna is not obstructed.
6-14 Infotainment
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

LOCK/OFF:This is the only position
from which you can remove the key.
This locks the steering wheel,
ignition and automatic transmission.
Push in the ignition switch as you
turn the key toward you.
On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever must be
in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK/OFF position.
A warning tone will sound if the driver
door is opened with the key in the
ignition.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with your wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY. If this doesn’t
work, then the vehicle needs service.{CAUTION
On manual transmission vehicles,
turning the key to LOCK/OFF and
removing it will lock the steering
column and result in a loss of
ability to steer the vehicle.
This could cause a collision.
If you need to turn the engine
off while the vehicle is moving,
turn the key only to ACC/
ACCESSORY. Do not push the
key in while the vehicle is moving.
ACC/ACCESSORY:This position
provides power to some of the
electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition. To move
the key from ACC/ACCESSORY to
LOCK/OFF, push in the key and then
turn it to LOCK/OFF.
A warning tone will sound when
the driver door is opened when the
ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY
or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the
ignition.ON/RUN:The ignition switch stays
in this position when the engine is
running. This position can be used to
operate the electrical accessories,
including the ventilation fan and
115 volt power outlet, as well as to
display some warning and indicator
lights. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles.
The battery could be drained
if you leave the key in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off. You may not be
able to start the vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
START:This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
Driving and Operating 8-3
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

You must fully apply the regular
brake rst and move the shift lever to
the right before you can shift from
P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever, then push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the
shift lever to the right and move the
shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park on page 8-14.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to
back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse)
only after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice or sand
without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in
Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 8-31.N (Neutral):In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the vehicle when
it is already moving, use N (Neutral)
only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.D (Drive):This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph
(56 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h)
or more, push the accelerator
all the way down.
Notice:If the vehicle seems to
start up rather slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and you
continue to drive the vehicle that
way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can drive
in L2 (Low) when you are driving
less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and
D (Drive) for higher speeds
until then.
2 (Second):This position reduces
vehicle speed more than D (Drive)
without using the brakes. You
can use 2 (Second) on hills.
Driving and Operating 8-7
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

To shift out of P (Park) use the
following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever.
2. Hold the brake pedal down.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer/retailer or a professional
towing service.Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before you get out of the vehicle,
move the shift lever into R (Reverse),
and rmly apply the parking brake.
Once the shift lever has been placed
into R (Reverse) with the clutch
pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to LOCK/OFF, remove
the key and release the clutch.
If you are parking on a hill, or if
the vehicle is pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 9-77.
Evaporation Pump
The vehicle is equipped with
a vacuum pump for the fuel
evaporation system. This pump
performs a fuel evaporation leakage
test approximately ve hours
after the engine is turned off.
You may hear a sound coming
from underneath the rear cargo
compartment for several minutes.
The noise is normal and does not
signify a malfunction. See your
dealer/retailer with any questions.
Driving and Operating 8-15
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual

The traction control system warning
light and the VSC OFF light will come
on. To turn the systems back on,
press the
gswitch again. If both
systems are turned off, they will not
turn back on automatically when
vehicle speed increases.
If the VSC OFF light ashes,
there is a problem in the traction
control system or StabiliTrak.
Steering
If the engine stalls while you are
driving, the power steering assist
system will continue to operate until
you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist
because the electric power steering
system is not functioning, you can
steer, but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in
either direction several times until it
stops, or hold the steering wheel in
the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a
reduced amount of power steering
assist. The normal amount of power
steering assist should return shortly
after a few normal steering
movements.
The electric power steering
system does not require regular
maintenance. If you suspect steering
system problems, contact your
dealer/retailer for service repairs.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the curve
is banked, and your speed. While in
a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.
If you need to reduce speed, do it
before you enter the curve, while the
front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain
a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the
curve, and then accelerate gently
into the straightaway.
Driving and Operating 8-23
2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual