engine coolant PONTIAC VIBE 2010 User Guide

What to Use
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL®
coolant, which will not damage
aluminum parts. If this coolant
mixture is used, nothing else
needs to be added.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to the
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:
If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
•Gives freezing protection down to
−34°F (− 38°C).
•Gives boiling protection up to
265°F (129°C).
•Protects against rust and
corrosion.
•Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
•Lets the warning lights and gages
work as they should.
Notice: Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL can cause premature
engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles
(50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs rst. Any
repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always
use DEX-COOL (silicate-free)
coolant in your vehicle.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface. When the engine is cold,
the coolant level should be at LOW,
or a little higher. When the engine
is warm, the level should be up to
FULL, or a little higher. If it is not,
there could be a leak at the pressure
cap or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump, or
somewhere else in the cooling
system.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 9-6 for the location of
the coolant recovery tank.
9-20 Vehicle Care

How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Recovery Tank
If you need more coolant, add the
proper DEX-COOL®coolant mixture
at the coolant recovery tank, but
be careful not to spill it.
Occasionally check the coolant level
in the radiator. For information on
how to add coolant to the radiator,
see Cooling System on page 9-19 .
{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.
{CAUTION
Adding only plain water to your
cooling system can be dangerous.
Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, your engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch fire and
you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and a proper
coolant.
Notice: In cold weather, water
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended
coolant and the proper coolant
mixture.
Vehicle Care 9-21

How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
When the coolant in the coolant
recovery tank is at the FULL mark,
start the vehicle.
If the overheat warning continues,
there is one more thing that can
be done. 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
surge tank pressure cap — even a
little — they can come out at high
speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
surge tank pressure cap to cool
if you ever have to turn the
pressure cap.
{CAUTION
Turning the radiator pressure cap
when the engine and radiator are
hot can allow steam and scalding
liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. With the coolant recovery
tank, you will almost never have
to add coolant at the radiator.
Never turn the radiator pressure
cap — even a little — when the
engine and radiator are hot.
1. Remove the pressure cap when the cooling system, including the
pressure cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot. Turn
the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise until it first
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. Keep turning the pressure cap, but now push down while turning.
Remove the pressure cap.
3. Fill the radiator with the proper coolant mixture, up to the base
of the filler neck. For more
information about the proper
coolant mixture look earlier in
this section.
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to the FULL mark.
9-22 Vehicle Care

5. Put the cap back on the coolantrecovery tank, but leave the
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 filler neck may
be lower. If the level is lower,
add more of the proper coolant
mixture through the filler neck
until the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure
if coolant begins to flow out of the
filler neck, reinstall the pressure
cap. Be sure the ears on the
pressure cap are in line with
the vent tube.Engine Overheating
A coolant temperature gage is
located on the vehicle’s instrument
panel. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 4-11 .
Check to see if the electric engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, the vehicle needs
service.
If no problem is apparent, but the
coolant level is not at or above the
FULL mark, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant
recovery tank. See Engine Coolant
on page 9-19 for more information
about the proper coolant mixture.
If the coolant inside the coolant
recovery tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on
a level surface.
If Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
{CAUTION
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down. Wait
until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get
out of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
Notice: If the engine catches
re because of being driven with
no coolant, your vehicle can be
badly damaged. The costly repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Vehicle Care 9-23

How to Check Windshield
Washer Fluid
To check windshield washer fluid.
1. Pull dipstick out of windshieldwasher reservoir.
2. Washer fluid should fill the holes between the LOW (B) and
NORMAL (A) mark.
3. If the fluid reads LOW (B) add fluid.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
until the holes of the dipstick
are filled between the LOW (B)
and NORMAL (A). See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 9-6 for reservoir location.
Notice:
When using concentrated
washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage your
washer uid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in your windshield
washer. It can damage the
vehicle’s windshield washer
system and paint.
Vehicle Care 9-25

❑Inspect engine accessory drive
belts (or every 48 months,
whichever occurs first). 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 specifications
if necessary (or every 48 months,
whichever occurs first). An
Emission Control Service.
❑ Inspect fuel tank, cap, cap gasket,
and lines for damage or leaks
(or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first). Replace parts as
needed. An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote †.)
❑ Change manual transmission fluid
every 48 000 km (30,000 miles)
only if your vehicle is used to tow
a trailer. ❑
Change automatic transmission
fluid every 96 000 km
(60,000 miles) if the vehicle is
mainly driven under one or more
of these conditions:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly
reaches 32°C (90°F) 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 uid
does not require changing.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-15 for
the proper uid to use.240 000 km (150,000 Miles)
❑ Drain, flush, and refill the
cooling system (or every
5 years, whichever occurs first).
This service can be complex; you
should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine
Coolant on page 9-19 for what
to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and neck. Pressure test
cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
10-10 Service and Maintenance

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these
underhood checks at each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and
add the proper oil if necessary.
SeeEngine Oil on page 9-9 .
Notice: It is important to check
the engine oil regularly and keep it
at the proper level. Failure to keep
the engine oil at the proper level
can cause damage to the engine
not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and
add DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
if necessary. See Engine Coolant
on page 9-19.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check
Check the windshield washer fluid
level in the windshield washer fluid
reservoir and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See Washer Fluid on
page 9-24. Hood Latch Operation Check
Pull the primary hood latch
release handle inside the vehicle.
The secondary latch should keep
the hood from opening all the way
when the primary latch is released.
Make sure the hood closes firmly.
See
Hood on page 9-5.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the tires and make sure
the tires are inflated to the correct
pressures. Do not forget to check the
spare tire. See Tires on page 9-43.
At Least Twice a Year
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear,
cracking, or contamination. Clean
the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper
blades that are worn or damaged.
SeeWiper Blade Replacement on
page 9-30 andExterior Care on
page 9-75 for more information. Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth.
During very cold, damp weather
more frequent application may be
required. See
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 10-15 .
Fluid Level Check
Check the power steering pump, rear
axle, transfer case, and automatic
or manual transmission fluid levels
and add as needed. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 9-12
or Manual Transmission Fluid on
page 9-14. Check for leaks. A fluid
loss in these systems could indicate
a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired at once.
Service and Maintenance 10-11

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M and displays the
American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. To determine the proper viscosity for the vehicle’s engine, see
Engine Oil on page 9-9
.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-19 .
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. U.S. 88862806, in Canada 88862807). Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or
lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Automatic Transmission Automatic Transmission Fluid WS ATF (GM Part No. U.S. 88863400,
in Canada 88863401).
Manual Transmission GM Goodwrench
®Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346190, in Canada 10953477 — 1 quart)
or SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Manual Transmission Shift Linkage Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in Canada 88901242)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Clutch Linkage Pivot Points Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in Canada 88901242)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Service and Maintenance 10-15

B
Battery............................... 9-28
Jump Starting ................... 9-69
Power Protection ................ 5-5
Blade Replacement, Wiper ....9-30
Brakes ............................... 9-26
Antilock ........................... 8-32
Fluid ............................... 9-27
Parking ........................... 8-33
Braking ................................ 8-4
Break-In, New Vehicle ..........8-16
Bulb Replacement ................9-37
Fog Lamps ........................ 5-4
Halogen Bulbs ..................9-33
Headlamp Aiming ..............9-32
Headlamps ...................... 9-33
Headlamps and Parking Lamps ......................... 9-33
License Plate Lamps .........9-36
Taillamps ......................... 9-35
Buying New Tires .................9-56
C
California
Fuel Requirements ............8-39
Perchlorate Materials Requirements ................. 9-3
Warning ............................ 9-2
Canadian Vehicle Owners .......... ii
Capacities and Specifications ................... 11-2
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust ................8-23
Liftgate ............................. 1-6
Winter Driving .................... 8-9
Cargo Cover ............................... 3-2
Management System .......... 3-4
Tie Downs ......................... 3-4
Cautions, Danger, and Warnings ............................. iii
CD Player ............................ 6-9
Center Console Storage ......... 3-2
Chains, Tire ........................ 9-61
Charging System Light ..........4-14
Check Engine Lamp .............4-14Child Restraints
Infants and YoungChildren ....................... 2-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children .................. 2-45
Older Children ..................2-37
Securing .................. 2-51, 2-53
Systems .......................... 2-41
Where to Put the Restraint ...................... 2-43
Cigarette Lighter .................... 4-8
Circuit Breakers ...................9-38
Climate Control Systems ......... 7-1
Cluster, IP ............................ 4-9
Clutch, Hydraulic ..................9-15
Collision Damage Repair .....12-10
Compact Spare Tire .............9-68
Control of a Vehicle ............... 8-3
Coolant Engine ............................ 9-19
Engine Temperature Gage . . . 4-11
Cooling System ...................9-19
Courtesy Transportation Program .......................... 12-8
i-2 INDEX

CoversCargo ............................... 3-2
Cruise Control ..................... 8-36
Light ............................... 4-21
Cupholders ........................... 3-1
Customer Assistance ............12-4
Offices ............................ 12-3
Text Telephone (TTY) Users .......................... 12-4
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information .....12-12
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ........................ 12-1
D
Damage Repair, Collision ....12-10
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions .............................. iii
Data Recorders Event ............................ 12-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ..................... 5-2 Defensive Driving
................... 8-2
Devices, Auxiliary .................6-14
Dome Lamps ........................ 5-4
Door Ajar Light ........................ 4-21
Locks ............................... 1-5
Power Locks ...................... 1-6
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive ........8-31, 9-29
Driving Better Fuel Economy .......... 8-2
Characteristics and Towing Tips .................. 8-44
Defensive .......................... 8-2
Drunk ............................... 8-3
Highway Hypnosis .............. 8-8
Hill and Mountain Roads ..... 8-8
If the Vehicle is Stuck .......8-11
Loss of Control .................. 8-6
Off-Road Recovery ............. 8-6
Vehicle Load Limits ...........8-12
Winter .............................. 8-9
E
Electrical Equipment
Add-On Equipment ............8-50
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock ........................... 9-38
Fuses and Circuit Breakers ...................... 9-38
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ........................... 9-41
Overload ......................... 9-37
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ...............9-16
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp .................. 4-14
Compartment Overview ....... 9-6
Coolant ........................... 9-19
Coolant Temperature Gage .........4-11
Cooling System ................9-19
Drive Belt Routing .............11-4
Exhaust ........................... 8-23
Oil ................................... 9-9
Overheating ..................... 9-23
INDEX i-3