automatic transmission PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owner's Manual

How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission fluid to use.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-15.
If the fluid level is low, add only
enough of the proper fluid 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 fluid at the dipstick
hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid,
generally less than one pint
(0.5 L). Do not overfill. 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 fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid,” earlier
in this section.
4. When the correct fluid 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
transmission fluid level checked
is when the engine oil is changed.
However, the fluid in your manual
transmission does not require
changing.
How to Check
This operation can be difficult, you
may choose to have this done
at your dealer/retailer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to
follow all the instructions here, or
you could get a false reading.
9-14 Vehicle Care

Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could move
suddenly. If the vehicle moves,
you or others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
See Parking Brake on page 8-33 .
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it starts. 3. For automatic transmission
vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start the
engine. The vehicle should start
only when the clutch pedal is
pushed down all the way to the
floor. If the vehicle starts when
the clutch pedal is not pushed
all the way down, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
Wiper Blade
Replacement
Front Windshield Wiper
Windshield wiper blades should
be inspected at least twice a year
for wear or cracking.
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed
in different ways. To remove
the wiper blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the windshield.
9-30 Vehicle Care

Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following illustration
shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first 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 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent 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
index and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the
load carry capacity a tire is
certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
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.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between the
plies and the tread. Cords may
be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
9-46 Vehicle Care

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle’s tires
properly. If air goes out of a tire,
it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have
a blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop well out of
the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear
blowout remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle
under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may bevery bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop,
well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a
flat tire. If it is used for anything
else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided
with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 5-3 .
{CAUTION
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack
and roll over or fall on you or other
people. You and they could be
badly injured or even killed. Find
a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission shift lever in
P (Park), or shift a manual
transmission to 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
9-62 Vehicle Care

To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or
a manual transmission in
NEUTRAL before setting
the parking brake.
Notice: If you leave the radio or
other accessories on during the
jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the
radio and other accessories
when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that are not needed.
This will avoid sparks and help
save both batteries. And it could
save the radio! 4. Open the hoods and locate the
batteries. Find the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal
locations on each vehicle.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 9-6 for
more information on location.
{CAUTION
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Using a match near a battery
can cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a flashlight if you need more light.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is
low, add water to take care of that
first. If you don’t, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{CAUTION
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
9-70 Vehicle Care

Here are some important things
to consider before recreational
vehicle towing:
•What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
•What is the distance that will be
travelled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
•Is the proper equipment going to
be used? See your dealer/retailer
or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
•Is the vehicle ready to be towed?
Just as preparing the vehicle for a
long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed.
Dinghy Towing
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, it cannot be dinghy
towed. See “Dolly Towing” for more
information regarding towing the
vehicle.If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, it can be dinghy
towed.
When dinghy towing, be sure to
follow the posted legal speed limit.
1. Put the shift lever in Neutral.
2. Turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY to avoid
locking the steering wheel.
Make sure the audio system
is turned off and that nothing is
plugged into the power outlets.
3. Release the parking brake. After dinghy towing, let the engine
idle for more than three minutes
before driving the vehicle.
Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear. The vehicle could be badly
damaged and the repairs would
not be covered by the warranty.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not
be towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on a
platform trailer with all four wheels off
of the ground.
9-74 Vehicle Care

Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow the front-wheel-drive vehicle
using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park)for an automatic transmission
or Neutral for a manual
transmission. 3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a
straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed
for towing.
5. Remove the key from the ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Cleaning Exterior
Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water,
a soft cloth and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under “Washing
the Vehicle” later in this section.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing
of the vehicle by hand may be
necessary to remove residue from
the paint finish. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
Vehicle Care 9-75

96 000 km (60,000 Miles)
❑Change engine oil and filter
(or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). An Emission Control
Service.
❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Rotation
on page 9-55 for proper rotation
pattern and additional
information. (See footnote +.)
❑ Replace engine air cleaner filter
(or every 24 months, whichever
occurs first). See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 9-16 for
more information.
❑ Check restraint system. Make
sure the safety belt reminder light
and safety belt assemblies are
working properly. Look for any
other loose or damaged safety
belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job,
have it repaired. Have any torn
or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also see Safety System Check
on page 2-21. ❑
Replace passenger compartment
air filter.
❑ Change transfer case fluid when
doing frequent trailer towing.
❑ Change rear differential fluid when
doing frequent trailer towing.
❑ 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.
❑ 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.
10-6 Service and Maintenance

❑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