key PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owner's Guide

Notice:Holding the key in START
for longer than 15 seconds at a
time will cause the battery to be
drained much sooner. And the
excessive heat can damage the
starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining the battery or
damaging the starter.
2. If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again
to start the engine by turning
the ignition to START. Wait about
15 seconds between each try.
When the engine has run about
10 seconds to warm up, the
vehicle is ready to be driven.
Do not run the engine at high
speed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing
(32°F or 0°C), let the engine run
for a few minutes to warm up. 3. If the engine still will not start, or
starts but then stops, it could be
flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor and holding
it there as you hold the key in
START for about three seconds.
If the vehicle starts briefly but then
stops again, do the same thing,
but this time keep the pedal down
for five or six seconds. This clears
the extra gasoline from the
engine. Notice:
The engine is designed
to work with the electronics in
the vehicle. If electrical parts or
accessories are added, you
could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your
dealer/retailer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform
properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater, if
available, can help in cold weather
conditions at or below 0°F ( −18°C)
for easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least
four hours before starting the vehicle.
Driving and Operating 8-19

To shift into P (Park), do the
following:
1. Hold the brake pedal downand set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on page 8-33
for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle
and to the left.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the key in your hand, the
vehicle is in P (Park).Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running (Automatic
Transmission)
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it
could overheat and even catch
fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle
with the engine running.
If you have to leave an automatic
transmission vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake
is firmly set before you leave it.
Torque Lock (Automatic
Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift into P (Park) properly, the
weight of the vehicle may put too
much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To find out how, see
Shifting Into Park on page 8-20 .
Move the shift lever out of P (Park)
before you release the parking
brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in
the transmission, so you can pull the
shift lever out of P (Park).
Driving and Operating 8-21

Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to:
•Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
•Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less
than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Shifting Out of Park on
page 8-22 for more information. 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
Before you get out of the vehicle,
move the shift lever into R (Reverse),
and firmly 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
Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips on page 8-44.
8-22 Driving and Operating

{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 8-20. If you are
pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 8-44. Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
regular brake first 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 8-22
.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, see If
the Vehicle is Stuck on page 8-11 .
Driving and Operating 8-25

Automatic Transmission
(Five Speed Automatic)
The shift lever is located on the
console between the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the
front wheels. It is the best position
to use when starting the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park on page 8-20. If you are
pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 8-44.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply the
regular brake first and move the shift
lever to the right before shifting from
P (Park) while the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain
brake application. Then move the
shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park on page 8-22
.
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 your vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice, or sand
without damaging the transmission,
see If the Vehicle is Stuck on
page 8-11.
Driving and Operating 8-27

California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained
in remote keyless transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer
accessories are added to the vehicle,
they can affect vehicle performance
and safety, including such things
as airbags, braking, stability, ride
and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. Some of these accessories
could even cause malfunction or
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including
control module modifications, are
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed
to complement and function with
other systems on the vehicle.
Your GM dealer/retailer can
accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories.
Vehicle Care 9-3

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

At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders
with the lubricant specified in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-15.
Seat Operation Check
Make sure the head restraints stay
in position and all seat latches
lock. Check that the recliner holds
by pushing and pulling the seatback
while it is reclined.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring
anchor, release pawl, hood and
body door hinges, rear compartment,
and any folding seat hardware.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-15 tells
you what to use. More frequent
lubrication might be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
Starter Switch Check
See Starter Switch Check on
page 9-30. Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control System 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. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 8-33 .
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN, but do not
start the engine. Without applying
the regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer/retailer for service. Ignition Transmission Lock
Check
While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF in each shift
lever position.
•For automatic transmission
vehicles, the ignition should
turn to LOCK/OFF only when
the shift lever is in P (Park).
•For manual transmission
vehicles, the ignition should
turn to LOCK/OFF only if
you push the ignition key in
farther, while turning it toward
LOCK/OFF.
Contact your dealer/retailer if
service is required.
10-12 Service and Maintenance

UsageFluid/Lubricant
Floor Shift Linkage Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in Canada 88901242)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Rear Axle (All-Wheel Drive) Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 12345977, in Canada 10953482)
or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear lubricant.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Axle Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 89021669, in Canada 89021670)
or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 API Hypoid Gear Lubricant.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)
or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
10-16 Service and Maintenance

Radio Frequency
Identication (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some
vehicles for functions such as tire
pressure monitoring and ignition
system security, as well as in
connection with conveniences such
as key fobs for remote door locking/
unlocking and starting, and in-vehicle
transmitters for garage door openers.
RFID technology in GM vehicles
does not use or record personal
information or link with any other
GM system containing personal
information.
Radio Frequency
Statement (US, Can)
This vehicle has systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
comply with Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with RSS-210/211 of
Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not causeinterference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
12-16 Customer Information