engine coolant PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
Introduction v

Instruments and
Controls
Instrument Panel OverviewInstrument Panel Overview.....4-2
ControlsSteering Wheel Adjustment.....4-4
Steering Wheel Controls .........4-4
Horn ...................................
.4-5
Windshield Wiper/Washer .......4-5
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . .4-6
Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) ....................
.4-6
Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) .............
.4-7
Cigarette Lighter ..................
.4-8
Ashtrays .............................
.4-8
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators ..........................
.4-8
Instrument Cluster ................
.4-9
Speedometer .....................
.4-10
Odometer ..........................
.4-10
Trip Odometer ....................
.4-10
Tachometer .......................
.4-10
Fuel Gage .........................
.4-10
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage .............4-11
Safety Belt Reminders ..........4-11
Airbag Readiness Light .........4-12
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..........................
.4-13
Charging System Light .........4-14
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .................
.4-14
Brake System Warning Light ...............................
.4-17
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light ...........4-17
Service All-Wheel Drive Light ...............................
.4-18Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS) Warning
Light ...............................
.4-18
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light . . . .4-18
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light ...........4-19
Tire Pressure Light .............
.4-19
Engine Oil Pressure Light .....4-19
Low Fuel Warning Light ........4-20
Security Light .....................
.4-20
High-Beam on Light .............4-20
Fog Lamp Light ..................
.4-20
Lamps on Reminder .............4-20
Taillamp Indicator Light .........4-21
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ...............................
.4-21
Cruise Control Light .............4-21
Door Ajar Light ...................
.4-21
Vehicle PersonalizationVehicle Personalization .........4-21
OnStar SystemOnStar®System.................
.4-23
Instruments and Controls 4-1

that the fuel filler door is on the driver
side of the vehicle. The fuel gage
works only when the ignition switch is
turned to ON/RUN. When the gage
first indicates E or empty, there is still
about 2 gallons ( 7.6 L) of fuel left,
but more needs to be added right
away. When the vehicle is low on fuel
the low fuel warning light, located
below the empty mark, comes on.
Five things that do not indicate a
problem with the fuel gage:
•At the gas station, the fuel pump
shuts off before the gage reads
F or full.
•It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gage indicated.
For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full,
but it actually took more or less
than half the tank’s capacity to
fill it.
•It takes the gage several minutes
to read F or full after filling the
vehicle with fuel.
•The gage moves a little when you
turn, stop or speed up.
•The gage does not go back to E
or empty when you turn off the
ignition.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant
temperature. If the gage pointer
moves into the red area, the engine
is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 9-23 .
Safety Belt Reminders
When the engine is started, a chime
will sound for several seconds to
remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will also flash
until the driver belt is buckled. If the
driver belt is already buckled, neither
the chime nor the light comes on.
This light is located on the center
of the instrument panel, next
to the audio system.
When the key is turned to ON/RUN
or START, this light comes on
as a reminder for the right front
passenger to fasten their safety belt.
United States
Canada
Instruments and Controls 4-11

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 Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The electrical
cord is located on the driver side
of the engine compartment.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured.
(Continued)
CAUTION (Continued)
Plug the cord into a properly
grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach,
use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep
it away from moving engine
parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be
parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION
It can be 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. 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, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 8-44 .
8-20 Driving and Operating

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel
flash whenever signaling a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up,
the trailer lamps also flash, telling
other drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping. When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may
think other drivers are seeing the
signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the transmission
is not shifted down, the brakes
might have to be used so much that
they would get hot and no longer
work well.
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower gear
if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions. For vehicles with a
manual transmission, it is better
not to use the highest gear.When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at a
lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. For vehicles with manual
transmissions, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied,
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, see
Engine Overheating
on page 9-23.
8-46 Driving and Operating

Vehicle Care
General InformationGeneral Information..............
.9-2
California Proposition 65 Warning ........................
.9-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements ........9-3
Accessories and Modifications ......................
.9-3
Vehicle ChecksDoing Your Own
Service Work .....................
.9-4
Hood ..................................
.9-5
Engine Compartment Overview ...........................
.9-6
Engine Oil ...........................
.9-9
Automatic Transmission Fluid ...............................
.9-12
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . .9-14
Hydraulic Clutch .................
.9-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter .......9-16
Cooling System ..................
.9-19
Engine Coolant ..................
.9-19Engine Overheating
.............9-23
Power Steering Fluid ............9-24
Washer Fluid .....................
.9-24
Brakes ..............................
.9-26
Brake Fluid ........................
.9-27
Battery ..............................
.9-28
All-Wheel Drive ..................
.9-29
Starter Switch Check ............9-30
Wiper Blade Replacement .....9-30
Headlamp AimingHeadlamp Aiming...............
.9-32
Bulb ReplacementBulb Replacement ..............
.9-33
Halogen Bulbs ...................
.9-33
Headlamps and Parking Lamps .............................
.9-33
Taillamps ...........................
.9-35
License Plate Lamp .............9-36
Replacement Bulbs .............
.9-37
Electrical SystemElectrical System Overload . . . .9-37
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . .9-38
Engine Compartment Fuse Block ..............................
.9-38
Instrument Panel Fuse Block ..............................
.9-41
Wheels and TiresTires.................................
.9-43
Tire Sidewall Labeling ..........9-44
Tire Designations ................
.9-46
Tire Terminology and Definitions ........................
.9-46
Tire Pressure .....................
.9-49
Tire Pressure Monitor System ............................
.9-50
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .........................
.9-52
Tire Inspection ...................
.9-54
Tire Rotation ......................
.9-55
When It Is Time for New Tires ...............................
.9-56
Buying New Tires ...............
.9-56
Different Size Tires and Wheels ............................
.9-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ...........................
.9-58
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ...........................
.9-60
Wheel Replacement .............9-60
Tire Chains ........................
.9-61
If a Tire Goes Flat ..............
.9-62
Tire Changing ....................
.9-63
Compact Spare Tire .............9-68
Vehicle Care 9-1

A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See″Checking Engine Oil ″under
Engine Oil on page 9-9 .
B. Engine Coolant on page 9-19 .
C. Washer Fluid on page 9-24 .
D. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 9-19.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 9-9.
F. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-16. G.
Brakes on page 9-26 and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-15
(If Equipped).
H. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
I. Battery on page 9-28 .
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting.
K. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See ″Checking the
Fluid Level″ underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 9-12
(If Equipped) (Out of View).
Vehicle Care 9-7

A. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 9-9 .
B. Engine Coolant on page 9-19 .
C. Washer Fluid on page 9-24 .
D. Coolant Recovery Tank. See Engine Coolant on
page 9-19.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil” under Engine
Oil on page 9-9.
F. Brakes on page 9-26 and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 9-15
(If Equipped). G.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 9-16.
H. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
I. Battery on page 9-28 .
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting.
K. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See ″Checking the
Fluid Level″ underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 9-12
(If Equipped) (Out of View).Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel fill.
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 9-6
for 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 this is not done,
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.
Vehicle Care 9-9

Cooling System
When it is safe lift the hood:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Pressure Cap
C. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank{CAUTION
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is
a leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The coolant in the vehicle should
last for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs
first. When coolant is added
or changed, use DEX-COOL
®
coolant.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating on page 9-23.
Vehicle Care 9-19