maintenance schedule PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owners Manual

Wheels and Tires..........9-43
Jump Starting ...............9-69
Towing ........................ 9-73
Appearance Care ..........9-75
Service and
Maintenance..................... 10-1
General Information .......10-1
Scheduled Maintenance ..............10-3
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts ...................... 10-15
Maintenance Records . . . 10-18
Technical Data.................11-1
Vehicle Identification ......11-1
Vehicle Data .................11-2
Customer Information......12-1
Customer Information .....12-1
Reporting Safety Defects ................... 12-13
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy .............12-14
Index................................... i-1

Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 4-12 for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering
is damaged, opened, or broken,
the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened
or broken airbag covers, have
the airbag covering and/or airbag
module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 2-27 . See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts After a Crash
{CAUTION
A crash can damage the
airbag systems in your vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may not
work properly and may not protect
you and your passenger(s) in a
crash, resulting in serious injury or
even death. To help make sure
your airbag systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible. If an airbag inflates, you will need
to replace airbag system parts.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-12
for more information.
2-36 Seats and Restraints

SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 8-33 for more information.
Contact your dealer/retailer, if
the light does not come on or if it
stays on.
Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light
This warning light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN.
It also comes on when the Traction
Control System is turned off by
pressing the TRAC OFF button.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 8-33 for more information. If it stays on or comes on while
driving, there is a problem with the
Traction Control System (TCS),
contact your dealer/retailer.
Tire Pressure Light
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started.
If there is a tire with low tire
pressure, the light will stay on
or come back on.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 9-52 for more
information.
Engine Oil Pressure
Light
{CAUTION
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine
oil maintenance can damage
the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this
manual for changing engine oil.
The oil pressure light should come
on briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Instruments and Controls 4-19

Fan Control
9(Fan):Turn the center knob
toward 4 to turn the system on or
increase fan speed.
If the airflow seems low when the
fan is at the highest setting, the
passenger compartment air filter
may need to be replaced. For
more information, see Passenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 7-4
and Scheduled Maintenance on
page 10-3.
Temperature Control
Turn the right knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle. Air Delivery Mode Control
Turn the left knob to select from the
following modes:
H(Vent):
Air is directed to the
upper instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is directed to the
upper instrument panel outlets
and the floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor and side window outlets.
-(Defog): Air is directed between
the windshield, side windows,
instrument panel outlets and the floor
outlets. Use the defog mode to clear the
inside of the windshield of fog
or moisture and to warm the
passengers. The air conditioning
compressor runs automatically in this
setting without pressing A/C, unless
the outside temperature is at or
below 32°F (0°C).
1(Defrost):
Air is directed to the
windshield, instrument panel
outlets and the side windows.
Use the defrost mode to remove
fog or frost from the outside of the
windshield more quickly. The air
conditioning compressor runs
automatically in this setting without
pressing A/C, unless the outside
temperature is at or below
32°F (0°C).
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
7-2 Climate Controls

Air Vents
Use the air outlets located in the
center and outboard sides of the
instrument panel, to change the
direction of the air flowing through
the vents.
Operation Tips•
Clear away any ice, snow or
leaves from the outside air
inlets at the base of the
windshield.
•Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
•Keep the area under the
front seats clear of objects for
more effective air circulation.
•If the airflow seems low when
the fan is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air
filter might need to be replaced.
For more information, see
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter on page 7-4.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
Both outside and recirculated air
are routed through a passenger
compartment air filter. Pollen, dust
particles and other contaminants
are removed by the filter. Airflow
reductions indicate that the filter
needs to be replaced. For a
replacement filter see your dealer/
retailer. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 10-3 for replacement
intervals. The access panel for the air filter is
behind the glove box. To replace
the filter:
1. Open the glove box door. Push
each side of the glovebox in
and pull out to remove.
7-4 Climate Controls

Driving Information
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.
•Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
•Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
•Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
•When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control, if equipped.
•Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
•Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
•Combine several trips into a
single trip.
•Replace the vehicle’s tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire’s sidewall
near the size.
•Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
your safety belt, seeSafety Belts on
page 2-8.
{CAUTION
Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
In addition:
•Allow enough following
distance between you and
the driver in front of you.
•Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause
collisions resulting in injury or
possible death. These simple
defensive driving techniques
could save your life.
8-2 Driving and Operating

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet for vehicles
with an automatic transmission,
or into gear for vehicles with a
manual transmission. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park) for vehicles
with an automatic transmission
or into gear for vehicles with
a manual transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual’s Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission
fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system and brake system.
It is a good idea to inspect these
before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 9-23.
Driving and Operating 8-47

•GM6094MUse only an oil that meets GM
Standard GM6094M.
•SAE 5W-30SAE 5W-30 is best for the
vehicle. These numbers on an
oil container show its viscosity,
or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils such
as SAE 20W-50.
•American Petroleum Institute
(API) starburst symbol
Oils meeting these requirements
should have the starburst symbol
on the container. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been
certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Notice:
Use only engine oil
identied as meeting GM Standard
GM6094M and showing the
American Petroleum Institute
Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use
the recommended oil can result
in engine damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Cold Temperature Operation
If in an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls
below −29°C (−20°F), use either
an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an
SAE 0W-30 engine oil. Both provide
easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures. Always
use an oil that meets the required
specification, GM6094M.
Engine Oil Additives / Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
starburst symbol that meet GM
Standard GM6094M are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
When to Change Engine Oil
Change the oil and filter every
8 000 km (5,000 miles) or
3 months, whichever occurs first.
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 10-3.
Vehicle Care 9-11

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer’s warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose
of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Recycle
it by taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid in the transmission
and differential at the intervals listed
inScheduled Maintenance on
page 10-3, and be sure to use
the transmission fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 10-15 .
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
This operation can be difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the
dealer/retailer service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to
follow all the instructions here,
or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick. Wait at least 30 minutes before
checking the transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are
above 90°F (32°C).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially
in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid
should be at normal operating
temperature, which is 158°F to
176°F (70°C to 80°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 15 miles (24 km)
when outside temperatures
are above 50°F (10°C). If it is
colder than 50°F (10°C), you
may have to drive longer.
9-12 Vehicle Care

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