trailer PONTIAC VIBE 2010 Owners Manual

Notice:Modications made
to the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modications to these
systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle
warranty. This could also result
in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
test. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 9-3 .
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required. The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
•Reduce vehicle speed.
•Avoid hard accelerations.
•Avoid steep uphill grades.
•If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when
it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle.
Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds, and restart the engine.
If the light is still flashing, follow the
previous steps and see your dealer/
retailer for service as soon as
possible.
Light On Steady: An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required. An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by doing
the following:
•Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. See
Filling the Tank on
page 8-41. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
cap allows fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light off.
•If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is
usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out.
A few driving trips should turn
the light off.
Instruments and Controls 4-15

Driving and
Operating
Driving InformationDriving for Better FuelEconomy ...........................
.8-2
Defensive Driving .................
.8-2
Drunk Driving ......................
.8-3
Control of a Vehicle ..............
.8-3
Braking ...............................
.8-4
Steering ..............................
.8-4
Off-Road Recovery ...............
.8-6
Loss of Control ....................
.8-6
Driving on Wet Roads ............8-7
Highway Hypnosis ................
.8-8
Hill and Mountain Roads ........8-8
Winter Driving ......................
.8-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck ..........8-11
Vehicle Load Limits .............
.8-12
Starting and OperatingNew Vehicle Break-In ...........8-16
Ignition Positions ................
.8-16
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ....................
.8-18Starting the Engine
.............
.8-18
Engine Heater ....................
.8-19
Shifting Into Park ................
.8-20
Shifting Out of Park .............8-22
Parking .............................
.8-22
Parking Over Things That Burn ........................
.8-23
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust..................
.8-23
Running the Vehicle While Parked ............................
.8-24
Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission
(Four Speed Automatic) ......8-24
Automatic Transmission (Five Speed Automatic) .......8-27
Manual Mode .....................
.8-28
Manual TransmissionManual Transmission ...........8-29
Drive SystemsAll-Wheel Drive..................
.8-31
BrakesAntilock Brake
System (ABS) ..................
.8-32
Parking Brake ....................
.8-33
Ride Control SystemsTraction Control
System (TCS) ..................
.8-33
StabiliTrak System ..............
.8-35
Cruise ControlCruise Control ....................
.8-36
FuelFuel..................................
.8-38
Recommended Fuel .............8-39
Gasoline Specifications .........8-39
California Fuel Requirements ...................
.8-39
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . .8-40
Fuel Additives ....................
.8-40
Filling the Tank ..................
.8-41
Filling a Portable Fuel Container .........................
.8-43
TowingGeneral Towing Information . . .8-43
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips .....................
.8-44
Trailer Towing ....................
.8-48
Towing Equipment ..............
.8-49
Conversions and Add-OnsAdd-On Electrical
Equipment .......................
.8-50
Driving and Operating 8-1

Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs
(1400 −750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, the load from your
trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer,
see Trailer Towing on page 8-48
for important information on
towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
A.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 1 =453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
B.Subtract Occupant Weight
68 kg (150 lbs) ×2 =136 kg
(300 lbs).
C.Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight =317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 1
Driving and Operating 8-13

Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts.
Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the
rst 200 miles (322 km) or so.
During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing on
page 8-48 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
Notice: Using a tool to force the
key to turn in the ignition could
cause damage to the switch or
break the key. Use the correct key,
make sure it is all the way in, and
turn it only with your hand. If the
key cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer/retailer.
8-16 Driving and Operating

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

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

Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. But if you ever have
to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 8-23 .
{CAUTION
It can be dangerous to get out
of the vehicle if the automatic
transmission 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).
Follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park on page 8-20 .
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 8-44 .
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
(Four 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 you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move
easily.
8-24 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

N (Neutral):In this position,
the engine does not connect with
the wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed. Notice:
Shifting out of P (Park)
or N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure
the engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal
driving. It provides the best fuel
economy from the vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and
you are:
•Going less than 35 mph
(55 km/h), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or
more, push the accelerator all the
way down.
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC mode allows you to choose
the top gear limit of the vehicle’s
transmission and the vehicle’s speed
while driving down hill or towing a
trailer. To use this feature, do the
following:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) left to S (Shift Control).
While driving in this mode, the
transmission will remain in the
driver selected range. When
coming to a stop, the vehicle
will automatically shift into
1 (First) gear.
2. Move the shift lever forward to increase the gear range, or
rearward to decrease the gear
range available based upon your
current driving conditions and
needs.
8-28 Driving and Operating