2009 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual

Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire 1. Do a safety check before

proceeding. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 9-62.

2. If the vehicle has steel wheels

with plastic wheel nut caps, loosen the plastic wheel nut caps. You may need the wheel wrench to loosen them. Do not pry off wheel covers that have plastic wheel nut caps.

3. Remove the wheel cover and set

it off to the side.

4. Attach the jack handle to the jack

and turn clockwise to raise the lift head a little.

5. Remove the tire/wheel

retainer (D) from the compact spare tire (A) and remove the compact spare tire (A). See Compact Spare Tire on page 9-70.

6. Place the compact spare tire (A)

next to the flat tire.

5. Loosen all the wheel nuts.

Do not remove them yet.

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{ CAUTION

Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.

{ CAUTION

Raising your vehicle with the jack improperly positioned can damage the vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To help avoid personal injury and vehicle damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head into the proper location before raising the vehicle.

7. Turn the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far enough off the ground so there is enough room for the compact spare tire to fit underneath the wheel well.

6. Position the jack and raise the jack lift head to fit over the car flange between the two notches.

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{ CAUTION

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When you change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See Changing a Flat Tire on page 9-62.

8. Remove the wheel nuts and the

flat tire.

9. Install the spare tire.

10. Remove any rust or dirt from

the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces and spare wheel.

11. Place the compact spare tire on

the wheel-mounting surface.

{ CAUTION

Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. The vehicle’s wheel could fall off, causing a crash.

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12. Reinstall the wheel nuts with the rounded end of the nuts toward the wheel. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held against the hub.

13. Turn the jack handle

counterclockwise. Lower the jack completely.

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{ CAUTION

Incorrect or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to come loose and even come off. This could lead to a crash. If you have to replace them, be sure to get new original equipment wheel nuts. Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications on page 10-2 for wheel nut torque specification.

Improperly tightened

Notice: wheel nuts can lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to the proper torque specification. See Capacities and Specifications on page 10-2 for the wheel nut torque specification.

14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly

in a crisscross sequence as shown.

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Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools Storing the Compact Spare Tire

{ CAUTION

Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

2. Place the jack (B) back in its original location on the driver side of the cargo area and close the latch over the jack (B).

3. Place the compact spare tire (A),

valve stem pointed down, back in its original location in the center of the cargo area.

4. Turn the tire/wheel retainer

nut (D) clockwise to secure it on the compact spare tire (A). 5. Close the cargo area floor (C).

Storing the Full-Size Flat Tire

{ CAUTION

Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place.

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A. Compact Spare Tire

(Valve Stem Pointed Down)

B. Jack C. Cargo Area Floor D. Tire/Wheel Retainer Nut E. Jack Handle F. Wheel Wrench

1. Place the jack handle (E) and wheel wrench (F) back in their original location in the passenger side of the cargo area.

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4. Hook the end closest to the

buckle, to the front cargo hooks.

5. Pass the straps through the

center hole of the wheel.

6. Attach the other end of the straps to the cargo hooks.

7. Position the tire edge against the rear center end of the floor panel. Pull the end of the straps to make sure the tire is secure.

Store the compact spare tire properly after use.

The standard tire cannot be stored in the compact spare tire storage area. To store the standard flat tire: 1. If your vehicle has aluminum

wheels, remove the center wheel cap before storing the flat tire. 2. Place the flat tire on the rear

cargo area floor panel with the valve stem facing up.

3. Use the tire tie-down straps located under the floor panel to secure the flat tire.

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Compact Spare Tire The compact spare tire was fully inflated when the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (414 kPa). After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure your spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is intended to perform well at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h), so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire repaired or replaced where you want. Replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you can.

Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails which can damage the tire, wheel and other parts of the vehicle. Do not use your compact spare on other vehicles. Do not mix your compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. Keep your spare tire and its wheel together. Notice: Tire chains will not fit the compact spare. Using them can damage the vehicle and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on the compact spare.

Return the jack and tools to the left side of the compartment after use.

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Notice: Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that would not be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it will not work, and it could damage your vehicle. 1. Check the other vehicle. It must

have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

If the other vehicle’s

Notice: system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle. 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you do not want. You would not be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical systems.

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!

Jump Starting If your vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.

{ CAUTION

Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous because:

(cid:129) They contain acid that can

burn you.

(cid:129) They contain gas that can

explode or ignite.

(cid:129) They contain enough electricity to burn you.

If you do not follow these steps exactly, some or all of these things can hurt you.

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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.

5. Check that the jumper cables

do not have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock. The vehicles could be damaged too. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−) or you will get a short that would damage the battery and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the dead battery because this can cause sparks.

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6. Connect the red positive (+)

cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

7. Do not let the other end

touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

1.8 L4 Engine

8. To access the remote negative

on the 1.8L engine, the cover will need to be removed. To remove the engine cover raise the rear of the engine cover to remove the rear clips and the front of the engine cover to remove the two front clips

2.4L L4 Engine Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the negative terminal of the good battery. Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one. Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead battery.

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Vehicle Service and Care

9. Connect the other end of the

negative (−) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead battery, but not near engine parts that move. The electrical connection is just as good there, and the chance of sparks getting back to the battery is much less. 10. Now start the vehicle with the

good battery and run the engine for a while.

Jumper Cable Removal

A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal

Engine Part

B. Good Battery C. Dead Battery

11. Try to start the vehicle that had

the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

If the jumper cables are

Notice: connected or removed in the wrong order, electrical shorting may occur and damage the vehicle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always connect and remove the jumper cables in the correct order, making sure that the cables do not touch each other or other metal.

To disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles, do the following: 1. Disconnect the black negative (−)

cable from the vehicle that had the dead battery.

2. Disconnect the black negative (−)

cable from the vehicle with the good battery.

3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the vehicle with the good battery.

4. Disconnect the red positive (+)

cable from the other vehicle.

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are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”). With the proper preparation and equipment, many vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following. Here are some important things to consider before you do recreational vehicle towing: (cid:129) What is the towing capacity

of the towing vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

(cid:129) How far will you tow? Some

vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.

(cid:129) Do you have the proper towing

equipment? See your dealer/ retailer or trailering professional for additional advice and equipment recommendations. Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you will want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to be towed. See “Before Leaving On A Long Trip” in the Index.

Dinghy Towing If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it cannot be dinghy towed. See “Dolly Towing” for more information regarding towing your vehicle. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it can be dinghy towed.

Towing Towing Your Vehicle To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if the disabled vehicle must be towed. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-5. To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome), see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.

Recreational Vehicle Towing Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing

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Vehicle Service and Care

Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)

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 your vehicle from the rear. Your vehicle could be badly damaged and the repairs would not be covered by your 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.

To tow your 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.

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CAUTION (Continued)

injured. The vehicle may also be damaged; the resulting repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only if all the steps in this section have been followed. Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information about towing a trailer with the vehicle.

Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment. To identify the vehicle trailering capacity of your vehicle, you should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in handling,

acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used properly. That is the reason for this part. In it are many time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of your passengers. So please read this section carefully before you pull a trailer. Load-pulling components such as the engine, transmission, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to work harder against the drag of the added weight. The engine is required to operate at relatively higher speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat. In addition, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.

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.

Towing a Trailer

{ CAUTION

The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not work well or even at all. The driver and passengers could be seriously

(Continued)

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Vehicle Service and Care

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer If you do, here are some important points:

There are many different laws, including speed limit restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure the rig will be legal, not only where you live but also where you will be driving. A good source for this information can be state or provincial police.

(cid:129) Consider using a sway control. Ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.

(cid:129) Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles (1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads. (cid:129) Obey speed limit restrictions

when towing a trailer. Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.

Three important considerations have to do with weight:

the weight of the trailer the weight of the trailer tongue and the total weight on your vehicle’s tires

Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be? It should never weigh more than 1,500 lbs (680 kg). But even that can be too heavy. It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any special equipment that you have on your vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for more information.

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And if you tow a trailer, you must add the tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle will be carrying that weight, too. See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-32 for more information about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.

If using a weight-carrying hitch or a weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A) should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight (B).

After the trailer is loaded, weigh the trailer and then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper. If they are not, you may be able to get them right simply by moving some items around in the trailer. Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limit for cold tires. These numbers are located on the Tire and Loading Information label located on the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar). See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-32. Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight. You can ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or advice, or you can write us at our Customer Assistance Offices. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 12-4 for more information.

Weight of the Trailer Tongue The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weight to measure because it affects the total or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.

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Vehicle Service and Care

Hitches It is important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here are some rules to follow: (cid:129) Do not let the steel in a hitch contact the aluminum on your bumper because it can corrode. Use something like paint or plastic tape to separate the steel and aluminum. The same steel to aluminum problem can happen with fasteners too.

(cid:129) Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can get into your vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust” in the Index. Dirt and water can too.

Safety Chains You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes Does your trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and maintain them properly. If you have antilock brakes, do not tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do, both systems will not work well, or at all.

Driving with a Trailer Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road. Acquaint yourself with the feel of handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by itself. Before you start, check the trailer hitch, platform and attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.

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When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument panel will flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind you are seeing your 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 you start down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift down, you might have to use your brakes so much that they would get hot and no longer work well. On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the possibility of the engine and the transmission overheating.

Following Distance Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking and sudden turns.

Passing More distance in front is needed to pass when towing a trailer. And, because the tow vehicle and trailer are longer, you will need to go farther beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.

Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible, have someone guide you.

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 you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns than normal. Do this so your trailer will not 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 When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a different turn signal flasher and/or extra wiring. Check with your dealer/retailer. The arrows on the instrument panel flash whenever you signal a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers you are about to turn, change lanes or stop.

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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.

To park your rig on a hill: 1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into P (Park) for an automatic transmission or into gear for a manual transmission, yet. When parking uphill, turn your wheels away from the curb. When parking downhill, turn your wheels into the curb.

2. Have someone place chocks

under the trailer wheels.

3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the regular brakes.

Then apply your parking brake and shift into P (Park) for an automatic transmission or R (Reverse) for a manual transmission.

5. Release the regular brakes. When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down while you:

start your engine shift the transmission into gear 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 Your vehicle will need service more often when you are pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more on this. Things that are especially important in trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (do not overfill), engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index will help find them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a good idea to review this information before starting your trip. Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts are tight. Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing The cooling system could temporarily overheat during severe operating conditions. See Engine Overheating on page 9-22.

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Appearance Care Interior Cleaning Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if it is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can damage carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from the upholstery. It is important to keep your upholstery from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils should be removed as quickly as possible. Your vehicle’s interior may experience extremes of heat that could cause stains to set rapidly. Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments that transfer color to your home furnishings may also transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.

When cleaning your vehicle’s interior, only use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned. Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray, apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth. Notice: cleaners when cleaning glass surfaces on your vehicle, you could scratch the glass and/or cause damage to the rear window defogger. When cleaning the glass on your vehicle, use only a soft cloth and glass cleaner. Many cleaners contain solvents that may become concentrated in your vehicle’s breathing space. Before using cleaners, read and adhere to all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning your vehicle’s interior,

If you use abrasive

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maintain adequate ventilation by opening your vehicle’s doors and windows. Dust may be removed from small buttons and knobs using a small brush with soft bristles. Your dealer/retailer has a product for cleaning your vehicle’s glass. You can also obtain a product from your dealer/retailer to remove odors from your vehicle’s upholstery. Do not clean your vehicle using the following cleaners or techniques: (cid:129) Never use a knife or any

other sharp object to remove a soil from any interior surface. (cid:129) Never use a stiff brush. It can

cause damage to your vehicle’s interior surfaces.

(cid:129) Never apply heavy pressure or rub aggressively with a cleaning cloth. Use of heavy pressure can damage the interior and does not improve the effectiveness of soil removal.

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Vehicle Service and Care

(cid:129) Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps.

Avoid laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers. Using too much soap will leave a residue that leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners, about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a good guide.

(cid:129) Do not heavily saturate the upholstery while cleaning.

(cid:129) Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from the use of many organic solvents such as naptha, alcohol, etc.

Fabric/Carpet Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only be used on floor carpet and carpeted floor mats. For soils, always try to remove them first with plain water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as possible using one of the following techniques:

For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the paper towel until no more can be removed. For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible and then vacuum.

To clean, use the following instructions: 1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white

cloth with water or club soda.

2. Wring the cloth to remove excess

moisture.

3. Start on the outside edge of the

soil and gently rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.

4. Continue to gently rub the soiled

area until the cleaning cloth remains clean.

5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process that was used with plain water.

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Leather A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never use spot lifters or spot removers on leather. Many commercial leather cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and protect leather may permanently change the appearance and feel of your leather and are not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based products, or those containing organic solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.

Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may permanently change the appearance and feel of your interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based products, or those containing organic solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because they can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform manner. Some commercial products may increase gloss on your instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause annoying reflections in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions.

If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation may result, clean the entire surface. After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the fabric or carpet.

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Vehicle Service and Care

Exterior Cleaning 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 Your Vehicle” later in this section.

Finish Care Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. You can get approved cleaning products from your dealer/retailer. If your vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish, the clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish.

Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are made for a basecoat/ clearcoat paint finish on your vehicle. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible. Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Wash with water or use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts.

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Washing Your Vehicle The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often. Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Use a car washing soap. Notice: Certain cleaners contain chemicals that can damage the emblems or nameplates on your vehicle. Check the cleaning product label. If it states that it should not be used on plastic parts, do not use it on your vehicle or damage may occur and it would not be covered by the warranty.

Vehicle Service and Care

9-87

Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives, as they can damage the paint, metal or plastic on your vehicle. Approved cleaning products can be obtained from your dealer/ retailer. Follow all manufacturers’ directions regarding correct product usage, necessary safety precautions and appropriate disposal of any vehicle care product. Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the vehicle. Avoid using high pressure washes closer than 12 inches (30 cm) to the surface of the vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can result in damage or removal of paint and decals.

Weatherstrips 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 frequent application may be required. See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index of the “Maintenance and Warranty and Owner assistance Information” manual.

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Vehicle Service and Care

Wheels and Trim — Aluminum or Chrome Your vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then be applied. Notice: Chrome wheels and other chrome trim may be damaged if you do not wash your vehicle after driving on roads that have been sprayed with magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride. These chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as ice and dust. Always wash your vehicle’s chrome with soap and water after exposure.

If you use strong soaps,

Notice: chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, you could damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Use only approved cleaners on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners, cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could damage the surface. Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.

Notice: Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels could damage the wheels. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on chrome wheels only. Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off immediately after application. Notice: vehicle through an automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels through an automatic car wash that uses silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes.

If you drive your

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9-89

Windshield and Wiper Blades Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner. Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged. Wipers can be damaged by: (cid:129) Extreme dusty conditions (cid:129) Sand and salt (cid:129) Heat and sun (cid:129) Snow and ice, without proper

removal

Tires To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner. Notice: Using petroleum-based tire dressing products on your vehicle may damage the paint finish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing, always wipe off any overspray from all painted surfaces on your vehicle.

Sheet Metal Damage If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.

Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection while maintaining the vehicle warranty.

Finish Damage Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer/retailer. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s/retailer’s body and paint shop.

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Vehicle Service and Care

Underbody Maintenance Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these are not removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection. At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your dealer/retailer or an underbody car washing system can do this for you.

Chemical Paint Spotting Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage can take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface. Although no defect in the paint job causes this, we will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase, whichever occurs first.

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10-1

Service Parts Identification Label This label is on the inside of the glove box. It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts. The label has the following information: (cid:129) Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN)

(cid:129) Model designation (cid:129) Paint information (cid:129) Production options and special

equipment

Do not remove this label from the vehicle.

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ..................10-1
Service Parts Identification Label ...........10-1

Capacities and Specifications Capacities and Specifications ..................10-2

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Maintenance Replacement Parts ..........10-4
Engine Drive Belt Routing ...........................10-5

Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the driver side. It can be seen through the windshield from outside the vehicle. The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.

Engine Identification The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code. This code helps identify the vehicle’s engine, specifications, and replacement parts. See “Engine Specifications” under Capacities and Specifications on page 10-2 for your vehicle’s engine code.

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Technical Data

Capacities and Specifications The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer to Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-18 for more information.

Application

Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a

Cooling System

1.8L L4 Engine 2.4L L4 Engine

Engine Oil with Filter

1.8L L4 Engine 2.4L L4 Engine

Fuel Tank Transmission, Automatic (Complete Drain and Refill)

1.8L L4 Engine 2.4L L4 Engine

Capacities

English

Metric

For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge amount, see the refrigerant caution label located under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more

information.

5.8 qt 6.0 qt

4.4 qt 4.5 qt 13.2 gal

3.1 qt 3.7 qt

5.5 L 5.7 L

4.2 L 4.3 L 50 L

2.9 L 3.5 L

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Application

Transmission, Manual (Complete Drain and Refill)

Technical Data

10-3

Capacities

English

Metric

1.8L L4 Engine 2.4L L4 Engine Wheel Nut Torque All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual.

2.0 qt 2.6 qt 76 lb ft

1.9 L 2.5 L

103 Y

Engine

VIN Code

Transmission

Spark Plug Gap

Engine Specifications

1.8L L4

2.4L L4

Automatic

Manual

Automatic

Manual

0.043 in (1.10 mm)

0.043 in (1.10 mm)

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Technical Data

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts Maintenance Replacement Parts Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer/retailer.

Part

GM Part Numbers

Other Part Numbers

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

1.8L L4 Engine 2.4L L4 Engine

Engine Oil Filter

1.8L L4 Engine* 2.4L L4 Engine

Passenger Compartment Air Filter Spark Plugs**

1.8L L4 Engine

2.4L L4 Engine

88975792
88975799

19185485
88969580
19184673

19185438

88969636

— —

— — —

SK20HR11† SK20R11† IFR6A11††

*Oil Filter Element Kit includes element and seal. **The engine is fitted with iridium-tipped spark plugs. Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs for better engine performance. † DENSO †† NGK

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Engine Drive Belt Routing

Technical Data

10-5

2.4L L4 Engine

1.8L L4 Engine

The 1.8L L4 engine drive belt requires the use of a special kind of tool to service. See your dealer/retailer for service.

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Technical Data

✍ NOTES

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Service and Maintenance

11-1

Service and Maintenance

Service and Maintenance Introduction .......................11-1
Maintenance Requirements ..................11-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................11-2
How This Section is Organized .......................11-2
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services ......11-3
Using the Maintenance Schedule .........................11-3
Scheduled Maintenance ....11-4
Part B: Owner Checks and Services .................11-12
At Each Fuel Fill .............11-12

At Least Once a Month ...11-13
At Least Twice a Year ....11-13
At Least Once a Year .....11-13
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections ....................11-16
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection .......11-16
Exhaust System Inspection ......................11-16
Fuel System Inspection ...11-16
Engine Cooling System Inspection ......................11-17
Throttle System Inspection ......................11-17
Brake System Inspection ......................11-17
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ....11-18
Part E: Maintenance Record ..........................11-20

Service and Maintenance Introduction Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and change as recommended.

Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan supplements the vehicle warranties. See the Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer/retailer for details.

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Service and Maintenance

How This Section is Organized This maintenance schedule is divided into five parts: “Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” explains what to have done and how often. Some of these services can be complex, so unless you are technically qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should let your dealer/retailer do these jobs. Your dealer/retailer has trained and supported service people that will perform the work using genuine parts.

Maintenance Requirements Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections and recommended fluids and lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary to keep this vehicle in good working condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow scheduled maintenance may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Your Vehicle and the Environment Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep the vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the environment. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper fluid levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level of emissions from the vehicle. To help protect the environment, and to keep the vehicle in good condition, be sure to maintain the vehicle properly.

{ CAUTION

Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can be seriously injured. Do your own maintenance work only if you have the required know-how and the proper tools and equipment for the job. If you have any doubt, have a qualified technician do the work. See Doing Your Own Service Work on page 9-4.

To purchase service information, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 12-16. “Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells what should be checked and when. It also explains what can easily be done to help keep the vehicle in good condition.

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11-3

“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections” explains important inspections that your dealer/retailer can perform for you. “Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists some recommended products necessary to help keep the vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their equivalents, should be used whether you do the work yourself or have it done. “Part E: Maintenance Record” is a place to record and keep track of the maintenance performed on the vehicle. Keep the maintenance receipts. They may be needed to qualify the vehicle for warranty repairs.

Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services In this part are scheduled maintenance services which are to be performed at the mileage intervals specified.

Using the Maintenance Schedule We want to help keep this vehicle in good working condition. But we do not know exactly how you will drive it. You might drive short distances only a few times a week. Or you might drive long distances all the time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use the vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to work, to do errands, or in many other ways.

Because of the different ways people use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need more frequent checks and replacements. So please read the following and note how you drive. If you have questions on how to keep the vehicle in good condition, see your dealer/retailer. This part tells you the maintenance services that should be done and when to schedule them. When you go to your dealer/retailer for service, trained and supported service people will perform the work using genuine parts.

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Service and Maintenance

The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in Part D. Make sure whoever services the vehicle uses these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle. These schedules are for vehicles that:

carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Loading the Vehicle on page 8-32. are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits. use the recommended fuel. See Gasoline Octane on page 8-36.

Scheduled Maintenance The services shown in this schedule up to 120,000 miles (192 000 km) should be repeated after 120,000 miles (192 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of this vehicle. See Part B: Owner Checks and Services on page 11-12, Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on page 11-16, and Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-18.

Footnotes † The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emissions warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge that all recommended maintenance services be performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.

+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire rotation. See Brake System Inspection on page 11-17.

5,000 Miles (8 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53 for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

❑ Inspect engine air cleaner filter

if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

10,000 Miles (16 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

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(cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Service and Maintenance

11-5

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53
for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

❑ Inspect engine air cleaner filter

if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

15,000 Miles (24 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53 for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

❑ Inspect engine air cleaner filter

if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

❑ Inspect passenger compartment

air filter.

20,000 Miles (32 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53 for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

❑ Inspect engine air cleaner filter

if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

25,000 Miles (40 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53 for proper rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

❑ Inspect engine air cleaner filter

if you are driving in dusty conditions. Replace filter if necessary.

30,000 Miles (48 000 km) ❑ Change engine oil and filter

(or every 3 months, whichever occurs first). An Emission Control Service.

❑ Rotate tires. See Tire Inspection

and Rotation on page 9-53 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 9-12 for more information.

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Service and Maintenance

❑ 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 Airbag System Check on page 1-35.

❑ Replace passenger compartment

air filter.

❑ 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 †.)