2009 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual

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The number displayed in the instrument cluster is the highest gear that the transmission will be allowed to operate in. However, your vehicle can automatically shift to lower gears as required by various driving conditions. This means that all gears below that number are available. The display in the instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to 4 (Fourth) when you enter S (Shift Control), and change to indicate the requested gear range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward. While using the DSC feature the transmission will have ﬁrmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking. The transmission will only allow shifting into gears appropriate for the vehicles speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM): The transmission will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too high. The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too high. An audible warning will sound and the downshift will not be allowed. The downshift request will have to be made again once the vehicle reaches an acceptable speed. Downshift Requested 4 (Fourth) to 3 (Third) 3 (Third) to 2 (Second) 2 (Second) to 1 (First) Required Vehicle Speed Below 95 mph (153 km/h) Below 60 mph (97 km/h) Below 30 mph (48 km/h) 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) (cid:129) You can shift into 1 (First) when you are going less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift lever in NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1 (First). 2 (Second): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth): Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth) and 5 (Fifth) the same way you do for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. Driving and Operating 8-11 To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL. Neutral: Use this position when you start or idle the engine. R (Reverse): To back up, press down on the clutch pedal and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. 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. Also, use R (Reverse) along with the parking brake for parking your vehicle. Manual Transmission Operation 1 (First): Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-12 Driving and Operating Shift Speeds { CAUTION If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. This chart shows the maximum allowable speeds in each gear when maximum acceleration is necessary. Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds Engine 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 Engine 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 1.8L 34 mph (55 km/h) 56 mph (91 km/h) 82 mph (132 km/h) 121 mph (195 km/h) 2.4L 31 mph (50 km/h) 53 mph (86 km/h) 82 mph (132 km/h) 112 mph (181 km/h) If your speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for good performance. Parking Brake To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-13 To shift into P (Park), do the following: 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 8-12 for more information. 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle and to the left. 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF. 4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park). If you are towing a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. 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 Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the lever all the way down. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-14 Driving and Operating Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission) { CAUTION It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch ﬁre. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running. If you have to leave an automatic transmission vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is ﬁrmly set before you leave it. Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift into P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may ﬁnd it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver seat. To ﬁnd out how, see Shifting Into Park on page 8-13. Move the shift lever out of P (Park) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park). Shifting Out of Park This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to: (cid:129) Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park). (cid:129) 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 Jump Starting on page 9-71 for more information. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-15 Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission) 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 Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. Evaporation Pump The vehicle is equipped with a vacuum pump for the fuel evaporation system. This pump performs a fuel evaporation leakage test approximately ﬁve hours after the engine is turned off. You may hear a sound coming from underneath the rear cargo compartment for several minutes. The noise is normal and does not signify a malfunction. See your dealer/retailer with any questions. 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. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-16 Driving and Operating Parking Over Things That Burn { CAUTION Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn. Engine Exhaust { CAUTION Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected that exhaust is coming into the vehicle: (cid:129) Drive it only with the windows completely down. (cid:129) Have the vehicle repaired immediately. Never park the vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed area such as a garage or a building that has no fresh air ventilation. Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: (cid:129) The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airﬂow or tail pipes). (cid:129) The exhaust smells or sounds strange or different. (cid:129) The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or damage. (cid:129) The vehicle’s exhaust system has been modiﬁed, damaged or improperly repaired. (cid:129) There are holes or openings in the vehicle body from damage or after-market modiﬁcations that are not completely sealed. (Continued) 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-17 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, see Engine Exhaust Engine Exhaust on page 8-16. { 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 8-13. If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving Your Vehicle Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The ﬁrst step in driving defensively is to wear your safety belt, see Safety Belts on page 1-8. { 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: (cid:129) Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you. (cid:129) 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. 8-18 Driving and Operating Drunk Driving { CAUTION Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reﬂexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink. Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy. Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and attentiveness. Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured. For persons under 21, it is against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical, psychological, and developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and then drive. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means that when anyone who has been drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the person had not been drinking. Control of a Vehicle The following three systems help to control your vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 9-3. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-19 If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 9-3. Braking See Brake System Warning Light on page 4-17. Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time. Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second. But that is only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-20 Driving and Operating Antilock Brake System (ABS) Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start the engine and begin to drive away, ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you might even notice that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal. United States Canada If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light will stay on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light on page 4-18. Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely. Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what happens with ABS: A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have ABS. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down ﬁrmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-21 the front wheels. To turn off traction control, press and release the g switch. The traction control system warning light will come on. To turn the traction control system back on, press the g switch again or increase vehicle speed and the system will automatically turn back on. The traction control system warning light will go off. See Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 4-19 Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light for more information. This light should come on brieﬂy when the engine is started. The traction control system warning light ﬂashes and an alarm will sound intermittently when the system is limiting wheel spin. The g switch is located to the left of the steering wheel below the instrument panel cluster. When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly fallen snow, turn off the traction control system. The system that controls engine performance interferes with the process of freeing To turn off both the traction control system and StabiliTrak®, press and hold the g switch while the vehicle is stopped. The traction control system warning light and the VSC OFF light will come on. Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that one or both of the drive wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working, but this is normal. Leave the system on during ordinary driving so that it can operate when needed. When the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the system automatically turns on. If the system has been turned off, it will automatically turn on at 35 mph (55 km/h). TCS cannot be turned off above 35 mph (55 km/h). 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-22 Driving and Operating To turn the systems back on, press the g switch again. If both systems are turned off, they will not turn back on automatically when vehicle speed increases. If the VSC OFF light ﬂashes, there is a problem in the traction control system or StabiliTrak. Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s performance. See Accessories and Modiﬁcations on page 9-3 Accessories and Modiﬁcations for more information. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System If your vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels all the time. This is like four-wheel drive, but it is fully automatic. StabiliTrak® System Your vehicle has StabiliTrak. This system helps provide integrated control of systems such as the Antilock Brake System, traction control and engine control. This system automatically controls the brakes and engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on a slippery road surface or turning the steering wheel abruptly. This system activates when your vehicle speed reaches or exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h), and deactivates when the vehicle speed reduces to below 9 mph (15 km/h). You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the system is in the self-check mode, but does not indicate a problem. If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the traction control system warning light ﬂashes and an alarm sounds intermittently. Adjust your driving accordingly. To turn off both the traction control system and StabiliTrak, press and hold the g switch while the vehicle is stopped. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-23 Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. If you need to reduce speed, do it before you enter the curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering If the engine stalls while you are driving, the power steering assist system will continue to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle. If you lose power steering assist because the electric power steering system is not functioning, you can steer, but it will take more effort. If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the stopped position for an extended amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist. The normal amount of power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements. The electric power steering system does not require regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs. The traction control system warning light and the VSC OFF light will come on. To turn the systems back on, press the g switch again. If both systems are turned off, they will not turn back on automatically when vehicle speed increases. If the VSC OFF light ﬂashes, there is a problem in the traction control system or StabiliTrak. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-24 Driving and Operating Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and ﬁnd a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time for evasive action — steering around the problem. Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking on page 8-19. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. Off-Road Recovery Your vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches, 76 to 127 mm, (about one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Passing Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing: Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads for situations that might affect a successful pass. If in doubt, wait. (cid:129) Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection. Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side of the lane. (cid:129) Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility. (cid:129) Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle. (cid:129) When you are being passed, ease to the right. Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems — brakes, steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. Driving and Operating 8-25 The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) 8-26 Driving and Operating Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Night driving tips include: (cid:129) Drive defensively. (cid:129) Do not drink and drive. (cid:129) Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside rearview mirror. (cid:129) Slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles because headlamps can only light up so much road ahead. (cid:129) Watch for animals. (cid:129) When tired, pull off the road. (cid:129) Do not wear sunglasses. (cid:129) Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps. (cid:129) Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle clean — inside and out. (cid:129) Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or curves. No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But, as we get older, these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance is longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You might not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-27 There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet. Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: (cid:129) Allow extra following distance. (cid:129) Pass with caution. (cid:129) Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape. (cid:129) Keep the windshield washer ﬂuid reservoir ﬁlled. (cid:129) Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires on page 9-41. Turn off cruise control, if equipped. Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or ﬂowing water. { CAUTION Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through ﬂowing water could cause your vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through ﬂowing water. Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) 8-28 Driving and Operating Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, ﬁnd a safe place to park your vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: (cid:129) Keep the vehicle well ventilated. (cid:129) Keep interior temperature cool. (cid:129) Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead and to the sides. (cid:129) Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments often. Before Leaving on a Long Trip To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing. Things to check on your own include: (cid:129) Windshield Washer Fluid: Reservoir full? Windows clean — inside and outside? (cid:129) Wiper Blades: In good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked? Lamps: Do they all work and are lenses clean? Tires: Are treads good? Are tires inﬂated to recommended pressure? (cid:129) Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have up-to-date maps? Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on ﬂat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: (cid:129) Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. (cid:129) Check all ﬂuid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission. (cid:129) Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear. { CAUTION If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) Driving and Operating 8-29 Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 8-20 improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces. { CAUTION Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down and they could get so hot that they would not work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going downhill. (cid:129) Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident). (cid:129) Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) 8-30 Driving and Operating Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program on page 12-5. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe: Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4-3. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror. { CAUTION Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: (cid:129) Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe. (cid:129) Check again from time to time to be sure snow does not collect there. (cid:129) Open a window about two inches on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air. (cid:129) Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel. (cid:129) Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See Climate Control System in the Index. For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 8-16. Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle. This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you. You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful. (Continued) 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) (cid:129) If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 8-31. { CAUTION If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment ﬁre or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer. For information about using tire chains on the vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 9-60. Driving and Operating 8-31 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, or with a manual transmission, between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and R (Reverse), spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing Your Vehicle on page 9-75. To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-32 Driving and Operating Loading the Vehicle It is very important to know how much weight your vehicle can carry. Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certiﬁcation label. { CAUTION Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information Label Label Example A vehicle speciﬁc Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver’s door open you will ﬁnd the label attached below the door lock post (striker). The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (A), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms and pounds. This weight includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original equipment tires (C), and the recommended cold tire inﬂation pressures (D). For more information on tires and inﬂation see Tires on page 9-41 and Inﬂation - Tire Pressure on page 9-47. There is also important loading information on the Certiﬁcation label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certiﬁcation Label” later in this section. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 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 Towing a Trailer on page 9-77 for important information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules and trailering tips. Driving and Operating 8-33 Example 1 A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg). B. Subtract Occupant Weight 150 lbs (68 kg) × 2 = 300 lbs (136 kg). C. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 700 lbs (317 kg). 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). 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-34 Driving and Operating Example 2 Example 3 A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg). B. Subtract Occupant Weight 150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 = 750 lbs (340 kg). C. Available Cargo Weight = 250 lbs (113 kg). A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg). B. Subtract Occupant Weight 200 lbs (91 kg) × 5 = 1,000 lbs (453 kg). C. Available Cargo Weight = 0 lbs (0 kg). Refer to your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information label for speciﬁc information about the vehicle’s capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight. Certiﬁcation Label Label Example A vehicle speciﬁc Certiﬁcation label is attached to the center pillar, near the driver’s door latch. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-35 CAUTION (Continued) of your trunk. You can use these anchors to tie down lighter loads. They are not strong enough for heavy things, however, so put them as far forward as you can in the trunk or rear area. (cid:129) Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. (cid:129) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. (cid:129) When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can. (cid:129) Do not leave a seat folded down unless you need to. The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. See “Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit” earlier in this section. Notice: Overloading your vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Do not overload your vehicle. If you put things inside your vehicle — like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going. { CAUTION { CAUTION Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on the vehicle can break, and it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life of the vehicle. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. (cid:129) Put things in the rear area of your vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly. If you have fold-down rear seats, you will ﬁnd four anchors on the back wall (Continued) 8-36 Driving and Operating Fuel Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance, we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Gasoline Octane Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87, you might notice an audible knocking noise when you drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs service. Gasoline Speciﬁcations At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM speciﬁcation D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of gasolines containing MMT. See Additives on page 8-37 for additional information. California Fuel If the vehicle is certiﬁed to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California speciﬁcations. See the underhood emission control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal speciﬁcations, but emission control system performance might be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the vehicle might fail a smog-check test. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-20. If this occurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing the emission control system to work properly. In most cases, you should not have to add anything to the fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will help correct and prevent most deposit-related problems. Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be available in your area. We recommend that you use these gasolines, if they comply with the speciﬁcations described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels. Notice: This vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under the vehicle warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions can contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend against the use of such gasolines. Driving and Operating 8-37 Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system could be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer for service. Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country outside the United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hard to ﬁnd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you will be driving. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-38 Driving and Operating Filling the Tank { CAUTION Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel ﬁre can cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow all the instructions on the pump island. Turn off the engine when you are refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones. Keep sparks, ﬂames, and smoking materials away from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump fuel. The fuel door release lever is near the ﬂoor under the driver seat on the outboard side. The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel door on the driver side of the vehicle. To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise. On some vehicles you may have to push in while turning the cap. While refueling, hang the fuel cap inside of the fuel door. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-39 If you need a new fuel Notice: cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not ﬁt properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-20. { CAUTION Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Do not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overﬁll the tank and wait a few seconds to remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See Exterior Cleaning on page 9-86. When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-20. { CAUTION If a ﬁre starts while you are refueling, do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the ﬂow of fuel by shutting off the pump or by notifying the station attendant. Leave the area immediately. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-40 Driving and Operating Filling a Portable Fuel Container { CAUTION Never ﬁll a portable fuel container while it is in the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: (cid:129) Dispense fuel only into approved containers. (cid:129) Do not ﬁll a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on any surface other than the ground. CAUTION (Continued) (cid:129) Bring the ﬁll nozzle in contact with the inside of the ﬁll opening before operating the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the ﬁlling is complete. (cid:129) Do not smoke while pumping fuel. (cid:129) Do not use a cellular phone while pumping fuel. (Continued) 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-1 Vehicle Service and Care Service Service ...............................9-2 Accessories and Modiﬁcations .....................9-3 California Proposition 65 Warning .......................9-3 California Perchlorate Materials Requirements .....9-3 Doing Your Own Service Work ....................9-4 Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ......9-4 Owner Checks Owner Checks ....................9-5 Hood Release .....................9-5 Engine Compartment Overview ...........................9-6 Engine Oil ..........................9-9 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ....9-12 Automatic Transmission Fluid ................................9-14 Manual Transmission Fluid ................................9-16 Hydraulic Clutch ................9-17 Cooling System .................9-18 Engine Coolant .................9-18 Pressure Cap ....................9-22 Engine Overheating ...........9-22 Power Steering Fluid .........9-24 Windshield Washer Fluid ...9-24 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ...................9-25 Brakes ..............................9-27 Battery ..............................9-30 Headlamp Aiming Headlamp Aiming ..............9-30 Bulb Replacement Bulb Replacement .............9-31 Halogen Bulbs ..................9-31 Headlamps and Parking Lamps .............................9-31 Taillamps ..........................9-33 License Plate Lamp ..........9-34 Replacement Bulbs ...........9-35 Electrical System Add-On Electrical Equipment .......................9-35 Headlamp Wiring ..............9-35 Windshield Wiper Fuses ....9-36 Power Windows and Other Power Options .......9-36 Fuses and Circuit Breakers .........................9-36 Instrument Panel Fuse Block ...............................9-36 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ......................9-39 Tires Tires .................................9-41 Tire Sidewall Labeling .......9-42 Tire Terminology and Deﬁnitions .......................9-44 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ....9-47 Tire Pressure Monitor System ............................9-48 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation ........................9-50 Tire Inspection and Rotation ..........................9-53 When It Is Time for New Tires ...............................9-54 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 9-2 Vehicle Service and Care Buying New Tires .............9-54 Different Size Tires and Wheels ............................9-56 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ...........................9-56 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ....................9-58 Wheel Replacement ..........9-59 Tire Chains .......................9-60 Tire Changing If a Tire Goes Flat ............9-61 Changing a Flat Tire .........9-62 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools .................9-63 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire .......................9-64 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools .................9-68 Compact Spare Tire ..........9-70 Jump Starting Jump Starting ...................9-71 Towing Towing Your Vehicle .........9-75 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................9-75 Towing a Trailer ................9-77 Appearance Care Interior Cleaning ................9-83 Exterior Cleaning ..............9-86 Sheet Metal Damage ........9-89 Finish Damage ..................9-89 Underbody Maintenance ....9-90 Chemical Paint Spotting ....9-90 Service For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer. You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and supported service people. Genuine GM parts have one of these marks: 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-3 Accessories and Modiﬁcations When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability, ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Some of these accessories could even cause malfunction or damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your GM dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will know that GM-trained and supported service technicians will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories. Also, see Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-34. California Proposition 65 Warning Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including some inside the vehicle), many ﬂuids, and some component wear by-products contain and/or emit these chemicals. California Perchlorate Materials Requirements Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries contained in remote keyless transmitters, may contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be necessary. For additional information, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/ perchlorate. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 9-4 Vehicle Service and Care Doing Your Own Service Work { CAUTION You can be injured and the vehicle could be damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle without knowing enough about it. (cid:129) Be sure you have sufficient knowledge, experience, the proper replacement parts, and tools before attempting any vehicle maintenance task. (cid:129) Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. English and metric fasteners can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners are used, parts can later break or fall off. You could be hurt. If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 12-16. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-33. Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed. See Part E: Maintenance Record on page 11-20. Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the airﬂow around it. This can cause wind noise and can affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance. Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment to the outside of the vehicle. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Vehicle Service and Care 9-5 Hood Release To open the hood: 1. Pull the release handle, located below the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. 2. From the front of the vehicle, pull up on the secondary hood release located near the middle of the hood. 3. Lift the hood. 4. Release the hood prop rod from its retainer and insert into the slot, moving it straight up. If it is moved to the side or toward the inside of the vehicle, it may become detached. Before closing the hood, be sure all the ﬁller caps are on properly. Return the hood prop rod carefully back to its retainer to avoid damaging the vehicle. Owner Checks { CAUTION An electric fan under the hood can start up and injure you even

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2009 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual