2009 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual

Download PDF Manual
Press the CD/AUX button again and the system begins playing audio from the connected portable audio player. If a portable audio player is not connected, “No Input Device Found” displays. Music Navigator The music navigator feature lets MP3 CDs play in order by artist or album. The MP3 player scans the disc to sort the ﬁles by artist and album ID3 tag information. It can take several minutes to scan the disc depending on the number of MP3 ﬁles recorded to the CD-R. The radio starts playing while the disc is being scanned. (cid:129) After the scan is ﬁnished, the disc starts playing. Playing an MP3 The MP3 player can play the smaller 3 inch (8 cm) single CDs with an adapter ring. 1. Insert a CD label side up partway into the slot. 2. The CD player pulls the CD in and begins playing. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) 6-12 Infotainment RDM (Random): Press the button below the RDM label to hear the tracks in random order. S c (Previous Folder): Press the button below to go to the ﬁrst track in the previous folder. c T (Next Folder): Press the button below to go to the ﬁrst track in the next folder. h (Music Navigator): Press the button below to play MP3 ﬁles in order by artist or album. SORT: Press the button below the SORT label to change between playback by artist or album while using the Music Navigator. BACK: Press the button below the BACK label to return to the main music navigator screen. S T (Previous/Next): Press the button below to go to the next or previous artist or album in alphabetical order while using the Music Navigator. XM Radio Messages XL (Explicit Language Channels): These channels, or any others, can be blocked at a customer’s request, by calling 1-800-852-XMXM (9696). Updating: The encryption code in the receiver is being updated, and no action is required. This process should take no longer than 30 seconds. No Signal: The system is functioning correctly, but the vehicle is in a location that is blocking the XM™ signal. When the vehicle is moved into an open area, the signal should return. Loading XM: The audio system is acquiring and processing audio and text data. No action is needed. This message should disappear shortly. CH Off Air: This channel is not currently in service. Tune to another channel. CH Unavail: This previously assigned channel is no longer assigned. Tune to another station. If this station was one of the presets, choose another station for that preset button. No Info: No artist, song title, category, or text information is available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. No Info: No text or informational messages are available at this time on this channel. The system is working properly. Not Found: There are no channels available for the selected category. The system is working properly. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Audio Steering Wheel Controls Infotainment 6-13 ª«(Next/Previous): Press to select the next or previous radio station, CD track, or MP3 folder. (cid:129) Press ª or « to go to the next or previous preset station. (cid:129) Press and hold ª or « until a beep is heard to go to the next or previous radio station. Only stations with a strong signal will be selected. (cid:129) Press ª or « to go to the next For vehicles with audio steering wheel controls some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. They include the following: − q + (Volume): Press to decrease or increase the volume. or previous CD track. (cid:129) Press and hold ª or « until a beep is heard to go to the next or previous MP3 folder. MODE: Press to turn the audio system on or to select between AM, FM, XM, CD, or AUX. Press and hold to turn the audio system off. XM Locked: The XM™ receiver in your vehicle may have previously been in another vehicle. For security purposes, XM™ receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this message is received after having your vehicle serviced, check with your dealer/retailer. Radio ID: If tuned to channel 0, this message alternates with the XM™ Radio eight digit radio ID label. This label is needed to activate the service. Unknown: If this message is received when tuned to channel 0, there may be a receiver fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer. Chk XMRcvr: If this message does not clear within a short period of time, the receiver may have a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 6-14 Infotainment Radio Reception Frequency interference and static can occur during normal radio reception if items such as cell phone chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item from the accessory power outlet. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range can cause station frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels during the day, and then reduce these levels during the night. Static can also occur when things like storms and power lines interfere with radio reception. When this happens, try reducing the treble on the radio. FM Stereo FM stereo gives the best sound, but FM signals only reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. XM™ Satellite Radio Service XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or through tunnels could cause loss of the XM signal for a period of time. The radio may display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate interference. Fixed Mast Antenna The ﬁxed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, replace it. Check occasionally to make sure the mast is still tightened to the antenna base located on the roof of the vehicle. If tightening is required, tighten by hand. XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof of the vehicle. Keep this antenna clear of snow and ice build up for clear radio reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof, the performance of the XM system may be affected if the sunroof is open. Loading items onto the roof of the vehicle can interfere with the performance of the XM system. Make sure the XM Satellite Radio antenna is not obstructed. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Climate Controls 7-1 Climate Controls Climate Control System The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system. Climate Controls Climate Controls Climate Control System ......7-1 Outlet Adjustment ...............7-3 Passenger Compartment Air Filter ............................7-4 Fan Control 9 (Fan): Turn the center knob toward 4 to turn the system on or increase fan speed. If the airﬂow seems low when the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger compartment air ﬁlter may need to be replaced. For more information, see Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 7-4 and Scheduled Maintenance on page 11-4. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 7-2 Climate Controls Temperature Control Turn the right knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle. Air Delivery Mode Control Turn the left knob to select from the following modes: H (Vent): Air is directed to the upper instrument panel outlets. ) (Bi-Level): Air is directed to the upper instrument panel outlets and the ﬂoor outlets. 6 (Floor): Air is directed to the ﬂoor and side window outlets. - (Defog): Air is directed between the windshield, side windows, instrument panel outlets and the ﬂoor outlets. Use the defog mode to clear the inside of the windshield of fog or moisture and to warm the passengers. The air conditioning compressor runs automatically in this setting without pressing A/C, unless the outside temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C). 1 (Defrost): Air is directed to the windshield, instrument panel outlets and the side windows. Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the outside of the windshield more quickly. The air conditioning compressor runs automatically in this setting without pressing A/C, unless the outside temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C). Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear. Air Conditioning For vehicles with this feature, there will be the following controls: A/C (Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air conditioning system on or off. An indicator light shows that it is on. MAX A/C (Maximum Air Conditioning): Press the A/C and recirculation buttons at the same time to select MAX A/C. On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air escape; then close them. The vehicle will cool quicker and the A/C system operates more efficiently. Because the A/C system removes moisture from the air, it is normal for a small amount of water to drip under the vehicle while idling or just after turning the engine off. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to clear fog from the rear window. It will only work when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position. = (Rear Defogger): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light shows that it is on. The rear window defogger stays on until it is manually turned off. Clear any snow from the rear window. If the ignition is turned off, while the rear window defogger is on, the defogger turns back on automatically when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position again. Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Climate Controls 7-3 Outlet Adjustment Use the air outlets located in the center and outboard sides of the instrument panel, to change the direction of the air ﬂowing through the vents. Operation Tips (cid:129) Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the outside air inlets at the base of the windshield. (cid:129) Use of non-GM approved hood deﬂectors can adversely affect the performance of the system. (cid:129) Keep the area under the front seats clear of objects for more effective air circulation. If the airﬂow seems low when the fan is at the highest setting, the passenger compartment air ﬁlter might need to be replaced. For more information, see Passenger Compartment Air Filter later in this section. Recirculation ? (Recirculation): Press to turn the recirculation mode on or off. An indicator light shows that it is on. This mode recirculates the air inside the vehicle and helps to heat or cool the air more quickly. It can be used to prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle. Press the button again to turn the recirculation mode off and the outside air mode on. Recirculation is automatically turned off when the climate control system mode knob is turned to defog, defrost, or is positioned between modes. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual (cid:129) 7-4 Climate Controls Passenger Compartment Air Filter Both outside and recirculated air are routed through a passenger compartment air ﬁlter. Pollen, dust particles and other contaminants are removed by the ﬁlter. Airﬂow reductions indicate that the ﬁlter needs to be replaced. For a replacement ﬁlter see your dealer/ retailer. See Scheduled Maintenance on page 11-4 for replacement intervals. The access panel for the air ﬁlter is behind the glove box. To replace the ﬁlter: 2. Push the side fastener to release and remove the ﬁlter cover. 1. Open the glove box door. Push each side of the glovebox in and pull out to remove. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Climate Controls 7-5 3. Remove the air ﬁlter. 4. Install a new air ﬁlter and reassemble the unit by reversing the steps. Replacing the air ﬁlter is recommended, but will not damage the vehicle if it is not. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 7-6 Climate Controls ✍ NOTES 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In .........8-2 Ignition Positions ................8-2 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) .....................8-4 Starting the Engine .............8-4 Engine Coolant Heater .......8-5 Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed) ....8-6 Automatic Transmission Operation (Five Speed) .....8-8 Manual Transmission Operation ........................8-11 Parking Brake ...................8-12 Shifting Into Park ..............8-13 Shifting Out of Park ..........8-14 Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission) ....8-15 Parking Over Things That Burn ........................8-16 Engine Exhaust .................8-16 Running the Vehicle While Parked ..................8-17 Driving Your Vehicle Defensive Driving ..............8-17 Drunk Driving ....................8-18 Control of a Vehicle ..........8-18 Braking .............................8-19 Antilock Brake System (ABS) .................8-20 Traction Control System (TCS) .................8-21 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System ............................8-22 StabiliTrak® System ..........8-22 Steering ............................8-23 Off-Road Recovery ............8-24 Passing .............................8-25 Loss of Control .................8-25 Driving at Night .................8-26 Driving and Operating 8-1 Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads ......................8-27 Before Leaving on a Long Trip ........................8-28 Highway Hypnosis .............8-28 Hill and Mountain Roads ...8-28 Winter Driving ...................8-29 If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ...8-31 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out .......................8-31 Loading the Vehicle ..........8-32 Fuel Fuel ..................................8-36 Gasoline Octane ...............8-36 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .....8-36 California Fuel ..................8-36 Additives ...........................8-37 Fuels in Foreign Countries ........................8-37 Filling the Tank .................8-38 Filling a Portable Fuel Container ........................8-40 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-2 Driving and Operating Starting and Operating Your Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: (cid:129) Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the ﬁrst 500 miles (805 km). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle. (cid:129) Avoid making hard stops for the ﬁrst 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings. (cid:129) Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a Trailer on page 9-77 for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information. Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased. Ignition Positions The ignition switch has four different positions. To shift out of P (Park), turn the ignition to ON/RUN and apply the brake pedal. Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-3 ON/RUN: The ignition switch stays in this position when the engine is running. This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories, including the ventilation fan and 115 volt power outlet, as well as to display some warning and indicator lights. The transmission is also unlocked in this position on automatic transmission vehicles. The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time. START: This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON/RUN for normal driving. LOCK/OFF: This is the only position from which you can remove the key. This locks the steering wheel, ignition and automatic transmission. Push in the ignition switch as you turn the key toward you. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. A warning tone will sound if the driver door is opened with the key in the ignition. The ignition switch can bind in the LOCK/OFF position with your wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service. { CAUTION On manual transmission vehicles, turning the key to LOCK/OFF and removing it will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ACC/ ACCESSORY. Do not push the key in while the vehicle is moving. ACC/ACCESSORY: This position provides power to some of the electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition. To move the key from ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF, push in the key and then turn it to LOCK/OFF. A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened when the ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-4 Driving and Operating Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be used for less than a minute after the engine is turned off. (cid:129) Power Windows, if equipped (cid:129) Sunroof, if equipped The power windows and sunroof will continue to work for less than a minute or until either front door is opened. The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY. Starting the Engine Automatic Transmission Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart when you are already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Notice: Shifting into P (Park) with the vehicle moving could damage the transmission. Shift into P (Park) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission The shift lever should be in NEUTRAL and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the ﬂoor and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down. Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine gets warm. Vehicles equipped with the 1.8L engine have a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a about 30 seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped after 25 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to ACC/ ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. Vehicles equipped with the 2.4L engine should not be cranked for more than 30 seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and wiring systems. Notice: Holding the key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining the battery or damaging the starter. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If electrical parts or accessories are added, you could change the way the engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Engine Coolant Heater The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up. Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before starting the vehicle. Driving and Operating 8-5 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical cord is located on the driver side of the engine compartment. 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet. { CAUTION Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a ﬁre. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps. 2. If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again to start the engine by turning the ignition to START. Wait about 15 seconds between each try. When the engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, the vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not run the engine at high speed when it is cold. If the weather is below freezing (32°F or 0°C), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. 3. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be ﬂooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the ﬂoor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts brieﬂy but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for ﬁve or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-6 Driving and Operating 4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be damaged. The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this. Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed) { CAUTION The shift lever is located on the console between the seats. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park on page 8-13. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the vehicle when it is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed. { CAUTION Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle. Driving and Operating 8-7 D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are: (cid:129) Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. (cid:129) Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. Notice: If the vehicle seems to start up rather slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive the vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in L2 (Low) when you are driving less than 35 mph (56 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then. 2 (Second): This position reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive) without using the brakes. You can use 2 (Second) on hills. You must fully apply the regular brake ﬁrst and move the shift lever to the right before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever to the right and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park on page 8-14. R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 8-31. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-8 Driving and Operating It can help control vehicle speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes off and on. L (Low): This position reduces vehicle speed even more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in L (Low), the transmission will not shift into low gear until the vehicle is going slow enough. Automatic Transmission Operation (Five Speed) { CAUTION The shift lever is located on the console between the seats. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake ﬁrmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park on page 8-13. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 9-77. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual Driving and Operating 8-9 N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed. { CAUTION Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is ﬁrmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle. D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy from the vehicle. If you need more power for passing, and you are: (cid:129) Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. (cid:129) Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You must fully apply the regular brake ﬁrst and move the shift lever to the right before shifting from P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park on page 8-14. R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 8-31. 2009 - Pontiac Vibe Owner Manual 8-10 Driving and Operating Driver Shift Control (DSC) DSC mode allows you to choose the top gear limit of the vehicle’s transmission and the vehicle’s speed while driving down hill or towing a trailer. To use this feature, do the following: 1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) left to S (Shift Control). While driving in this mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected range. When coming to a stop, the vehicle will automatically shift into 1 (First) gear. 2. Move the shift lever forward to increase the gear range, or rearward to decrease the gear range available based upon your current driving conditions and needs. 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

Boost Classifieds - Car Advice, Reviews, Events & Classifieds

2009 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual