2010 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual

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front passenger head and chest. However, they are only designed to inﬂate if the impact exceeds a predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inﬂate and help restrain the occupants. Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not based on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and how quickly your vehicle slows down. Frontal airbags may inﬂate at different crash speeds. For example: • If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a moving object. If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform. If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall). If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the airbags could inﬂate at a different crash speed than if the vehicle goes straight into the object. • • • Thresholds can also vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Frontal airbags are not intended to inﬂate during vehicle rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts. Frontal airbags for the driver and right front passenger may also deploy if a serious impact occurs to the underside of the vehicle such as hitting a curb, falling into a deep hole, or landing hard. In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags. Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inﬂate at a level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs. The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags. See Airbag System on page 2-23. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are intended to inﬂate in moderate to severe side crashes. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inﬂate if the crash severity is above the system’s designed threshold level. The vehicle has sensors which detect side impacts. These sensors signal the appropriate side impact airbag to inﬂate. The threshold level can vary with speciﬁc vehicle design. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are not intended to inﬂate in frontal impacts, near-frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck. It is possible that, in a crash involving the rear side of your vehicle, that only the roof-mounted airbag will deploy. In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag should have inﬂated simply because of the damage to a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were. For frontal airbags, inﬂation is determined by what the vehicle hits, the angle of the impact, and how quickly the vehicle slows down. For seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, deployment is determined by the location and severity of the side impact. Seats and Restraints 2-27 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inﬂator. Gas from the inﬂator ﬁlls the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover and deploy. The inﬂator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module. Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steering wheel and instrument panel. For vehicles with seat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbag modules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there are airbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near the side windows that have occupant seating positions. 2-28 Seats and Restraints How Does an Airbag Restrain? In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle. Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body, stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body. But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant’s motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 2-26 for more information. Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts. What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? After the frontal airbags and seat-mounted side impact airbags inﬂate, they quickly deﬂate, so quickly that some people may not even realize an airbag inﬂated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at least partially inﬂated for some time after they deploy. Some components of the airbag module may be hot for several minutes. For location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 2-27. The parts of the airbag that come into contact with you may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may be some smoke and dust coming from the vents in the deﬂated airbags. Airbag inﬂation does not prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it prevent people from leaving the vehicle. { CAUTION When an airbag inﬂates, there may be dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but cannot get out of the vehicle after an airbag inﬂates, then get fresh air by opening a window or a door. If you experience breathing problems following an airbag deployment, you should seek medical attention. The vehicle has a feature that may automatically unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers on when the airbags inﬂate. You can lock the doors, turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard warning ﬂashers off by using the controls for those features. Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible in the instrument panel when the vehicle is started. The words ON and OFF will be visible during the system check. When the system check is complete, either the word ON or the word Seats and Restraints 2-29 OFF will be visible depending on whether the seat is occupied and/or the weight of the occupant. If the seat is unoccupied, the light will not be visible after the system check. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13. The passenger sensing system will turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags and the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger sensing system. The passenger sensing system will also turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag, seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), and safety belt pretensioner if it detects that there is no occupant in that position. The passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the right front passenger seat. In many crashes severe enough to inﬂate the airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle deformation. Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the right front passenger airbag. • Airbags are designed to inﬂate only once. After an airbag inﬂates, you will need some new parts for the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag system will not be there to help protect you in another crash. A new system will include airbag modules and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. • The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information after a crash. See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on page 12-14 and Event Data Recorders on page 12-14. • Let only qualiﬁed technicians work on the airbag systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag system will not work properly. See your dealer/retailer for service. 2-30 Seats and Restraints The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated occupant and determine if the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) should be enabled (may inﬂate) or not. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) if: • The right front passenger seat is unoccupied. • The system determines that an infant is present in a rear-facing infant seat. • The system determines that a small child is present in a child restraint. • The system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat. • A right front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of time. • The right front passenger seat is occupied by a smaller person, such as a child who has outgrown child restraints. • Or, if there is a critical problem with the airbag system or the passenger sensing system. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), the off indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags are off. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13. The passenger sensing system is designed to turn on (may inﬂate) the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger seat. Seats and Restraints 2-31 When the passenger sensing system has allowed the airbags and pretensioner to be enabled, the on indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the airbags and pretensioner are active. For some children who have outgrown child restraints and for very small adults, the passenger sensing system may or may not turn off the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped), depending upon the person’s seating posture and body build. Everyone in the vehicle who has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for that person. 2-32 Seats and Restraints If the airbag readiness light and the OFF light in the passenger airbag status indicator come on together, it may mean there is a malfunction in the passenger sensing system. Secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer/retailer. { CAUTION If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-12 for more information, including important safety information. If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit: 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle. 3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 4. Reinstall the child restraint with the ignition key in the ACC or LOCK position while following the directions provided by the child restraint manufacturer and refer to Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) on page 2-51 or Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position) on page 2-53. 5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. 6. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 2-2. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle, and check with your dealer/retailer. If the Off Indicator is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped): 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers. 3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position. 4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended. 5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit. Seats and Restraints 2-33 Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use. A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, seat backpacks, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your speciﬁc vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-35 for more information about modiﬁcations that can affect how the system operates. 2-34 Seats and Restraints The passenger sensing system may suppress the airbag deployment when liquid soaks into the seat. If this happens, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator and the airbag readiness light will be lit. Have your dealer/retailer check the system. An object, person or child in the rear seat contacting or pressing the right front passenger seatback, or objects stowed under the right front passenger seat, may affect the proper functioning of the passenger sensing system. When a safety belt extender is used in the right front passenger seat, make sure the passenger airbag status indicator shows ON. If the indicator shows OFF, disconnect the extender’s latch from the buckle then reconnect the safety belt. The passenger airbag status indicator light should be ON and then the safety belt extender can be reconnected. If the safety belt extender is used while the passenger airbag status indicator light is OFF, the right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbags (if equipped) may not activate correctly. { CAUTION Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system. Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 12-12. { CAUTION For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inﬂate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inﬂates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualiﬁed to do so. Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Q: Is there anything I might add to or change about the vehicle that could keep the airbags from working properly? A: Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height, front end or side sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from working properly. Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag system. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, Seats and Restraints 2-35 which includes sensors that are part of the passenger seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29. If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 12-1. Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modiﬁed. How can I ﬁnd out whether this will affect my airbag system? A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 12-1. In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring. 2-36 Seats and Restraints If an airbag covering Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-12 for more information. Notice: is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? on page 2-27. See your dealer/retailer for service. Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash { CAUTION A crash can damage the airbag systems in your vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure your airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If an airbag inﬂates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer/retailer for service. If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 4-12 for more information. Child Restraints Older Children Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat, state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below ﬁt test: • Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. • Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, then return to the booster seat. • Does the lap belt ﬁt low and snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. • Can proper safety belt ﬁt be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. Seats and Restraints 2-37 Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. 2-38 Seats and Restraints { CAUTION { CAUTION Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time. Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. Seats and Restraints 2-39 { CAUTION Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. { CAUTION Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person’s arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint. 2-40 Seats and Restraints { CAUTION Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. { CAUTION { CAUTION To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant’s neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints. A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints. Seats and Restraints 2-41 Child Restraint Systems (A) Rear-Facing Infant Seat A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. 2-42 Seats and Restraints (B) Forward-Facing Child Seat (C) Booster Seats A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness. A booster seat (C) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { CAUTION A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Child Restraint Systems on page 2-41 for more information. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint { CAUTION A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint. Seats and Restraints 2-43 Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. Children can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. 2-44 Seats and Restraints A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29 for additional information. When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system holds a child restraint during driving or in a crash. This system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. The LATCH system uses anchors in the vehicle and attachments on the child restraint that are made for use with the LATCH system. Make sure that a LATCH-compatible child restraint is properly installed using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with that restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. In order to use the LATCH system in the vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. The child restraint manufacturer provides instructions on how to use the child restraint and its attachments. The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in the vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. Seats and Restraints 2-45 Lower Anchors Lower anchors (A) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (B). 2-46 Seats and Restraints Top Tether Anchor A top tether (A, C) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (B) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash. The child restraint may have a single tether (A) or a dual tether (C). Either will have a single attachment (B) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints with top tethers are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the child restraint. Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations Rear Seat i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. j (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors. Seats and Restraints 2-47 Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-43 for additional information. To assist you in locating the lower anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion. To assist you in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is located on the cover. The top tether anchors are located on the ﬂoor of the rear cargo area. Open the cover to access the anchors. If the vehicle has a cargo mat, you may need to fold it back to access the top tether anchors. Be sure to use an anchor located on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. 2-48 Seats and Restraints Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System { CAUTION If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual. { CAUTION { CAUTION Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor. Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if your vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed. Notice: Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments. Seats and Restraints 2-49 2.4. Route, attach, and tighten the top tether according to the child restraint instructions and the following instructions: 2. If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor. 2.2. If the vehicle has a cargo mat, you may need to fold it back to access the top tether anchors. 2.3. Open the top tether anchor cover to expose the anchor. If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback. Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat. 1. Attach and tighten the lower attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to the child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for the desired seating position. 1.2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 1.3. Attach and tighten the lower attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors. 2-50 Seats and Restraints If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback. If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether around the headrest or head restraint. If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the headrest or head restraint and route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts. 3. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Seats and Restraints 2-51 Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { CAUTION A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer/ retailer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible. If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash. Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 2-45 for how to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in a seating position using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 2-45 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. 2-52 Seats and Restraints If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-43. 1. Put the child restraint on the seat. 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. 4. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. 3. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. If the latch plate will not go fully into the buckle, check if the correct buckle is being used. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 6. If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 2-45 for more information. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it. Seats and Restraints 2-53 Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 2-43. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13 for more information, including important safety information. 5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 2-54 Seats and Restraints A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. (Continued) CAUTION (Continued) Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29 for additional information. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 2-45 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the seating position using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 2-45 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Seats and Restraints 2-55 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary. 5. Pull the rest of the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13. 2. Put the child restraint on the seat. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle’s safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how. If the airbags are off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29 for more information. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. 2-56 Seats and Restraints 6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. 7. Push and pull the child restraint in different directions to be sure it is secure. Storage Storage Compartments Glove Box ............................3-1 Cupholders ...........................3-1 Front Storage .......................3-2 Overhead Console .................3-2 Center Console Storage .........3-2 Additional Storage Features Cargo Cover .........................3-2 Load Rails and Hooks ...........3-4 Cargo Tie Downs ..................3-4 Cargo Management System ....3-4 Roof Rack System Roof Rack ............................3-5 Storage Compartments Glove Box Lift up on the glove box lever to open it. Cupholders There are cupholders located in the console area between the front seats. Storage 3-1 There are also cupholders that fold out from the back of the center console. There are also molded bottle holders located in the front and rear doors. The cupholder size can be adjusted by changing the location of the provided insert. 3-2 Storage Front Storage The driver storage compartment is located near the left side of the steering column on the bottom of the instrument panel. Pull up on the lever to open the cover. Overhead Console If your vehicle has an overhead console, push on the cover to open. Center Console Storage To access the center console storage area, pull up on the lock release lever to raise the upper cover and access the tray storage. Pull up on the lower release lever to raise the tray and access more storage. Additional Storage Features Cargo Cover For vehicles equipped with a cargo cover. Using the cargo cover: 1. Remove the cargo cover from its storage location. 2. Unfold the cargo cover. 3. Attach the hooks to the indented slots on the sides of the rear cargo area. 4. Attach the center hook to the center head restraint. { CAUTION An improperly stored cargo cover could be thrown about the vehicle during a collision or sudden maneuver. Someone could be injured. If the cover is removed, always store it in the proper storage location. When it is replaced, always be sure that it is securely reattached. Folding the Cargo Cover: 1. Hold the cargo cover with both hands. Storage 3-3 3. Twist the other side in the opposite direction. 5. Make sure the cover’s three circles are side by side. 6. Return the cover to its storage bag. 2. Bend one side of the cover toward the body. 4. Make a small circle, and then fold the cover inward. 3-4 Storage Load Rails and Hooks There are hooks for hanging items in the cabin, luggage compartment, and in the cargo management system, if the vehicle has one. On the front passenger side, press the hook to open and use it. There is a weight limit of 44 lb (20 kg). The luggage compartment hooks should only be used to hang items under 7 lb (3 kg). For vehicles with a cargo management system, open the deck lid to hang items under 5 lb (2.3 kg). Cargo Tie Downs The cargo tie down straps and hooks are intended to be used to secure a ﬂat tire or other items. The tie down hooks are located in the rear cargo area. The straps are under the rear ﬂoor panel. To use, hook the end of the straps to the hooks in a criss-cross pattern. Pull on the straps at the buckle to tighten as needed. Cargo Management System A cargo management system, for vehicles that have it, can be used for organizing and separating items in the rear of the vehicle. To use: 1. Open the cover. 2. Unfold the side panels out and lock them into place to hold up the cover. 3. Hook the nets into the cover slots to use as dividers. There are also hooks on the inside cover to hold items. Additional storage is available on both sides of the cargo management system. Turn the knobs to the UNLOCK position, and remove the deck boards to access the storage area. Roof Rack System Roof Rack { CAUTION If something is carried on top of the vehicle that is longer or wider than the roof rack — like paneling, plywood, or a mattress — the wind can catch it while the vehicle is being driven. The item being carried could be violently torn off, and this could cause a collision, and damage the vehicle. Never carry something longer or wider than the roof rack on top of the vehicle unless using a GM Certiﬁed accessory carrier. Notice: Loading cargo on the roof rack that weighs more than 75 kg (165 lbs) or hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage the vehicle. Load cargo so that it rests evenly between the crossrails, making sure to fasten cargo securely. Storage 3-5 To prevent damage or loss of cargo when driving, check to make sure cross rails and cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s center of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control. If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure the cargo remains in its place. Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when loading the vehicle. For more information on vehicle capacity and loading, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 8-12. 3-6 Storage ✍ NOTES Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Overview Instrument Panel Overview .....4-2 Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment .....4-4 Steering Wheel Controls .........4-4 Horn ....................................4-5 Windshield Wiper/Washer .......4-5 Rear Window Wiper/Washer ....4-6 Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) .....................4-6 Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) ..............4-7 Cigarette Lighter ...................4-8 Ashtrays ..............................4-8 Instruments and Controls 4-1 Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ...........................4-8 Instrument Cluster .................4-9 Speedometer ......................4-10 Odometer ...........................4-10 Trip Odometer .....................4-10 Tachometer ........................4-10 Fuel Gage ..........................4-10 Engine Coolant Temperature Gage .............4-11 Safety Belt Reminders ..........4-11 Airbag Readiness Light .........4-12 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ...........................4-13 Charging System Light .........4-14 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ..................4-14 Brake System Warning Light ................................4-17 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light ...........4-17 Service All-Wheel Drive Light ................................4-18 Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) Warning Light ................................4-18 StabiliTrak® Indicator Light ....4-18 Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light ...........4-19 Tire Pressure Light ..............4-19 Engine Oil Pressure Light .....4-19 Low Fuel Warning Light ........4-20 Security Light ......................4-20 High-Beam on Light .............4-20 Fog Lamp Light ...................4-20 Lamps on Reminder .............4-20 Taillamp Indicator Light .........4-21 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ................................4-21 Cruise Control Light .............4-21 Door Ajar Light ....................4-21 Vehicle Personalization Vehicle Personalization .........4-21 OnStar System OnStar® System ..................4-23 4-2 Instruments and Controls Instrument Panel Overview Instruments and Controls 4-3 The main components of the instrument panel are the following: A. Power Mirrors on page 1-10. B. Air Vents on page 7-4. C. Turn and Lane-Change Signals on page 5-3. Instrument Cluster on page 4-9. D. E. Windshield Wiper/Washer on page 4-5. F. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 4-13. Passenger Sensing System on page 2-29. Security Light on page 4-20. G. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 5-3. H. AM-FM Radio on page 6-4. I. Traction Control System (TCS) on page 8-33. J. Anti-Theft Alarm System on page 1-7. K. Front Storage on page 3-2. L. Hood on page 9-5. M. Steering Wheel Controls on page 4-4. N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on page 4-4. O. Horn on page 4-5. P. Cruise Control on page 8-36 (If Equipped). Ignition Positions on page 8-16. Q. R. Tire Pressure Reset Button (Out of View). See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 9-52. S. Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating On/Off Button. See Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) on page 4-7. T. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped) or Accessory Power Outlet. Cigarette Lighter on page 4-8 or Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) on page 4-7. U. Shift Lever. Automatic Transmission (Four Speed Automatic) on page 8-24 or Automatic Transmission (Five Speed Automatic) on page 8-27 or Manual Transmission on page 8-29. V. Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) on page 4-6 or Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) on page 4-7. W. Climate Control Systems on page 7-1. X. Load Rails and Hooks on page 3-4. Y. Glove Box on page 3-1. 4-4 Instruments and Controls Steering Wheel Controls Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment A tilt and telescope wheel lets the steering wheel position be adjusted. 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. The adjustment lever is located on the left side of the steering column. Pull the lever down to move the steering wheel up or down and in or out. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place. Do not adjust the tilt and telescope lever while driving. ª « (Next/Previous): Press to select the next or previous radio station, CD track, or MP3 folder. • Press ª or « to go to the next or previous preset station. • 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. • Press ª or « to go to the next or previous CD track. • Press and hold ª or « until a beep is heard to continuously go to the next or previous track. MODE: Press to turn the audio system on or to select between AM, FM, XM™ (if equipped), CD, or AUX. Press and hold to turn the audio system off. Horn Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn. Windshield Wiper/Washer The windshield wiper/washer lever is located on the right side of the steering column. Instruments and Controls 4-5 Move the lever to one of the following positions: z (Mist): Move the lever to mist, for a single wiping cycle and then release. The wipers stop after one wipe. ( (Off): Turns the wipers off. & (Intermittent): Move the lever to choose a delayed wiping cycle. For vehicles with the variable intermittent feature, the time between wipes can be adjusted. Turn the & band for a longer or shorter delay interval. q (Low): Slow wipes. l (High): Fast wipes. Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using them. If the blades are frozen to the windshield, loosen or thaw them. If they become damaged, get new blades or blade inserts. See Wiper Blade Replacement on page 9-30. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. A circuit breaker stops them until the motor cools. Windshield Washer Pull the lever toward you to spray washer ﬂuid on the windshield. The spray continues until the lever is released. The wipers will run a few times. See Washer Fluid on page 9-24 for information on ﬁlling the windshield washer ﬂuid reservoir. { CAUTION In freezing weather, do not use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer ﬂuid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision. 4-6 Instruments and Controls Rear Window Wiper/Washer Z Rear Wiper: Turn the end of the lever to low or high, to turn on the rear window wiper. y (Low): Slow wipes. x (High): Fast wipes. = (Rear Washer): Turn the end of the lever up or down as far as it will go, to spray washer ﬂuid on the rear window. The knob automatically returns from these positions after it is released. The windshield washer reservoir is used for the windshield and the rear window. Check the ﬂuid level in the reservoir if either washer is not working. See Washer Fluid on page 9-24. { CAUTION In freezing weather, do not use your washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer ﬂuid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision. Power Outlets (Accessory Power Outlets) Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cellular phone. The vehicle has an accessory power outlet on the center ﬂoor console below the shift lever. To use the outlet, the ignition must be in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY. Pull down the small cover to access the outlet. Notice: Leaving electrical equipment on for extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn off electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum amperage rating. This circuit is protected by a fuse and has a maximum current level. Do not use equipment exceeding the maximum amperage rating. Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible to the power accessory outlet and could result in a blown vehicle or adapter fuse. See your dealer/retailer for additional information on the power accessory plugs. Notice: Adding any electrical equipment to the vehicle can damage it or keep other components from working as they should. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before adding electrical equipment. Improper use of the When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. Notice: power outlet can cause damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug because the power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only. Power Outlets (115 Volt Alternating Current) Electrical equipment with a maximum limit of 115 VAC can be plugged into this power outlet. If the equipment used requires more than the limit, a protection Instruments and Controls 4-7 circuit will cut the power supply. The power automatically restarts when equipment that operates within the limit is plugged in. The power outlet is not designed for the following electrical equipment and they may not work properly:

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2010 Pontiac VIBE Owners Manual