2003 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Pontiac
Model:
Vibe
Rating:
Table of Contents
- 2003 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual
1
Table of Contents
2
Copyright General Motors Corporation 2002
3
How to Use this Manual
4
Safety Warnings and Symbols
4
Vehicle Damage Warnings
5
Vehicle Symbols
5
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
7
Seats and Controls
8
Manual Front Seats
8
Driver's Seat Height Adjuster
9
Reclining Front Seatbacks
9
Head Restraints
11
Rear Seats
12
Rear Folding Seatback
12
Front Passenger Folding Seatback
13
Safety Belts: They're for Everyone
15
Why Safety Belts Work
16
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts -- and the Answers
19
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
20
Adults
20
Driver Position
20
Lap-Shoulder Belt
20
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
27
Right Front Passenger Position
28
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
28
How the Air Bag Systems Work
31
Where are the air bags?
31
When should an air bag inflate?
33
What makes an air bag inflate?
33
How does an air bag restrain?
34
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
34
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
37
Safety Belt Pretensioners
37
Rear Seat Passengers
38
Rear Seat Passenger Positions
38
Lap-Shoulder Belt
39
Children
41
Infants and Young Children
41
Restraint Systems for Children
45
Where to Put the Restraint
48
Top Strap
49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
51
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
53
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
57
Older Children
60
Safety Belt Extender
63
Checking Your Restraint Systems
63
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
64
Section 2 Features and Controls
65
Windows
66
Manual Windows
67
Power Windows (Option)
67
Keys
68
Door Locks
70
Power Door Locks (Option)
71
Rear Door Security Locks
72
Leaving Your Vehicle
72
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
73
Operation
74
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
74
Battery Replacement
75
Liftgate/Liftglass
76
Liftgate/Liftglass Release
76
Theft
78
Key in the Ignition
78
Parking at Night
78
Parking Lots
78
Content Theft-Deterrent System (If Equipped)
79
Setting the System
79
Testing the System
80
Activating the System
80
Reactivating the Alarm
81
Cancelling the System
81
New Vehicle \Break-In\
81
Ignition Positions
82
Starting Your Engine
83
AutomaticTransaxle
83
Manual Transaxle
84
Starting Your Engine
84
Engine Coolant Heater (If Equipped)
85
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
85
Automatic Transaxle Operation
86
Overdrive
89
Manual Transaxle Operation
89
Five-Speed
89
Six-Speed
90
Shift Speeds
92
Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds
92
Parking Brake
93
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)
94
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running (Automatic Transaxle Only)
95
Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
95
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transaxle Only)
96
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle Only)
97
Parking Over Things That Burn
97
Engine Exhaust
98
Running Your Engine While You're Parked (Automatic Transaxle)
98
Horn
99
Tilt Wheel
99
Turn Signal/Malfunction Lever
100
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
100
Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer
101
Flash-to-Pass
101
Windshield Wipers
101
Windshield Washer
102
Cruise Control (Option)
103
Setting the Cruise Control
104
Resuming a Set Speed
104
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
104
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
105
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
105
Using Cruise Control on Hills
105
Ending Cruise Control
105
Erasing Speed Memory
105
Exterior Lamps
106
Automatic Light Control (ALC)
107
Lamps on Reminder
107
Daytime Running Lamps
107
Interior Lamps
108
Interior/Instrument Panel Brightness Dial
108
Illuminated Entry System (If Equipped)
109
Reading Lamp (If Equipped)
110
Mirrors
110
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror with Reading Lamps
110
Power Remote Control Rearview Mirrors
111
Convex Outside Mirror
112
Storage Compartments
112
Glove Box
112
Door Storage Compartments
112
Instrumental Panel Storage Compartment
112
Cupholders
113
Console Storage Area
113
Rear Cargo Storage Area
113
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System
114
Cargo Cover
114
Tie-Down Hooks and Tire Tie-Down Belts
115
Luggage Carrier
115
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
117
Sun Visors
117
Visor Vanity Mirror
117
Accessory Power Outlet
118
Power Outlet 115 Volts Alternating Current (VAC)
119
Floor Mat
120
How to Remove and Replace the Floor Mat
120
Sunroof (Option)
121
Instrument Panel -- Your Information System
122
Instrument Panel Cluster
124
Speedometer and Odometer
125
Trip Odometers
125
Tachometer
126
Temperature Display
126
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
126
Safety Belt Reminder Lights
127
Air Bag Readiness Light
128
Charging System Indicator Light
129
Brake System Warning Light
129
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
130
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
131
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
132
If the Light Is Flashing
134
If the Light Is On Steady
134
Emission Inspection and Maintenance Programs
135
Oil Pressure Light
136
Cruise Light
137
Overdrive Of Light
137
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light (Canada Only)
137
Door Ajar Warning Light
137
Fuel Gage
138
Low Fuel Warning Light
139
Navigation System (Option)
140
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
141
Comfort Controls
142
Climate Control System
142
Mode Knob
142
Fan Knob
142
Temperature Knob
143
Air Conditioning
143
Heating
144
Defogging and Defrosting
144
Rear Window Defogger
145
Ventilation System
146
Ventilation Tips
147
Audio Systems
147
Setting the Time
147
AM-FM Radio with Compact Disc Player with Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS)
148
Playing the Radio
148
Finding a Station
148
Setting Preset Stations
149
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
149
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
150
Using RDS
150
Finding a PTY Station
151
Setting Preset PTY Stations
151
RDS Messages
152
Radio Messages
152
Playing a Compact Disc
153
Compact Disc Messages
154
AM-FM Radio with Six-Disc Compact Disc Player with Equalization and Radio Data System (RDS) (Option)
155
Playing the Radio
155
Finding a Station
156
Setting Preset Stations
156
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
157
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
157
Using RDS
158
Finding a PTY Station
158
Setting PTY Preset Stations
159
RDS Messages
159
Playing a Compact Disc
160
Playing a Specific Loaded Compact Disc
161
Using Song List Mode
163
Compact Disc Messages
165
Navigation/Radio System (Option)
165
Understanding Radio Reception
166
AM
166
FM Stereo
166
Tips About Your Audio System
167
Care of Your Compact Discs
168
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
168
Fixed Mast Antenna
168
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
169
Defensive Driving
170
Drunken Driving
171
Control of a Vehicle
174
Braking
174
Anti-Lock Brake System (Option)
175
Using Anti-Lock
177
Braking in Emergencies
177
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System (Option)
177
Steering
178
Power Steering
178
Steering Tips
178
Driving on Curves
178
Steering in Emergencies
179
Off-Road Recovery
180
Passing
180
Loss of Control
182
Skidding
182
Driving at Night
183
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
185
Hydroplaning
187
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
187
Driving Through Flowing Water
188
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
188
City Driving
189
Freeway Driving
190
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
191
Highway Hypnosis
192
Hill and Mountain Roads
192
Winter Driving
194
Driving on Snow or Ice
195
If You're Caught in a Blizzard
196
Recreational Vehicle Towing
198
Dinghy Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles with Manual Transmissions Only)
199
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)
201
Loading Your Vehicle
202
Towing a Trailer
204
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
205
Weight of the Trailer
205
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
206
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
206
Hitches
207
Safety Chains
207
Trailer Brakes
207
Driving with a Trailer
208
Following Distance
208
Passing
208
Backing Up
208
Making Turns
209
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
209
Driving On Grades
210
Parking on Hills
210
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
211
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
211
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
211
Section 5 Problems on the Road
212
Hazard Warning Flashers
213
Other Warning Devices
213
Jump Starting
214
Towing Your Vehicle
220
Engine Overheating
220
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
221
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
222
Cooling System
223
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
225
How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
227
If a Tire Goes Flat
229
Changing a Flat Tire
229
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
230
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
233
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
239
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
241
Compact Spare Tire
242
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
243
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
244
Using the Recovery Hook
244
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
246
Service
247
Doing Your Own Service Work
247
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
248
Fuel
248
Gasoline Octane
249
Gasoline Specifications
249
California Fuel
250
Additives
250
Fuels in Foreign Countries
251
Filling Your Tank
251
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
254
Checking Things Under the Hood
255
Hood Release
255
Engine Compartment Overview
257
Engine Oil
259
Checking Engine Oil
259
When to Add Engine Oil
261
Engine Oil Additives
263
When to Change Engine Oil
264
What to Do with Used Oil
264
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
265
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
267
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
269
When to Check and Change
269
How to Check
269
Checking the Fluid Level
270
How to Add Fluid
272
Manual Transaxle Fluid
273
When to Check
273
How to Check
273
How to Add Fluid
273
Hydraulic Clutch
274
When to Check and What to Use
274
How to Check and Add Fluid
274
All-Wheel Drive (Option)
275
Transfer Case (Power Transfer Unit)
275
When to Check Lubricant
275
How to Check Lubricant
275
What to Use
275
Carrier Assembly-Differential (Rear Drive Module)
276
When to Check and Change Lubricant
276
How to Check Lubricant
276
What to Use
276
Engine Coolant
276
What to Use
277
Checking Coolant
278
Adding Coolant
278
Radiator Pressure Cap
279
Power Steering Fluid
279
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
279
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
280
What to Use
280
Windshield Washer Fluid
281
What to Use
281
Adding Washer Fluid
281
Brakes
282
Brake Fluid
282
What to Add
284
Brake Wear
285
Brake Pedal Travel
286
Brake Adjustment
286
Replacing Brake System Parts
286
Battery
286
Vehicle Storage
287
Bulb Replacement
287
Halogen Bulbs
287
Headlamps
288
Front Turn Signal Lamps
290
Rear Combination Lamps
290
Back-up Lamps
292
Center High-Mounted Stoplamps (CHMSL)
293
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
294
Tires
295
High Performance Tire (Option)
296
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
296
When to Check
297
How to Check
297
Tire Inspection and Rotation
297
When It's Time for New Tires
299
Buying New Tires
300
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
301
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
301
Treadwear
301
Traction -- AA, A, B, C
301
Temperature -- A, B, C
302
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
302
Wheel Replacement
303
Used Replacement Wheels
304
Tire Chains
305
Appearance Care
306
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
306
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
307
Using Cleaner on Fabric
307
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
308
Cleaning Vinyl
308
Cleaning Leather
308
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
309
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
309
Care of Safety Belts
309
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
309
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield, Backglass and Wiper Blades
310
Weatherstrips
310
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
310
Washing Your Vehicle
310
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
311
Finish Care
311
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
312
Cleaning Tires
312
Sheet Metal Damage
312
Finish Damage
313
Underbody Maintenance
313
Chemical Paint Spotting
313
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
314
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
315
Engine Identification
315
Service Parts Identification Label
315
Electrical System
316
Add-On Electrical Equipment
316
Headlamps Wiring
316
Windshield Wipers Fuses
316
Power Windows and Other Power Options
316
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
317
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
317
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
319
Replacement Bulbs
321
Capacities and Specifications
321
Engine Specifications
322
Wheels and Tires
322
Air Conditioning Refrigerant Capacity
322
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
323
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
324
Introduction
325
Your Vehicle and the Environment
325
Maintenance Requirements
325
How This Section is Organized
326
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
327
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
327
Selecting the Right Schedule
327
Scheduled Maintenance
328
Short Trip/City Definition
328
Short Trip/City Intervals
328
Long Trip/Highway Definition
329
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
330
Footnotes
331
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
331
Footnotes
331
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
350
Footnotes
350
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
360
At Each Fuel Fill
360
Engine Oil Level Check
360
Engine Coolant Level Check
360
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
360
Hood Latch Operation Check
360
At Least Once a Month
361
Tire Inflation Check
361
At Least Twice a Year
361
Restraint System Check
361
Wiper Blade Check
361
Weatherstrip Lubrication
361
Fluid Level Check
361
Manual Transaxle Check
361
Automatic Transaxle Check
361
At Least Once a Year
362
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
365
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
365
Exhaust System Inspection
365
Fuel System Inspection
365
Engine Cooling System Inspection
366
Throttle System Inspection
366
Brake System Inspection
366
Key Lock Cylinders Service
362
Seat Operation Check
362
Body Lubrication Service
362
Starter Switch Check
362
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
363
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
363
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
364
Underbody Flushing Service
364
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
367
Part E: Maintenance Record
370
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
372
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
373
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
374
Customer Assistance Offices
375
United States
375
Canada
375
All Overseas Locations
375
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
375
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
376
Roadside Assistance Program
376
Security While You Travel
376
Canadian Roadside Assistance
377
Courtesy Transportation
378
Plan Ahead When Possible
378
Transportation Options
378
Shuttle Service
378
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
379
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
379
Additional Program Information
379
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
380
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
380
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
380
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
381
Service Manuals
381
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual
381
Service Bulletins
381
Owner's Information
381
Current and Past Model Order Forms
381
2003 Pontiac Vibe Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Pontiac Vibe stands as a testament to Pontiac's commitment to blending style, utility, and performance in a compact package. This versatile hatchback, co-developed with Toyota, offers an adventurous spirit geared towards those who value a dynamic driving experience paired with everyday practicality. With its sporty exterior and thoughtfully designed interior, the Vibe is perfect for both urban dwellers and weekend explorers alike.
Powertrains
The 2003 Pontiac Vibe boasts two different powertrain options to suit diverse driving preferences. The base model is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 130 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for city driving and highway cruising. For those craving a bit more thrill, the GT trim features a more powerful 1.8-liter inline-four engine, tuned to pump out 180 horsepower, thanks to its variable valve timing. Both engines can be paired with either a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, ensuring an engaging drive.
Trims
The 2003 Vibe comes in two primary trims: the base model and the sporty GT variant. The base trim comes well equipped with features like air conditioning, a CD player, and ample cargo space, while the GT adds sport-tuned suspension, upgraded audio, and unique styling touches. Each trim can be customized further with optional packages, enhancing comfort and technology, ensuring that there's a Vibe for every lifestyle.
Features
Owners of the 2003 Pontiac Vibe enjoy an array of practical features that enhance both comfort and functionality. Standard amenities include a spacious interior, rear privacy glass, power windows, and a versatile back seat that folds down for increased cargo capacity. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) and dual front airbags provide peace of mind, making it a family-friendly choice.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe is an invaluable resource for all Vibe owners. It covers everything from basic maintenance schedules to detailed troubleshooting tips. The manual provides guidance on the proper operation of all vehicle features, ensuring owners get the most out of their car while keeping it running smoothly for years to come.
User manual download
The Pontiac Vibe owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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