2008 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual

2008 Pontiac Vibe owners manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Pontiac
Model:
Vibe
Rating:
(3)

Online manual

Size:
5.7 MB

Table of Contents

2008 Pontiac Vibe BookTOC
1
Seats and Restraint Systems
5
Front Seats
6
Manual Seats
6
Seat Height Adjuster
7
Reclining Seatbacks
7
Head Restraints
9
Passenger Folding Seatback
10
Rear Seats
12
Rear Seat Operation
12
Safety Belts
14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
19
Lap-Shoulder Belt
27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
30
Safety Belt Extender
30
Child Restraints
31
Older Children
31
Infants and Young Children
34
Child Restraint Systems
37
Where to Put the Restraint
40
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
48
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
50
Airbag System
54
Where Are the Airbags?
56
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
61
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
61
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
62
Passenger Sensing System
63
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
68
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
69
Restraint System Check
70
Checking the Restraint Systems
70
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
71
Features and Controls
73
Keys
74
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
75
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
76
Doors and Locks
79
Door Locks
79
Power Door Locks
80
Rear Door Security Locks
81
Liftgate/Liftglass
82
Windows
84
Manual Windows
84
Power Windows
85
Sun Visors
86
Theft-Deterrent Systems
86
Immobilizer
86
Immobilizer Operation (Canada Only)
87
Content Theft-Deterrent
88
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
90
New Vehicle Break-In
90
Ignition Positions
91
Starting the Engine
92
Engine Coolant Heater
94
Automatic Transmission Operation
95
Overdrive Off
97
Manual Transmission Operation
98
Parking Brake
99
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)
100
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
102
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
103
Parking Over Things That Burn
103
Engine Exhaust
104
Running the Engine While Parked
104
Mirrors
105
Manual Rearview Mirror
105
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
105
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
106
Outside Remote Control Mirrors
106
Outside Convex Mirror
107
OnStar® System
107
Storage Areas
111
Glove Box
111
Cupholder(s)
111
Coinholder(s)
111
Instrument Panel Storage
111
Center Console Storage
111
Floor Mats
111
Luggage Carrier
112
Rear Storage Area
113
Rear Cargo Accessory Track System
114
Cargo Cover
114
Cargo Tie Downs
114
Sunroof
115
Instrument Panel
117
Instrument Panel Overview
120
Hazard Warning Flashers
122
Other Warning Devices
122
Horn
122
Tilt Wheel
123
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
123
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
124
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
124
Flash-to-Pass
124
Windshield Wipers
125
Windshield Washer
126
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
126
Cruise Control
127
Exterior Lamps
130
Headlamps on Reminder
131
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
131
Automatic Headlamp System
132
Fog Lamps
132
Instrument Panel Brightness
132
Interior Lamps Control
133
Entry Lighting
133
Reading Lamps
133
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
134
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current
134
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
135
Climate Controls
136
Climate Control System
136
Outlet Adjustment
138
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
139
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
141
Instrument Panel Cluster
142
Speedometer and Odometer
143
Trip Odometers
143
Tachometer
144
Safety Belt Reminders
144
Airbag Readiness Light
145
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
146
Charging System Light
148
Brake System Warning Light
148
Antilock Brake System Warning Light
149
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
150
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
150
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light
151
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
151
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
152
Oil Pressure Light
154
Lights On Reminder
155
Taillamp Indicator Light
155
Cruise Control Light
155
Overdrive Off Light
155
Highbeam On Light
156
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
156
Door Ajar Light
156
Fuel Gage
157
Low Fuel Warning Light
158
Audio System(s)
158
Setting the Time
159
Radio(s)
160
Using an MP3
174
XM Radio Messages
179
Radio Reception
179
Fixed Mast Antenna
180
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
180
Driving Your Vehicle
181
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
182
Defensive Driving
182
Drunk Driving
182
Control of a Vehicle
183
Braking
183
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
184
Braking in Emergencies
185
Traction Control System (TCS)
186
StabiliTrak® System
187
Panic Brake Assist
187
Steering
188
Off-Road Recovery
190
Passing
190
Loss of Control
190
Driving at Night
192
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
192
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
193
Highway Hypnosis
193
Hill and Mountain Roads
194
Winter Driving
195
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
198
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
199
Loading Your Vehicle
199
Towing
205
Towing Your Vehicle
205
Recreational Vehicle Towing
205
Towing a Trailer
207
Service and Appearance Care
215
Service
217
Accessories and Modifications
217
California Proposition 65 Warning
217
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
218
Doing Your Own Service Work
218
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
219
Fuel
219
Gasoline Octane
219
Gasoline Specifications
219
California Fuel
219
Additives
220
Fuels in Foreign Countries
220
Filling the Tank
221
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
223
Checking Things Under the Hood
224
Hood Release
224
Engine Compartment Overview
226
Engine Oil
227
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
231
Automatic Transmission Fluid
233
Manual Transmission Fluid
235
Hydraulic Clutch
236
Engine Coolant
237
Radiator Pressure Cap
240
Engine Overheating
240
Cooling System
242
Power Steering Fluid
247
Windshield Washer Fluid
248
Brakes
249
Battery
252
Jump Starting
252
Headlamp Aiming
256
Bulb Replacement
257
Halogen Bulbs
257
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking Lamps
257
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
259
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps
260
Back-Up Lamps
261
Replacement Bulbs
262
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
262
Tires
263
Tire Sidewall Labeling
264
Tire Terminology and Definitions
266
Inflation - Tire Pressure
269
Tire Pressure Monitor System
271
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
272
Tire Inspection and Rotation
275
When It Is Time for New Tires
277
Buying New Tires
277
Different Size Tires and Wheels
279
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
279
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
281
Wheel Replacement
281
Tire Chains
282
If a Tire Goes Flat
283
Changing a Flat Tire
284
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
285
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
287
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
293
Compact Spare Tire
295
Appearance Care
296
Interior Cleaning
296
Fabric/Carpet
297
Leather
298
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces
298
Care of Safety Belts
299
Weatherstrips
299
Washing Your Vehicle
299
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
300
Finish Care
300
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades
301
Aluminum Wheels
301
Tires
302
Sheet Metal Damage
302
Finish Damage
302
Underbody Maintenance
302
Chemical Paint Spotting
302
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
303
Vehicle Identification
304
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
304
Service Parts Identification Label
304
Electrical System
304
Add-On Electrical Equipment
304
Headlamp Wiring
305
Windshield Wiper Fuses
305
Power Windows and Other Power Options
305
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
305
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
306
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
307
Capacities and Specifications
309
Maintenance Replacement Parts
310
Engine Drive Belt Routing
311
Maintenance Schedule
313
Maintenance Schedule
314
Introduction
314
Maintenance Requirements
314
Your Vehicle and the Environment
314
How This Section is Organized
315
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
316
Using the Maintenance Schedule
316
Scheduled Maintenance
316
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
324
At Each Fuel Fill
324
At Least Once a Month
325
At Least Twice a Year
325
At Least Once a Year
326
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
329
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
329
Exhaust System Inspection
329
Fuel System Inspection
330
Engine Cooling System Inspection
330
Throttle System Inspection
330
Brake System Inspection
330
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
331
Part E: Maintenance Record
333
Customer Assistance Information
337
Customer Assistance and Information
338
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
338
Online Owner Center
340
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
341
Customer Assistance Offices
341
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
342
Roadside Assistance Program
342
Scheduling Service Appointments
345
Courtesy Transportation
345
Collision Damage Repair
347
Reporting Safety Defects
350
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
350
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
350
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
350
Service Publications Ordering Information
351
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
352
Event Data Recorders
352
OnStar®
353
Navigation System
353
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
353
Index
355

2008 Pontiac Vibe Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is a compact hatchback that seamlessly blends style, versatility, and practicality. Known for its reliability and space-efficient design, the Vibe offers a fun driving experience while serving as an excellent choice for daily commuting or weekend adventures. This model stands out for its sporty aesthetics and well-thought-out features, making it a favored option among compact car enthusiasts.

Powertrains

The 2008 Vibe comes equipped with two impressive engine options, catering to a range of driving preferences. The base model features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 132 horsepower, while the more powerful upgrade boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 158 horsepower. Both powertrains are paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic, delivering a smooth and spirited ride with commendable fuel efficiency. With a fuel economy rating of up to 30 mpg on the highway, the Vibe allows drivers to spend more time enjoying the journey and less time at the pump.

Trims

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe is offered in three distinct trims: Base, AWD, and GT. The Base trim comes well-equipped with essentials like air conditioning, power windows, and am/fm radio with a CD player. The AWD trim adds all-wheel-drive capability for enhanced traction, while the sporty GT trim features upgraded performance with a stiffer suspension, larger wheels, and exclusive interior accents. Each trim can be tailored to meet the diverse preferences of its owners.

Features

Inside the 2008 Vibe, convenience and technology take center stage. Standard features include a spacious cabin with generous cargo room, a practical split-folding rear seat, and available premium audio systems. Safety is also a priority, with several standard features such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and multiple airbags, ensuring peace of mind for all occupants.

Owner's Manual

The 2008 Pontiac Vibe owner's manual serves as a comprehensive guide, offering valuable information on the vehicle’s operation, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. Owners can refer to it for detailed instructions on features, care guidelines, and essential information to enhance their driving experience, ensuring their Vibe remains in optimal condition for years to come.

User manual download

The Pontiac Vibe owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

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A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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