Pontiac Vibe (2006 year). Manual

The passenger sensing system is designed to turn off
the right front passenger’s frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) if:

•

the right front passenger seat is unoccupied

•

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
passenger’s frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag (if equipped), the off indicator will light
and stay lit to remind you that the airbag is off.

If a child restraint has been installed and the on indicator
is lit, turn the vehicle off. Remove the child restraint
from the vehicle and reinstall the child restraint with the
ignition key in the ACC or LOCK position, following
the child restraint manufacturer’s directions and refer to
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat
Position on page 1-45.

If after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, check to make
sure that the vehicle’s seatback is not pressing the child
restraint into the seat cushion. If this happens, slightly
recline the vehicle’s seatback and adjust the seat
cushion if possible. Also make sure the child restraint is
not trapped under the vehicle head restraint. If this
happens, adjust the head restraint.

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.

An object, person or child in the rear seat contacting or
pressing the right front passenger’s seatback, or
objects stowed under the right front passenger’s seat,
may affect the proper functioning of the passenger
sensing system.

When you use a safety belt extender in the right front
passenger’s 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. Make sure the indicator
light shows “ON”, then reconnect the safety belt
extender. If you use the safety belt extender while the
indicator light shows “OFF”, the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped) may not activate correctly. See Airbag
System on page 1-49 for important safety information
about your airbags.

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The passenger sensing system is designed to enable
(may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal airbag
and seat-mounted side impact airbag (if equipped) and
safety belt pretensioner anytime the system senses
that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right
front passenger’s seat. 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 pretensioners 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’s
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
(if equipped), depending upon the person’s seating
posture and body build. Everyone in your vehicle who
has outgrown child restraints should wear a safety
belt properly — whether or not there is an airbag for
that person.

If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.
If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to
place the seatback in the fully upright position, then sit
upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the
person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle
and have the person remain in this position for about
two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that
person and then enable the passenger’s airbag.

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. All front passengers should move to
a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with
your dealer.

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{

CAUTION:

If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the frontal airbag. See Airbag Readiness
Light on page 3-28 for more on this, including
important safety information.

Aftermarket equipment, such as seat covers or seat
backpacks can affect how well the passenger sensing
system operates. You may want to consider not
using seat covers, seat backpacks or other aftermarket
equipment if your vehicle has the passenger sensing
system. See Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-64 for more information about
modifications that can affect how the system operates.

{

CAUTION:

Stowing of articles under the passenger’s seat
or between the passenger’s seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.

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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle

Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-14.

{

CAUTION:

For up to two minutes after the ignition key 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 wires wrapped with
yellow tape or yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag systems. Be sure to
follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.

The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Is there anything I might add to the vehicle that
could keep the airbags from working properly?

Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end or side sheet metal
or height, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Also, the airbag system may not
work properly if you relocate any of the airbag
sensors. If you have any questions about this, you
should contact Customer Assistance before you
modify your vehicle. 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 7-2.

1-64

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Do not perform any of the following changes
without consulting your dealer. Such changes can
interfere with the proper operation of the airbag
system, passenger sensing system and/or safety
belt pretensioners.

•

Repairs on or near the front seat belt retractor
assemblies

•

Modification of the suspension system

•

Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo
bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other
equipment to the front end

•

Repairs made on or near the front fenders,
front end structure or console

•

Installation of electronic devises such as a
mobile two-way radio, cassette tape player
or compact disc player

•

Modification of the suspension system

•

Modification of the front end structure or the side
structure of the passenger compartment

•

Repairs made on or near the console of the
front seat

Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modified. How can I find out whether
this will affect my advanced airbag system?

Changing or moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module (located under the driver’s seat), or the
instrument panel can affect the operation of
the advanced airbag system. 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 7-2.

1-65

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Restraint System Check

Checking the Restraint Systems

Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired.

Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.

Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)

Notice: If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the airbag
covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s
seatback (if equipped), or the side impact airbag
covering on the ceiling near the side windows
(if equipped), the bag may not work properly.
You may have to replace the airbag module in the
steering wheel, both the airbag module and the
instrument panel for the right front passenger’s
airbag, the airbag module and seatback for the
driver’s and right front passenger’s seat-mounted
side impact airbags (if equipped), or side impact
airbag module and ceiling covering for the
roof-mounted side impact airbags (if equipped).
Do not open or break the airbag coverings.

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Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash

{

CAUTION:

A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.

If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?

After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new parts.

If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.

If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.

If the frontal airbags inflate you will also need to replace
the driver and front passenger’s safety belt retractor
assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new retractor
assembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.

After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies, even
if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver
and front passenger’s safety belt retractor assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your
safety belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has
been in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays
on after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
See Airbag Readiness Light on page 3-28.

1-67

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One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.

When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes
the key tag from the key and gives it to the first owner.

Each tag has a code on it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith how to make extra keys. Keep the
tag in a safe place. If you lose your key, you’ll be able to
have a new one made easily using this code.

If you need a new key, contact your dealership to obtain
the correct key code. See Roadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6 for more information.

Notice: If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.

Remote Keyless Entry System

If the vehicle has the keyless entry system, it operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.

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At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:

•

Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.

•

Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.

•

Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-4.

•

If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.

Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation

If your vehicle has this feature, you can lock and unlock
your doors from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 30 feet
(9 m) away using the remote keyless entry transmitter
supplied with your vehicle. The remote keyless entry
transmitter will look different if your vehicle was
purchased in Canada, however it will operate the same.

LOCK: Press this button to
lock all of the doors.

The turn signal lights will flash once to confirm that the
doors have locked. The remote keyless entry system
will not operate while the doors are open, the key is in
the ignition, or if the liftglass or hatch are not
completely closed and latched.

UNLOCK: Press this button once to unlock the
driver’s door. The turn signal lights will flash twice and the
interior lamps will come on to confirm that the door has
unlocked. If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within
three seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The
interior lamps will stay on for 15 seconds or until the
ignition is turned on.

HATCH/GLASS: Press and hold this button for
approximately one second to open the rear liftglass. If the
ignition key is in the ON position, the liftglass cannot be
opened by the HATCH/GLASS button on the transmitter.

2-4

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Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless
entry transmitter should last about three years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not
work at the normal range in any location. If you have
to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works,
it is probably time to change the battery.

Notice: When replacing the battery, use care not to
touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.

To replace the battery, do the following:

1. Insert a small coin or similar object to separate the

bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.

2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new

one. Make sure the positive side of the battery
faces upward. For battery replacement, use
a three-volt battery, type CR2032, or equivalent.

3. Snap the transmitter back together tightly to be sure

no moisture can enter.

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Doors and Locks

Door Locks

{

CAUTION:

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

•

Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle will not open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash if the doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.

•

Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.

•

Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.

There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.

From the outside, use your key or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, if equipped. See Remote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-4 for more information.

If your vehicle has power door locks, open the driver’s
door by turning the key in the lock toward the rear
of the vehicle. Turning the key back toward the center,
then toward the rear again will unlock all of the
doors. Using the key in the passenger’s door will also
unlock all of the doors.

Lock a door by turning the key toward the front of the
vehicle. If you have power door locks, all the doors
will lock.

2-6

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To manually lock the door from the inside, press the
knob on the door forward. To unlock the door, press the
knob rearward. With manual locks, you must use the
key to lock and unlock the liftgate.

Power Door Locks

If your vehicle has this
feature, the power door
lock switch is located
on the armrest of
the driver’s and front
passenger’s door.

(Power Door Lock): Press the top of the switch to

lock all the doors. Press the bottom of the switch to
unlock all the doors.

2-7

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Rear Door Security Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with rear door security locks
that help prevent passengers from opening the rear
doors on your vehicle from the inside.

The security locks are
located on the inside of
the rear door trim.

To use these locks, do the following:

1. Slide the lever down.

2. Close the door.

3. Do the same thing to the other rear door lock.

The rear doors on your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use.

To open a rear door with the security lock, do
the following:

1. Unlock the door from the inside.

2. Then open the door from the outside.

If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults and
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to
open the rear door from the inside. You should let adults
and older children know how these security locks
work, and how to cancel the locks.

To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:

1. Unlock the door from the inside and open the

door from the outside.

2. Slide the lever up.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

The rear door locks will now work normally.

2-8

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Liftgate/Liftglass

{

CAUTION:

It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate or
liftglass open because carbon monoxide (CO)
gas can come into your vehicle. You cannot see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the liftgate
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the liftgate or liftglass:

•

Make sure all other windows are shut.

•

Turn the fan on your climate control system
to its highest speed and select the control
setting that will force outside air into your
vehicle. See “Climate Control System” in
the Index.

•

If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See Engine Exhaust on page 2-28.

Liftgate/Liftglass Release

To unlock and open the liftgate using the key, insert the
key into the keyhole and turn counterclockwise. Raise
the liftgate by hand.

When closing the liftgate, use the handle to pull it down.

To lock the liftgate, turn the key clockwise to the first
position.

2-9

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Pontiac Vibe (2006 year). Manual - part 5