Market Position:
The Pontiac Vibe, a joint venture with Toyota, occupied the compact hatchback/wagon segment, offering practicality, fuel efficiency, and Toyota's renowned reliability. It appealed to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Mazda3 Hatchback, Ford Focus Hatchback, and Subaru Impreza Hatchback.
Key Features:
Practical cargo space, available AWD, fuel-efficient engines (especially the 1.8L), Toyota mechanical components, versatile interior configuration.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs. Provides detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations for all major service and repair tasks.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, HVAC, Emissions, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair Procedures
Model Variants Covered:
All trim levels, engine options (1.8L 1ZZ-FE and 2.4L 2AZ-FE), and drivetrain configurations (FWD and AWD) for the 2009 and 2010 model years.
Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'Complete' and covering 'A-Z')
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine:
2.4L 2AZ-FE (4-cylinder, DOHC, VVT-i), 1.8L 1ZZ-FE (4-cylinder, DOHC, VVT-i)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) options
Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (NV3500, derived from Toyota), 4-speed Automatic Transmission (U241E, Toyota)
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Discs (ABS, EBD integrated)
Suspension:
Front: Independent MacPherson Strut; Rear: Independent Multi-link (AWD models may have slightly different rear setup)
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Instrument Cluster, Audio System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Trim, Headliner, Glass, Wipers
HVAC System:
Air Conditioning (A/C), Heating, Ventilation, Blower Motor, Evaporator, Condenser, Cabin Air Filter
Fuel System:
Fuel Pump, Injectors, Fuel Filter, Fuel Tank, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Cooling System:
Radiator, Coolant, Thermostat, Water Pump, Cooling Fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, Oxygen Sensors
Emission Controls:
PCV System, EVAP System, EGR System (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replenishments, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Component Rebuild/Replacement, Transmission Service/Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair/Replacement, HVAC System Servicing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics for Fault Finding
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, PCM/ECU Functions
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Wiring Diagrams, Component Locations
Alignment Specifications:
Front and Rear Wheel Alignment Specifications (Camber, Caster, Toe)
Tire And Wheel:
Tire specifications, wheel bolt patterns, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) service (if equipped)
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using OBD-II scanners and specific diagnostic procedures for various modules.
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and component-level repair instructions.
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2362 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.5 mm x 96.5 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i)
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1794 cc (1.8 Liters)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i)
Horsepower:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
125 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:
5-Star (for rear passengers)
IIHS Frontal Offset Test:
Good
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available/Optional on some models
Stability Control:
Available/Optional on some models (Electronic Stability Control - ESC)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (Optional/Standard depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type used). Manual will specify exact intervals and oil types.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection. Manual will provide specific mileage and visual inspection guidelines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
For 1ZZ-FE (1.8L): Approximately 100,000 miles (if using Iridium or Platinum type plugs). For 2AZ-FE (2.4L): Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type specified). Manual will confirm exact intervals.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (or as specified by Toyota Super Long Life Coolant).
Engine Oil Type 1.8L:
API Certified 5W-30 (Synthetic or conventional as per owner's manual, manual will specify exact viscosity and API service category).
Engine Oil Type 2.4L:
API Certified 5W-30 (Synthetic or conventional as per owner's manual, manual will specify exact viscosity and API service category).
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L:
Approx. 4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (Manual will specify if DOT 4 is an approved alternative).
Power Steering Fluid:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, no specific fluid to check/fill beyond checking for leaks.
Common Issues:
Oil consumption in early 2AZ-FE engines (less prevalent in later models), occasional issues with power steering pump or motor, potential for catalytic converter failure, wheel bearing wear.
Pontiac Brand Context:
Pontiac was known for performance-oriented vehicles. The Vibe was an interesting departure, focusing on practicality and efficiency, leveraging GM's partnership with Toyota.
Generation Overview:
The 2009-2010 models represent the second generation of the Pontiac Vibe. Introduced for the 2003 model year, the Vibe was a collaborative effort between GM and Toyota, sharing its platform and many components with the Toyota Matrix and Corolla.
2009 Facelift:
The 2009 model year saw a significant refresh for the second generation Vibe, including updated exterior styling (front and rear fascia, headlights, taillights), revised interior trim, and the introduction of the more powerful 2.4L engine as standard on most trims.
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA (at NUMMI - New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a GM-Toyota joint venture)
End Of Production:
Pontiac brand was discontinued by General Motors in 2010, thus ending Vibe production.
