In older vehicles, a tune-up entailed a lot of work, including maintaining (or replacing) the distributor cap, ignition rotor, spark plugs, ignition wires and ignition timing. In newer vehicles -- like the 2006 Vibe -- a lot of these systems are automatic and no longer require maintenance.
The only necessary parts for the tune-up on a 2006 Pontiac Vibe are the spark plugs. The Vibe has a four-cylinder engine, so it uses only four spark plugs. Pontiac recommends only Iridium-tipped spark plugs, which must have a preset gap of .043 inch.
Because there are so few parts to replace, the tune-up on the Vibe requires few tools. The tools needed are a ratchet, socket set, 6-inch socket extension, spark plug socket, torque wrench, spark plug gapping tool and a flathead screwdriver.
Make certain to check the gap of the spark plug prior to installing it. If the gap varies more than .003 inch from the manufacturer recommended gap, adjust it using the gapping tool.
Proper tightening torque of the spark plugs is necessary to make a proper seal and not to damage the engine's cylinder head. The spark plugs must be torqued to exactly 13 foot-pounds.
