check engine CHEVROLET AVEO 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by your warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer/retailer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or additives
in your vehicle’s cooling system, you could
damage your vehicle. Use only the proper mixture
of the engine coolant listed in this manual for
the cooling system. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-23for more
information.
5-23

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the surge tank pressure cap — even
a little — when the engine and radiator are hot.
To check the engine coolant, the vehicle must be on a
level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant
level should be between the Maximum (A) and
Minimum (B) marks on the coolant surge tank. The level
rises at engine operation temperature and drops
again when the engine cools down.
Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant surge tank, but only
when the engine is cool. If the coolant surge tank is
empty, a special fill procedure is necessary. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-25for instructions on “How to
Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank.”
5-24

{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood
can start up even when the engine is not
running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
do not do anything else until it cools down. To check the
engine coolant, the vehicle should be parked on a
level surface. Make sure that the air conditioning
is turned off.
The coolant level should be between the Minimum and
Maximum marks on the coolant surge tank when the
engine is cool. If it is not, you may have a leak at
the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive
the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running.
If it is not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
5-27

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not between the Minimum and
Maximum marks, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-22for more information.
If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant
as follows:
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Never turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank pressure cap,
is hot. Wait for the cooling system and coolant
surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and a proper coolant.
5-28

3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture
to the Maximum mark on the coolant surge tank.
Wait about five minutes, then check to see if
the level is below the mark. If the level is below the
Maximum mark, add additional coolant to bring
the level up to the mark. Repeat this procedure until
the level remains constant at the Maximum mark
for at least five minutes.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower than
the Maximum mark, add more of the proper mixture
to the coolant surge tank until the level reaches
the mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer/retailer, if necessary.
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located toward the
front of the engine compartment on the driver’s side
of the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir location.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-30

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
The level should be between the MIN (B) and MAX (A)
marks on the reservoir. If the level drops below the
MIN (B) mark, add power steering fluid. Do not overfill
the reservoir and remember to replace the cap
tightly when you are finished and clean up any
spilled fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-23. Always use the proper fluid. Failure to
use the proper fluid can cause leaks and damage
hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
5-31

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
things you should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
5-38

Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears
on a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel,
on the driver side. You can see it if you look through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN
also appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service
Parts labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code helps you identify your vehicle’s engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identication Label
This label is on the inside of the glove box.
It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Model designation
•Paint information
•Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage your
vehicle and the damage would not be covered by
your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery, even
if your vehicle is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-70.
5-88

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-23for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant
charge amount, see the refrigerant caution label
located under the hood. See your dealer/retailer
for more information.
Cooling System 6.3 qt 6.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter 3.96 qt 3.75 L
Fuel Tank 11.9 gal 45.0 L
Transmission, Automatic 6.2 qt 5.87 L
Transmission, Manual 1.9 qt 1.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 81 lb ft 110Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
1.6L L4 (L91) 6Automatic and
Manual0.039-0.043 inch (1.0-1.1 mm)
5-99

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled
Maintenance.............................................6-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-18
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-18At Least Once a Month.................................6-18
At Least Twice a Year...................................6-18
At Least Once a Year...................................6-19
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-22
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive
Axle Boot and Seal Inspection....................6-22
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-22
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-22
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-22
Brake System Inspection................................6-22
Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants..........................................6-23
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-24
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1