CHEVROLET COBALT 2005 1.G Owners Manual

The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
For vehicles equipped with an armrest, lift the console
armrest in order to access the parking brake lever.
To set the parking brake, Hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-27.To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime will
sound and a warning light will ash when the parking
brake is applied and the vehicle is moving faster
than 5 mph (8 km/h). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-37.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic Shift
2-27

Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transaxle) on page 4-37orTowing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 4-38.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst pushing
the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
2-28

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-28.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK.The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-40for more
information.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
Parking Your Vehicle
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and rmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has
been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal
pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK,
remove the key and release the clutch. SeeManual
Transaxle Operation on page 2-24.
2-29

Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass or other
things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see
or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and
death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system had been
modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
2-30

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-30.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard. See
Winter Driving on page 4-25.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 2-28.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle) on
page 4-37orTowing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 4-38.
2-31

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
To reduce glare from lamps behind you, move the lever
toward you to the night position.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The automatic dimming rearview mirror automatically
dims to the proper level to minimize glare from
lights behind you after dark.
Outside Manual Mirror
Adjust your outside mirror so you can just see the side
of your vehicle and have a clear view of objects
behind you. The mirror can be folded in to enter
narrow areas.
Outside Remote Control Mirror
Adjust the driver’s outside
mirror with the control
lever located on the
driver’s door.
Adjust the outside mirrors so that the side of the vehicle
can be seen while sitting in a comfortable driving
position.
To adjust the passenger’s outside mirror, sit in the
driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror for
you. The mirror is a manual fold design.
2-32

Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the
outside power mirrors, are
located on the driver’s
door armrest.
Move the selector switch located below the four-way
control pad to the left or right to choose either the driver’s
side or passenger’s side mirror. To adjust a mirror, use
the arrows located on the four-way control pad to move
the mirror in the desired direction. Adjust each outside
mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it
can be seen while sitting in a comfortable driving position.
Keep the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.
Both mirrors can manually be folded by pulling them
toward the vehicle. This feature may be useful
when going through a car wash or a conned space.
Push the mirrors away from the vehicle, to the normal
position, before driving.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver’s seat. It also makes things appear farther
away than they really are.
2-33

OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com. Contact OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar
®button to speak to an OnStar®advisor 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com.
OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe and
Sound Plan is included for the rst year. You can
extend this plan beyond the rst year, or upgrade to the
Directions and Connections Plan to meet your needs.
For more information, press the OnStar
®button to speak
with an advisor.
Safe and Sound Plan

Advanced Automatic Collision Notication
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Directions and Connections Plan

All Safe and Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-34

OnStar®Personal Calling
As an OnStar®subscriber, the Personal Calling
capability is an available hands-free wireless phone that
is integrated into the vehicle. Calls can be placed
nationwide using simple voice commands with no
additional contracts and no additional roaming charges.
To nd out more about OnStar
®Personal Calling,
refer to the OnStar®user’s guide in the vehicle’s glove
box or visit www.onstar.com or www.onstarcanada.com;
or speak with an OnStar
®advisor by pressing the
OnStar®button or by calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar®Personal Calling
that uses minutes to access up-to-date weather and
traffic reports for your area, news and sports updates,
stock quotes, entertainment and more. Customize
your information prole at www.myonstar.com. See the
OnStar
®user’s guide for more information.
Storage Areas
Glove Box
Open the glove box by lifting up on the lever. Close the
glove box with a rm push.
Cupholder(s)
There are two cupholders located at the front of the
center console, in front of the shift lever. There are also
cupholder for the rear seat passengers located at the
rear of the center console.
Center Console Storage Area
Your vehicle may have a center console armrest with
storage area. Use the lever on the front of the console to
open it.
Driver’s Storage Compartment
The driver’s storage compartment is located near the
left side of the steering column on the bottom of
the instrument panel. It can be used to store small items
and contains the remote trunk release switch. For
more information, see Remote Trunk Release under
Trunk on page 2-10.
2-35

Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net. You will see
it inside the back wall of the trunk. Put small loads
behind the net. It can help keep them from falling over
during sharp turns or quick starts and stops.
Unclip a corner of the convenience net to t larger
objects behind the net, then reclip it to secure them in
place. The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store
them in the trunk as far forward as you can.
You can unhook the net so that it will lie at when you
are not using it.
Sunroof
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a power
sunroof. The switch
that operates it is located
on the headliner.To open or close the sunroof, the ignition must be on,
or turned to ACC, or Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) must be active. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-19.
Press and hold the switch rearward to open the glass
panel to the vent position. Press and hold the switch
rearward a second time to open the sunroof. If the
sunshade is closed, it will open automatically with the
sunroof.
To close the sunroof, press the switch forward and hold
it until the sunroof is closed. The sunroof will stop if
the switch is released. The sunshade must be closed
manually.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be opened or closed if
the vehicle has an electrical failure.
Notice:If you force the sunshade forward of the
sliding glass panel, damage will occur and the
sunroof may not open or close properly. Always
close the glass panel before closing the sunshade.
2-36