warning light CHEVROLET COBALT 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd an engine coolant temperature warning
light on your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-29for
more information.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
5-29

If No Steam Is Coming From Your
Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-29.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.If you get the engine coolant temperature warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped, pull
over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-30

So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake/clutch
uid. Adding uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your brake linings are worn, then you will have
too much uid when you get new brake linings.
You should add or remove uid, as necessary, only
when work is done on the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-27.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container
only. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in your
brake/clutch system, your brakes/clutch may
not work well, or they may not even work at
all. This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake/clutch system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in your brake/clutch hydraulic system
can damage brake/clutch system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. SeeAppearance
Care on page 5-81.
5-37

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and may have rear
drum brakes or rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make
a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving, except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
If your vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do not have
wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake
rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected
immediately. Also, the rear brake drums should
be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
5-38

Appearance Care
Cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic.
Other cleaning products can burst into ames if a match
is struck near them or if they get on a hot part of the
vehicle. Some are dangerous if their fumes are inhaled
in an enclosed space. When anything from a container
is used to clean the vehicle, be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. Always open
the doors or windows of the vehicle when cleaning
the inside.
Never use these to clean the vehicle:
Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous — some more than
others —and they can all damage the vehicle, too.Do not use any of these products unless this manual
says you can. In many uses, these will damage
the vehicle:
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Your vehicle’s interior will continue to look its best if
it is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can
damage carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove particles
from your upholstery. It is important to keep your
upholstery from becoming and remaining heavily soiled.
Soils should be removed as quickly as possible. Your
vehicle’s interior may experience extremes of heat
that could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle’s interior.
5-81

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-90
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-17
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-25
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-48
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-54
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-57
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-54
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-55
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-53
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-50
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-76
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . 3-76
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-81
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-86
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-84
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-87Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-85
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-81
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83
Finish Care.................................................5-85
Finish Damage............................................5-87
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-84
Leather......................................................5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-87
Tires..........................................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-84
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-86
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-45
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-75
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-76
Care of Your CDs........................................3-76
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-76
Radio with CD............................3-46, 3-51, 3-60
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-46
1

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-45
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-74
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-75
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-76
Automatic Door Locks....................................... 2-9
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-22
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Battery..........................................................5-39
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Boost Gage...................................................3-34
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-6
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-26
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-36
Braking........................................................... 4-5
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16Bulb Replacement...........................................5-47
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-52
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-49
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-44
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-48
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-53
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-51
Buying New Tires...........................................5-64C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-97
Carbon Monoxide...........2-10, 2-30, 4-25, 4-37, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-84
Your CD Player...........................................3-76
Your CDs ...................................................3-76
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-35
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-49
Chains, Tire...................................................5-68
2

Charging System Light....................................3-26
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-87
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-34
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-43
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-45
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-37
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-86
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-85
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-83Cleaning (cont.)
Finish Care.................................................5-85
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-81
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-84
Leather......................................................5-83
Tires..........................................................5-87
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-87
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-85
Weatherstrips..............................................5-84
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-86
Climate Control System...................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-23
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-25
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-80
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-20
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-31
3

E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-7
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-90
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-94
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-92
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-90
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-91
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-90
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-39
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-29
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-19
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-19Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Warning Light.............................................3-28
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-27
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage...............................................5-87
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-76
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-78
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-22
Manual Transaxle........................................5-22
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-33
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-8
5

Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-34
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-94
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-92
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-91
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-90
G
Gage
Boost.........................................................3-34
Fuel..........................................................3-34
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-35
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-44
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-90
Headlamps....................................................3-13
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-47
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps..................................5-48
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Wiper Activated...........................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-17
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-33
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
6