traction control CHEVROLET COBALT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 142
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 144
Other Warning Devices............................. 144
Horn.......................................................... 144
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 145
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 145
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 146
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 146
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 146
Windshield Wipers..................................... 147
Windshield Washer.................................... 148
Cruise Control........................................... 149
Headlamps................................................ 152
Wiper Activated Headlamps....................... 153
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 153
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 153
Fog Lamps................................................ 154
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 154
Dome Lamp.............................................. 155
Entry/Exit Lighting...................................... 155
Mirror Reading Lamps............................... 155
Electric Power Management...................... 155
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 156
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 156
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 157Climate Controls......................................... 158
Climate Control System............................. 158
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 161
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 162
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 164
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 165
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 166
Tachometer............................................... 166
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 166
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 167
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 167
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 168
Charging System Light.............................. 170
Up-Shift Light............................................ 171
Brake System Warning Light..................... 171
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 172
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light......................................... 173
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 174
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 174
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 178
Security Light............................................ 179
Fog Lamp Light......................................... 179
Section 3 Instrument Panel
139

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed
of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This can
really help on long trips. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady speed.
So, do not use your cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise control
on slippery roads.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when
you are not using cruise, you might hit a
button and go into cruise when you do
not want to. You could be startled and
even lose control. Keep the cruise control
switch off until you want to use cruise
control.
The cruise control
buttons are located on
the left side of the
steering wheel.
149

J(On/Off):Press this button to turn the cruise
control system on and off.
RES+ (Resume):Press this button to resume a
set speed and to accelerate the speed.
SET– (Set):Press this button to set a speed and
to decrease the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press the on/off button to turn cruise control on.
The indicator light on the button will come on.
2. Get to the speed you want.
3. Press the SET– part of the control button
and release it. The CRUISE ENGAGED
message will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) to show the system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 234. When road conditions allow,
the cruise control can be used again.Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set the cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brake. This, of
course, disengages the cruise control. To return to
the previously set speed, you do not need to go
through the set process again. Once you are going
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you can press
the RES+ part of the button briey.
This will take you back up to your previously
chosen speed and stay there.
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
1. Disengage the cruise control by applying the
brake pedal but do not turn it off. Accelerate
to a higher speed and reset the cruise control.
2. If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+ part of the button. Hold it there
until you get up to the speed desired, and then
release the button. To increase the vehicle
speed in very small amounts, press the RES+
part of the button briey and then release it.
Each time you do this, the vehicle will go
about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
150

Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this
warning light should
come on briey as you
start the engine.
If the warning light does not come on, then have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when
you are driving, there may be a problem with your
ETS and your vehicle may need service. When
this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.The ETS warning light may come on for the
following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come
on and stay on. To turn the system back
on, move the shift lever back to a position
other than LOW (L). The warning light should
go off. SeeEnhanced Traction System
(ETS) on page 234for more information.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running,
and it will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. If the transaxle shift
lever is in any position other than LOW (L) and
the warning light stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means there is
a problem with the system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.
If the ETS warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the transaxle
shift lever is in any position other than LOW (L),
your vehicle needs service.
173

LANGUAGE
This feature allows you to select the language in
which the DIC will display. When LANGUAGE
appears on the display, press and hold the reset
button for at least one second to scroll through the
available settings:
ENGLISH (default):The DIC will display all
information in English.
FRENCH:The DIC will display all information
in French.
SPANISH:The DIC will display all information
in Spanish.
GERMAN:The DIC will display all information
in German.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and exit out
of the personalization menu mode.
Exiting Personalization Menu
The personalization menu will be exited when any
of the following conditions occur:
A ten second time period has elapsed.
The ignition is turned off.
The end of the personalization menu list
is reached.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 226. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s audio
system, you can use it with less effort, as well as
take advantage of its features. While your vehicle
is parked, set up your audio system by presetting
your favorite radio stations, setting the tone and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
stations using the presets and steering wheel
controls if the vehicle has them.
192

{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.Notice:Before adding any sound equipment
to your vehicle, such as an audio system,
CD player, CB radio, mobile telephone,
or two-way radio, make sure that it can be
added by checking with your dealer/retailer.
Also, check federal rules covering mobile radio
and telephone units. If sound equipment can
be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with
the operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio,
or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with
the operation of sound equipment that
has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio
system can be played even after the ignition
is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 115for more information.
193

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 226
Defensive Driving...................................... 226
Drunken Driving........................................ 227
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 230
Braking...................................................... 230
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 231
Braking in Emergencies............................. 233
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).............. 234
Limited-Slip Differential.............................. 235
Steering.................................................... 236
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 239
Passing..................................................... 239
Loss of Control.......................................... 241
Racing or Other Competitive Driving.......... 242
Driving at Night......................................... 243Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 244
City Driving............................................... 248
Freeway Driving........................................ 249
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 250
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 251
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 252
Winter Driving........................................... 254
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow................................. 258
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 259
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 259
Towing........................................................ 264
Towing Your Vehicle................................. 264
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 265
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)......... 267
Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)...... 268
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
225

Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your
vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow
or ice, it is easy to ask more of those control
systems than the tires and road can provide.
Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeEnhanced Traction System (ETS) on
page 234.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 280.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 171.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to
bring up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might
be less with one driver and as long as two or
three seconds or more with another. Age, physical
condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight
all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs, and
frustration. But even in three-fourths of a second,
a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary
greatly with the surface of the road, whether it is
pavement or gravel; the condition of the road,
whether it is wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the
condition of the brakes; the weight of the vehicle;
and the amount of brake force applied.
230

Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions.
The system operates only if it senses that one or
both of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system
reduces engine power and may also upshift the
transaxle to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal.
A LOW TRACTION message will appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction
control system is actively limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
Enhanced Traction System begins to limit wheel
spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, you may re-engage the cruise
control. SeeCruise Control on page 149.
When the system is on,
this warning light will
come on to let you know
there’s a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when
you’re driving, there may be a problem with
your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle
may need service. When this warning light is
on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
234

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come
on and stay on. To turn the system back
on, move the shift lever back to a position
other than LOW (L). The warning light should
go off.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running,
and it will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. If the transaxle shift
lever is in any position other than LOW (L) and
the warning light stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means there is
a problem with the system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the transaxle shift lever is in any
position other than LOW (L), your vehicle needs
service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 280for more information.
Limited-Slip Differential
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip
transaxle can give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
transaxle most of the time, but when one of the
front wheels loses traction, this feature will allow the
wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
235