warning light CHEVROLET AVEO 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reflections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If
you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through owing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
owing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
•Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
•Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-45.
4-16

City Driving
One of the biggest problems with city streets is the
amount of traffic on them. You will want to watch out for
what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to
traffic signals.Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:
•Know the best way to get to where you are
going. Get a city map and plan your trip into
an unknown part of the city just as you would for a
cross-country trip.
•Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross
most large cities. You will save time and energy.
SeeFreeway Driving on page 4-18.
•Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic
light is there because the corner is busy enough
to need it. When a light turns green, and just before
you start to move, check both ways for vehicles
that have not cleared the intersection or may
be running the red light.
4-17

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
•Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
•You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your trunk.
Also seeTires on page 5-45.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red
cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And,
if you will be driving under severe conditions, include
a small bag of sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of
burlap bags to help provide traction. Be sure you
properly secure these items in your vehicle.
4-22

Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and proper
coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
What to Use
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and coolant
that meets GM Specification 1825M, which will not
damage aluminum parts. You can also use a recycled
coolant conforming to GM Specification 1825M with a
complete coolant flush and refill. 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 the proper 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 check your cooling system.
5-22

So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake 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 fluid 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 fluid, use only DOT-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container
only. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-25.Always clean the brake fluid 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
system, your brakes 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
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake 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. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-69.
5-33

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 firmly.
{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 first 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 specifications.If you have 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.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-24.
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.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then — very carefully — make a
few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
5-34

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-16
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-70
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-74
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-18
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-26
Readiness Light..........................................3-32
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)....7-10
Airbag System................................................1-56
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-69
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....1-64
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-59
AM-FM Radio.................................................3-39
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-71
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-34Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-71
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-69
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-72
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-69
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-66
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-67
Finish Care.................................................5-70
Finish Damage............................................5-72
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-68
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-72
Tires..........................................................5-71
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-72
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-73
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-69
Weatherstrips..............................................5-69
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-70
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-38
AM-FM Radio.............................................3-39
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-71
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-71
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-71
Radio with CD............................3-41, 3-45, 3-52
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-61
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-70
1

Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-21
B
Battery..........................................................5-35
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-19
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-8
Parking......................................................2-26
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-40
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-42
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-40
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-39
Headlamps.................................................5-40
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-44
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-43
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-42
Buying New Tires...........................................5-54
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specifications............................5-80
Carbon Monoxide.............2-9, 2-11, 2-30, 4-22, 4-35
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-69
Your CD Player...........................................3-71
Your CDs ...................................................3-71
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-28
Chains, Tire...................................................5-57
Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-34
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-72
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-42
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-49
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-51
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
2

Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-18
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
City ...........................................................4-17
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-18
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-20
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-15
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-26
Winter........................................................4-22
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-74
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-77
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-75
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-75
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-76
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-75
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-75
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-34
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-20Engine (cont.)
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-28
Cooling System Inspection............................6-24
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-72
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-71
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-58
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-58
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-65
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-19
Manual Transaxle........................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-38
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-15
4

Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage .........................................................3-30
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-30
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-77
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-75
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-76
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-75
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-28
Fuel..........................................................3-30
Speedometer..............................................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-34
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................5-39
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-75
Headlamps....................................................5-40
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-40
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-42
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-40
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-13
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-42
Heater...........................................................3-18
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-29
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-20
Hold Mode Light.............................................3-34
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-21
5