steering CHEVROLET AVEO 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

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

(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters
represent the load range and the speed rating of
a tire. The load range represents the load
carry capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-57.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
5-54

Tire Chains
Notice:Use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them
on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain manufacturer’s
instructions. If you can hear the chains contacting
your vehicle, stop and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it stops. Driving too
fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will
damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would
use in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control
by steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may
be very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is designed
only for changing a at tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack.
Use the jack provided with your vehicle only
for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
5-69

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

Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
•With an automatic transmission, the ignition
should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in PARK (P).
•With a manual transmission, the ignition should
turn to LOCK/OFF only when you press the key
release button.
On all vehicles, the ignition key should come out only
in LOCK/OFF.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right.
It should only lock when turned to the right.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
•To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P).
Then release the parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care
to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
6-21

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year, for instance,
each spring and fall.You should let your dealer/retailer
do these jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs
are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services can be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-17.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and then inspect the drive axle boot seals for
damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing, or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections, or other conditions which could
cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust
fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-30.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for
surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
6-22

Part D: Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number, or specification can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certified for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine, see
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-22
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer SolventOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransmissionUse only T-IV Automatic
Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88900925,
in Canada 22689186).
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Manual
TransmissionManual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021806,
in Canada 89021807).
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Manual
Transmission
Shift LinkageChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary Latch,
Pivots, Spring
Anchor, and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-23

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada)
in a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin
contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual,
and Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
7-17

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 5-3
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-71
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-88
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...................3-31, 3-46
Readiness Light..................................3-30, 3-45
Airbag System................................................1-56
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?........1-64
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-59
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-71
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-70
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-63
AM-FM Radio.........................................3-55, 3-56
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-80
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-80
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-4Antilock Brake, System Warning Light........3-34, 3-48
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-85
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-82
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-86
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-83
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-80
Finish Care.................................................5-83
Finish Damage............................................5-86
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-82
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-79
Leather......................................................5-81
Sheet Metal Damage...................................
5-85
Tires..........................................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-86
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-87
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-83
Weatherstrips..............................................5-82
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-84
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Ashtray.........................................................3-19
Audio System.................................................3-54
AM-FM Radio.....................................3-55, 3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-78
Backglass Antenna......................................3-80
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-79
1

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Check and Service Engine Soon Light......3-36, 3-49
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-20
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Cooling System Inspection............................6-22
Drive Belt Routing......................................5-101
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-25
Running While Parked..................................2-31
Starting......................................................2-19
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage...............................................5-86
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-80
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-10Flat Tire........................................................5-69
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-70
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-78
Fluid.....................................................5-19, 5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-17
Fog Lamp Light......................................3-40, 3-53
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling the Tank............................................. 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-42
System Inspection.......................................6-22
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-94
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-89
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-90
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-89
5