check oil CHEVROLET AVEO 2009 1.G User Guide

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has the Engine Oil Life System, a computer
system that indicates when to change the engine oil and
lter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to
work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil
is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A change engine oil light displays. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions, the
oil life system might not indicate that an oil change is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer has
trained service people who will perform this work using
genuine parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Whenever
the oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where the oil is changed prior to a change engine oil light
being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, the system must be reset:
1. With the engine off, turn the ignition key to ON/RUN.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly
three times within ve seconds.
3. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, then start the vehicle.
5-18

What to Use
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system can
be dangerous. Plain water, or some other liquid
such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will. The vehicle’s coolant warning system
is set for the proper coolant mixture. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch re and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
Gives freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C), engine
temperature.
Protects against rust and corrosion.
Will not damage aluminum parts.
Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13for more information.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the
coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do
not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not between the Minimum
and Maximum marks, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before
this is done. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25for more
information.
5-26

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System 6.7 qt 6.3 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.8 qt 4.5 L
Fuel Tank 11.9 gal 45.0 L
Transmission, Automatic 6.2 qt 5.87 L
Transmission, Manual 1.9 qt 1.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 81 lb ft 110Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
1.6L L4 6Automatic and
Manual0.039-0.043 inch (1.0-1.1 mm)
5-93

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements the vehicle warranties. See the Warranty
and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer/retailer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep this vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level
of emissions from the vehicle. To help protect the
environment, and to keep the vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain the vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We want to help keep this vehicle in good working
condition. But we do not know exactly how you will drive
it. You might drive very short distances only a few
times a week. Or you might drive long distances all the
time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use the
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive
it to work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep the vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer/retailer.
6-2

Scheduled Maintenance
When the change engine oil light displays, service is
required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate
that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. See for information
on the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the
system.When the change engine oil light displays, certain
services, checks, and inspections are required.
Required services are described in the following for
“MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.” Generally,
it is recommended that the rst service be
MaintenanceI, the second service be MaintenanceII,
and then alternate MaintenanceIand MaintenanceII
thereafter. However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay
be required more often.
MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the change
engine oil light displays within 10 months since
the vehicle was purchased or MaintenanceIIwas
performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the previous
service performed was MaintenanceI. Always use
MaintenanceIIwhenever the change engine oil light
displays 10 months or more since the last service or if
the message has not come on at all for one year.
6-4

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-19.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-62and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-10.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels. Add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Inspect PCV system.An Emission Control Service. See footnote †.•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (l).•
Check automatic transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If the vehicle is not used under any of these conditions,
the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-25
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.(k)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
6-9

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire, if the vehicle has one.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-57.Ifthe
vehicle has a spare tire, check to make sure it is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-70.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-62.
6-10

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 N (Neutral),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the
parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-16.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-25.
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
6-13

D
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-36
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Disc, MP3......................................................3-54
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-16
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-36
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-7
Door Ajar Reminder....................................... 2-7
Locks.......................................................... 2-6
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-7
Driver
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-5
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-10
Before a Long Trip......................................4-11
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Highway Hypnosis.......................................4-12
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-12
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-10
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-16
Winter........................................................4-13
Driving for Better Fuel Economy......................... 4-2
E
EDR .............................................................7-18
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-86
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-89
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-87
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-87
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-88
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-87
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-87
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Change Engine Oil Light...............................3-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-32
Coolant......................................................5-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-31
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-16
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-19
Engine Heater................................................2-21
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-34
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
4