CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT 2013 Owners Manual

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-17
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The 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 fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Notice: In cold weather, water
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended
coolant and the proper coolant
mixture. { WARNINGYou can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If a hiss
is heard, wait for that to stop.
This will allow any pressure
still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture, to between the MIN and
MAX lines.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-18 Vehicle Care 4. With the coolant surge tank
pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to
the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches between the MIN
and MAX lines.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be
sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Check the level in the surge tank
when the cooling system has cooled
down. If the coolant is not at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 – 3 and
reinstall the pressure cap. If the
coolant still is not at the proper level
when the system cools down again,
see the dealer. Engine Overheating There is a coolant temperature
warning light on the instrument
panel. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5 ‑ 20 .
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine
{ WARNINGSteam from an overheated engine
can cause serious injury, even if
the hood is opened just a little.
Stay away from the engine if
steam is seen or heard 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 opening the hood.
If driving continues when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. Someone
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) could get badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine has
cooled.
Notice: Driving the vehicle when
there is no coolant in the coolant
overflow recovery bottle, can
badly damage the engine. The
costly repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle: .
Climbs a long hill on a hot day. .
Stops after high-speed driving.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-19.
Idles for long periods in traffic. .
Tows a trailer.
If there is an overheat warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a
minute or so:
1. If there is an a/c and it is on, turn
it off.
2. Turn on the heater to full hot at
the highest fan speed and open
the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If in
a traffic jam, shift to N (Neutral);
otherwise, shift to the highest
gear possible while driving.
If the overheat warning is no longer
on, the vehicle can be driven. Just
to be safe, drive slowly for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, drive normally.
If the warning continues and the
vehicle is not stopped, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away. If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning continues,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
The decision may be made to not lift
the hood but to get service help
right away.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 4 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak in the system is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover,
if required. See Engine Cover on
page 10 ‑ 7 .
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be within the
area indicated on the dipstick when
the engine is cold. If necessary, add
only enough fluid to bring the level
within the area indicated.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-20 Vehicle Care What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to
use, refer to Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 .
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 .
Washer Fluid What to Use When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature can fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing. Adding Windshield Washer
Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 .
Notice .
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water. .
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. .
Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full. .
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes This vehicle has 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 can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-21
{ WARNINGThe brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the 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 torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12 ‑ 2 . 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
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes — for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for the location of the
reservoir.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-22 Vehicle Care There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down: .
The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. { WARNINGIf too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5 ‑ 16 .
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir. { WARNINGWith the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Notice .
Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-23.
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for battery location.
{ WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling. Vehicle Storage
{ WARNINGBatteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10 ‑ 65 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative ( − ) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check the transfer case fluid unless
a leak is suspected or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it
inspected and repaired.
Starter Switch Check
{ WARNINGWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9 ‑ 25 .
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-24 Vehicle Care 3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{ WARNINGWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9 ‑ 25 .
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
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. .
The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park). .
The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF. Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{ WARNINGWhen you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the 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 the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-25pressure 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.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11 ‑ 14 .
Notice: Allowing the wiper arm to
touch the windshield when no
wiper blade is installed could
damage the windshield. Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) to
disengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (1) out of the
blade assembly (3). 3. Push the new blade assembly
securely on the wiper arm until
the release lever clicks into
place.
4. Lower the wiper arm.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Lift the rear wiper arm (1) from
the window.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-26 Vehicle Care 2. Turn the bottom edge of the
blade assembly (2) slightly away
from the underside of the
wiper arm.
3. Apply downward pressure to the
blade assembly and remove
from the wiper arm.
4. Install the new wiper blade.
5. Return the wiper arm and blade
assembly to the rest position on
the window.
Headlamp Aiming Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs on
page 10 ‑ 29 .
For any bulb ‐ changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact
your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{ WARNINGHalogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
Headlamps To replace one of the headlamp
bulbs, use the following procedure.
To replace the parking/turn signal
lamp bulb, see Front Turn Signal
and Parking Lamps on page 10 ‑ 27 .