towing CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT 2014 User Guide

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
Driving and Operating 9-15
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTrailer Towing
on page 9-44 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and apply the regular
brake pedal.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
LOCK (STOPPING THE ENGINE/
LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is
stopped, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9-18.
This position locks the ignition.
It also locks the steering wheel and
the transmission. The key can only
be removed in LOCK/OFF. The shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
Driving and Operating 9-19
Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9-18. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9-41. If you have to leave an automatic
transmission vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is
firmly set before you leave it. After
you have moved the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without
first pushing the button. If you can, it
means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put
too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may find it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park). This is called
“torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To find out how, see
Shifting Into Park on page 9-18. Move the shift lever out of P (Park)
before you release the parking
brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull
the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
.Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular
brake pedal is applied.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
9-20 Driving and Operating
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 10-66 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional towing
service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
Driving and Operating 9-21
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park on page 9-18
and Engine Exhaust on page 9-20.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9-41.
Automatic
Transmission
There are several different positions
for the automatic transmission.
P (Park): This position locks the
wheels. It is the best position to use
when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
9-22 Driving and Operating
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9-18 andDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9-41.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You have to fully apply the
regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into
another gear. See
Shifting out of
Park on page 9-19.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-9.
N (Neutral): In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
Driving and Operating 9-23
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph),
push the accelerator all the
way down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9-5. M (Manual):
This position allows
you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If equipped,
see Manual Mode on page 9-23.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS mode a number will
display in place of the D (Drive),
indicating the current gear range
that has been selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual).
2. Press the plus/minus button located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
9-24 Driving and Operating
When you shift from D (Drive) to
M (Manual), the transmission will
shift to a pre-determined lower gear
range. The highest gear available
for this pre-determined range is
displayed in the DIC. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-24. The number displayed in
the DIC is the highest gear that the
transmission will be allowed to
operate in. This means that all
gears below that number are
available. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown, 1 (First) through
4 (Fourth) gears are automatically
shifted by the vehicle. The
transmission will not shift into
5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus) button is
used or you shift back into D (Drive).
While in M (Manual), the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear range if the engine
speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle.
If vehicle speed is not reduced
within the time allowed, the lower
gear range shift will not be
completed. You must further slow the vehicle, then press the
−(Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is
not available when the ERS is
active. It is available in D (Drive).
While using the ERS, cruise control
can be used.
Fuel Economy Mode
The vehicle may have a fuel
economy mode. When engaged,
fuel economy mode can improve the
vehicle's fuel economy.
Pressing the eco button by the shift
lever will engage fuel economy
mode. When activated, the eco light
in the instrument cluster will come
on. See Fuel Economy Light on
page 5-21. Pressing the button a
second time will turn fuel economy
mode off.
When fuel economy mode is on:
.The transmission will upshift
sooner, and downshift later.
.The torque converter will lock–
up sooner, and stay on longer.
.The gas pedal will be less
sensitive.
.The vehicle’s driving
performance will be more
conservative.
.The vehicle's computers will
more aggressively shut off fuel
to the engine under deceleration.
.The engine idle speed will be
lower.
Do not use fuel economy mode
while towing.

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
9-28 Driving and Operating
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
For maximum EPB force when
towing a trailer or parking on a hill,
pull the EPB switch twice. If you are
towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeDriving Characteristics and
Towing Tips on page 9-41.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-9 and“Turning the Systems
Off and On” later in this section.

Black plate (33,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
Driving and Operating 9-33
Warning (Continued)
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with URPA, always
check the area around the vehicle
and check all mirrors before
backing.
How the System Works
URPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single beep sounds
to indicate the system is working.
An obstacle is indicated by audible
beeps. The interval between the
beeps becomes shorter as the
vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.
When the distance is less than
30 cm (12 in) the beeping is
continuous for five seconds.
Turning the System On and Off
The system can be disabled through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See“Park Assist” underDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-24 for more information.
Turn off URPA when towing a trailer.
URPA defaults to the on setting
each time the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARK ASSIST: If this
message occurs, take the vehicle to
your dealer to repair the system.
PARK ASST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL: This
message can occur under the
following conditions:
.The ultrasonic sensors are not
clean. Keep the vehicle's rear
bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. For cleaning
instructions, see
Exterior Care
on page 10-74.
.The park assist sensors are
covered by frost or ice. Frost or
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always
be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold
weather. The message may not
clear until the frost or ice has
melted.
.A trailer was attached to the
vehicle, or an object was
hanging out of the liftgate during
the last drive cycle. Once the
object is removed, URPA will
return to normal operation.
.A tow bar is attached to the
vehicle.
.The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
6014141) - 2014 - crc - 8/13/13
9-40 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-70.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10-71.