brake CHEVROLET CLASSIC 2005 User Guide

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-25.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-22.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-23.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-35.
2-26

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Windshield Wiper Lever...................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)...........................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp.................................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-16
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-16
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-22
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-23
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-24
Trip Odometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-25
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-26
Charging System Light..................................3-27
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-27
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-28
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-29
Low Coolant Warning Light............................3-29
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-30
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-32
Passlock
®Warning Light................................3-33
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-34
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.....................3-34
Door Ajar Light.............................................3-34
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-34
Fuel Gage...................................................3-35
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the
following:
A. Side Window Defogger Vents. See “Defogging and
Defrosting” inClimate Control System on
page 3-18.
B. Vent Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
C. Instrument Panel Brightness Thumbwheel. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-10.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-23.
G. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wiper Lever on page 3-9.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-16.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J. Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-80.K. Instrument Panel Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on
page 2-28.
L. Remote Trunk Release Button. See “Remote Trunk
Release” inTrunk on page 2-11.
M. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
N. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
O. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-22.
P. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
Q. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-36.
R. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-18.
S. Ashtray. SeeAshtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-18.
T. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-17.
U. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-18.
3-5

Resuming a Set Speed
Suppose you set your cruise control at a desired
speed and then you apply the brake. This shuts off the
cruise control. But you do not need to reset it. Once
you are going about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, you
can press the cruise control ACCEL RESUME button
briefly. You will go right back up to your chosen
speed and stay there.
If you press the ACCEL RESUME button briefly, the
vehicle will keep going faster until you release the switch
or apply the brake. So unless you want to go faster,
do not hold down the ACCEL RESUME button.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
•Use the accelerator pedal to get to the higher
speed. Press the SET DECEL button, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. You will
now cruise at the higher speed.
•Press the ACCEL RESUME button. Hold it there until
you get up to the speed you want, and then release
the button. To increase your speed in very small
amounts, press the ACCEL RESUME button briefly
and then release it. Each time you do this, your
vehicle will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.The accelerate feature will only work after you turn on
the cruise control by pressing the SET DECEL button.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to reduce your speed while using
cruise control:
•Press the SET DECEL button until you reach the
lower speed you want, then release it.
•To slow down in very small amounts, press the
SET DECEL button briefly. Each time you do
this, you will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the cruise control speed you set earlier.
3-12

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to
step on the accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift to
a lower gear to keep your speed down. Applying the
brake takes you out of cruise control. Many drivers find
this to be too much trouble and do not use cruise
control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:
•Step lightly on the brake pedal;
•Press the OFF/ON button.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
your cruise control set speed memory is erased.
Headlamps
The lever on the left side of the steering column
operates the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp switch has three positions:
<(Parking Lamps):Turn the switch to this position to
turn on the parking lamps, together with the following:
•Sidemarker Lamps
•Taillamps
•License Plate Lamps
•Instrument Panel Lights
3-13

3(Headlamps):Turn the switch to this position to
turn on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
AUTO:Turn the exterior lamps control to AUTO to
provide for automatic operation of the headlamps,
taillamps and parking lamps. For more information see
“Automatic Headlamp System” later in this section.
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the ignition
while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning
chime.
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)
This feature works when the ignition is on and it is dark
outside. To turn the headlamps off when it is dark
outside, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking
lamp position. In this position, the parking lamps,
sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps and
instrument panel lights will be on, but the headlamps
will be off.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature will continue to illuminate
the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is turned to
OFF at night. Then the headlamps will automatically
turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the switch at the end of the
turn signal/multifunction lever up one position and then
back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL can be helpful in many different driving
conditions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset.
The DRL system will make your low-beam headlamps
come on at a reduced brightness when the following
conditions are met:
•The ignition is on,
•the exterior lamp control is turned to AUTO or you
have turned on your parking lamps,
•the light sensor detects daytime light,
•the parking brake is released, and
•the shift lever is not in PARK (P).
3-14

When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps and instrument panel lights
will not be illuminated unless you have turned the
exterior lamps control to the parking lamp or headlamp
position.
The DRL system will remain off any time your vehicle is
in PARK (P) or the parking brake is engaged and the
vehicle speed is less than 8 mph (13 km/h), for
United States vehicles only.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, your Automatic
Headlamp System will turn on your headlamps at the
normal brightness along with other lamps such as
the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps and the
instrument panel lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle is equipped with a light sensor on the
top of the instrument panel under the defroster grill, so
be sure it is not covered which will cause the system
to be on whenever the ignition is on.
The system may also be on when driving through a
parking garage, heavy overcast weather or a tunnel.
This is normal.There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the Automatic
Headlamp System so that driving under bridges or bright
overhead street lights does not affect the system. The
DRL and Automatic Headlamp System will only be
affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting
lasting longer than this delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
you leave the garage, it will take approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
your instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure your instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness Control” underInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-16.
To idle your vehicle with the system off, set the park
brake while the ignition is off. Then start the vehicle.
The system will stay off until you release the park brake.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamps when you need them.
3-15

Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on for a few
seconds when you turn on
the ignition as a check
to show you it is working.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and
you hear a chime, you may have a problem with
the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while
this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still
work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come
on briefly when you turn
the ignition key to ON.
If it doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if
there’s a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
3-27

If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to
the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 4-32.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning
light on can lead to an accident. If the light
is still on after you have pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning
Light
If your vehicle has the
anti-lock brake system, the
light will come on when
your engine is started and
may stay on for several
seconds. That’s normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on and the chime sounds when you’re
driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition
off. Then start the engine again to reset the system.
If the light still stays on, or comes on again while you’re
driving, your vehicle needs service. If the regular
brake system warning light isn’t on, you still have
brakes, but you don’t have anti-lock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, you don’t
have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with
your regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-27earlier in this section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briefly when you turn the ignition key to ON. This is
normal. If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-28

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-5
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-6
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-7
Steering........................................................4-8
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-10
Passing.......................................................4-10
Loss of Control.............................................4-11
Driving at Night............................................4-13
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-14
City Driving..................................................4-17Freeway Driving...........................................4-18
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-19
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-20
Winter Driving..............................................4-22
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-26
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-27
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-27
Towing..........................................................4-32
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-32
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-33
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-35
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1