warning light CHEVROLET COBALT 2006 1.G Owner's Manual

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-24

1. You can remove the ll neck pressure cap when
the intercooler system, including the upper
intercooler hose, is no longer hot. Turn the pressure
cap slowly counterclockwise about one-quarter of
a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This
will allow any remaining pressure to be vented.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
3. Add the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture to the
ll neck, until there is coolant visible in the horizontal
tube section of the ll neck.
4. With the ll neck pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run for at least 30 seconds. Watch out for
the engine cooling fan. Turn the engine off. By this
time, the coolant level inside the ll neck may be
lower. If the level drops so that coolant is no longer
visible in the horizontal tube section of the ll neck,
add more of the DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture to the
ll neck until the level is again visible in the horizontal
tube section.
5. Replace the intercooler system pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight and fully
seated.
If the coolant is not at the proper level when the
system cools down again, see your dealer.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd an engine coolant temperature warning
light on your vehicle’s instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32for
more information.
5-29

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
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 you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-32.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
5-30

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
and, on manual transaxle
vehicles, the hydraulic
clutch use the same
reservoir. The reservoir is
lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location
of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the brake
uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that uid is
leaking out of the brake and/or clutch hydraulic system.
If it is, you should have your brake and/or clutch system
xed, since a leak means that sooner or later your brakes
and/or clutch will not work well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake/clutch uid.
Adding uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid when
your brake linings are worn, then you will have too much
uid when you get new brake linings. You should add or
remove uid, as necessary, only when work is done on
the brake/clutch hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
and/or clutch hydraulic system.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-29.
5-38

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-16
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-97
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-21
Air Conditioning..............................................3-17
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-26
Readiness Light..........................................3-25
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-53
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle............................1-67
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-60
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-62
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-66
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-60
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-61
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-59
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-56
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-30
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-93
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-91
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-95
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-92
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-88Appearance Care (cont.)
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-92
Finish Damage............................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces...............................5-91
Leather......................................................5-90
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-94
Tires..........................................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-95
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-93
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-48
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-71
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-72
Care of Your CDs........................................3-72
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-73
Radio with CD....................................3-50, 3-57
Setting the Time..........................................3-49
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-70
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-71
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-73
Automatic Door Lock......................................... 2-9
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid..........................................................5-23
Operation...................................................2-23
1

B
Battery..........................................................5-41
Run-Down Protection...................................3-16
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Boost Gage...................................................3-37
Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................ 4-7
Emergencies................................................ 4-9
Parking......................................................2-27
System Warning Light..................................3-29
Brakes..........................................................5-38
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-17
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-54
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-51
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps.................5-50
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-55
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps..................5-52
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps.................................5-53
Buying New Tires...........................................5-66
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-3
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-107
Carbon Monoxide...........2-10, 2-32, 4-26, 4-39, 4-46
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-91
Your CD Player...........................................3-72
Your CDs ...................................................3-72
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-37
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-51
Chains, Tire...................................................5-72
Charging System Light....................................3-28
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-32
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-95
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in
a Rear Seat Position................................1-48
Securing a Child Restraint in
the Right Front Seat Position.....................1-50
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-93
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-92
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-92
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-88
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces..............................5-91
Leather......................................................5-90
Tires..........................................................5-94
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-95
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-91
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-93
Climate Control System...................................3-17
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-20
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-23
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-28
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-88Competitive Driving, Racing or Other.................4-17
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-14
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-37
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-22
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-31
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-37
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
the Canadian Government.........................7-14
Reporting Safety Defects to
the United States Government...................7-13
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-14
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-14
Differential, Limited-Slip....................................4-11
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp...................................................3-15
Door
Automatic Door Lock..................................... 2-9
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............. 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-18
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-38
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-38
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-43
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-40
Driver’s Storage Compartment..........................2-37
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-17
City...........................................................4-20
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-3
Freeway.....................................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-24
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-18
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-31
Winter........................................................4-26
E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-8
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-97
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-101
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-98
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-21
Battery.......................................................5-41
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-32
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-22
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-32
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-20
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Warning Light.............................................3-31
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-16
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
4

F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-21
Finish Damage...............................................5-94
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-73
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-85
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-23
Manual Transaxle........................................5-23
Windshield Washer......................................5-37
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-36
Fog Lamps....................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat...........................................1-10
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7Fuel (cont.)
Gage.........................................................3-36
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-101
Floor Console Fuse Block.............................5-99
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-98
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-98
G
Gage
Boost.........................................................3-37
Fuel..........................................................3-36
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-24
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Glove Box.....................................................2-37
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
5

H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-46
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-98
Headlamps....................................................3-13
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-49
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-14
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-49
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps.................5-50
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Wiper Activated...........................................3-14
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...........................................................3-17
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-3
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-36
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-23
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-63
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-15
Cluster.......................................................3-23
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-42
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
6