engine CHEVROLET COBALT 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle
could move suddenly if the shift lever is
not fully in PARK (P) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch re. You or
others could be injured. Do not leave your
vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and
your parking brake is rmly set before you leave it.
After you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you
can move the shift lever away from PARK (P)
without rst pushing the button. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift
your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight
of the vehicle may put too much force on the
parking pawl in the transaxle. You may nd
it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P)
properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To
nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 124.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever
out of PARK (P)beforeyou 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 transaxle, then you will be able to pull
the shift lever out of PARK (P).
125

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the
gas carbon monoxide (CO), which you
cannot see or smell. It can cause
unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange
or different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a
collision.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Your vehicle was damaged when
driving over high points on the road
or over road debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system
has been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows
down to blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
128

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
underEngine Exhaust on page 128.
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 254.
{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 the 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)
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 124.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transaxle) on page 267orTowing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 268.
129

Instrument Panel Overview........................ 142
Hazard Warning Flashers.......................... 144
Other Warning Devices............................. 144
Horn.......................................................... 144
Tilt Wheel.................................................. 145
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.................. 145
Turn and Lane-Change Signals................. 146
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.......... 146
Flash-to-Pass............................................ 146
Windshield Wipers..................................... 147
Windshield Washer.................................... 148
Cruise Control........................................... 149
Headlamps................................................ 152
Wiper Activated Headlamps....................... 153
Headlamps on Reminder........................... 153
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................. 153
Fog Lamps................................................ 154
Instrument Panel Brightness...................... 154
Dome Lamp.............................................. 155
Entry/Exit Lighting...................................... 155
Mirror Reading Lamps............................... 155
Electric Power Management...................... 155
Battery Run-Down Protection..................... 156
Accessory Power Outlet(s)........................ 156
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter................ 157Climate Controls......................................... 158
Climate Control System............................. 158
Outlet Adjustment...................................... 161
Passenger Compartment Air Filter............. 162
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators..... 164
Instrument Panel Cluster........................... 165
Speedometer and Odometer...................... 166
Tachometer............................................... 166
Safety Belt Reminder Light........................ 166
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light....... 167
Airbag Readiness Light............................. 167
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............. 168
Charging System Light.............................. 170
Up-Shift Light............................................ 171
Brake System Warning Light..................... 171
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light...... 172
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light......................................... 173
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light........................................ 174
Malfunction Indicator Lamp........................ 174
Oil Pressure Light..................................... 178
Security Light............................................ 179
Fog Lamp Light......................................... 179
Section 3 Instrument Panel
139

The battery can be discharged at idle if the
electrical loads are very high. This is true for all
vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator)
may not be spinning fast enough at idle to
produce all the power that is needed for very
high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate
control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s
output and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can
increase engine idle speed to generate more
power, whenever needed. It can temporarily
reduce the power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels,
without being noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action, this action
may be noticeable to the driver.Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery saver feature designed
to protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition
is turned off, the battery rundown protection
system automatically turns the lamp off after
20 minutes. This prevents draining of the battery.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone
or CB radio.
The accessory power outlet is located in the
center console, rearward of the shift lever.
To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in
use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always
turn off electrical equipment when not in
use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds
the maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
156

h(Recirculate):Press this button to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle or
to help heat or cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. An indicator light above the button will
come on in this mode. The air conditioning
compressor also comes on. This mode is not
available for oor, defog and defrost modes. When
the recirculation button is pressed, the recirculate
indicator light will ash ve times and outside air will
be delivered. Operation in this mode during periods
of high humidity and cool outside temperatures may
result in increased window fogging. If window
fogging is experienced, select the defrost mode.
Outside Air:This mode allows outside air to
circulate through the vehicle. This mode is
automatically active if recirculate is not
selected. There is no button for outside air.
#(Air Conditioning):If your vehicle has
air conditioning, press this button to turn the
air conditioning system on or off. When this button
is pressed, an indicator light above the button
will come on to let you know the air conditioning
is activated.On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside
air escape; then close them. This helps to reduce
the time it takes for the vehicle to cool down. It
also helps the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the recirculation mode.
3. Select air conditioning.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest fan speed.
Using these settings together for long periods of
time may cause the air inside of the vehicle to
become too dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has cooled, turn off the
recirculation by pressing the button again.
The air conditioning system removes moisture
from the air, so you may sometimes notice a
small amount of water dripping underneath your
vehicle while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.
The air conditioning compressor cannot be
turned on when the fan is off.
159

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid
to remove fog from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when
the ignition is in RUN.
<(Rear):Press the button to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. Be sure to clear as
much snow from the rear window as possible.
An indicator light above the button will come on
to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated.
The rear window defogger will turn off about
15 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned
on again, the defogger will only run for about
seven minutes before turning off. If the vehicle
is moving faster than 50 mph (80 kph), the
rear defogger will stay on. The defogger can
also be turned off by pressing the button again
or by turning off the engine.Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the
inside of the rear window. If you do, you could
cut or damage the warming grid, and the
repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not attach a temporary vehicle license,
tape, a decal or anything similar to the
defogger grid.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheels located next to and below
the air outlets to change the direction of the airow
and to open and close the outlets.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the
air inlets at the base of the windshield that
may block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside of your
vehicle more effectively.
161

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle. The pictures help to locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to
cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying
attention to the warning lights and gages could also
save you or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
As the details show on the next few pages,
some warning lights come on briey when you
start the engine just to let you know they are
working. If you are familiar with this section,
you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Often gages and warning lights work together
to let you know when there is a problem with
your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on as you are driving, or when one of
the gages shows there may be a problem, check
the section that tells you what to do about it.
Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
So please get to know your vehicle’s warning
lights and gages. They can be a big help.
164

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed
in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers
per hour (km/h).
Your vehicle’s odometer works together with the
driver information center. You can set a Trip A and
Trip B odometer. See “Trip Information” under
DIC Operation and Displays on page 181.
The odometer mileage can be checked without
the vehicle running. Simply open the driver’s door
and the mileage will be displayed briey.
If your vehicle ever needs a new odometer
installed, the new one will be set to the correct
mileage total of the old odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Notice:If you operate the engine with the
tachometer in the shaded warning area, your
vehicle could be damaged, and the damages
would not be covered by your warranty.
Do not operate the engine with the tachometer
in the shaded warning area.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to RUN or START, a chime
will sound for several seconds to remind you and
your passengers to buckle your safety belts.
The driver safety belt light will also come on and
stay on for several seconds, then it will ash for
several more.
You should buckle your
seat belt.
If the vehicle is equipped with the passenger
sensing system, this chime and light will be
repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s belt
is buckled, neither the chime nor the light will
come on. SeePassenger Sensing System
on page 77for more information.
166

If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there
may be a problem with the lights or the passenger
sensing system. See your dealer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together,
it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. If this ever
happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person
sitting in the right front passenger seat
may not have the protection of the frontal
airbag. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 167.
Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on briey
when you turn on the
ignition, and the engine
is not running, as a
check to show you
it is working.
Then it should go out when the engine is started.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the electrical
charging system. Have it checked by your
dealer/retailer. 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.
170