Engine Oil Life System CHEVROLET COBALT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

ECON (Economy)
Press the information button until ECON is
displayed. This mode shows how many miles
per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) your vehicle is getting based on
current and past driving conditions.
Press and hold the reset button while ECON is
displayed to reset the average fuel economy.
Average fuel economy will then be calculated
starting from that point. If the average fuel
economy is not reset, it will be continually
updated each time you drive.
AV (Average) SPEED
Press the information button until AV SPEED is
displayed. This mode shows the vehicle’s average
speed in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per
hour (km/h).
Press and hold the reset button while AV SPEED
is displayed to reset the average vehicle speed.
OIL LIFE
Press the information button until OIL LIFE is
displayed. The engine oil life system shows
an estimate of the oil’s remaining useful life. It will
show 100% when the system is reset after an
oil change. It will alert you to change your oil on a
schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring
the oil life, additional maintenance is recommended
in the Maintenance Schedule in this manual.
SeeEngine Oil on page 293andScheduled
Maintenance on page 396.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System” underEngine Oil Life System on
page 298.
COOLANT
Press the information button until COOLANT is
displayed. This mode shows the temperature
of the engine coolant in either degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
183

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem
detected in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message will clear when the vehicle’s condition
is no longer present. To acknowledge a message
and clear it from the display, press and hold
any of the DIC buttons. If the condition is still
present, the warning message will come back on
the next time the vehicle is turned off and back
on. With most messages, a warning chime sounds
when the message displays. Your vehicle may
have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays to inform the driver that the
brake uid level is low while the ignition is on.
The brake system warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 171for more information.
Have the brake system serviced by your dealer
as soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine
oil has expired and it should be changed.
When you acknowledge the CHANGE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, you
still must reset the engine oil life system
separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 298andScheduled Maintenance on
page 396for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not
been fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to
make sure that it is on properly. A few driving
trips with the cap properly installed should turn
the message off.
184

To change feature settings, use the following
procedure:
Entering Personalization Menu
1. Turn the ignition on while the vehicle is
stopped.
To avoid excessive drain on the battery,
it is recommended that the headlamps are
turned off.
2. Press and hold the information and reset
buttons at the same time for one second, then
release to enter the personalization menu.
If the vehicle speed is greater than
2 mph (3 km/h), only the UNITS menu
will be accessible.
3. Press the information button to scroll through
the available personalization menu modes.
Press the reset button to scroll through
the available settings for each mode.
If you do not make a selection within
ten seconds, the display will go back to
the previous information displayed.
Personalization Menu Modes
OIL LIFE RESET
When this feature is displayed, you can reset
the engine oil life system. To reset the system,
seeEngine Oil Life System on page 298.
See “OIL LIFE” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 181for more information.
UNITS
This feature allows you to select the units of
measurement in which the DIC will display the
vehicle information. When UNITS appears on the
display, press and hold the reset button for at
least one second to scroll through the available
settings:
ENGLISH (default in United States):All
information will be displayed in English units.
METRIC (default in Canada):All information will
be displayed in metric units.
Choose one of the available settings and press
the information button to select it and move on to
the next feature.
187

Service........................................................ 280
Accessories and Modications................... 280
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 281
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 281
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 282
Fuel............................................................. 282
Gasoline Octane........................................ 283
Gasoline Specications.............................. 283
California Fuel........................................... 283
Additives................................................... 284
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 284
Filling the Tank......................................... 285
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 287
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 288
Hood Release........................................... 289
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 290
Engine Oil................................................. 293
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 298
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 300
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 301
Manual Transaxle Fluid............................. 301Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 302
Engine Coolant.......................................... 302
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 309
Engine Overheating................................... 309
Cooling System......................................... 311
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 317
Brakes...................................................... 318
Battery...................................................... 321
Jump Starting............................................ 322
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 328
Bulb Replacement....................................... 331
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 331
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps............. 331
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ... 333
Taillamps and Turn Signal
Lamps (Coupe)...................................... 334
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps (Sedan)......................... 334
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe)........................... 335
License Plate Lamp................................... 336
Replacement Bulbs................................... 337
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
277

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the
United States are now required to contain additives
that will help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing your emission
control system to work properly. In most cases,
you should not have to add anything to your fuel.
However, some gasolines contain only the
minimum amount of additive required to meet
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean,
or if your vehicle experiences problems due to
dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your dealer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as
ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines
may be available in your area. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines if they
comply with the specications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels
containing more than 10% ethanol must not be
used in vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for
fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts
in the fuel system and also damage plastic and
rubber parts. That damage would not be
covered under your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you
buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT.
General Motors recommends against the use of
such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the performance of
the emission control system may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on.
If this occurs, return to your dealer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel might be
hard to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other
fuel not recommended in the previous text on fuel.
Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would
not be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business
in the country where you will be driving.
284

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you
know when to change the engine oil and lter.
This is based on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving
conditions, the mileage at which an oil change
will be indicated can vary considerably. For the
oil life system to work properly, you must reset
the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has
been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change
is necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will come on.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 184.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, your engine oil and ltermust be changed at least once a year and at this
time the system must be reset. Your dealer has
GM-trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine GM parts and reset the system.
It is also important to check your oil regularly and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you
must change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since your last oil change. Remember to reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to
change your engine oil and lter based on vehicle
use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system
so it can calculate when the next oil change is
required. If a situation occurs where you change
your oil prior to a CHANGE OIL SOON message
being turned on, reset the system.
298

After changing the engine oil, the system must be
reset as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the information and reset buttons
on the DIC at the same time to enter the
personalization menu. SeeDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 186.
3. Press the information button to scroll through
the available personalization menu modes
until the DIC display shows OIL-LIFE RESET.
4. Press and hold the reset button until the DIC
display shows ACKNOWLEDGED. This will
tell you the system has been reset.
5. Turn the key to LOCK.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON message comes back
on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the reset
procedure.What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may
be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for
very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine
oil. See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used
oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of
your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station,
or a local recycling center for help.
299

Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch linkage in your vehicle is
self-adjusting. This system does not have its own
reservoir. It receives uid from the brake master
cylinder reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 318for more information.
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 309.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.
302

When you go to your GM Goodwrench®dealer for
your service needs, you will know that GM-trained
and supported service technicians will perform
the work using genuine GM parts.
If you want to purchase service information, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on
page 430.
Owner Checks and Services on page 402tells you
what should be checked, when to check it, and
what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and
lubricants to use are listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 406andNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 408.
When your vehicle is serviced, make sure these
are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine GM parts.Scheduled Maintenance
When the CHANGE OIL SOON message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 184. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil
and lter must be changed at least once a year and
at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service technicians who will
perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset
accidentally, you must service your vehicle within
3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last service.
Remember to reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 298for information on the Engine Oil Life
System and resetting the system.
396

When the CHANGE OIL SOON message appears,
certain services, checks, and inspections are
required. Required services are described in the
following for “MaintenanceI” and “MaintenanceII.”
Generally, it is recommended that your rst
service be MaintenanceI, your second service be
MaintenanceII, and that you alternate
MaintenanceIand MaintenanceIIthereafter.
However, in some cases, MaintenanceIImay be
required more often.MaintenanceI— Use MaintenanceIif the
CHANGE OIL SOON message comes on within
10 months since the vehicle was purchased
or MaintenanceIIwas performed.
MaintenanceII— Use MaintenanceIIif the
previous service performed was MaintenanceI.
Always use MaintenanceIIwhenever the CHANGE
OIL SOON message comes on 10 months or more
since the last service or if the message has not
come on at all for one year.
Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 293. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 298.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 300.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 349and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 403.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels. If you have the 2.0L
L4 supercharged engine, check intercooler uid level. Add uid as needed.••
397