engine coolant CHEVROLET COBALT 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-30

4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate
the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations
on that vehicle.
You will not see the battery of your vehicle under
the hood. It is located in the trunk. You will not
need to access your battery for jump starting.
Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) and a
remote negative (−) jump starting terminal.
The remote positive
terminal is located
under a red tethered
cap on the engine
compartment fuse block.
Lift the cap to access
the terminal.The remote negative (−)
ground terminal,
marked GND (−),
is located behind
the engine coolant
surge tank.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on the location of the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on your
vehicle.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
5-36

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.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 5-18.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-63and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels. Add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (l).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-20
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-20.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-56. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-74.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in
any other position, contact your dealer/retailer for
service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway,
and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start
only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the
way to the oor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch
pedal is not pushed all the way down, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets
GM Standard GM6094M and
displays the American Petroleum
Institute Certied for Gasoline
Engines starburst symbol.
To determine the proper viscosity
for your vehicle’s engine,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Brake SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Hydraulic
Clutch SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable GuidesChassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12377985,
in Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Manual
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
6-12

CD, MP3 .......................................................3-69
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Chains, Tire...................................................5-72
Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-102
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-49
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-101
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-99
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-96
Finish Care.................................................5-99Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-98
Interior.......................................................5-95
Leather......................................................5-97
Tires........................................................5-101
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-102
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-99
Weatherstrips..............................................5-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-100
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clock, Setting.................................................3-55
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-20
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-94
Competitive Driving, Racing or Other.................4-17
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-34
Heater, Engine............................................2-27
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
3

E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-8
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-105
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-108
Floor Console Fuse Block...........................5-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-106
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-105
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-105
Electronic Stability Control................................4-10
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-33
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-25Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Indicator/Warning Light.................................3-32
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage.............................................5-102
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-77
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-93
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Windshield Washer......................................5-30
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-14
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-39
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-9
5

Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-20
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-56
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-14
Cluster.......................................................3-24
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-34
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-50
Lamps
Dome........................................................3-15
Mirror Reading............................................3-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-23
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-47
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-27
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning...........3-32
Brake System Warning.................................3-31
Charging System.........................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-34
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Indicator/Warning Light..............................3-32
Fog Lamp..................................................3-39
Highbeam On.............................................3-39
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-35
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-28
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-38
Tire Pressure..............................................3-34
Up-Shift.....................................................3-30
7