warning light CHEVROLET COBALT 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-30
Airbag System
.........................................1-53
Restraint System Check
............................1-68
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-38
OnStar
®System
......................................2-40
Storage Areas
.........................................2-43
Sunroof
..................................................2-44
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-23
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-40
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-54Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-32
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-39
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-42
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-48
Tires
......................................................5-49
Appearance Care
.....................................5-95
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-104
Electrical System
....................................5-105
Capacities and Specications
...................5-112
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner ManualM

If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough outside,
the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps, parking lamps,
and back-up lamps will turn on each time
Kon the
transmitter is pressed. These exterior lamps will stay
on for 20 seconds, or until a door is opened. See
“EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-48
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter will disarm
the content theft-deterrent system. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and holdVfor
approximately one second to open the trunk. The trunk
will open using the transmitter when the vehicle speed is
less than 2 mph (3 km/h), when the ignition is off, or when
the vehicle shift lever is in PARK (P), if your vehicle has
an automatic transmission.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):PressLto locate
your vehicle. The horn will sound three times and the
headlamps and turn signals will ash three times.
Press and hold
Lfor approximately three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn will sound and the
headlamps and turn signals will ash for 30 seconds.
Press
Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
Matching Transmitter(s) to
Your Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to
be re-coded to match the new transmitter. The
lost transmitter will no longer work after the new
transmitters are re-coded. Each vehicle can have
up to four transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT LOW
message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB BATT
LOW” underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-43
Notice:When replacing the battery, use care not
to touch any of the circuitry. Static from your body
transferred to these surfaces may damage the
transmitter.
2-6

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off to indicate
the engine is off.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and release the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN and then
LOCK/OFF.
Your vehicle’s engine can be started two times,
per ignition cycle, using the transmitter’s remote
start feature.
If the remote start procedure is used again before
the rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the rst
10 minutes will immediately expire and the second
10 minute time frame will start.The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-35.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided for that ignition cycle.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-48for additional
information.
2-9

{CAUTION:
If you have a manual transmission removing
the key from the ignition switch will lock the
steering column and result in a loss of ability
to steer the vehicle. This could cause a
collision. If you need to turn the engine off
while the vehicle is moving, turn the key to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position operates
some of your electrical accessories. It unlocks the
steering wheel and ignition.
R(ON/RUN):This is the position the switch returns
to after you start your engine and release the switch.
The switch stays in the ON/RUN position when the
engine is running. But even when the ignition is
not running, you can use ON/RUN to operate your
electrical accessories and to display some warning
and indicator lights.The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with
the engine off. You may not be able to start your
vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended
period of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When
the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal driving.
A warning tone will sound if you open the driver’s door
while in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY, when
the key has not been removed from the ignition.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is
an easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime will
sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for
an extended period of time.
2-23

Parking Brake
The parking brake lever is located between the
front seats.
For vehicles equipped with an armrest, lift the console
armrest in order to access the parking brake lever.To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down
and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition
is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press
the release button. Hold the release button in as you
move the brake lever all the way down.
If you forget to release your parking brake, a chime
will sound and the PARKING BRAKE message
will appear along with the brake system warning light
when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle
is moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-43.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving. Automatic Shown, Manual Similar
2-32

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........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-12
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-13
Fog Lamps..................................................3-14
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-14
Dome Lamp.................................................3-15Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-15
Mirror Reading Lamps...................................3-15
Electric Power Management...........................3-15
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-16
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-16
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-17
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-21
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-23
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-24
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-25
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-26
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-27
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-28
Charging System Light..................................3-30
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-30
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Brake System Warning Light..........................3-31
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. . . .3-32
Enhanced Traction System Indicator/
Warning Light...........................................3-32
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light...........................................3-33
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-34
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-34
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-35
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-38
Security Light...............................................3-38
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-39
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-39
Fuel Gage...................................................3-39Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-40
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-40
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-43
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-48
Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Setting the Clock..........................................3-55
Radio(s)......................................................3-58
Using an MP3..............................................3-69
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-74
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-75
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-76
Radio Reception...........................................3-76
Fixed Mast Antenna......................................3-77
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-77
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-18.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped). SeeCruise
Control on page 3-10. Driver Information Control
Buttons. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 3-40.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-24.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-76.
G. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Windshield Wiper/Washer Controls. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield Washer on
page 3-9.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
J. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps
on page 3-14.K. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-13.
L. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-14.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Traction Control System Button (If Equipped).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Electronic Stability Control Button (If Equipped).
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-10.
O. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s)
and Cigarette Lighter on page 3-17.
P. Shift Lever (Manual Shown). SeeManual
Transmission Operation on page 2-30and
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-28.
Q. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-18.
R. Heated Seats Button (If Equipped). SeeHeated
Seats on page 1-4.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-43.
3-5

This position must be selected in order for the Wiper
Activated Headlamps to be activated. SeeWiper
Activated Headlamps on page 3-13.
P(Off/On):When operating in AUTO, a momentary
turn of the switch to Off/On will turn the Automatic
Headlamp System off or back on. For vehicles rst sold
in Canada, the transmission must be in the PARK (P)
position, before the Automatic Headlamp System can be
turned off.
Wiper Activated Headlamps
This feature activates the headlamps and parking lamps
after the windshield wipers are turned on. For this
feature to work, automatic lighting must be enabled.
SeeHeadlamps on page 3-12for additional information.
When the ignition is turned off, the wiper-activated
headlamps will immediately turn off. They will also turn
off 15 seconds after the windshield wiper control is
turned off.
Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition off and
the lamps on, a warning chime will sound. This lets you
know that the headlamps are still on.
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. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all vehicles
rst sold in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor on
top of the instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered,
or the head lamps will be on when not needed.
The DRL system will make the headlamps come on
when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO or the
parking lamps only position.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released.
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 position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when you need it.
3-13

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This section describes the warning lights and gages on
your vehicle.
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. 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. Follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-23