warning light CHEVROLET OPTRA 2004 1.G Owner's Manual

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3
brake fluid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down. The first is that the
brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the fluid level goes back up. The other reason is
that fluid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system fixed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to “top off” your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much fluid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake 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
hydraulic system.
When your brake fluid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-30.
5-35

{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Your rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the
rear brake linings inspected immediately.Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or
changing. When you have the front brake pads
replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
SeeBrake System Inspection on page 6-24.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then – very carefully – make a few
moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
5-37

While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
5-61

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-34
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-82
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-42, 3-46
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-28
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-51
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-57
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-57
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-58
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-56
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).......7-10
AM ...............................................................3-51
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-52
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-31
Appearance Care............................................5-73
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-76
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-79
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-73
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-76
Finish Damage............................................5-78Appearance Care (cont.)
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-79
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Arming the System.........................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-40
Backglass Antenna......................................3-52
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-52
Care of Your CDs........................................3-52
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-44
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-51
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-51
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-23
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-19
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-52
Battery..........................................................5-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-20
1

Brake
Parking......................................................2-28
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brake Fluid....................................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-36
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Fog Lamps.................................................5-46
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-45
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-44
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-44
Headlamps.................................................5-44
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-48
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-46
Buying New Tires...........................................5-60
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ iiCanadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock..............2-10
Capacities and Specifications............................5-90
Carbon Monoxide...........4-25, 4-37, 2-11, 2-13, 2-33
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-76
Your CD Player...........................................3-52
Your CDs ...................................................3-52
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-18
CD Messages........................................3-44, 3-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-28
Chains, Tires..................................................5-63
Charging System Light....................................3-29
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-33
Check Engine Light.........................................3-33
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-79
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
2

Engine (cont.)
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-19
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-86
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-18
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-40, 3-44
Finish Care....................................................5-77
Finish Damage...............................................5-78
Five-Speed....................................................2-27
Flash-to-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-63
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-64Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-20
Manual Transaxle........................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-33
Windshield Washer......................................5-34
FM ...............................................................3-51
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-37
Fog Lamps..............................................3-7, 3-14
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-8
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-13
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-39
Front Storage Area.........................................2-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-39
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-39
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-82
5

G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-32
Fuel..........................................................3-39
Speedometer..............................................3-27
Tachometer.................................................3-27
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specifications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-37
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp
Aiming.......................................................5-44
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-82
Headlamps....................................................5-44
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-44
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-45
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-44
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-47
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-46
Height Adjuster, Driver Seat............................... 1-4Highbeam On Light.........................................3-38
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-23
Hold Mode.....................................................2-26
Hold Mode Functions......................................2-26
Hold Mode Light.............................................3-32
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How the System Alarm is Activated...................2-17
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-29
How to Check................................................5-58
How to Check and Add Fluid............................5-21
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-33
How to Detect a Tamper Condition....................2-17
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-19
How to Turn Off the System Alarm....................2-17
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-20
Hydroplaning..................................................4-18
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-26
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-25
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-34
6

If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-34
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-27
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-21
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
Inflation - Tire Pressure...................................5-57
Inspection
Brake System.............................................6-24
Engine Cooling System................................6-23
Exhaust System..........................................6-23
Fuel System...............................................6-23
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-23
Throttle System...........................................6-24
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-26
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-14
Instrument Panel Fuse Block............................5-83
Interior Lamps................................................3-14
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-39
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-20
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps
Exterior......................................................3-12
Fog Lamps.................................................5-46
Interior.......................................................3-14
Lamps On Reminder.......................................3-13
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-16, 1-25
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running......2-30
Liftgate..........................................................2-13
Light
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-28
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-31
Brake System Warning.................................3-30
Charging System.........................................3-29
Cruise Control.............................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator..................3-38
7

Light (cont.)
Door Ajar...................................................3-38
Fog Lamp..................................................3-37
Highbeam On.............................................3-38
Hold Mode.................................................3-32
Low Fuel Warning.......................................3-39
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-33
Oil Pressure...............................................3-36
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-28
Safety Belt Reminder Tone...........................3-28
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light..........................................3-31
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-33
Lockout Protection..........................................2-10
Locks
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-10
Power Door.................................................. 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Long Trip/Highway Definition.............................. 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-13
Loss of Control...............................................4-13
Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-39
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-91
Maintenance Schedule
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-18
At Least Once a Month................................6-18
At Least Once a Year..................................6-20
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-19
Brake System Inspection..............................6-24
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-23
Fuel System Inspection................................6-23
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.............6-18
Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections......6-23
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-24
Part E - Maintenance Record........................6-26
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-23
Throttle System Inspection............................6-24
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
8

Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-33
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats............................................1-2, 1-3
Manual Transaxle............................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-27
Manual Transaxle Check..................................6-19
Manual Windows............................................2-15
Map Lamps....................................................3-15
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/
Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance....................... 7-5
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-35
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-37
Outside Manual Mirrors................................2-35
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-36
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-18
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-91
O
Odometer......................................................3-27
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-14
Pressure Light.............................................3-36
Older Children, Restraints................................1-29
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Opening a Rear Door When the Security
Lock is On.................................................2-10
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-5
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-22
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-36
Heated Mirrors............................................2-37
Manual Mirrors............................................2-35
Power Mirrors.............................................2-36
Overseas – Customer Assistance........................ 7-5
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner’s Information........................................7-13
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-31
9