Maintenance CHEVROLET OPTRA 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program
administered by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to
filing a court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in
your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other
venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle age,
mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the
right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue
its participation in this program.Online Owner Center
The Owner Center is a resource for your GM ownership
needs. You can find your specific vehicle information
all in one place.
The Owner Center allows you to:
•Get e-mail service reminders.
•Access information about your specific vehicle,
including tips and videos and an electronic
version of this owner’s manual. (United States only)
•Keep track of your vehicle’s service history and
maintenance schedule.
•Find GM dealers for service nationwide.
•Receive special promotions and privileges only
available to members. (United States only)
Refer to the web for updated information.
To register your vehicle, visit www.MyGMLink.com.
(United States) or My GM Canada within
www.gmcanada.com (Canada).
7-3

Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
Owner’s Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include
the Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Service Publications are available for current and
past model GM vehicles. To request an order form,
please specify year and model name of the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P. O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-13

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

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-73
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-76
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-78
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-77
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-73
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-75
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-75
Cleaning Leather............................................5-75
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-75
Cleaning Tires................................................5-78
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-75
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-77
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Clock............................................................3-18Clutch and Brake Pedal Free Play Check...........6-19
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-20
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-72
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-24
Cooling System..............................................5-27
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-37
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-37
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-38
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-21
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Disarming the System.....................................2-17
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-15
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-38
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-8
Door Ajar Reminder....................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-4
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20Driving (cont.)
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-82
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-82
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-35
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-33
Coolant......................................................5-21
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
4

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

Parking
Brake........................................................2-28
Over Things That Burn.................................2-32
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle Park (P)
Mechanism Check.......................................6-22
Parking Your Vehicle.......................................2-32
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
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-23
Passing.........................................................4-11
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a CD.........................................3-42, 3-46
Playing the Radio...................................3-40, 3-44
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.........................................5-82
Steering Fluid.............................................5-33
Windows....................................................2-15
Power Steering................................................ 4-9
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-28
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-14
R
Radios..........................................................3-40
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-52
Care of Your CDs........................................3-52
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-44
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-51
Understanding Reception..............................3-51
Rear Door Security Locks.................................. 2-9
Rear Seat Armrest..........................................2-39
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-8
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-24
Rear Window and Outside Mirror Defogger.........3-22
Rear Window Washer/Wiper............................... 3-9
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-35
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-5
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-31
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation............ 2-4
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-12
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-67
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-66
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-49
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-38
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-12
General Motors...........................................7-12
United States Government............................7-11
10

Restraint System Check...................................6-19
Checking Your Restraint Systems...................1-60
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a
Crash.....................................................1-61
Restraint Systems
Checking....................................................1-60
Replacing Parts...........................................1-61
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-24
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out...................4-30
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-34
S
Safety Belt
Pretensioners..............................................1-28
Reminder Light............................................3-28
Reminder Tone............................................3-28
Safety Belts
Care of......................................................5-76
Center Rear Passenger Position....................1-28
Driver Position............................................1-15
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-15
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-14
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-24
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-24
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iii
Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjuster............................. 1-4
Head Restraints............................................ 1-7
Manual..................................................1-2, 1-3
Manual Lumbar............................................. 1-4
Rear Seat Operation...................................... 1-8
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-5
Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH System...................1-45
Rear Seat Position......................................1-45
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-48
Security While You Travel.................................. 7-6
Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance.......... 6-5
Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle..................................................... 5-5
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-33
Publications Ordering Information...................7-12
Service Bulletins.............................................7-13
Service Manuals.............................................7-12
Setting Preset Stations............................3-41, 3-45
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..................3-41, 3-45
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-78
Shift Speeds..................................................2-28
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-29
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-31
Short Trip/City Definition.................................... 6-5
11