steering CHEVROLET OPTRA 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning flashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured or even killed. Find a level place to
change your tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake rmly.
2. Put an automatic transaxle shift lever in
PARK (P), or shift a manual transaxle to
FIRST (1) or REVERSE (R).
CAUTION: (Continued)
5-64

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer toPart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-24for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 1.41 lbs 0.64 kg
Brake/Clutch Fluid 0.53 quarts 0.5 L
Cooling System 7.9 quarts 7.5 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.2 quarts 4.0 L
Fuel Tank 14.5 gallons 55 L
Power Steering Fluid 1.2 quarts 1.1 L
Transaxle, Automatic
Complete Overhaul 7.1–7.5 quarts 6.7–7.1 L
Transaxle, Manual
Complete Drain and Refill 1.9 quarts 1.8 L
Wheel Nut Torque 81 lb ft 110Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transaxle Spark Plug Gap
2.0L L4 (L34) ZAutomatic and
Manual0.039 inch (1.0 mm)
5-90

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
How This Section is Organized.........................6-3
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services...........6-4
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-4
Selecting the Right Schedule...........................6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance..............6-6
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance......6-13
Part B: Owner Checks and Services................6-18
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-18
At Least Once a Month.................................6-18At Least Twice a Year...................................6-19
At Least Once a Year...................................6-20
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections.........6-23
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection............................6-23
Exhaust System Inspection............................6-23
Fuel System Inspection..................................6-23
Engine Cooling System Inspection...................6-23
Throttle System Inspection.............................6-24
Brake System Inspection................................6-24
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants......6-24
Part E: Maintenance Record...........................6-26
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System 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. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-28if necessary.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of PARK (P), your vehicle needs service.
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position.
•With an automatic transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
•With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to
LOCK only when you press the key release button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It
should only lock when turned to the right.
6-21

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed in this part are inspections and services which
should be performed at least twice a year (for instance,
each spring and fall).You should let your dealer’s
service department do these jobs. Make sure any
necessary repairs are completed at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-12.
Steering, Suspension and Front
Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect the drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which
could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
on page 2-33.
Fuel System Inspection
Inspect the complete fuel system for damage or leaks.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
6-23

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Automatic
TransaxleAutomatic Transaxle Fluid ESSO LT
71141 or TOTAL ATF H50235.
Manual
TransaxleGM Goodwrench Synthetic Manual
Transmission Fluid (GM Part No.
U.S. 12346190, in Canada
10953477) or equivalent SAE
75W-85 GL-4 gear oil.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Manual
Transaxle Shift
LinkageChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada
88901242) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
6-25

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to General
Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you’ll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM
transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
7-12

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