tow CHEVROLET OPTRA 2004 1.G Owner's Guide

Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{CAUTION:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. SeePart D: Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-24.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold
water.
Do not wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Do not use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials on page 5-79.
Do not use cleaning agents that are petroleum based,
or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the
surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft,
clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
5-76

Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal
will corrode quickly and may develop into major repair
expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials avaliable from your dealer. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your dealer’s
body and paint shop.
5-78

Long Trip/Highway Denition
Follow this scheduled maintenanceonlyif none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions will cause engine oil to break down
slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km):Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Inspection. Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Replacement. Drive Belt(s) Inspection.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km):Engine Air Cleaner
Filter Replacement. Spark Plug Replacement. Cooling
System Service. EVAP System Service. PCV System
Service. Timing Belt Inspection. Brake/Clutch Fluid
Change (or 24 months, whichever occurs first).Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km):Spark Plug Wire
Replacement. Timing Belt Replacement. EVAP System
Solenoid Valve Filter Replacement.
Every 90,000 Miles (150 000 km):Fuel Filter
Replacement.
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.
Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be repeated after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals for the life of
this vehicle.
SeePart B: Owner Checks and Services on page 6-18
andPart C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections on
page 6-23.
6-6

Overseas – Customer Assistance
Please contact the local General Motors Business Unit.
Mexico, Central America and
Caribbean Islands/Countries
(Except Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin
Islands) – Customer Assistance
General Motors de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Customer Assistance Center
Paseo de la Reforma # 2740
Col. Lomas de Bezares
C.P. 11910, Mexico, D.F.
01-800-508-0000
Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0 800
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward eligible aftermarket
driver or passenger
adaptive equipment you
may require for your vehicle
(hand controls, wheelchair/
scooter lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The offer is available for
a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. For more details, or to determine your
vehicle’s eligibility, see your GM dealer or call the
GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
telephone (TTY) users, call 1-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. All TTY users
call 1-800-263-3830.
7-5

Roadside Assistance Program
Security While You Travel
1-800-CHEV-USA (243-8872)
As the proud owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Chevrolet’s Roadside
Assistance toll-free number is staffed by courteous
and capable Roadside Assistance Representatives who
are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
•Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
•Lock-out Service (identication required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles.
•Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest dealership for
warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance when the
vehicle is mired in sand, mud or snow.
•Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. (The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.)
•Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
•Dealer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Chevrolet’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty.
However, when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
7-6

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

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

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

Tires (cont.)
Inflation - Tire Pressure................................5-57
Inspection and Rotation................................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-62
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-62
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-59
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-22
Top Strap......................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-41
Torque Lock...................................................2-30
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-37
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-20
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-23
Transaxle Operation, Manual............................2-27
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-12
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-27
Trunk............................................................2-11
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-6U
Underbody Flushing Service.............................6-22
Understanding Radio Reception........................3-51
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-60
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-4
Used Replacement Wheels..............................5-63
Using an MP3 CD..........................................3-47
Using Cleaner on Fabric..................................5-74
Using the Rear Door Security Lock...................2-10
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-33
Parking Your...............................................2-32
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders..................................................7-10
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).............................................5-81
Service Parts Identification Label...................5-81
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-38
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-22
Visor Vanity Mirror..........................................2-16
Visors...........................................................2-16
13