wiper blades CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Misting Function
Move the lever toward, but not completely in, the INT
position for a single wiping cycle. Hold it there until the
windshield wipers start; then let go. The windshield
wipers will stop after one wipe. If you want more wipes,
hold the lever toward INT longer.
Remember that damaged wiper blades may prevent you
from seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them.
If they are frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or
thaw them. If your blades do become damaged, get
new blades or blade inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
To wash your windshield, pull the windshield
wiper/washer lever toward you with the ignition turned
to ON.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
When you release the lever, the washers will stop, but
the wipers will continue to wipe for about two or
three cycles and will either stop or will resume at the
speed you were using before.
3-12

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain
can make it harder to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even
people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield
wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or
missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber
start to separate from the inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before you
hit them.
4-16

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain
you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will find experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
•Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
•Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
•Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
•Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
•Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
•Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
•Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-20

Tires..............................................................5-50
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-51
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................5-53
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-56
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-57
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-58
Buying New Tires.........................................5-59
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-60
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-61
Wheel Replacement......................................5-62
Tire Chains..................................................5-63
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-63
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-64
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-66
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-69
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-73
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-73
Appearance Care............................................5-74
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-74
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-75
Leather.......................................................5-76
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-76
Weatherstrips...............................................5-76Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-77
Finish Care..................................................5-77
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-78
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-78
Tires...........................................................5-79
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-79
Finish Damage.............................................5-79
Underbody Maintenance................................5-79
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-80
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-80
Vehicle Identication......................................5-81
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-81
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-81
Electrical System............................................5-81
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-81
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-82
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-82
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-85
Capacities and Specications..........................5-88
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........5-89
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. See “Wiper Blade Check” for more
information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type,
seeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 5-89.Here is how to remove and replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Press the retaining clip (A) and pull the wiper blade
off the arm.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
5-49

Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather,
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a
period of years. To help keep the paint finish looking
new, keep the vehicle in a garage or covered whenever
possible.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap, or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass
cleaning liquid or powder and water solution. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when it is rinsed
with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum Wheels
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the 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.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because the surface could be damaged. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
5-78

Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part GM Part Number ACDelco®Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 96553450 —
Engine Oil Filter 96395221 —
Fuel Filter 96335719 —
A/C Filter 96554378 —
Spark Plugs 93742299 —
Windshield Wiper Blades (Hook Type)
Driver’s Side 96478670 —
Passenger’s Side 96498696 —
Rear 96341429 —
5-89

Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Windshield and Wiper Blades on page 5-78.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. SeePart D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-24.
Automatic Transaxle Check
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A
transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
Check for leaks. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Manual Transaxle Check
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
Check for leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. Have the system inspected and repaired if
needed.
Clutch and Brake Pedal Free Play
Check
Check the clutch pedal and brake pedal for free play
and adjust as necessary.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all hood latch assemblies, secondary latch,
pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, hood and body door
hinges, rear compartment and any folding seat
hardware. Part D tells you what to use. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment.
6-19

A
Accessories and Modifications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-19
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-64
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-81
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
Air Conditioning..............................................3-22
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-31
Readiness Light..........................................3-30
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-9
Airbag System................................................1-52
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-64
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-58
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-60
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-64
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?......................1-58
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?....1-58
When Should an Airbag Inflate?....................1-57
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-55
Antenna, Integrated Windshield.........................3-75
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-35Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-78
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-77
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-74
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-75
Finish Care.................................................5-77
Finish Damage............................................5-79
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-79
Tires..........................................................5-79
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-80
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-20
Audio System(s).............................................3-44
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-73
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-75
Care of Your CDs ........................................3-75
Integrated Windshield Antenna.......................3-75
Radio with CD............................3-45, 3-49, 3-57
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-65
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-74
1

Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-37
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-33
Infants and Young Children...........................1-30
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-48
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-20
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-78
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-77
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-75
Finish Care.................................................5-77
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-74
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Tires..........................................................5-79Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Climate Control System...................................3-22
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-26
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-25
Clock............................................................3-21
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-19
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-73
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-36
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-36
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
Cooling System..............................................5-24
Cruise Control................................................3-13
Cruise Control Light........................................3-41
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-34
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
3