Home » Chevrolet Manuals » 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt » Manual Viewer

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 232

2007 Chevrolet Cobalt Manual

Get 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt PDF manuals and user guides

View all 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt manuals

Page 232 highlights

The electric power steering system does not require regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system problems and/or the POWER STEERING message comes on, contact your dealer for service repairs. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 180. Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here is why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems - steering and braking - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you are steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems - steering and acceleration - can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. See Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 230. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. 232

Section	Page
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	7
Front Seats	9
Manual Seats	9
Driver Seat Height Adjuster	10
Manual Lumbar	10
Heated Seats	11
Reclining Seatbacks	12
Head Restraints	14
Easy Entry Seat (Coupe)	15
Rear Seats	16
Split Folding Rear Seat	16
Safety Belts	18
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	18
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts	22
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	23
Driver Position	24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment	31
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Right Front Passenger Position	32
Rear Seat Passengers	33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides	36
Safety Belt Pretensioners	39
Safety Belt Extender	39
Child Restraints	40
Older Children	40
Infants and Young Children	43
Child Restraint Systems	47
Where to Put the Restraint	51
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	53
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	59
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	62
Airbag System	66
Where Are the Airbags?	69
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	71
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	73
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	73
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	74
Passenger Sensing System	75
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	80
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	81
Restraint System Check	82
Checking the Restraint Systems	82
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	83
Features and Controls	85
Keys	87
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	88
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	89
Doors and Locks	96
Door Locks	96
Power Door Locks	97
Delayed Locking	97
Automatic Door Lock	98
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock	98
Rear Door Security Locks (Sedan)	98
Lockout Protection	99
Trunk	100
Windows	102
Manual Windows	103
Power Windows	103
Sun Visors	104
Theft-Deterrent Systems	104
Content Theft-Deterrent	104
PASS-Key® III+	106
PASS-Key® III+ Operation	106
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	108
New Vehicle Break-In	108
Ignition Positions	108
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	111
Starting the Engine	111
Engine Coolant Heater	113
Automatic Transaxle Operation	115
Manual Transaxle Operation	118
Parking Brake	120
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)	121
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)	123
Parking Over Things That Burn	124
Engine Exhaust	125
Running the Engine While Parked	126
Mirrors	127
Manual Rearview Mirror	127
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	127
Outside Manual Mirror	127
Outside Remote Control Mirror	127
Outside Power Mirrors	128
Outside Convex Mirror	128
OnStar® System	129
Storage Areas	133
Glove Box	133
Cupholder(s)	133
Center Console Storage Area	133
Driver’s Storage Compartment	133
Convenience Net	134
Sunroof	134
Instrument Panel	135
Instrument Panel Overview	138
Hazard Warning Flashers	140
Other Warning Devices	140
Horn	140
Tilt Wheel	140
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	141
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	142
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	142
Flash-to-Pass	143
Windshield Wipers	143
Windshield Washer	144
Cruise Control	145
Headlamps	148
Wiper Activated Headlamps	149
Headlamps on Reminder	149
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	149
Fog Lamps	150
Instrument Panel Brightness	150
Dome Lamp	151
Entry/Exit Lighting	151
Mirror Reading Lamps	151
Electric Power Management	151
Battery Run-Down Protection	152
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	152
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	153
Climate Controls	154
Climate Control System	154
Outlet Adjustment	157
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	158
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	160
Instrument Panel Cluster	161
Speedometer and Odometer	162
Tachometer	162
Safety Belt Reminder Light	162
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light	163
Airbag Readiness Light	163
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	164
Charging System Light	166
Up-Shift Light	167
Brake System Warning Light	167
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	168
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light	169
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	170
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	170
Oil Pressure Light	174
Security Light	175
Fog Lamp Light	175
Highbeam On Light	175
Fuel Gage	175
Boost Gage	176
Driver Information Center (DIC)	177
DIC Operation and Displays	178
DIC Warnings and Messages	180
DIC Vehicle Personalization	182
Audio System(s)	188
Setting the Time (Without Date Display)	189
Setting the Time (With Date Display)	190
Radio with CD (Base)	192
Radio with CD (MP3)	197
Using an MP3	207
XM Radio Messages	215
Theft-Deterrent Feature	217
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	217
Radio Reception	218
Care of Your CDs	219
Care of the CD Player	219
Fixed Mast Antenna	219
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	219
Driving Your Vehicle	221
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	222
Defensive Driving	222
Drunken Driving	223
Control of a Vehicle	226
Braking	226
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	227
Braking in Emergencies	229
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	230
Limited-Slip Differential	231
Steering	231
Off-Road Recovery	234
Passing	234
Loss of Control	236
Racing or Other Competitive Driving	237
Driving at Night	238
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	239
City Driving	242
Freeway Driving	243
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	244
Highway Hypnosis	245
Hill and Mountain Roads	246
Winter Driving	248
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	252
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	253
Loading Your Vehicle	253
Towing	258
Towing Your Vehicle	258
Recreational Vehicle Towing	259
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)	261
Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)	261
Service and Appearance Care	271
Service	274
Accessories and Modifications	274
California Proposition 65 Warning	275
Doing Your Own Service Work	275
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	276
Fuel	276
Gasoline Octane	277
Gasoline Specifications	277
California Fuel	278
Additives	278
Fuels in Foreign Countries	279
Filling the Tank	280
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	282
Checking Things Under the Hood	282
Hood Release	283
Engine Compartment Overview	284
Engine Oil	287
Engine Oil Life System	292
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	294
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	295
Manual Transaxle Fluid	295
Hydraulic Clutch	296
Engine Coolant	296
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	303
Engine Overheating	303
Cooling System	305
Windshield Washer Fluid	312
Brakes	313
Battery	316
Jump Starting	317
Headlamp Aiming	323
Bulb Replacement	326
Halogen Bulbs	326
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	327
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)	328
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps (Coupe)	329
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps (Sedan)	330
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe)	331
License Plate Lamp	332
Replacement Bulbs	332
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	333
Tires	334
Winter Tires	335
Tire Sidewall Labeling	336
Tire Terminology and Definitions	339
Inflation - Tire Pressure	342
High-Speed Operation	344
Tire Inspection and Rotation	345
When It Is Time for New Tires	346
Buying New Tires	347
Different Size Tires and Wheels	349
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	350
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	351
Wheel Replacement	351
Tire Chains	353
If a Tire Goes Flat	354
Changing a Flat Tire	355
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	356
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	360
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	365
Compact Spare Tire	368
Appearance Care	369
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	369
Fabric/Carpet	370
Leather	371
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	371
Care of Safety Belts	372
Weatherstrips	372
Washing Your Vehicle	372
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	373
Finish Care	373
Windshield and Wiper Blades	374
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels	374
Tires	375
Sheet Metal Damage	375
Finish Damage	376
Underbody Maintenance	376
Chemical Paint Spotting	376
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	377
Vehicle Identification	378
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	378
Service Parts Identification Label	378
Electrical System	378
Add-On Electrical Equipment	378
Headlamp Wiring	379
Windshield Wiper Fuses	379
Power Windows and Other Power Options	379
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	379
Floor Console Fuse Block	380
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	382
Capacities and Specifications	385
Maintenance Schedule	387
Maintenance Schedule	388
Introduction	388
Maintenance Requirements	388
Your Vehicle and the Environment	389
Using the Maintenance Schedule	389
Scheduled Maintenance	391
Additional Required Services	394
Maintenance Footnotes	395
Owner Checks and Services	397
At Each Fuel Fill	398
At Least Once a Month	398
At Least Once a Year	399
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	402
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	404
Engine Drive Belt Routing	405
Maintenance Record	406
Customer Assistance Information	409
Customer Assistance and Information	410
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	410
Online Owner Center	413
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	414
Customer Assistance Offices	414
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	415
Roadside Assistance Program	416
Courtesy Transportation	419
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders	422
Collision Damage Repair	423
Reporting Safety Defects	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	428
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	428
Service Publications Ordering Information	429

Match case Limit results 1 per page

The electric power steering system does not

require regular maintenance. If you suspect

steering system problems and/or the POWER

STEERING message comes on, contact

your dealer for service repairs. See

DIC Warnings

and Messages on page 180

Steering Tips

It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned

on the news happen on curves. Here is why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is

subject to the same laws of physics when driving on

curves. The traction of the tires against the road

surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change

its path when you turn the front wheels. If there is

no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the

same direction. If you have ever tried to steer a

vehicle on wet ice, you will understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on

the condition of your tires and the road surface,

the angle at which the curve is banked, and

your speed. While you are in a curve, speed is the

one factor you can control.

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.

Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control

systems — steering and braking — have to do their

work where the tires meet the road. Unless you

have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard

braking can demand too much of those places.

You can lose control.

The same thing can happen if you are steering

through a sharp curve and you suddenly

accelerate. Those two control systems — steering

and acceleration — can overwhelm those places

where the tires meet the road and make you lose

control. See

Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on

page 230

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up

on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle

the way you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you

should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted

speeds are based on good weather and road

conditions. Under less favorable conditions you will

want to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approach

a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while

your front wheels are straight ahead.

232