2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 290

Engine Overheating The vehicle has an indicator to warn of engine overheating. You will find an engine coolant temperature warning light on your vehicle's instrument panel. See Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-32 for more information. You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning appears, but instead get service help right away. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-8. If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should be running. If they are not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced. Notice: Engine damage from running the engine without coolant is not covered by the warranty. Notice: If the engine catches fire because of being driven with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If Steam Is Coming From The Engine Compartment { CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood. If you keep driving when your engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop your engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool. 5-32