2005 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 88

NEUTRAL: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. Up-Shift Light If you have a manual transaxle, you have an up-shift light. This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy. United States Only When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if weather, road and traffic conditions let you. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on. While you accelerate, it is normal for the light to go on and off if you quickly change the position of the accelerator. Ignore the light when you downshift. Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don't shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. 2-24