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2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 202

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt Manual

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Braking in Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. However, if you do not have ABS, your ﬁrst reaction - to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down - might be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic. If you do not have ABS, use a "squeeze" braking technique. This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help you retain steering control. If you do have ABS, it is different. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Brake Assist If your vehicle has ESC with ABS, it also has a brake assist feature that responds to emergency braking by generating additional pressure and engaging the ABS. When this happens, the brake pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake pedal down ﬁrmly and let the system work for you. You might feel the brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is normal. The brakes will return to normal operation after the brake pedal is released. Brake assist cannot compensate for unsafe driving practices and braking effectiveness, itself, depends on the condition of the road, tires, and brakes and vehicle mass. Traction Control System (TCS) Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that the wheels are spinning too much or are beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power by closing the throttle and managing engine spark to limit wheel spin. If your vehicle has TCS, there is a ESC/TCS button located on the instrument panel. 4-6

Section	Page
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint Systems	5
Front Seats	6
Manual Seats	6
Seat Height Adjuster	7
Manual Lumbar	7
Heated Seats	8
Reclining Seatbacks	8
Head Restraints	11
Easy Entry Seat (Coupe)	12
Rear Seats	13
Split Folding Rear Seat	13
Safety Belts	14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	14
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	19
Lap-Shoulder Belt	27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	33
Safety Belt Extender	33
Child Restraints	34
Older Children	34
Infants and Young Children	36
Child Restraint Systems	40
Where to Put the Restraint	42
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	43
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	50
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	53
Airbag System	57
Where Are the Airbags?	60
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	62
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	63
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	64
Passenger Sensing System	65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	70
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	70
Restraint System Check	72
Checking the Restraint Systems	72
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	73
Features and Controls	75
Keys	77
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	78
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	79
Remote Vehicle Start	81
Doors and Locks	84
Door Locks	84
Power Door Locks	84
Delayed Locking	85
Automatic Door Lock	85
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock	85
Rear Door Security Locks (Sedan)	86
Lockout Protection	87
Trunk	87
Windows	89
Manual Windows	89
Power Windows	90
Sun Visors	91
Theft-Deterrent Systems	92
Content Theft-Deterrent	92
PASS-Key® III+	93
PASS-Key® III+ Operation	94
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	95
New Vehicle Break-In	95
Ignition Positions	96
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	99
Starting the Engine	99
Engine Coolant Heater	101
Automatic Transmission Operation	102
Manual Transmission Operation	104
Parking Brake	106
Shifting Into PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)	107
Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission)	109
Parking Your Vehicle	109
Parking Over Things That Burn	110
Engine Exhaust	110
Running the Vehicle While Parked	111
Mirrors	112
Manual Rearview Mirror	112
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®	112
Outside Manual Mirror	112
Outside Remote Control Mirror	112
Outside Power Mirrors	113
Outside Convex Mirror	113
OnStar® System	114
Storage Areas	117
Glove Box	117
Cupholder(s)	117
Center Console Storage	117
Driver’s Storage Compartment	117
Convenience Net	117
Sunroof	118
Instrument Panel	119
Instrument Panel Overview	122
Hazard Warning Flashers	124
Other Warning Devices	124
Horn	124
Tilt Wheel	124
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	125
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	125
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	126
Flash-to-Pass	126
Windshield Wipers	126
Windshield Washer	127
Cruise Control	128
Headlamps	130
Wiper Activated Headlamps	131
Headlamps on Reminder	131
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	131
Fog Lamps	132
Instrument Panel Brightness	132
Dome Lamp	133
Entry/Exit Lighting	133
Mirror Reading Lamps	133
Electric Power Management	133
Battery Run-Down Protection	134
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	134
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter	135
Climate Controls	136
Climate Control System	136
Outlet Adjustment	139
Passenger Compartment Air Filter	139
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	141
Instrument Panel Cluster	142
Speedometer and Odometer	143
Tachometer	143
Safety Belt Reminders	144
Airbag Readiness Light	145
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	146
Charging System Light	148
Up-Shift Light	148
Brake System Warning Light	149
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	150
Enhanced Traction System Indicator/Warning Light	150
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	151
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	152
Tire Pressure Light	152
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	153
Oil Pressure Light	156
Security Light	156
Fog Lamp Light	157
Highbeam On Light	157
Fuel Gage	157
Driver Information Center (DIC)	158
DIC Operation and Displays	158
DIC Warnings and Messages	161
DIC Vehicle Personalization	166
Audio System(s)	172
Setting the Clock	173
Radio(s)	176
Using an MP3	187
XM Radio Messages	192
Theft-Deterrent Feature	193
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	194
Radio Reception	194
Fixed Mast Antenna	195
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	195
Driving Your Vehicle	197
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle	198
Defensive Driving	198
Drunk Driving	198
Control of a Vehicle	199
Braking	200
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	201
Braking in Emergencies	202
Traction Control System (TCS)	202
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)	205
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	206
Steering	208
Off-Road Recovery	211
Passing	211
Loss of Control	211
Racing or Other Competitive Driving	213
Driving at Night	213
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	214
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	215
Highway Hypnosis	216
Hill and Mountain Roads	216
Winter Driving	217
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	222
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	222
Loading Your Vehicle	222
Towing	228
Towing Your Vehicle	228
Recreational Vehicle Towing	228
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transmission)	230
Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transmission)	230
Service and Appearance Care	239
Service	241
Accessories and Modifications	241
California Proposition 65 Warning	242
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	242
Doing Your Own Service Work	242
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	243
Fuel	243
Gasoline Octane	243
Gasoline Specifications	244
California Fuel	244
Additives	245
Fuels in Foreign Countries	245
Filling the Tank	246
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	248
Checking Things Under the Hood	248
Hood Release	249
Engine Compartment Overview	250
Engine Oil	251
Engine Oil Life System	254
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	256
Automatic Transmission Fluid	257
Manual Transmission Fluid	258
Hydraulic Clutch	258
Engine Coolant	258
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	261
Engine Overheating	261
Cooling System	263
Windshield Washer Fluid	268
Brakes	269
Battery	272
Jump Starting	272
Headlamp Aiming	277
Bulb Replacement	280
Halogen Bulbs	280
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps	280
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)	282
Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps (Coupe)	282
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps (Sedan)	283
Back-Up Lamps (Coupe)	284
License Plate Lamp	285
Replacement Bulbs	285
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	286
Tires	287
Tire Sidewall Labeling	288
Tire Terminology and Definitions	291
Inflation - Tire Pressure	294
Tire Pressure Monitor System	295
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	297
Tire Inspection and Rotation	301
When It Is Time for New Tires	303
Buying New Tires	304
Different Size Tires and Wheels	306
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	306
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	308
Wheel Replacement	308
Tire Chains	310
If a Tire Goes Flat	311
Changing a Flat Tire	312
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	313
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire (Sport Model)	318
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire (All Models Except Sport)	327
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	331
Compact Spare Tire	332
Appearance Care	333
Interior Cleaning	333
Fabric/Carpet	334
Leather	335
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	336
Care of Safety Belts	336
Weatherstrips	336
Washing Your Vehicle	337
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	337
Finish Care	337
Windshield and Wiper Blades	338
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim	339
Tires	339
Sheet Metal Damage	340
Finish Damage	340
Underbody Maintenance	340
Chemical Paint Spotting	340
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	341
Vehicle Identification	342
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	342
Service Parts Identification Label	342
Electrical System	343
Add-On Electrical Equipment	343
Headlamp Wiring	343
Windshield Wiper Fuses	343
Power Windows and Other Power Options	343
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	344
Floor Console Fuse Block	344
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	346
Capacities and Specifications	350
Maintenance Schedule	353
Maintenance Schedule	354
Introduction	354
Maintenance Requirements	354
Your Vehicle and the Environment	354
Using the Maintenance Schedule	354
Scheduled Maintenance	356
Additional Required Services	358
Maintenance Footnotes	359
Owner Checks and Services	360
At Each Fuel Fill	360
At Least Once a Month	361
At Least Once a Year	361
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	364
Maintenance Replacement Parts	366
Engine Drive Belt Routing	367
Maintenance Record	368
Customer Assistance Information	371
Customer Assistance and Information	372
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	372
Online Owner Center	374
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	375
Customer Assistance Offices	375
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	376
Roadside Assistance Program	377
Scheduling Service Appointments	380
Courtesy Transportation	380
Collision Damage Repair	382
Reporting Safety Defects	385
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	385
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	385
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	385
Service Publications Ordering Information	386
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	387
Event Data Recorders	387
OnStar®	388
Navigation System	388
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	388

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Braking in Emergencies

At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation

that requires hard braking.

If you have ABS, you can steer and brake at the same

time. However, if you do not have ABS, your first

reaction — to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it

down — might be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels

can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle cannot

respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in

whatever direction it was headed when the wheels

stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very

thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic.

If you do not have ABS, use a “squeeze” braking

technique. This will give you maximum braking while

maintaining steering control. You can do this by pushing

on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure.

In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the

brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or

feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.

This will help you retain steering control. If you do have

ABS, it is different. See

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

on page 4-5

In many emergencies, steering can help you more than

even the very best braking.

Brake Assist

If your vehicle has ESC with ABS, it also has a brake

assist feature that responds to emergency braking

by generating additional pressure and engaging

the ABS. When this happens, the brake pedal will feel

easier to push. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly

and let the system work for you. You might feel the

brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is normal.

The brakes will return to normal operation after the brake

pedal is released.

Brake assist cannot compensate for unsafe driving

practices and braking effectiveness, itself, depends on

the condition of the road, tires, and brakes and

vehicle mass.

Traction Control System (TCS)

Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)

that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in

slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it

senses that the wheels are spinning too much or are

beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the

system works the front brakes and reduces engine power

by closing the throttle and managing engine spark to limit

wheel spin.

If your vehicle has TCS, there is a ESC/TCS button

located on the instrument panel.

4-6