
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-28
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-46
Restraint System Check
............................1-55
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-15
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-31
Storage Areas
.........................................2-33
Sunroof
..................................................2-35
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-18
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Secondary Information Center (SIC)
............3-46
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-48Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
........ 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-29
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-40
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-41
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-47
Tires
......................................................5-48
Appearance Care
.....................................5-68
Vehicle Identification
.................................5-77
Electrical System
......................................5-78
Capacities and Specifications
.....................5-85
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-11
Index................................................................ 1
2004 Chevrolet Epica Owner ManualM

Immobilizer
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle may have a passive theft-deterrent system.
The immobilizer system prevents your vehicle from
being started by unauthorized persons.
If your vehicle has an immobilizer system, your vehicle
has a special key that works with the theft-deterrent
system. There is a transponder in the key head that is
electronically coded. The correct key will start the
vehicle. An invalid key immobilizes the engine. The
immobilizer system isolates the power supply to
the ignition system, the fuel pump and the fuel injectors.
The engine immobilizer is activated after the key is turned
to LOCK and removed from the ignition. The security light
located on the top center of the instrument panel, near
the windshield, will flash when the immobilizer is active. If
the light does not flash after removing the key, have the
system checked by your dealer.
The immobilizer system works when you turn the key to
START. If the immobilizer system does not recognize the
electronic code, the engine will not start and the security
indicator will continue blinking. If your key is ever
damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle.
2-17

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle has an engine coolant heater. In very cold
weather 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine coolant heater
can help. You will get easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Usually, the coolant
heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours
prior to starting your vehicle. At temperatures above
32°F (0°C), use of the coolant heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located near the battery.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured.Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature,
the kind of oil you have, and some other things.
Instead of trying to list everything here, we ask that
you contact your dealer in the area where you will be
parking your vehicle. The dealer can give you the
best advice for that particular area.
2-21

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
When shifting from NEUTRAL (N) to REVERSE (R), you
must press down on the shift lever and push it toward
the passenger side of the vehicle while shifting.
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.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, seeIf You
Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-28.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart while you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine racing may damage the transaxle.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting
your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):This position is for
normal driving.
THIRD (3):This position gives you more power and
lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D).
Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3)
instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D):
•When driving on hilly, winding roads.
•When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not drive in SECOND (2) at speeds over
65 mph (105 km/h), or you can damage the transaxle.
Use THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) as
much as possible. Do not shift into SECOND (2)
unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h)
or you can damage your engine.
2-23

FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle will not shift
into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Adaptive Shift Logic
Your automatic transaxle will automatically select from
three adaptive shift patterns based upon driver behavior:
•Economy mode provides a softer shift feel and
optimizes fuel economy.
•Normal mode provides a solid shift feel and is used
for normal driving conditions.
•Sport mode provides a firm shift feel and optimizes
performance.The driver cannot manually select the shift pattern. The
adaptive shift logic tries to operate in economy mode
as much as possible. Normal and sport modes are used
as little as possible in order to maximize fuel economy.
The first few shifts of every drive cycle may be
somewhat rough until the adaptive shift logic has
learned the driver’s behavior. This is normal.
The transaxle also has the ability to adapt to changing
road grade conditions. It will shift between three
different load settings:
•Load 1 is designed for driving on moderate road
grades.
•Load 2 is designed for driving on steep road
grades.
•Load 3 is designed for driving downhill and allows
for better engine braking.
If there is a malfunction with the automatic transaxle, the
malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or the HOLD indicator
light will turn on or flash. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-39orHold Mode Light on page 3-38.
Have your vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
2-24

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Windshield Wiper Lever...................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Interior Lamps..............................................3-15
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-17
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-18
Climate Controls............................................3-18
Climate Control System.................................3-18
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-22
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Tone............................3-33
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-33
Charging System Light..................................3-34
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-35
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-36
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS)
Warning Light...........................................3-36
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Traction Control System Active Light...............3-38
Hold Mode Light...........................................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-39
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-39
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-42
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-43
Daytime Running Lamps
Indicator Light...........................................3-44
Fuel Gage...................................................3-44
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-45
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will know how
fast you are going, how much fuel you are using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages.
3-31

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Your vehicle has an
engine coolant temperature
gage. With the ignition
turned to ON, this
gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
is too hot. It means that your engine coolant has
overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-22.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The Check Engine light comes on to
indicate that there is a problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often will be indicated by the system
before any problem is apparent. This may prevent more
serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also
designed to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
3-39