2004 CHEVROLET OPTRA check engine light

Engine Oil
If the oil pressure light
appears on the instrument
cluster, it means you
need to check your engine
oil level right away.
For more information, seeOil Pressure Light on
page 3-36.
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is
an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down and check the level.
5-14

When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the engine air cleaner/filter every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km) and replace every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km). If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the engine air cleaner/filter remove the filter
from the vehicle and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt,
a new filter is required.
To inspect or replace the filter, do the following:
1. Remove the four screws that hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Check or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts
on page 5-91for replacement part numbers.
4. Put the cover back on tightly and tighten the
screws.
SeeUsing Your Maintenance Schedule on page 6-4for
replacement intervals.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps
to stop ame if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
5-19

How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, look
on the side of the reservoir. If the fluid reaches the
MAX (A) mark on the reservoir, the fluid level is correct.
The reservoir is located near the back of the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and proper
coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−22°F (−30°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 268°F (131°C)
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-21

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-34
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-82
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)......3-42, 3-46
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-28
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-51
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-57
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?....................1-57
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?......1-58
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?...................1-56
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-18
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).......7-10
AM ...............................................................3-51
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-52
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-31
Appearance Care............................................5-73
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-76
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-79
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-73
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-76
Finish Damage............................................5-78Appearance Care (cont.)
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-79
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Arming the System.........................................2-16
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-40
Backglass Antenna......................................3-52
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-52
Care of Your CDs........................................3-52
Radio with CD....................................3-40, 3-44
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-51
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-51
Automatic Transaxle........................................2-19
Fluid..........................................................5-20
Operation...................................................2-23
Automatic Transaxle Check..............................6-19
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-21
B
Backglass Antenna..........................................3-52
Battery..........................................................5-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-22
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-20
1

Brake
Parking......................................................2-28
System Inspection.......................................6-24
System Warning Light..................................3-30
Brake Fluid....................................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-36
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-48
Fog Lamps.................................................5-46
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps.............5-45
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-44
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-44
Headlamps.................................................5-44
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-49
Sidemarker Lamps.......................................5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-48
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-46
Buying New Tires...........................................5-60
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ iiCanadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-7
Canceling the Rear Door Security Lock..............2-10
Capacities and Specifications............................5-90
Carbon Monoxide...........4-25, 4-37, 2-11, 2-13, 2-33
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-76
Your CD Player...........................................3-52
Your CDs ...................................................3-52
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-18
CD Messages........................................3-44, 3-50
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-48
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-28
Chains, Tires..................................................5-63
Charging System Light....................................3-29
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-33
Check Engine Light.........................................3-33
Checking Coolant............................................5-23
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-79
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-42
Older Children.............................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-45
2

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-45
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-48
Top Strap...................................................1-39
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-41
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-73
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-76
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-79
Weatherstrips..............................................5-76
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-78
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-77
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-73
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-75
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-75
Cleaning Leather............................................5-75
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-75
Cleaning Tires................................................5-78
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-75
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-77
Climate Control System...................................3-19
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-23
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-22
Clock............................................................3-18Clutch and Brake Pedal Free Play Check...........6-19
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-20
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-72
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-32
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-24
Cooling System..............................................5-27
Cruise Control.................................................. 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-37
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-37
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12
3

D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-13
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light.............3-38
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-21
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Disarming the System.....................................2-17
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-32
Dome Lamp...................................................3-15
Door
Ajar Light...................................................3-38
Central Door Unlocking System....................... 2-8
Door Ajar Reminder....................................... 2-9
Locks.......................................................... 2-7
Power Door Locks......................................... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks............................... 2-9
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-15
Seat Height Adjuster...................................... 1-4
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-14
City...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20Driving (cont.)
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-23
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-16
Winter........................................................4-25
Driving on Snow or Ice....................................4-26
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-18
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-18
E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-82
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-82
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-12
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-35
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-33
Coolant......................................................5-21
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-32
Cooling System Inspection............................6-23
4

Engine (cont.)
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-33
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-19
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-86
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-18
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-18
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finding a Station....................................3-40, 3-44
Finish Care....................................................5-77
Finish Damage...............................................5-78
Five-Speed....................................................2-27
Flash-to-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-63
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-64Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-20
Manual Transaxle........................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-33
Windshield Washer......................................5-34
FM ...............................................................3-51
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-37
Fog Lamps..............................................3-7, 3-14
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-8
Footnotes................................................6-7, 6-13
Front Armrest Storage Area..............................2-39
Front Storage Area.........................................2-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage.........................................................3-39
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specifications.................................. 5-5
Low Warning Light.......................................3-39
System Inspection.......................................6-23
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-83
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-82
5