2004 CHEVROLET OPTRA lights

Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briefly when you start the
engine just to let you know they’re working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there’s a problem with your vehicle.When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells you
what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
3-25

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’s instrument panel cluster includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following
pages.
Uplevel shown, Base similar
3-26

What you do in the daytime can also affect your night
vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright
sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes
will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you
are driving, do not wear sunglasses at night. They may
cut down on glare from headlamps, but they also
make a lot of things invisible.
You can be temporarily blinded by approaching
headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several
seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When
you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver
who does not lower the high beams, or a vehicle with
misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. Avoid
staring directly into the approaching headlamps.Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out. Glare at night is made much
worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass
can build up a film caused by dust. Dirty glass makes
lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would,
making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly.
Remember that your headlamps light up far less of a
roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes
moving; that way, it is easier to pick out dimly lighted
objects. Just as your headlamps should be checked
regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be
examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night
blindness — the inability to see in dim light — and are
not even aware of it.
4-15

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

W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-24
Warnings
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-5
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-76
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-19
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-15
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-18
What to Use..........................................5-22, 5-34
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-62
Replacement...............................................5-62
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-15
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-17
When to Check..............................................5-58
When to Check and What to Use.....................5-20
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-33
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-19Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Why Safety Belts Work....................................1-11
Window Lockout.............................................2-15
Windows.......................................................2-14
Manual......................................................2-15
Power........................................................2-15
Windshield Washer........................................... 3-9
Fluid..........................................................5-34
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-18
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-50
Fuses........................................................5-82
Windshield Wiper Lever..................................... 3-8
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-8
Winter Driving................................................4-25
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-19
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
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