
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-29
Air Bag Systems
......................................1-51
Restraint System Check
............................1-60
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-18
Mirrors
....................................................2-35
Storage Areas
.........................................2-37
Sunroof
..................................................2-39
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-2
Climate Controls
......................................3-19
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-24
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-40Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-31
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-44
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-44
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-50
Tires
......................................................5-51
Appearance Care
.....................................5-73
Vehicle Identification
.................................5-81
Electrical System
......................................5-82
Capacities and Specifications
.....................5-90
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-91
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 Optra Owner ManualM

Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see
how, see “Seats” in the Index.3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you.
Do not let it get twisted.
The shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt
across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.
4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure.
Make sure the release button on the buckle is
positioned so you would be able to unbuckle the
safety belt quickly if you ever had to.
1-16

If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact air bag is
in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
air bag, the bag might not in ate properly or it
might force the object into that person causing
severe injury or even death. The path of an
in ating air bag must be kept clear. Do not put
anything between an occupant and an air bag,
and do not attach or put anything on the
steering wheel hub or on or near any other air
bag covering. Do not let seat covers block the
in ation path of a side impact air bag.
1-55

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Central Door Unlocking System........................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Door Ajar Reminder........................................2-9
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-9
Lockout Protection........................................2-10
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-10
Trunk (Sedan)..............................................2-11
Liftgate (Hatchback)......................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-14
Manual Windows..........................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-16
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-18
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-18
Ignition Positions..........................................2-18
Starting Your Engine.....................................2-19
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-21Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-23
Manual Transaxle Operation...........................2-27
Parking Brake..............................................2-28
Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)......2-29
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle).....2-31
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle).........2-32
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-32
Engine Exhaust............................................2-33
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-34
Mirrors...........................................................2-35
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-35
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-35
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-36
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-36
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-37
Storage Areas................................................2-37
Glove Box...................................................2-37
Cupholder(s)................................................2-37
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................2-38
Front Storage Area.......................................2-38
Front Armrest Storage Area...........................2-39
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-39
Sunroof.........................................................2-39
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
key tag and gives it to the first owner. The tag has a code
on it that tells your dealer how to make extra keys. For
vehicle security, keep the key tag in a safe place and also
record the key number somewhere other than inside of
the vehicle. If you lose your key, you will be able to have
a new one made easily using the tag.
If you need a new key, contact your dealer who can
obtain the correct key code. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.Remote Keyless Entry System
If equipped, the keyless entry system operates on a
radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
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 of the device.
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.
2-3

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
•Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
•Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
•Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-4.
•If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
The following functions are available if your vehicle has
the remote keyless entry system:
W(Unlock):Press this button to unlock all of the
doors. If all of the doors and the trunk or liftgate
are closed, the hazard lamps will flash twice to indicate
that unlocking has occurred. The theft-deterrent
system will deactivate and the security indicator will
turn off. The security indicator is located on the base
of the driver’s door lock.
If a door is not opened or if the engine is not started within
30 seconds after pressing unlock on the remote keyless
entry transmitter, all of the doors will automatically relock
and the theft-deterrent system will reactivate.
2-4

Q(Lock):Press this button to lock all of the doors. If all
of the doors and the trunk or liftgate are closed, the
hazard lamps will flash once and the horn will chirp to
indicate that locking has occurred. The theft-deterrent
system will activate and the security indicator will flash.
If the driver’s door is open while pressing lock, all of the
doors, except for the driver’s door will lock. If any door
other than the driver’s door is open while pressing lock,
all of the doors, including the driver’s door, will lock.
V(Trunk):Press this button to unlock the trunk or
liftgate.
If all of the doors are locked while pressing the trunk
button, the trunk or liftgate will not unlock. The
doors must be unlocked for the trunk button to unlock
the trunk or liftgate.
The LED (A) on the transmitter will flash when the
buttons on the transmitter are pressed.
The lock, unlock and trunk buttons will not operate and
the theft-deterrent system will not activate while the
key is in the ignition.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of five
transmitters matched to it.
2-5

Doors and Locks
Door Locks
{CAUTION:
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers — especially children — can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door is locked, the
handle will not open it. You increase the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle
in a crash if the doors are not locked. So,
wear safety belts properly and lock the
doors whenever you drive.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out. A child
can be overcome by extreme heat and can
suffer permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Always lock your vehicle
whenever you leave it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down or
stop your vehicle. Locking your doors can
help prevent this from happening.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
From the outside, use your key or the optional keyless
entry transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless Entry System
Operation on page 2-4.
2-7