2006 CHEVROLET COBALT Owners Manual

Shifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 4-39orTowing
a Trailer (Manual Transaxle) on page 4-46.
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the
regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move
the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst pushing
the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever
was not fully locked into PARK (P).
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Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-29.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P)beforeyou release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, then
you will be able to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P)
unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following sequence:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
2-30

If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal
in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and rmly
apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has
been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal
pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK,
remove the key and release the clutch. SeeManual
Transaxle Operation on page 2-26.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
2-31

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see
or smell. It can cause unconsciousness and
death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
Your exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or exhaust system has been
modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into
your vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO; and
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-32.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-26.
2-32

{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To
be sure your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 2-29.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle)
on page 4-39orTowing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)
on page 4-46.
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
To reduce glare from lamps behind you, move the lever
toward you to the night position.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®
If the vehicle has this feature, an automatic dimming
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to minimize
glare at night from lights behind your vehicle. For more
information about OnStar
®, seeOnStar®System on
page 2-35.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned on each
time the ignition is started. A light near the on/off button
will come on to indicate the automatic dimming is on.
Press the on/off button for about four seconds to
manually turn the automatic dimming function on or off.
2-33

Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Outside Manual Mirror
Adjust your outside mirror so you can just see the side of
your vehicle and have a clear view of objects behind you.
The mirror can be folded in to enter narrow areas.
Outside Remote Control Mirror
Adjust the driver’s outside mirror with the control lever
located on the driver’s door. Adjust the outside mirrors so
that the side of the vehicle can be seen while sitting in a
comfortable driving position.
To adjust the passenger’s outside mirror, sit in the
driver’s seat and have a passenger adjust the mirror
for you. The mirror is a manual fold design.
Outside Power Mirrors
The controls for the
outside power mirrors are
located on the driver’s
door armrest.
Move the selector switch located below the four-way
control pad to the left or right to choose either the driver’s
side or passenger’s side mirror. To adjust a mirror, use
the arrows located on the four-way control pad to move
the mirror in the desired direction. The mirror will only
move right or left, up or down. Adjust each outside mirror
so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can be
seen while sitting in a comfortable driving position. Keep
the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.
Both mirrors can manually be folded by pulling them
toward the vehicle. This feature may be useful
when going through a car wash or a conned space.
Push the mirrors away from the vehicle, to the normal
position, before driving.
2-34

Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from the
driver’s seat. It also makes things appear farther
away than they really are.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar
®Emergency where we can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the car, call OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to unlock
your doors. If you need roadside assistance, press the
OnStar
®button and they can contact Roadside Service
for you.
A complete OnStar
®Owner’s Guide and the Terms
and Conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s OnStar®
Subscriber Information packet located in your vehicle.
For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstar.ca, contact OnStar
®at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827), or press the OnStar®button to
speak with an OnStar®advisor 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
2-35

OnStar®Services
For new vehicles equipped with OnStar®, the Safe &
Sound Plan is included for one year from the date
of purchase. You can extend this plan beyond the rst
year, or upgrade to the Directions & Connections Plan to
meet your needs. For more information, press the
OnStar
®button to speak with an advisor.
Safe & Sound Plan

Advanced Automatic Crash Notication
(If Equipped)
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar®Vehicle Diagnostics
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Directions & Connections®Plan

All Safe & Sound Plan Services
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling allows OnStar®subscribers
to make and receive calls using voice commands at
the touch of a button. Hands-Free Calling is fully
integrated into the vehicle, and may be used with
Pre-Paid Packages or linked to a cell phone through
OnStar
®Shared Minutes Plan. To nd out more, refer to
the OnStar®Owner’s Guide in the vehicle’s glove
box, visit www.onstar.com or www.onstar.ca, or speak
with an OnStar
®advisor by pressing the OnStar®button
or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar®Virtual Advisor
Your vehicle may have Virtual Advisor. It is a feature of
OnStar®Hands-Free Calling that uses your minutes
to access weather, local traffic reports, and stock quotes.
By pressing the phone button and giving a few simple
voice commands, you can browse through the
various topics. Customize your information prole at
www.myonstar.com. See the OnStar
®Owner’s Guide for
more information.
2-36