2006 CHEVROLET COBALT trunk

The main components of your instrument panel are the
following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-17.
B. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-20.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped). SeeCruise
Control on page 3-10.
E. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-71.
F. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-23.
G. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Windshield Wiper/Washer Controls. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield Washer on
page 3-10.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-48.
J. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps
on page 3-15.K. Trunk Release. SeeTrunk on page 2-10.
L. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-15.
M. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
N. Driver Information Control Button. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-38.
O. Cigarette Lighter (If Equipped). Accessory Power
Outlet (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-17andAccessory Power Outlet(s)
on page 3-16.
P. Shift Lever (Manual Shown). SeeManual Transaxle
Operation on page 2-26andAutomatic Transaxle
Operation on page 2-23.
Q. Climate Controls. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-17.
R. Passenger Air Bag Status Indicator and Heated
Seats Button (If Equipped). SeePassenger Airbag
Status Indicator on page 3-26andHeated Seats
on page 1-4.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-37.
3-5

Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside your vehicle will go on when you
open any door. These lamps will fade out after about
20 seconds after all of the doors have been closed or
when the ignition is turned on. These lamps will also go
on when you press the trunk release, unlock symbol
button or the horn symbol on the keyless entry system
transmitter.
The lamps inside your vehicle will stay on for about
20 seconds after your key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps
Your vehicle may have reading lamps on the rearview
mirror. Push the button to turn the reading lamps on
and off.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp is left on and the ignition is
turned off, the battery rundown protection system will
automatically turn the lamp off after 20 minutes. This will
avoid draining the battery.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or CB
radio. The outlet can accept electrical equipment rated
at a maximum of 20 amps.
The accessory power outlet is located in the center
console, rearward of the shift lever.
To use the outlet, remove the cover. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment on for
extended periods will drain the battery. Always turn
off electrical equipment when not in use and do
not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum
amperage rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with
the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer for additional information on the
accessory power outlet.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating. Check with
your dealer before adding electrical equipment.
3-16

LOW COOLANT
If your vehicle has a 2.0L engine, this message is
displayed when there is a low level of engine coolant.
Have the cooling system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24
for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message is displayed when your vehicle is low on
fuel. You should rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 3-36,Filling the Tank on
page 5-8, andFuel on page 5-5for more information.
LOW TRACTION
This message is displayed when the Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9for more
information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
POWER STEERING
This message is displayed if a problem has been
detected with the electric power steering. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer immediately.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message is displayed when there is a problem
with the airbag system. Let only a qualied technician
work on your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
by your GM dealer immediately.
TRUNK AJAR
This message is displayed when the trunk lid of your
vehicle is not closed completely. You should make sure
that the trunk lid is closed completely. SeeTrunk on
page 2-10.
3-42

Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label, found on the rear
edge of the driver’s door, tells you the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo. Never exceed
the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle.And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out. Do not carry more than 141 lbs (64 kg) in your
vehicle’s trunk. See “Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
4-35

If you put things inside your vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else — they will go as fast
as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
{CAUTION:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or
in a crash.
Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In a
trunk, put them as far forward as you can.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
Never stack heavier things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the seats.
Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Do not leave a seat folded down unless
you need to.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your disabled vehicle towed. See
Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another vehicle
for recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your vehicle
behind another vehicle — such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing your
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly
towing” (towing your vehicle with two wheels on
the ground and two wheels up on a device known
as a “dolly”).
4-36

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or
on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-10

Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When it is
time for a new battery, get one that has the replacement
number shown on the original battery’s label. We
recommend an ACDelco
®replacement battery.
Your vehicle’s battery is located in the trunk. You do not
need to access the battery to jump start your vehicle.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days
or more, remove the black, negative (−) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
5-41

4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
You will not see the battery of your vehicle under
the hood. It is located in the trunk. You will not need
to access your battery for jump starting. Your
vehicle has a remote positive (+) and a remote
negative (−) jump starting terminal.
The remote positive
terminal is located under a
red tethered cap on the
engine compartment
fuse block. Lift the cap to
access the terminal.The remote negative (−)
ground terminal, marked
GND (−), is located
behind the engine coolant
surge tank.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12
for more information on the location of the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on your
vehicle.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
5-43