2006 CHEVROLET COBALT trailer

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are transaxle uid (do not overll), engine
oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you nd them quickly. If you are trailering,
it is a good idea to review this information before you
start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle)
Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is equipped with a
manual transaxle. If you have the Cobalt SS, you
can tow a trailer. See “Towing a Trailer” in the Index
for more information.
4-46

If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay
away from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate a
serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-32.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning, but
see or hear no steam, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
5-30

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8

Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-37
Convenience Net.........................................2-37
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-37
Driver’s Storage Compartment.......................2-37
Glove Box..................................................2-37
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-30
Sun Visors.....................................................2-13
Sunroof.........................................................2-38
T
Tachometer....................................................3-24
Taillamps
Turn Signal Lamps......................................5-52
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-53
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-70
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-14
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-14
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-15
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-16
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tires.............................................................5-56
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels, Cleaning.....................................5-93
Buying New Tires........................................5-66
Chains.......................................................5-72
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-74Tires (cont.)
Cleaning....................................................5-94
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-88
Different Size..............................................5-68
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-73
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-63
Inspection and Rotation................................5-65
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-80
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-75
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-85
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-60
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-68
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-70
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-70
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-66
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-36
Towing a Trailer..................................4-39, 4-46
Your Vehicle...............................................4-36
Traction
Enhanced Traction System (ETS).................... 4-9
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light..........................................3-31
Limited-Slip Differential.................................4-11
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-23
12