2006 CHEVROLET EPICA Service

Ignition Positions
With the key in the
ignition switch, you can
turn the key to four
different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only
with your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.
If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while
you turn the key hard. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.LOCK:This position locks your steering wheel, ignition,
shift lever and transaxle. This is the only position in
which you can insert or remove the key. For easier
key operation when unlocking the steering wheel,
move the steering wheel from right to left and turn
the key to ACC.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position operates some of
your electrical accessories, such as the radio, but
not the ventilation fan.
ON:This is the position to which the switch returns
after you start your engine and release the key.
The switch stays in ON when the engine is running.
But even when the engine is not running, you can
use ON to operate your electrical accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
START:This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The switch will return
to ON for normal driving. Do not turn the key to
START if the engine is running.
Even if the engine is not running, ACC and ON allow
you to operate electrical accessories, such as the radio.
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Safety Belt Reminder Light
The safety belt light
will come on and stay
on until the driver’s
safety belt is buckled.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, the light will
not come on.
Safety Belt Reminder Tone
If your vehicle has this feature, a tone will sound
for several seconds when the ignition is turned to
ON to remind people to fasten their safety belts.
The tone will not sound if the driver’s safety belt
is already buckled.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-50.
This light will come on for
about seven seconds
when you start your
vehicle. Then the light
should go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you star
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving, your
airbag system may not work properly. Have your
vehicle serviced right away.
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{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on or keeps
ashing after you start your vehicle, it means
the airbag system and safety belt pretension
system may not be working properly. The
airbags in your vehicle may not inate in a
crash, or they could even inate without a
crash. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle serviced right away
if the airbag readiness light stays on after
you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should come on for about
seven seconds when you turn the ignition key to ON.
If the light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your vehicle has a passenger airbag status indicator in
the clock, located in the center of the instrument panel.
When the ignition key is turned to ON or START,
the passenger airbag status indicator will light for
several seconds as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, if the off symbol is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it means that
the passenger sensing system has turned off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag and side airbag
(if equipped). SeePassenger Sensing System on
page 1-58for more on this, including important
safety information.
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{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens,
have the vehicle serviced promptly, because
an adult-size person sitting in the right
front passenger’s seat may not have the
protection of the frontal airbag and side
airbag (if equipped). SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-32for more on this,
including important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light
will come on briefly when
you turn on the ignition,
and the engine is not
running, as a check
to show you it is working.
Then it should go out when the engine is started.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you
may have a problem with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your GM dealer. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
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Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come
on briefly when you turn
the ignition to ON. If it
does not come on then,
have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does not fully
release. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to
the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 4-33.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning
light on can lead to an accident. If the light
is still on after you have pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
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Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has an
anti-lock brake system,
this light will come on
when the ignition is
turned to ON and may
stay on for several
seconds. That is normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to LOCK. Or,
if the light comes on, stop as soon as possible and turn
the ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset
the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again
while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
See your GM dealer. If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do not
have anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-36.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briefly when you turn the ignition to ON. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS) Warning Light
This warning light will
come on briefly when you
turn the ignition to ON
as a check to show you it
is working.
Then it should go out after a few seconds.
If the warning light does not come on, have it fixed so it
will be able to warn you if there is a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on while you are
driving, the SSPS system may not be working. If this
happens, see your GM dealer for service.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If your vehicle is equipped
with the Traction Control
System (TCS), this
warning light comes on
for a few seconds
when the ignition is in
the ON position.
If the warning light does not come on, then have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your TCS and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
If there is a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the TCS will turn off and the
warning light will come on. If your brakes begin to
overheat, the TCS will turn off and the warning light
will come on until the brakes cool down.If the TCS warning light comes on and stays on for an
extended period of time when the system is turned
on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9
for more information.
Traction Control System
Active Light
If your vehicle has the
Traction Control System
(TCS), the TCS active light
comes for a few seconds
when the ignition is in
the ON position.
If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be
there to tell you when the system is active.
This light will blink while the traction control function
is actively operating.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Your vehicle has an
engine coolant temperature
gage. With the ignition
turned to ON, this
gage shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine
is too hot. It means that your engine coolant has
overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-22.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The Check Engine light comes on
to indicate that there is a problem and service is
required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This
system is also designed to assist your service technician
in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good,
and your engine may not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
by your warranty.
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