2006 CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 Owners Manual

Item Description Total
AVehicle Maximum Load
for Example 2=1,000 lbs (453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 150 lbs
(68 kg)×5=750 lbs (340 kg)
CAvailable Cargo
Weight=250 lbs (113 kg)Item Description Total
AVehicle Maximum Load
for Example 3=1,000 lbs (453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant
Weight 200 lbs
(91 kg)×5=1,000 lbs (453 kg)
CAvailable Cargo
Weight=0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label
for specific information about your vehicle’s maximum
load weight and seating positions. The combined weight
of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never
exceed your vehicle’s maximum load weight. Example 2
Example 3
4-31

Certication Label
A vehicle specific certification label is attached to the
center pillar, near the driver’s door latch. This label 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.
{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.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle. Label Example
4-32

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.
4-33

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”).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See “Dinghy
Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.
Here are some important things to consider before you
do recreational vehicle towing:
•What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure you read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
•How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they can tow.
•Do you have the proper towing equipment? See
your dealer or trailering professional for additional
advice and equipment recommendations.
•Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as you
would prepare your vehicle for a long trip, you
will want to make sure your vehicle is prepared to
be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a Long Trip
on page 4-20.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not tow your vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If your vehicle must be towed,
you should use a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” that follows
for more information.
4-34

Dolly Towing
Notice:Towing your vehicle from the rear with the
front wheels on the ground could cause transaxle
damage. Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
with the front wheels on the road.
Your vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow your
vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Turn the ignition to ACC.3. Put the vehicle in NEUTRAL (N).
4. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position.
6. Release the parking brake.
Towing a Trailer
Do not use your vehicle to tow a trailer. The vehicle is
not designed or intended for such a use. Towing a trailer
can adversely affect handling, durability and fuel
economy.
4-35

✍NOTES
4-36

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modifications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specifications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-13
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-17
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-19
Manual Transaxle Fluid..................................5-19
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-19
Engine Coolant.............................................5-20
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-23
Engine Overheating.......................................5-23
Cooling System............................................5-24Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-29
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-30
Brakes........................................................5-31
Battery........................................................5-34
Jump Starting...............................................5-35
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-39
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-40
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-40
Headlamps..................................................5-40
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps..............5-42
Turn Signal Lamps (Side)..............................5-43
Sidemarker Lamps (Front)..............................5-44
Sidemarker Lamps (Rear)..............................5-44
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Hatchback)..............................................5-45
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Wagon)...................................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps
(Hatchback)..............................................5-46
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps (Wagon)............................5-47
Taillamps, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
(Hatchback)..............................................5-48
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Tires..............................................................5-50
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-51
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................5-53
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-56
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-57
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-58
Buying New Tires.........................................5-59
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-60
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-60
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-61
Wheel Replacement......................................5-62
Tire Chains..................................................5-63
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-63
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-64
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-66
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-69
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-73
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-73
Appearance Care............................................5-74
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-74
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-75
Leather.......................................................5-76
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-76
Weatherstrips...............................................5-76Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-77
Finish Care..................................................5-77
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-78
Aluminum Wheels.........................................5-78
Tires...........................................................5-79
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-79
Finish Damage.............................................5-79
Underbody Maintenance................................5-79
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-80
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-80
Vehicle Identication......................................5-81
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-81
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-81
Electrical System............................................5-81
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-81
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-82
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-82
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-82
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block....................5-85
Capacities and Specications..........................5-88
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........5-89
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2