2006 CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 5-20

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

How to Check and Add Fluid
You do not need to check the fluid level unless you
suspect a clutch problem. To check the fluid level, look
on the side of the reservoir. If the fluid reaches the
MAX (A) mark on the reservoir, the fluid level is correct.
The reservoir is located near the back of the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-23.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and proper
coolant will:
•Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
•Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protect against rust and corrosion.
•Help keep the proper engine temperature.
•Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
5-20

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not between the Minimum
and Maximum marks, add a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and proper coolant at the coolant surge
tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do
it. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-20for more
information.If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and coolant surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
5-26

18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +)
27,000 Miles (45 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-8

48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
51,000 Miles (85 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
54,000 Miles (90 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
57,000 Miles (95 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Replace timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-10

78,000 Miles (130 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
81,000 Miles (135 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
84,000 Miles (140 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
87,000 Miles (145 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace fuel filter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-12

❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect EVAP canister, vapor lines, and EVAP vent
solenoid valve.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Inspect PCV system.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Change brake/clutch fluid (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first).
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive
regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
6-15

60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive
regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Replace timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect EVAP canister and vapor lines. Replace
EVAP vent solenoid valve.An Emission Control
Service. (See footnote †.)❑Inspect PCV system.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Change brake/clutch fluid (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first).
67,500 Miles (112 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive
regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
6-16