
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-11
Child Restraints
.......................................1-28
Airbag System
.........................................1-52
Restraint System Check
............................1-65
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-2
Doors and Locks
....................................... 2-7
Windows
.................................................2-11
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-15
Mirrors
....................................................2-32
Storage Areas
.........................................2-34
Sunroof
..................................................2-38
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-27
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-44Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-33
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-4
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-39
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-40
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-49
Tires
......................................................5-50
Appearance Care
.....................................5-74
Vehicle Identification
.................................5-81
Electrical System
......................................5-81
Capacities and Specifications
.....................5-88
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
......5-89
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Chevrolet Optra Owner ManualM

Q:If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from
home, why should I wear safety belts?
A:You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in an
accident — even one that is not your fault — you
and your passengers can be hurt. Being a good
driver does not protect you from things beyond your
control, such as bad drivers.
Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of
home. And the greatest number of serious
injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than
40 mph (65 km/h).
Safety belts are for everyone.
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
This part is only for people of adult size.
Be aware that there are special things to know about
safety belts and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and babies. If a child will be
riding in your vehicle, seeOlder Children on page 1-28
orInfants and Young Children on page 1-30. Follow
those rules for everyone’s protection.
First, you will want to know which restraint systems your
vehicle has.
We will start with the driver position.
Driver Position
Lap-Shoulder Belt
The driver has a lap-shoulder belt. Here is how to wear
it properly.
1. Close and lock the door.
2. Adjust the seat so you can sit up straight. To see
how, see “Seats” in the Index.
1-16

To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
The belt should go back out of the way.
Before you close the door, be sure the belt is out of the
way. If you slam the door on it, you can damage
both the belt and your vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment
Before you begin to drive, move the shoulder belt height
adjuster to the height that is right for you.
Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is
centered on your shoulder. The belt should be away from
your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
To move it down, press
the release button (A) and
move the height adjuster
to the desired position.
After you move the height adjuster to where you want it,
try to move it down without pressing the release
button to make sure it has locked into position.
1-23

If your vehicle has one, the driver’s side impact airbag
is in the side of the driver’s seatback closest to the door.
If your vehicle has one, the passenger’s side impact
airbag is in the side of the passenger’s seatback closest
to the door.
{CAUTION:
If something is between an occupant and an
airbag, the airbag might not in ate properly or
it might force the object into that person
causing severe injury or even death. The path
of an in ating airbag must be kept clear. Do
not put anything between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put anything on
the steering wheel hub or on or near any other
airbag covering. Do not let seat covers block
the in ation path of a side impact airbag.
1-56

Keys...............................................................2-2
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-4
Doors and Locks.............................................2-7
Door Locks....................................................2-7
Central Door Unlocking System........................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-8
Door Ajar Reminder........................................2-8
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-9
Lockout Protection........................................2-10
Liftgate........................................................2-10
Windows........................................................2-11
Manual Windows..........................................2-12
Power Windows............................................2-12
Sun Visors...................................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-13
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-13
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-15
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-15
Ignition Positions..........................................2-16
Starting the Engine.......................................2-17
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-19
Automatic Transaxle Operation.......................2-20
Manual Transaxle Operation...........................2-24
Parking Brake..............................................2-25Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle)......2-26
Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle).....2-28
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle).........2-29
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-29
Engine Exhaust............................................2-30
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-31
Mirrors...........................................................2-32
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-32
Outside Manual Mirrors..................................2-32
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-33
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-33
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-34
Storage Areas................................................2-34
Glove Box...................................................2-34
Cupholder(s)................................................2-34
Sunglasses Storage Compartment...................2-35
Front Storage Area.......................................2-35
Front Armrest Storage Area...........................2-35
Roof Rack (Wagon Only)...............................2-36
Rear Seat Armrest........................................2-36
Convenience Net..........................................2-36
Cargo Shade (Wagon Only)...........................2-37
Hideaway Rear Storage Bins (Wagon Only)......2-37
Sunroof.........................................................2-38
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

One key is used for the
ignition, the doors and all
other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the dealer removes the
key tag and gives it to the first owner. The tag has a code
on it that tells your dealer how to make extra keys. For
vehicle security, keep the key tag in a safe place and also
record the key number somewhere other than inside of
the vehicle. If you lose your key, you will be able to have
a new one made easily using the tag.
If you need a new key, contact your dealer who can
obtain the correct key code. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6for more information.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.Remote Keyless Entry System
If the vehicle has the keyless entry system, it operates
on a radio frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-3

At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is
normal for any remote keyless entry system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to stand closer
to your vehicle for the transmitter to work, try this:
•Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
•Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
•Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on
page 2-4.
•If you are still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
The following functions may be available if your vehicle
has the remote keyless entry system.
The LED light (A), on the transmitter, will flash when the
buttons on the remote keyless entry transmitter are
pressed. You can lock and unlock the vehicle’s doors
from about 20 feet (6 m) away. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-3for additional information. Wagon/Hatchback Remote Keyless Entry
Transmitter
2-4

W(Unlock):Press this button to unlock all of the
doors and the liftgate, if equipped. If all of the doors and
the trunk or liftgate are closed, the hazard lamps will
flash twice to indicate that unlocking has occurred. The
theft-deterrent system will deactivate and the security
light will turn off. The security light is located on the base
of the driver’s door lock.
If a door is not opened or if the engine is not started
within 30 seconds after pressing unlock on the
remote keyless entry transmitter, all of the doors will
automatically lock and the theft-deterrent system
will reactivate.
Q(Lock):Press this button to lock all of the doors
and the liftgate, if equipped. If all of the doors and
the trunk or liftgate are closed, the hazard lamps will
flash once and the horn will chirp to indicate that locking
has occurred. The theft-deterrent system will activate
and the security light will flash.
If the driver’s door is open while pressing lock, all of the
doors, except for the driver’s door will lock. If any
door other than the driver’s door is open while
pressing lock, all of the doors, including the driver’s
door, will lock.
S(Panic):If your vehicle has this feature, press this
button to turn on the hazard warning flashers. The
hazard warning lamps will flash for about 28 seconds.
Press this button again to turn off the hazard warning
lamps.
The lock, unlock, trunk, and panic buttons, on the
remote keyless entry transmitter, will not operate while
the key is in the ignition. The theft-deterrent system
will not activate while the key is in the ignition.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to
prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle.
If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can
be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring
any remaining transmitters with you when you go to
your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement
transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters
must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the
new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock
your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
2-5