2007 CHEVROLET COBALT parking brake

Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock release is
designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever
button fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position
other than LOCK.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of a an uncharged or low voltage
(less than 9 volt) battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or jump
starting the battery. SeeJump Starting on
page 322for more information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following
sequence:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press
the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from
PARK (P), consult your dealer or a professional
towing service.Parking Your Vehicle
(Manual Transaxle)
Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch
pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R),
and rmly apply the parking brake. Once the
shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with
the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the
ignition key to LOCK, remove the key and release
the clutch. SeeManual Transaxle Operation on
page 121.
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Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if
you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution
underEngine Exhaust on page 128.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let
deadly carbon monoxide (CO) into your
vehicle even if the climate control fan is at
the highest setting. One place this can
happen is a garage. Exhaust — with
CO — can come in easily. NEVER park in
a garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 254.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave
your vehicle when the engine is running
unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle
will not move. SeeShifting Into Park (P)
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 124.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transaxle) on page 267orTowing a Trailer
(Automatic Transaxle) on page 268.
129

Wiper Activated Headlamps
This feature activates the headlamps and parking
lamps after the windshield wipers are turned
on. For this feature to work, automatic lighting
must be enabled. SeeHeadlamps on page 152
for additional information.
When the ignition is turned off, the wiper-activated
headlamps will immediately turn off. They will also
turn off 15 seconds after the windshield wiper
control is turned off.
Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened with the ignition off
and the lamps on, a warning chime will sound.
This lets you know that the headlamps are still on.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during
the day. DRL can be helpful in many different
driving conditions, but they can be especially
helpful in the short periods after dawn and before
sunset. Fully functional daytime running lamps
are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered,
or the head lamps will be on when not needed.
The DRL system will make the headlamps
come on when the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO or
the parking lamps only position.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, parking lamps, and instrument
panel lights will not be illuminated unless you have
turned the exterior lamps control to the parking
lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the
regular headlamp system when you need it.
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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 release fully. 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. Make sure the parking
brake is fully released. You may notice that the
pedal is harder to push or, the pedal may go closer
to the oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light
is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 264.
{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.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
Your vehicle may
have an Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS)
warning light.
The ABS warning light will come on briey when
you turn the ignition key to RUN. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it xed so
it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, 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. 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. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 171.
172

Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
Enhanced Traction
System (ETS), this
warning light should
come on briey as you
start the engine.
If the warning light does not come on, then have it
xed 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
ETS and your vehicle may need service. When
this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.The ETS warning light may come on for the
following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come
on and stay on. To turn the system back
on, move the shift lever back to a position
other than LOW (L). The warning light should
go off. SeeEnhanced Traction System
(ETS) on page 234for more information.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running,
and it will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. If the transaxle shift
lever is in any position other than LOW (L) and
the warning light stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means there is
a problem with the system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.
If the ETS warning light comes on and stays on
for an extended period of time when the transaxle
shift lever is in any position other than LOW (L),
your vehicle needs service.
173

LOW COOLANT
If your vehicle has a 2.0L engine, this message
displays when there is a low level of engine
coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 302for more information.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low
on fuel. Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible.
SeeFuel Gage on page 179,Fuel on page 282,
andFilling the Tank on page 285for more
information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Enhanced Traction System
(ETS), this message displays when the system
is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message displays,
so adjust your driving accordingly. SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 234for more
information.
PARKING BRAKE
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 123for
more information.
POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem has been
detected with the electric power steering. Have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer immediately.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem
with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk lid is not
closed completely. Make sure that the trunk
lid is closed completely. SeeTrunk on page 102.
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Your vehicle has personalization capabilities
that allow you to program certain features to a
preferred setting. All of the features listed may not
be available on your vehicle. Only the features
available will be displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the features were set
when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since
that time.
186

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may
come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift
lever to LOW (L), the warning light will come
on and stay on. To turn the system back
on, move the shift lever back to a position
other than LOW (L). The warning light should
go off.
The warning light will come on when you set
your parking brake with the engine running,
and it will stay on if your parking brake
does not release fully. If the transaxle shift
lever is in any position other than LOW (L) and
the warning light stays on after your parking
brake is fully released, it means there is
a problem with the system.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine related problem, the system will turn
off and the warning light will come on.If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the transaxle shift lever is in any
position other than LOW (L), your vehicle needs
service.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 280for more information.
Limited-Slip Differential
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip
transaxle can give you additional traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like a standard
transaxle most of the time, but when one of the
front wheels loses traction, this feature will allow the
wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
235

Dinghy Towing
You may dinghy tow your vehicle from the front
following these steps:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition key to ACC to unlock the
steering wheel.
3. Shift an automatic transaxle to NEUTRAL (N)
or a manual transaxle to NEUTRAL.
4. Release the parking brake.To prevent the battery from draining while the
vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuse
from the oor console fuse block: 8 (Ignition
Switch, PASS-Key
®III+). SeeFloor Console Fuse
Block on page 384for more information.
Remember to reinstall the fuse once you have
reached your destination.
Notice:If you exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while
towing your vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing
your vehicle.
266