2007 CHEVROLET COBALT coolant level

How long should you keep the coolant heater
plugged in? The answer depends on the outside
temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some
other things. Instead of trying to list everything here,
we ask that you contact a dealer/retailer in the area
where you will be parking your vehicle. The dealer
can give you the best advice for that particular area.
Automatic Transaxle Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, the shift
lever is located on the console between the seats.
There are several
different positions for
the automatic transaxle.
PARK (P):This position locks your front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start
your engine because your vehicle cannot move
easily.
{CAUTION:
It is 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 your parking brake
and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into Park (P) (Automatic
Transaxle) on page 124. If you are pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (Manual
Transaxle) on page 267orTowing a
Trailer (Automatic Transaxle) on page 268.
118

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning
light will come on
when the engine
has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 309for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on could cause your
vehicle to overheat. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 309. Your vehicle could be damaged,
and it might not be covered by your warranty.
Never drive with the engine coolant
temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle
serviced.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has 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.
174

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

A. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
“Adding Washer Fluid” underWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 317.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 293.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine
Oil” underEngine Oil on page 293.
D. Intercooler System Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 302.
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 318andHydraulic
Clutch on page 302.
F. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 386.
G. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 322.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting on page 322.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeCooling
System on page 311.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 300.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 290
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you
do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper
towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
293

Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 290
for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when
the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn the surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When
your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
the COLD FILL line.
304

Checking Intercooler System Coolant
(2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine Only)
The intercooler system ll neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment, near the center of
the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 290for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the ll neck pressure cap when
the engine and intercooler are hot can
allow steam and scalding liquids to blow
out and burn you badly. Never turn the ll
neck pressure cap — even a little — when
the engine and intercooler are hot.
Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn off the
engine. When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should be visible within the horizontal tube section
of the ll neck. When the engine is warm, the
coolant level could be as high as the FULL HOT line
on the ll neck, or a little higher.
306

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant
on hot engine parts. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol, and it will burn if the
engine parts are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the ll neck pressure cap
when the intercooler system, including the
upper intercooler hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a
hiss, wait for that to stop. This will allow any
remaining pressure to be vented.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.3. Add the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
to the ll neck, until there is coolant visible in
the horizontal tube section of the ll neck.
4. With the ll neck pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run for at least 30 seconds.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. Turn the
engine off. By this time, the coolant level inside
the ll neck may be lower. If the level drops so
that coolant is no longer visible in the horizontal
tube section of the ll neck, add more of the
DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture to the ll neck
until the level is again visible in the horizontal
tube section.
5. Replace the intercooler system pressure cap.
Be sure the pressure cap is hand-tight and
fully seated.
If the coolant is not at the proper level when
the system cools down again, see your dealer.
308

A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Intercooler System Pressure Cap
C. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the COLD FILL line.
If it is not, you may have a leak at the pressure cap
or in the radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator,
water pump, or somewhere in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other
engine parts, can be very hot. Do not
touch them. If you do, you can be burned.
CAUTION: (Continued)
2.0L L4 Supercharged Engine
312