2008 CHEVROLET AVEO ECU

If the immobilizer system does not recognize the
electronic code when the key is turned to START,
the engine will not start and the security indicator will
continue blinking. If your key is ever damaged, you may
not be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light continues flashing, there
may be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another key. At this time, you may
also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-89. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the first key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can have a new key made.
Up to five keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
If you lose or damage your keys, only a dealer/retailer
can have new keys made.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-8.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-17

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlet. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-27.
C. Digital Clock and Secondary Information Center.
SeeClock on page 3-20andSecondary Information
Center (SIC) (Hatchback Only) on page 3-43.
D. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
E. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-17.
F. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.G. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-8.
H. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
I. Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-35.
J. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-19.
K. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-19.
L. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-20.
M. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-34.
3-5

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlet. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-27.
C. Digital Clock. SeeClock on page 3-20.
D. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
E. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-8.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
G. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-20.H. Ashtray. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-19.
I. Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-35.
J. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-19.
K. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-8.
L. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-34.
3-7

{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
•Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
•Have your vehicle in good shape for winter.
•You might want to put winter emergency supplies
in your trunk.
Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a supply
of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer
clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red cloth, and a
couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be
driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of
sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags to
help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure these
items in your vehicle.
Also seeTires on page 5-50.
4-13

And, if you do have a heavy load, you should
spread it out. See “Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this section.
{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.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 cargo area of your
vehicle. 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.
4-26

2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and lift up on the
secondary hood release lever, located under the
front center of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and release the hood prop from its
retainer located on the underside of the hood.4. Securely place the hood prop into the slot on the
inner fender.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are
on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the
inner fender and return the prop to its retainer. Lower the
hood 12 inches (30 cm) above the vehicle and release
it so it fully latches. Check to make sure the hood is
closed and repeat the process if necessary.
5-11

{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.
When replacing the pressure cap, make sure it is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-35.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned. Stop
your engine if it overheats, and get out of the
vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
5-25

Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps
To replace a taillamp, turn signal lamp, stoplamp, or
back-up bulb:
1. Open the trunk or liftgate. SeeTrunk on page 2-9
orLiftgate (Hatchback) on page 2-11for more
information.
2. Remove the two screws and the lamp assembly.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket by pressing the
bulb and turning it counterclockwise.
5. Install the appropriate bulb into the socket.
6. Replace the bulb socket into the lamp housing.
Turn the bulb socket clockwise to secure.
7. Reverse Step 2 to reinstall the lamp housing. Hatchback
Sedan
5-47