2009 CHEVROLET COBALT coolant temperature

If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An engine coolant temperature warning can indicate
a serious problem. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 3-34.
If you get an engine coolant temperature warning,
but see or hear no steam, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.If you get the engine coolant temperature warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. If you have an air conditioner and it is on, turn it off.
2. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
for automatic transmission or NEUTRAL for manual
transmission, while stopped. If it is safe to do so,
pull off the road, shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
and let the engine idle.
3. Turn on your heater to full hot at the highest fan
speed and open the windows as necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still
have the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
5-24

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-30

(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-20
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
6-8

CD, MP3 .......................................................3-69
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Chains, Tire...................................................5-72
Charging System Light....................................3-30
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-35
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-102
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-36
Infants and Young Children...........................1-32
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-39
Older Children.............................................1-30
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-46
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-49
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-101
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-99
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-96
Finish Care.................................................5-99Cleaning (cont.)
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-98
Interior.......................................................5-95
Leather......................................................5-97
Tires........................................................5-101
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-102
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-99
Weatherstrips..............................................5-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-100
Climate Control System...................................3-18
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-21
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Clock, Setting.................................................3-55
Clutch, Hydraulic.............................................5-20
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-94
Competitive Driving, Racing or Other.................4-17
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-34
Heater, Engine............................................2-27
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23
3

E
Easy Entry Seat............................................... 1-8
EDR .............................................................7-17
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-105
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-108
Floor Console Fuse Block...........................5-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-106
Headlamp Wiring.......................................5-105
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-105
Electronic Stability Control................................4-10
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-33
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-35
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-34
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-25Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-9
Indicator/Warning Light.................................3-32
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-29
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-18
Finish Damage.............................................5-102
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-77
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-73
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-74
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-93
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Automatic Transmission................................5-19
Windshield Washer......................................5-30
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-14
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-39
Folding Rear Seat............................................ 1-9
5

Horn............................................................... 3-6
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydraulic Clutch.............................................5-20
I
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-32
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-56
Instrument Panel
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel (I/P)
Brightness..................................................3-14
Cluster.......................................................3-24
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-34
K
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall.....................................5-50
Lamps
Dome........................................................3-15
Mirror Reading............................................3-15
Lap-Shoulder Belt...........................................1-23
LATCH System
Child Restraints...........................................1-39
License Plate Lamps.......................................5-47
Light
Airbag Readiness........................................3-27
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning...........3-32
Brake System Warning.................................3-31
Charging System.........................................3-30
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-34
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Indicator/Warning Light..............................3-32
Fog Lamp..................................................3-39
Highbeam On.............................................3-39
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-35
Oil Pressure...............................................3-38
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-28
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-26
Security.....................................................3-38
Tire Pressure..............................................3-34
Up-Shift.....................................................3-30
7