2009 CHEVROLET COBALT check engine

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-16.An Emission Control
Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-18.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-63and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels. Add uid as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (l).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(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

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-20.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-56. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-74.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-63.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only
in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the vehicle starts in
any other position, contact your dealer/retailer for
service.
On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever
in NEUTRAL, push the clutch pedal down halfway,
and try to start the engine. The vehicle should start
only when the clutch pedal is pushed down all the
way to the oor. If the vehicle starts when the clutch
pedal is not pushed all the way down, contact your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-9

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a level
surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-32.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
but do not start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), contact your dealer/retailer
for service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the ignition
should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift lever
is in PARK (P). The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF.
With a manual transmission, the ignition key should
come out only in LOCK/OFF.
Turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right.
It should only lock when turned to the right. Contact your
dealer/retailer if service is required.
6-10

Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission Park (P) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of your vehicle in
case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle begin
to move.Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
6-11

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service General
Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the
World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
7-16

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