
Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
5-12 Instruments and Controls
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag's
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the airbag
modules, the wiring, and the crash
sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System on
page 3‑24.
This light comes on when the
vehicle is started, and it will flash for
a few seconds. When the light goes
out this indicates the system is
functioning properly. If the airbag readiness light stays
on or comes on while driving, the
airbag system may not work
properly. Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger
sensing system. See
Passenger
Sensing System on page 3‑31 for
important safety information. The
vehicle has a passenger airbag status indicator near the clock,
located in the center of the
instrument panel.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light PASSENGER AIRBAG ON
and PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF or
the symbol for on and off, for
several seconds as a system check.
Then, after several more seconds,
the status indicator will light either
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON or
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF,

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-17
This light should come on briefly
when the ignition is turned to ON.
If it does not come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will also come
on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking
brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is
fully released, it means there is a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
carefully pull off the road and stop.
The pedal may be harder to push or
may go closer to the floor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing the Vehicle on
page 10‑74.Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF or if the light comes
on, 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 driving, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the brakes will still
work, but the antilock brakes will not
work. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, the antilock
brakes will not work and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑16.
The ABS warning light will come on
briefly when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN. This is normal. If the light
does not come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn if there is
a problem.Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an up-shift
light.
When this light comes on, shift to
the next higher gear if weather,
road, and traffic conditions allow.
See Manual Transmission on
page 9‑29 for more information.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Lighting 6-1
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . 6-1
Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 6-3
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
Uplevel Shown, Base Similar
The lever on the left side of the
steering column operates the
exterior lamps. The exterior lamp band has three
positions:
3(Headlamps):
Turns on the
headlamps, together with the
following:
.Taillamps
.License Plate Lamp
.Instrument Panel Lights
.Parking Lamps
The headlamps automatically turn
off when the ignition key is turned to
LOCK/OFF or ACC/ACCESSORY.
;(Parking Lamps): Turns on the
parking lamps, together with the
taillamps, license plate lamp, and
instrument panel lights.
OFF: Turns all the lamps off,
except the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL).

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-7
Storing an XM Channel
Drivers are encouraged to set up
XM Channel favorites while the
vehicle is in P (Park). Tune to
favorite stations using the
pushbuttons, favorites button, and
steering wheel controls. See
Defensive Driving on page 9‑2.
A maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the
6 pushbuttons positioned below the
radio station frequency labels and
by using the radio favorites page
button (FAV button). Press the FAV
button to go through up to six pages
of favorites, each having six favorite
stations available per page.
If Automatic Store is used, then four
pages of favorites are available.
Each page of favorites can contain
any combination of AM, FM, or XM
channels. To store an XM channel
as a favorite:
1. Tune in the desired channel.
2. Press and release the FAVbutton to display the page where
the channel is to be stored. 3. Press and hold one of the six
numbered pushbuttons until
a beep sounds. When the
pushbutton is pressed and
released, the channel that was
set will return.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for each XM channel to be stored
as a favorite.
To set up the number of favorites
pages:
1. Press and hold FAV until the radio setup menu displays.
2. Select the desired number of favorites pages by pressing the
pushbutton located below the
displayed page numbers.
3. Press FAV to return to the original main radio screen
showing the radio frequency
tabs and to begin the process of
programming favorites for the
chosen number of numbered
pages.
XM Radio Messages
UPDATING: The encryption code
in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process
should take no longer than
30 seconds.
NO SIGNAL: The system is
functioning correctly, but the vehicle
is in a location that is blocking the
XM signal. When the vehicle is
moved into an open area, the signal
should return.
LOADING: The audio system is
acquiring and processing audio and
text data. No action is needed. This
message should disappear shortly.
OFF AIR: This channel is not
currently in service. Tune in to
another channel.
CH UNAVAILABLE: This
previously assigned channel is no
longer assigned. Tune to another
station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for
that preset button.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
8-2 Climate Controls
Climate Control System with Heater Only
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
E. Outside Air/Recirculation
OFF: Turns the fan off. Temperature Control:
Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the
temperature of the air flowing from
the system.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. The fan
must be turned on to run the air
conditioning compressor. Air Delivery Mode Control:
Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air delivery
modes:
Y(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets.
[(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the rear outlets. Keep the area
under the front seats clear to allow
the flow of air to the rear
compartment.
É(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor,
and side window outlets. When
this mode is selected, the
system automatically runs the
air-conditioning. To defog the
windows faster, turn the temperature
control to the warmest setting.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
8-4 Climate Controls
:(Outside Air):This mode
brings outside air into the vehicle.
For vehicles with a recirculation
button, press the button until the
recirculation mode is turned off. The
vehicle then returns to the outside
air mode.
For vehicles with a lever, move the
lever to choose the outside
air mode.
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
For vehicles with a rear window and
outside mirror defogger, they only
work when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN.
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog or frost
from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window and
outside mirror defogger on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the feature is on. If the vehicle does not have air
conditioning, the rear window
defogger may turn off about
10 minutes after the button is
pressed. If it remains on, it can be
turned off by pressing
If the vehicle has air conditioning,
the rear window defogger turns off
about 10 minutes after the button is
pressed. The defogger can also be
turned off by turning the engine off.
Notice: Do not use anything
sharp on the inside of the rear
window. If you do, you could cut
or damage the warming grid, and
the repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
attach a temporary vehicle
license, tape, a decal, or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Air Vents
To open an outlet, press on its
cover. Turn the cover to change the
direction of the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow or
leaves from the air inlets at the
base of the windshield that may
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-8
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-11
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-17
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Parking (Manual Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-25
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . 9-29
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
California Fuel
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-36
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
9-4 Driving and Operating
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. If the brakes are pumped,
the pedal could get harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
still be some power brake assist but
it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is
used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non‐dealer accessories can
affect vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑4.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will
take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle speed.
While in a curve, speed is the one
factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve, while
the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and
then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane,
or a car suddenly pulls out from
nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right
in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking—if you can
stop in time. But sometimes you
cannot stop in time because there is
no room. That is the time for
evasive action —steering around
the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in
emergencies like these. First apply
the brakes —but, unless the vehicle
has antilock brakes, not enough to
lock the wheels. See Braking on
page 9‑3. It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.