Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Instruments and Controls 5-31Acknowledging this message will
not reset the OIL LIFE REMAINING
display. That must be done at the
OIL LIFE screen. See “ Oil Life ”
under Driver Information Center
(DIC) on page 5 ‑ 23 and Engine Oil
Life System on page 10 ‑ 10 .
ENGINE OIL LOW — ADD OILOn some vehicles, this message
displays when the engine oil level
may be too low. Check the oil level
before filling to the recommended
level. If the oil is not low and this
message remains on, take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 8 .
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the
instrument cluster and/or DIC,
stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the cause of the low oil
pressure is corrected. See Engine
Oil on page 10 ‑ 8 for more
information.
This message displays when the
vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED This message displays when the
vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Fuel System Messages FUEL LEVEL LOW This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. See Fuel
Gauge on page 5 ‑ 10 and Filling the
Tank on page 9 ‑ 37 for more
information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP This message may display along
with the malfunction indicator lamp
on the instrument cluster if the
vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened
properly. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5 ‑ 14 . Reinstall the
fuel cap fully. See Filling the Tank
on page 9 ‑ 37 . The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-7Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include: .
Allow extra following distance. .
Pass with caution. .
Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape. .
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled. .
Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires on
page 10 ‑ 36 ..
Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to
your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find a
safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include: .
Keep the vehicle well ventilated. .
Keep the interior
temperature cool. .
Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides. .
Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include: .
Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape. .
Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission. .
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{ WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{ WARNINGCoasting downhill in N (Neutral)
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.
Steering may also be affected
when ignition is off. You could
crash. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear
when going downhill.
Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-9WARNING (Continued)cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: .
Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe. .
Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there. .
Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air. .
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel. .
Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) to the highest setting. See
“ Climate Control Systems ” in
the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9 ‑ 19 .
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel. If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9 ‑ 27 .
{ WARNINGIf the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-24 Driving and Operating
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive Vehicles with this feature always
send engine power to all four
wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on
an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and disables AWD. To restore
AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system,
replace the compact spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
See Compact Spare Tire on
page 10 ‑ 64 . Brakes Antilock Brake
System (ABS) This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5 ‑ 18 . If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-25Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking. Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The switch for the
EPB is in the center console. The
EPB can always be activated, even
if the ignition is OFF. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid repeated
cycles of the EPB system when the
engine is not running.
The system has a parking brake
status light and a parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking
Brake Light on page 5 ‑ 17 . There are
also several Driver Information Center (DIC) messages. See Brake
System Messages on page 5 ‑ 28 . In
case of insufficient electrical power,
the EPB cannot be applied or
released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the parking brake status light to
insure the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply The EPB can be applied any time
the vehicle is stopped. The EPB is
applied by momentarily lifting up on
the EPB switch. Once fully applied,
the parking brake status light and
brake system warning light will be
on. While the brake is being applied,
the status light will flash until full
apply is reached. Once fully applied,
the DIC message PARK BRAKE
SET will be displayed. If the status
light does not come on, or remains
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the
parking brake status light is flashing.
See your dealer. See Electric
Parking Brake Light on page 5 ‑ 17 .
Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-28 Driving and Operating Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle's performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 10 ‑ 2 .
Brake Pedal Override This vehicle has this feature that
limits engine torque when the brake
pedal is applied. If there is one foot
on the brake pedal and the other
foot on the accelerator, the engine
rpm will only climb to slightly more
than idle speed.
This feature is enabled at vehicle
start. Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button
g to disable or
enable this feature and TCS. The
appropriate message will display on
the DIC. See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5 ‑ 32 .
StabiliTrak ®
SystemThe vehicle has a stability control
system called StabiliTrak which
combines antilock brake, traction,
and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain directional
control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a difference
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to assist the
driver with keeping the vehicle on
the intended path.
When the vehicle is started and
begins to move, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure that there are no
problems. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle. This light is on the instrument
cluster.
It will flash when StabiliTrak is both
on and activated.
If the system fails to turn on or
activate, this light will be on solid.
When the light is on solid, the
system will not assist the driver
maintain directional control of the
vehicle. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
The StabiliTrak system
automatically comes on whenever
the vehicle is started. To assist the
driver with vehicle directional
control, especially in slippery road
conditions, the system should
always be left on. StabiliTrak can be
turned off if needed.
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-36 Driving and Operating tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See Fuel Additives
on page 9 ‑ 36 for additional
information.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, or any other fuel not
recommended. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Fuel Additives Gasoline should contain detergent
additives that help prevent engine
and fuel system deposits from
forming. Clean fuel injectors and
intake valves will allow the emission control system to work properly.
Some gasoline does not contain
sufficient quantities of additive to
keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean. To make up for this lack of
detergency, it is recommended that
GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS,
part number 88861013 be added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change or every 15 000 km,
whichever occurs first.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) Vehicles that are ethanol fuel
capable can use either unleaded
gasoline or ethanol fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). For all
other vehicles, use only the
unleaded gasoline described under
Recommended Fuel on page 9 ‑ 35 .
We encourage the use of E85 in
vehicles that are designed to use it.
The ethanol in E85 is a “ renewable ”
fuel, meaning it is made from
renewable sources such as corn
and other crops. Many service stations will not have
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump
available. Those stations that do
have E85 should have a label
indicating ethanol content. Do not
use the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet
specifications. By definition, this
means that fuel labeled E85 will
have an ethanol content between
70% and 85%. Filling the fuel tank
with fuel mixtures that do not meet
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly
between gasoline and E85. If you
do switch fuels, it is recommended
that you add as much fuel as
possible — do not add less than 11 L
(3 gal) when refueling. You should
drive the vehicle immediately after
refueling for at least 11 km (7 mi) to
allow the vehicle to adapt to the
change in ethanol concentration.
Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-40 Driving and Operating WARNING (Continued) .
Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open. .
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel. .
Also adjust the Climate
Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “ Climate Control
Systems ” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9 ‑ 19 .
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road. Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer. This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice: Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.