Page 209 of 374

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-21
{ WARNINGIt is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9 ‑ 17 and Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9 ‑ 39 .
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the
regular brakes first and then press
the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the ignition
key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into
another gear. See Shifting out of
Park on page 9 ‑ 18 .
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9 ‑ 9 . N (Neutral): In this position, the
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{ WARNINGShifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Page 210 of 374

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-22 Driving and Operating D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving with the automatic
transmission. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are: .
Going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down. .
Going about 55 km/h (35 mph),
push the accelerator all the
way down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding, see “ Skidding ” under
Loss of Control on page 9 ‑ 5 .
M (Manual): This position allows
you to change gears similar to a
manual transmission. If the vehicle
has this feature, see Manual Mode
on page 9 ‑ 22 . Notice: Spinning the tires or
holding the vehicle in one place
on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage
the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If you are stuck, do not
spin the tires. When stopping on
a hill, use the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
Manual Mode Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument panel cluster. When
using the ERS mode a number will
display in place of the D (Drive),
indicating the current gear range
that has been selected. To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual).
2. Press the plus/minus button
located on the shift lever, to
increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to
M (Manual), the transmission will
shift to a pre-determined lower gear
range. The highest gear available
for this pre-determined range is
displayed in the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5 ‑ 23 . The number displayed in
Page 211 of 374

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-23the DIC is the highest gear that the
transmission will be allowed to
operate in. This means that all
gears below that number are
available. For example, when
4 (Fourth) is shown, 1 (First) through
4 (Fourth) gears are automatically
shifted by the vehicle. The
transmission will not shift into
5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus) button is
used or you shift back into D (Drive).
While in M (Manual), the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear range if the engine
speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle.
If vehicle speed is not reduced
within the time allowed, the lower
gear range shift will not be
completed. You must further slow
the vehicle, then press the − (Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.
Automatic Engine Grade Braking is
not available when the ERS is
active. It is available in D (Drive).
While using the ERS, cruise control
can be used. Fuel Economy Mode The vehicle may have a fuel
economy mode. When engaged,
fuel economy mode can improve the
vehicle's fuel economy.
Pressing the eco button by the shift
lever will engage fuel economy
mode. When activated, the eco light
in the instrument cluster will come
on. See Fuel Economy Light on
page 5 ‑ 20 . Pressing the button a
second time will turn fuel economy
mode off. When fuel economy mode is on: .
The transmission will upshift
sooner, and downshift later. .
The torque converter will lock –
up sooner, and stay on longer. .
The gas pedal will be less
sensitive. .
The vehicle ’ s driving
performance will be more
conservative. .
The vehicle's computers will
more aggressively shut off fuel
to the engine under deceleration. .
The engine idle speed will be
lower.
Do not use fuel economy mode
while towing.
Page 212 of 374

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.
Page 213 of 374

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 .
Page 214 of 374

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-26 Driving and Operating If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is in motion, a chime will
sound, and the DIC message
RELEASE PARK BRAKE SWITCH
will be displayed. The vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held in the up position. Releasing
the EPB switch during deceleration
will release the parking brake. If the
switch is held in the up position until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
If the parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is
only partially applied or released,
or there is a problem with the EPB.
The DIC message SERVICE
PARKING BRAKE will be displayed.
If this light flashes continuously,
release the EPB, and attempt to
apply it again. If this light continues
to flash, do not drive the vehicle.
See your dealer.
If the parking brake warning light is
on, the EPB has detected an error
in another system and is operating
with reduced functionality. To apply
the EPB when this light is on, lift up on the EPB switch and hold it in the
up position. Full application of the
parking brake by the EPB system
may take a longer period of time
than normal when this light is on.
Continue to hold the switch until the
parking brake status light remains
on. If the parking brake warning light
is on, see your dealer.
If the EPB fails to apply, the rear
wheels should be blocked to
prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release To release the EPB, place the
ignition in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position, apply and hold
the brake pedal, and push down
momentarily on the EPB switch.
If you attempt to release the EPB
without the brake pedal applied, a
chime will sound, and the DIC
message STEP ON BRAKE TO
RELEASE PARK BRAKE will be
displayed. The EPB is released
when the parking brake status light
is off. If the parking brake warning light is
on, the EPB has detected an error
in another system and is operating
with reduced functionality. To
release the EPB when this light is
on, push down on the EPB switch
and hold it in the down position.
EPB release may take a longer
period of time than normal when this
light is on. Continue to hold the
switch until the parking brake status
light is off. If the light is on, see your
dealer.
Notice: Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.
Page 215 of 374

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-27Automatic EPB Release The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
For maximum EPB force when
towing a trailer or parking on a hill,
pull the EPB switch twice. If you are
towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips on page 9 ‑ 39 .Ride Control Systems Traction Control
System (TCS) The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
This is useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens,
TCS applies the brakes to limit
wheel spin and also reduces engine
power. The system may be heard or
felt while it is working, but this is
normal.
This light will flash when TCS is
limiting wheel spin. It is recommended to leave the
system on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn the system off if the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9 ‑ 9 .
The TCS/StabiliTrak button is on the
instrument panel.
To turn off and on TCS, press and
release the StabiliTrak button
g .
The appropriate message displays
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5 ‑ 32 .
If the system is limiting wheel spin
when the button is pressed, the
system will not turn off.
Page 216 of 374

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.