2013 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SPORT Owners Manual

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-15sooner than DEX-COOL. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you use
this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
If coolant has to be added more
than four times a year, have the
dealer check the vehicle cooling
system. Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or
additives are used in the vehicle's
cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper
mixture of the engine coolant
listed in this manual for the
cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 for
more information.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for more information on
location.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-16 Vehicle Care
{ WARNINGTurning the surge tank pressure
cap when the engine and radiator
are hot can allow steam and
scalding liquids to blow out and
burn you badly. Never turn the
surge tank pressure cap — even a
little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level
surface. When the engine is cold,
the coolant level should be between
the MIN and MAX lines.
Adding Coolant
If more coolant is needed, add the
proper DEX-COOL coolant mixture
at the coolant surge tank, but only
when the engine is cool. See below
for instructions on “ How to Add
Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank. ”{ WARNINGYou can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap,
make sure it is hand-tight and fully
seated.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If a problem yet has not been found,
check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
between the MIN and MAX lines,
add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before doing it.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10 ‑ 18 for more information.
{ WARNINGSteam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-17
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Notice: In cold weather, water
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended
coolant and the proper coolant
mixture. { WARNINGYou can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If a hiss
is heard, wait for that to stop.
This will allow any pressure
still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap
slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture, to between the MIN and
MAX lines.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-18 Vehicle Care 4. With the coolant surge tank
pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to
the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches between the MIN
and MAX lines.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be
sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Check the level in the surge tank
when the cooling system has cooled
down. If the coolant is not at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 – 3 and
reinstall the pressure cap. If the
coolant still is not at the proper level
when the system cools down again,
see the dealer. Engine Overheating There is a coolant temperature
warning light on the instrument
panel. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5 ‑ 20 .
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine
{ WARNINGSteam from an overheated engine
can cause serious injury, even if
the hood is opened just a little.
Stay away from the engine if
steam is seen or heard coming
from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle
until it cools down. Wait until there
is no sign of steam or coolant
before opening the hood.
If driving continues when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. Someone
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) could get badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine has
cooled.
Notice: Driving the vehicle when
there is no coolant in the coolant
overflow recovery bottle, can
badly damage the engine. The
costly repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle: .
Climbs a long hill on a hot day. .
Stops after high-speed driving.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-19.
Idles for long periods in traffic. .
Tows a trailer.
If there is an overheat warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a
minute or so:
1. If there is an a/c and it is on, turn
it off.
2. Turn on the heater to full hot at
the highest fan speed and open
the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If in
a traffic jam, shift to N (Neutral);
otherwise, shift to the highest
gear possible while driving.
If the overheat warning is no longer
on, the vehicle can be driven. Just
to be safe, drive slowly for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, drive normally.
If the warning continues and the
vehicle is not stopped, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away. If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning continues,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
The decision may be made to not lift
the hood but to get service help
right away.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 4 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak in the system is suspected or
an unusual noise is heard. A fluid loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover,
if required. See Engine Cover on
page 10 ‑ 7 .
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be within the
area indicated on the dipstick when
the engine is cold. If necessary, add
only enough fluid to bring the level
within the area indicated.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-20 Vehicle Care What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to
use, refer to Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 .
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 .
Washer Fluid What to Use When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature can fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing. Adding Windshield Washer
Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 .
Notice .
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water. .
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. .
Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full. .
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc
brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-21
{ WARNINGThe brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12 ‑ 2 . Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes — for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for the location of the
reservoir.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-22 Vehicle Care There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down: .
The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. { WARNINGIf too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5 ‑ 16 .
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir. { WARNINGWith the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
Notice .
Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.