
Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
5-20 Instruments and Controls
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light The engine coolant temperature
light should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come
on have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer.
Notice: The engine coolant
temperature warning light
indicates that the vehicle has
overheated. Driving with this light
on can damage the engine and it
may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. See Engine
Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 .
If this light comes on and stays on,
the engine has overheated. Pull
over and see Engine Overheating
on page 10 ‑ 18 for more information. Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See Tire Messages on
page 5 ‑ 34 . Stop as soon as
possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Tire Pressure on page 10 ‑ 43 . When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10 ‑ 46 .
Fuel Economy Light
For vehicles with the fuel economy
mode, this light comes on when the
eco (economy) button, located on
the center console near the shift
lever, is pressed. Press the button
again to turn off the light and exit
the fuel economy mode.
See Fuel Economy Mode on
page 9 ‑ 23 for more information.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
5-30 Instruments and Controls
Engine Cooling System
Messages ENGINE HOT A/C (Air
Conditioning) OFF This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning
compressor is automatically turned
off. When the coolant temperature
returns to normal, the A/C operation
automatically resumes. You can
continue to drive the vehicle.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument cluster
and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Do not increase
the engine speed above normal idling speed. See Engine
Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 for
more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument cluster
and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Do not increase
the engine speed above normal
idling speed. See Engine
Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 for
more information.
This message displays along with a
continuous chime when the engine
has overheated. Stop and turn the
engine off immediately to avoid
severe engine damage. See Engine
Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 .Engine Oil Messages CHANGE ENGINE OIL NOW This message displays when
service is urgently required. This
indicates that the oil life remaining is
less than one percent and the oil
cannot work correctly to avoid
engine wear or damage. See your
dealer. See Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 8
and Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .
Acknowledging 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 .
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when oil life
remaining is between one and
five percent and service is required
for the vehicle. See your dealer. See
Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 8 and
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Instruments and Controls 5-35
Transmission Messages CHANGE TRANSMISSION
FLUID Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 .
This message displays when the life
of the transmission fluid has expired
and it should be changed. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 and Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12
for the proper fluid and change
intervals.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the transmission.
See your dealer for service. TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE Notice: Do not drive the vehicle
while the transmission fluid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument cluster and/or
DIC, or the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty.
This message displays along with a
chime if the transmission fluid in the
vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears and the chime
stops when the fluid temperature
reaches a safe level. Vehicle Reminder
Messages ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE This message displays when the
outside air temperature is cold
enough to create icy road
conditions. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TURN SIGNAL ON This message displays and a chime
sounds as a reminder to turn off the
turn signal if you drive the vehicle
for more than about 1.2 km
(0.75 mile) with a turn signal on.
See Turn and Lane-Change Signals
on page 6 ‑ 3 for more information.

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 (17,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-17the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by turning the ignition switch to
the ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF position.
Notice: Cranking the engine for
long periods of time, by returning
the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after
five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below − 18°C
or 0°F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to
allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat these
steps. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice: If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9 ‑ 45 .
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition key is turned to the LOCK
position: .
Outside Mirror .
Power Windows .
Sunroof (if equipped) .
Radio
The outside mirror, power windows
and sunroof will function until a door
is opened.
The radio will function until the
driver door is opened.
Shifting Into Park To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9 ‑ 25 for
more information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to
LOCK/OFF.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-18 Driving and Operating Leaving the Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{ WARNINGIt can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It 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 . If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips on page 9 ‑ 39 . If you have to leave an automatic
transmission vehicle with the engine
running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is
firmly set before you leave it. After
you have moved the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from P (Park) without
first pushing the button. If you can, it
means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put
too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may find it
difficult to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park). This is called “ torque lock. ”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To find out how, see
Shifting Into Park on page 9 ‑ 17 . Move the shift lever out of P (Park)
before you release the parking
brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull
the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to: .
Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released. .
Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular
brake pedal is applied.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Driving and Operating 9-41When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working. Driving on Grades Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 .Parking on Hills
{ WARNINGParking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.

Black plate (42,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
9-42 Driving and Operating 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill 1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you: .
Start the engine. .
Shift into a gear. .
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 . Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
on page 10 ‑ 18 .
Trailer Towing Three important considerations
have to do with weight: .
The weight of the trailer .
The weight of the trailer tongue .
The total weight on the vehicle's
tires Weight of the Trailer How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, special
equipment, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry
must be considered. See “ Weight of
the Trailer Tongue ” later in this
section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.