Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
Driving and Operating 9-21
Engine cranking can be stopped
by pressing the START button a
second time.
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,
or press the START button, 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 or button, and the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. 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.
Engine Heater
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below
−18°C (0°F) for easier starting
and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the heater
at least four hours before starting
the vehicle. An internal thermostat
in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
To Use The Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
1.4L Engine Shown, 1.8L Similar
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The electrical
cord is located on the passenger
side of the engine compartment,
behind the air cleaner.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
Driving and Operating 9-27
WARNING (Continued)
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).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9‑22 andDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9‑51.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The regular brake must be
fully applied first and then the shift
lever button pressed before shifting
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, then 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 9‑23.
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. The vehicle has an automatic
neutral shift feature which allows the
transmission to automatically shift to
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
stopped with a forward gear
engaged. The reduced load on the
engine improves vehicle fuel
economy.
{WARNING
Shifting 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
Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
Driving and Operating 9-31
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and
6 (Sixth):Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) the
same way you do for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as
you press the accelerator pedal.
For the best fuel economy, use
6 (Sixth) gear whenever vehicle
speed and driving conditions allow.
An up-shift light in the instrument
cluster indicates when to shift to the
next higher gear for the best fuel
economy.
During normal driving, upshifts
should occur between 1,300 and
2,500 rpm, and downshifts should
occur between 1,500 and
1,000 rpm. To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral:
Use this position when
you start or idle the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R (Reverse): To back up, with the
vehicle at a complete stop, press
down the clutch pedal. Then pull up
the ring on the shift lever, and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing
the accelerator pedal.
If the gear does not engage, shift
the transmission to Neutral, release
the clutch pedal and press it back
down. Repeat the gear selection.
{WARNING
If you skip a gear when you
downshift, you could lose control
of the vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Do not shift
down more than one gear at a
time when you downshift.
Notice: Do not skip gears while
upshifting. This can cause
premature wear in the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
9-34 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
On a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that
one or both of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the
system brakes the spinning
wheel(s), and/or reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working, but this is
normal.
TCS is on whenever the vehicle is
started. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road
conditions, the system should
always be left on. But, TCS can be
turned off if needed.TCS/StabiliTrak Light
dflashes to indicate that the
traction control system is active.
If there is a problem detected with
TCS, SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL and SERVICE
STABILITRAK may be displayed on
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Vehicle Messages on
page 5‑26. When this message is
displayed and
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle is safe to drive
but the system is not operational.
Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on, reset
the system:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds. 3. Start the engine.
If
dstill comes on and stays on at a
speed above 20 km/h (13 mph), see
your dealer for service.
A chime may also sound when the
light comes on steady.
Notice: Do not repeatedly brake
or accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle's driveline could
be damaged.
TCS/StabiliTrak Button
gis located on the console.
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
9-36 Driving and Operating
stays on, the vehicle is safe to drive
but the system is not operational.
Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on, reset
the system:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
If
dstill comes on and stays on at a
speed above 20 km/h (13 mph), see
your dealer for service.
TCS/StabiliTrak Button
gis on the console.
StabiliTrak Off
LightTCS Off Light
StabiliTrak can be turned off if
needed by pressing and holding
g
untilgandicome on in the
instrument cluster. When StabiliTrak
is turned off, the system will not
assist with directional control of the
vehicle or limit wheel spin. Driving
should be adjusted accordingly.
Press and release
gagain to turn
the system back on.
If cruise control is being used when
StabiliTrak activates, cruise control
will automatically disengage. Press
the cruise control button to
reengage when road conditions
allow. See Cruise Control on
page 9‑36.
Cruise Control
For vehicles with cruise control, the
vehicle can maintain a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not
work at speeds below 40 km/h
(25 mph).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control shuts off.
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) or StabiliTrak system
that begins to limit wheel spin while
using cruise control and the cruise
control will automatically disengage.
See Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑34 orStabiliTrak
®System
on page 9‑35. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, the
cruise control can be turned on.
Black plate (49,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
Driving and Operating 9-49
WARNING (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop
then unscrew the cap all
the way
The tethered fuel cap is behind the
fuel door on the vehicle's passenger
side. To open the fuel door, push the
rearward center edge in and
release. When applied pressure is
removed, the fuel door will spring
partially open.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise
to remove. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks.
If the cap is not properly installed,
the malfunction indicator lamp will
come on. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5‑13 for more
information.
Do not top off or overfill the tank.
Wait a few seconds before removing
the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑83.{WARNING
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If a new fuel cap is
needed, be sure to get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The
wrong type of fuel cap might not
fit properly, might cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to
light, and could damage the fuel
tank and emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5‑13.
Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
9-52 Driving and Operating
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.
When 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.
Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/16/12
Driving and Operating 9-53
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 10‑19.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking 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.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into
gear for vehicles with a manual
transmission.
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 11‑2. 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.