
Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-16 Driving and Operating
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.
The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN,
but the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in
Service Only Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Ignition Positions (Key
Access)
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
{Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the
brake pedal.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/
OFF): When the vehicle is stopped,
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9-23. This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. This locks
the steering wheel, ignition, and
automatic transmission.
The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to Neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to Neutral,

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-17
continue to firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-40.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY. 2 (ACC/ACCESSORY):
This
position provides power to some of
the electrical accessories. It unlocks
the steering wheel and ignition. To
move the key from ACC/
ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF, push
in the key and then turn it to
LOCK/OFF.
3 (ON/RUN): The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can
be used to operate the electrical
accessories, including the
ventilation fan and 12-volt power
outlet, as well as to display some
warning and indicator lights. This
position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position on
automatic transmission vehicles. The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
4 (START):
This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving.
A warning tone sounds when the
driver door is opened if the ignition
is still in ACC/ACCESSORY and the
key is in the ignition.
If the ignition becomes difficult to
turn, see Keys on page 2-1.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-18 Driving and Operating
Key Lock Release
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission are equipped with an
electronic key lock release system.
The key lock release is designed to
prevent ignition key removal unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
The key lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. If the vehicle has an
uncharged battery or a battery withlow voltage, try charging or jump
starting the battery. See
Jump
Starting on page 10-82.
If charging or jump starting the
battery does not work, locate the
hole below the ignition lock. Insert a
flat bladed tool or another key from
the key chain into the opening.
When the lever can be felt, actuate
the lever toward the driver, and
remove the key from the ignition.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
{Caution
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 9-69. Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
vehicle when it is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the
floor and start the engine. The
vehicle will not start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Driving and Operating 9-19
Gasoline Engine Starting
Procedure (Key Access)
1. With your foot off the acceleratorpedal, turn the ignition key to
START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed
will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. If the ignition key is
turned to the START position,
and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for
a few seconds or until the
vehicle starts. If the engine does
not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds,
cranking stops after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor
damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine
is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by
turning the ignition switch to
ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition 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 0°F or
−18°C), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and hold it there as you
hold the key in START for a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each
try, to allow the cranking motor
to cool. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator.
If the vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, repeat the
procedure. 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.
Gasoline Engine Starting
Procedure (Keyless Access)
1. If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system, the transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Put your
foot on the brake pedal and
push the ENGINE START/STOP
button. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-20 Driving and Operating
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
If the transmitter is not in the
vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter,
the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-23.
If the battery in the RKE
transmitter needs replacing, the
DIC displays REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
The vehicle can still be driven.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a
Low Transmitter Battery” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-3.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects
components. If the ENGINE
START button is pressed, and
then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not
start and the button is pressed
for many seconds, cranking will
be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by pressing the ENGINE START
button a second time.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition 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.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-22 Driving and Operating
If the light does not go off, wait a
few seconds, then try starting the
engine again. See your dealer for a
starting system check.
If the light comes on and then goes
off, and it is known that the batteries
are charged, but the engine still will
not start, the vehicle needs service.
If the light does not come on when
the engine is cold, the vehicle
needs service.
If the batteries do not have enough
charge to start the engine, see
Battery on page 10-28.
Check that the correct engine oil
has been used and changed at
appropriate intervals. If the wrong oil
is used, the engine may be harder
to start.
Be sure you are using the proper
fuel for existing weather conditions.
SeeFuel for Diesel Engines on
page 9-54.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.{Warning
Do not use gasoline or starting
aids, such as ether, in the air
intake. They could damage the
engine, which may not be
covered by the warranty. There
could also be a fire, which could
cause serious personal injury.
Engine Heater
The gasoline engine heater and
diesel engine oil heater, if equipped,
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
1.4L engine’s cord will prevent
engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
To Use the Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
1.4L Engine Shown, 1.8L and 2.0L
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 (28,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-28 Driving and Operating
DEF is used with diesel engines to
reduce the amount of regulated
emissions produced. The fluid level
in the DEF tank must be maintained
for the vehicle to run correctly. The
capacity of the DEF tank is 18.5 L
(4.9 gal).
It is normal to hear the DEF system
purge fluid back into the tank after
the vehicle is shutoff.
Locating Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF can be purchased at a
Chevrolet dealer. It can also be
purchased at authorized vehicle
dealerships. Additionally, some
diesel fueling stations or retailers
may have DEF for purchase. For
vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar can help to
locate a DEF retailer. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 13-3 for
phone numbers to assist in
contacting a GM dealer. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12. Filling the DEF Tank
{Caution
Use only exhaust fluid that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the
API certified or ISO 22241 label.
The use of other fluids could
damage the system, requiring
costly repairs that will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
When adding DEF to an empty or
very low tank, always add at least
7.6 L (2 gal) of fluid to release the
vehicle from speed limitation.
To prevent damage to the system,
do not overfill the DEF tank. When
fluid reaches the top of the fill pipe,
stop filling. Do not top off the
DEF tank.
If you spill DEF during filling, wipe
any effected surface with a damp
cloth.
For information on the DEF tank,
see Filling the Tank on page 9-61. Exhaust Fluid Low
A full DEF tank will last for several
thousand kilometers (miles),
depending on vehicle usage. As the
exhaust fluid level drops, warnings
will automatically be displayed in the
DIC. Exhaust fluid level status is
available on the DIC under the
vehicle Information button. See
“Diesel Exhaust Fluid Level (Diesel
Engine Only)”
inDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-23.
To avoid vehicle speed limitations,
the DEF tank should be refilled at
the first opportunity after a low
warning indication. If DEF is added
before the EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW message
appears, it may take several km/mi
for the DIC message to update.
If the vehicle speed has been
limited and DEF has been added, it
may take up to 30 seconds after
engine start with the vehicle
stopped for the EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW message to
clear. If the vehicle is driven prior to

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
9-34 Driving and Operating
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 9-23 andDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on page 9-63.
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 9-24.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
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.