Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-23
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 toM (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
the 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.
Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
9-24 Driving and Operating
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. SeeFuel Economy Light on
page 5-21. 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.
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 10-65.
Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
9-36 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. When
driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
help keep the engine clean and
maintain optimum vehicle
performance, we recommend using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
See www.toptiergas.com for a list of
TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap,
E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the
vehicle. SeeE85 or FlexFuel on
page 9-37.
Use regular unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 87 or
higher. Do not use gasoline with an
octane rating below 87, as it may
cause engine damage and will lower
fuel economy.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
{Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-37
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5-14. If this occurs,
return to your authorized dealer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, manganese, or any other
fuel not recommended. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper
fuel would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel on
page 9-36.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of Fuel
System Treatment PLUS added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change can help. Fuel System
Treatment PLUS is the only gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Do not use additives with E85 or
FlexFuel.
E85 or FlexFuel
Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can
use either unleaded gasoline or fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
All other vehicles should use only
the unleaded gasoline as described
in
Fuel on page 9-36.
The use of E85 or FlexFuel is
encouraged when the vehicle is
designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel
is made from renewable sources.
To help locate fuel stations that
carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S.
Department of Energy has an
alternative fuel website. See
www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
stations.
E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798 or CAN/
CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
9-38 Driving and Operating
the fuel if the ethanol content is
greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
do not meet ASTM or CGSB
specifications can affect driveability
and could cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.
The starting characteristics of E85
or FlexFuel make it unsuitable for
use when temperatures fall below
−18°C (0°F). Use gasoline or add
gasoline to the E85 or FlexFuel.
Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
energy per liter (gallon) than
gasoline, the vehicle will need to be
refilled more often. SeeFilling the
Tank on page 9-38.
{Caution
Some additives are not
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel
and can harm the vehicle's fuel
system. Do not add anything to
E85 or FlexFuel. Damage caused
by additives would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
{Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the fuel
pump island.
.Turn off the engine when
refueling.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the
fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
.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.
Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
The fuel cap is located behind a
hinged fuel door on the driver side
of the vehicle. If equipped, the fuel
door is locked when the vehicle
doors are locked. Press
Kon the
RKE transmitter to unlock.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise. The fuel
cap has a spring in it; if the cap is
released too soon, it will spring back
to the right. To avoid fuel contact on
the painted surface of the vehicle
when filling the fuel tank, place the
cap on the fuel filler door. Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not
top off or overfill the tank and wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10-74.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. Make sure
the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-14.{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.
{Caution
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 5-14.
Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
9-40 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-70.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10-70.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing.
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Mexico-
7576028) - 2015 - First Edition - 3/21/14
10-8 Vehicle Care
4. Lift and remove the enginecover.
5. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall the engine cover.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-10.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10-4 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then
push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the MIN
(minimum) mark, add 1 L (1 qt) of
the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See “Selecting
the Right Engine Oil” in this section
for an explanation of what kind of oil