
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
9-8 Driving and Operating
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-26.
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/Electronic Stability Control
on page 9-41.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
(Continued)

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-19
{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. 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. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press the
ENGINE START/STOP button
with the brake pedal applied.
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.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or the RKE battery
is low, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will display. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-23 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-3.
{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 press the ENGINE
START/STOP button, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-27
If the vehicle continues to be driven
with the DPF warning message on,
and the exhaust filter is not cleaned
as required, the malfunction
indicator lamp and the ENGINE
POWER IS REDUCED message
will come on and dealer service is
necessary. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-14 and
Engine Power Messages on
page 5-29.
{Warning
During DPF self cleaning or
during extended idling in P (Park),
the exhaust system and exhaust
gases are very hot. Things that
burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite.
You or others could be burned.
Do not park, or idle for an
extended period of time, near or
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Keep the exhaust area clear of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
material that could ignite or burn.
SeeParking over Things That
Burn on page 9-25 for more
information.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
{Warning
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is
corrosive. Do not allow it to come
in contact with your skin, eyes,
or the finished surfaces of the
vehicle. If exposed, it may cause
skin and eye irritation. Wear skin
and eye protection when
handling. Inhalation may cause
irritation to the upper respiratory
tract. Store in a cool,
well-ventilated area. For more
safety and storage information,
see the label of the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid container. 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 shut off.
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. See
Customer
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.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-41
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-8 and“Turning the Systems
Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC),
and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.

Black plate (47,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-47
.Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with vehicles in the side blind
zone (or spot) areas. The SBZA
warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
SBZA does not alert the driver to
vehicles rapidly approaching
outside of the side blind zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. It may not provide
alerts when changing lanes under
all driving conditions. Failure to(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
use proper care when changing
lanes may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. Before
making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn
signals.
SBZA Detection Zones
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m (11 ft). The height of the zone is
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. This
zone starts at approximately the
middle of the vehicle and goes back
5 m (16 ft).
How the System Works
The SBZA symbol lights up in the
side mirrors when the system
detects a vehicle in the next lane
over that is in the side blind zone.
This indicates it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the SBZA display,
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side Mirror
DisplayRight Side Mirror Display

Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
9-48 Driving and Operating
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror SBZA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left-
or right-side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in
that blind zone. If the turn signal is
activated in the same direction of a
detected vehicle, this display will
flash as an extra warning not to
change lanes.
SBZA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision Detection Systems”under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-36. If SBZA is disabled by
the driver, the SBZA mirror displays
will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly, for
a stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. The SBZA detection zones
that extend back from the side of
the vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer. SBZA may alert to objects
attached to the vehicle, such as a
trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle. This
is normal system operation; the
vehicle does not need service.
SBZA may not always alert the
driver to vehicles in the side blind
zone, especially in wet conditions.
The system does not need to be
serviced. The system may light up
due to guardrails, signs, trees,
shrubs, and other non-moving
objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA may not operate when the
SBZA sensors in the left or right
corners of the rear bumper are
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing
the Vehicle" under
Exterior Care on
page 10-88. If the DIC still displays
the system unavailable message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of
the vehicle, see your dealer.
If the SBZA displays do not light up
when vehicles are in the blind zone
and the system is clean, the system
may need service. Take the vehicle
to your dealer.
When SBZA is disabled for any
reason other than the driver turning
it off, the Side Blind Zone Alert On
option will not be available on the
personalization menu.
Radio Frequency Information
See
Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13-12.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, the RVC system can
assist the driver when backing up by
displaying a view of the area behind
the vehicle.

Black plate (53,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-53
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
{Caution
Use of diesel fuel other than Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel (15 ppm sulfur
maximum) will cause damage to
the exhaust after-treatment
system. This damage would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not use marine,
locomotive, or boiler distillate fuel
since it may contain higher sulfur
levels.
The emission control system
requires the use of diesel fuel with
ultra low sulfur content (15 ppm or
0.0015% by weight, maximum).
Look for the following label on the
dispenser to ensure you are filling
with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.
At a minimum, the diesel fuel you
use should meet the latest version
of ASTM specification D 975
(Grades number 2-D or number 1-D
S15, commonly known as Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel) in the United States.
If there are questions about the fuel
you are using, contact your fuel
supplier.
Diesel Fuel Grades
For best results use number 2-D
diesel fuel year-round (above and
below freezing conditions) as oil
companies blend number 2-D fuel to
address climate differences. Number 1-D diesel fuel can be used
in very cold temperatures (when it
stays below
−18°C or 0°F);
however, it will produce a power and
fuel economy loss. Avoid the use of
number 1-D diesel fuel in warm or
hot climates. It can result in stalling,
poor starting when the engine is hot,
and damage to the fuel injection
system.
Premium Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel corresponding to the
Engine Manufacturers Association
(EMA) Recommended Guideline on
Premium Diesel Fuel (FQP-1A)
could provide better starting, less
noise, and better vehicle
performance, but its use is not
required.
Biodiesel
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a fuel produced from
vegetable oils or animal fats that
have been chemically modified to
reduce the possibility of damage to
the fuel system and engine.

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707493) -
2015 - crc - 11/24/14
Driving and Operating 9-55
Pumps dispensing more than
5% and up to 20% biodiesel are
required to be labeled with the
concentration of biodiesel. When
refueling with a biodiesel blend
above B5, ensure one of the
following two labels appears on
the dispenser:
.Biodiesel quality—Blends
containing more than 5% and up
to 20% biodiesel must meet the
latest version of ASTM specification D7467 (Biodiesel
blend, B6 - B20). Biodiesel is an
emerging product, and its quality
can vary widely. To reduce the
risk of poor quality fuel, we
recommend that biodiesel users
purchase biodiesel blends from
a BQ-9000 certified marketer.
A listing of certified marketers
can be found at
www.bq-9000.org. If there are
questions about the
biodiesel-containing fuels you
are using, contact your fuel
supplier.
{Caution
Certain driving patterns are not
compatible with biodiesel use.
It is the operator
’s responsibility
to ensure that biodiesel in the
vehicle’s tank does not lead to
engine, fuel system, or exhaust
after-treatment system damage.