
Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 219
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 220
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 230
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Battery - North America . . . . . . 241
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 241
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 242
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 243Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 244
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 248
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 249
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 250
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 225
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0231ii.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0227
ii.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 232
ii.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil 0227
ii.
5. Remote Negative (-) Grounding Point. See Jump
Starting - North America
0 290
ii.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 239
iiand Hydraulic Clutch
0 230ii.
7. Battery - North America
0241
ii.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Engine Coolant 0233
ii.
9. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
- North America 0290
ii.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0250
ii. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0238
ii.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 227
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0231ii.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0227
ii.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 232
ii.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil 0227
ii.
5. Remote Negative (-) Grounding Point. See Jump
Starting - North America
0 290
ii.
6. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 239
iiand Hydraulic Clutch
0 230ii.
7. Battery - North America
0241
ii.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0232
ii.
9. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
- North America 0290
ii.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0250
ii. 11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0238
ii.
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:
.
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 0229
ii.
. 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
0 224
iifor 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.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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232 Vehicle Care
1.8L L4 Engine
1. Remove the six screws that secure the cover.
2. Lift off the cover.
3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Align the air cleaner/filter correctly.
5. Install the cover by lowering it over the air cleaner/filter and
secure with the six screws.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
1.4L L4 Engine Shown, 1.8L L4
Engine Similar
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 233
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0236
ii.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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234 Vehicle Care
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0317
ii.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the
indicated mark, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before this is done.
See Engine Overheating 0236
ii.
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 224
ii.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are (Continued)

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 235
Warning (Continued)
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Caution
In cold weather, water can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator,
heater core, and other parts. Use
the recommended coolant and
the proper coolant mixture.
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine. 1. Remove the coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you
hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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236 Vehicle Care
1.4L L4 Engine Shown, 1.8L L4Engine Similar
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture to the indicated
level mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture to the coolant surge tank until the
level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight.
Check the level in the coolant surge
tank when the cooling system has
cooled down. If the coolant is not at
the proper level, repeat
Steps 1-3 and reinstall the pressure
cap. If the coolant still is not at the
proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Engine Overheating
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the vehicle
instrument cluster to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0102
ii.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 327
ii. If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See
Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode 0237
ii
for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.