Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
216 Driving and Operating
Stop/Start System
{Warning
Exiting the vehicle without first
shifting into P (Park) may cause
the vehicle to move. You or others
may be injured. Because the
vehicle has the auto engine stop/
start feature, the vehicle's engine
might seem to be shut off;
however, once the brake pedal is
released, the engine will start up
again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF, before
exiting the vehicle.
The vehicle may have a fuel saving
stop/start system to shut off the
engine to help conserve fuel. Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See
Tachometer
0 121. When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal is
pushed, the engine will restart.
Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
. A minimum vehicle speed is not
reached.
. The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range,
typically below 5 °C (41 °F) or
above 50 °C (122 °F).
. The shift lever is in any gear
other than D (Drive).
. The battery has been recently
disconnected.
. The battery charge is low. .
The interior comfort level has not
reached the required level for
the climate control system or
defog settings. Use the eco
(green indicator on) air
conditioning mode for better
efficiency. See Automatic
Climate Control System 0193.
. The Auto Stop time is greater
than two minutes.
Diesel Engine Starting Procedure
The diesel engine starts differently
than a gasoline engine. 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle.
Observe the wait-to-start light.
See Wait-to-Start Light 0131.
This light may not come on if
the engine is warm.
2. Press the ENGINE START/ STOP button with the brake
pedal or clutch pedal applied to
START. The start will be
delayed if the wait-to-start lamp
is illuminated.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
Driving and Operating 217
The engine has a fast warm-up
glow plug system. The
wait-to-start light will illuminate
for a much shorter time than
most diesel engines, due to the
rapid heating of the glow plug
system.
Caution
If the wait-to-start light stays on
after starting the vehicle, the
vehicle may not run properly.
Have the vehicle serviced
right away.
3. If the engine does not start after 15 seconds of cranking,
wait one minute for the starter
to cool, then try the same steps
again.
If you are trying to start the engine
after you have run out of fuel, follow
the steps in Running Out of Fuel
(Diesel) 0258. When the engine is cold, let it run
for a few minutes before you move
the vehicle. This lets oil pressure
build up. The engine will sound
louder when it's cold.
Cold Weather Starting (Diesel
Engine)
The following tips will help with cold
weather starting.
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. See
Engine Oil
0 270. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C
(0°F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250
for information on what fuel to use in
cold weather.
If the Diesel Engine Will Not
Start
If you have run out of fuel, see
Running Out of Fuel (Diesel) 0258.
If the vehicle is not out of fuel, and
the engine will not start, do this: Turn the ignition on. Immediately
after the wait-to-start light goes off,
press ENGINE START/STOP.
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 - North America
0285.
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.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0250.
If the engine starts, runs a short
time, then stops, the vehicle needs
service.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
218 Driving and Operating
{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 vehicle warranty.
They could also cause a fire,
which could cause serious
personal injury.
Engine Heater
The engine block heater and diesel
engine oil pan 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. A thermostat
that is part of the block heater cord
will prevent engine block heater
operation at temperatures above
−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. For gasoline
engines, the electrical cord is
on the passenger side of the
engine compartment between
the headlamp and the air
cleaner. For diesel engines, the
electrical cord is on the driver
side of the engine compartment
near the fuse box.
3. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do
not use it. See your dealer for
a replacement. Inspect the
cord for damage yearly.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine
parts. If you do not it could be
damaged.{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord
or an extension cord can damage
the cord and may result in
overheating and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an
electric shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension
cord in good operating
condition, or using a
damaged heater or
extension cord, could make
it overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
222 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0219 and
Engine Exhaust 0221.
Diesel Particulate
Filter
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
filters soot particles out of the
exhaust gases. The system includes
a self-cleaning function that runs
automatically during driving without
any notification. The filter is cleaned
by periodically burning off the soot
particles at high temperature. This
process takes place automatically
and may take up to 20 minutes.
Fuel consumption may be higher
during this period.
Under certain driving conditions,
e.g. short distances, the system
cannot clean itself automatically.
If the cleaning of the filter is required
and if previous driving conditions did
not enable automatic cleaning, a
warning message appears in the
DIC. See Diesel Particulate Filter
Messages 0143. Start the cleaning
process as soon as possible.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
Driving and Operating 223
Cleaning Process
To activate the cleaning process,
continue driving safely, and keep
vehicle speed above 41 km/h (25
mph) until the warning message in
the DIC goes off.
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 0126 andEngine
Power Messages 0142.{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
material that could ignite or burn.
See Parking over Things That
Burn 0221 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 14.25 L
(3.76 gal).
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
224 Driving and Operating
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. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices 0371 for phone
numbers to assist in contacting a
GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0361.
Filling the DEF Tank
Caution
Use only DEF 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 affected surface with a damp
cloth.
For information on the DEF tank,
see
Filling the Tank 0259.
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 menu. See
“Diesel Exhaust Fluid Level (Diesel
Engine Only)” inDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0137 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0134. 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
the DIC message clearing, the
vehicle speed will still be limited.
If the DIC message clears while
driving, the speed limitation will be
removed gradually.
If DEF is added under freezing
conditions, additional time may be
required to remove speed limitations
and may require less fluid to fill the
DEF tank.
The following actions describe
strategies required by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
226 Driving and Operating
Add at least 7.6 L (2 gal) of fluid to
release the vehicle from speed
limitation from a very low or empty
tank. The capacity of the DEF tank
is 14.25 L (3.76 gal).
SeeDiesel Exhaust Fluid Messages
0 142, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light 0132, and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0361.
Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor
Use only exhaust fluid that is GM
approved, or fluid containing the API
certified or ISO 22241 label.
All DEF has an expiration date.
If the system detects poor quality,
or contaminated or diluted DEF, the
DIC message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW –160 KM (99 MI)
UNTIL 105 KM/H (65 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A warning light also
comes on. Adding fresh DEF to the
system may resolve the problem,
depending on several factors. If the DIC message persists, see your
dealer or additional DIC messages
may display.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, a DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 105 KM/H
(65 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A warning light and a chime also
come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 105 km/h (65 mph).
After the transition to 105 km/h
(65 mph) is complete, the DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 105 KM/H (65 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 89 KM/H (55 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 89 KM/H (55 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 89 km/h (55 mph).
After the transition to 89 km/h
(55 mph) is complete, a DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID
QUALITY POOR - SEE OWNERS
MANUAL NOW - SPEED LIMITED
TO 89 KM/H (55 MPH)
–120 KM
(75 MI) UNTIL 7 KM/H (4 MPH) MAX
SPEED displays. The displayed
mileage will decrease as driving
continues. A flashing warning light
and a chime also come on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, a DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID QUALITY POOR - SEE
OWNERS MANUAL NOW -
TRANSITIONING TO 7 KM/H
(4 MPH) MAX SPEED displays.
A flashing warning light and a chime
also come on. Vehicle speed will be
reduced to a maximum speed limit
of 7 km/h (4 mph).
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9803785) - 2017 - CRC - 4/13/16
250 Driving and Operating
control system performance may be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
0 126. 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 (Gasoline)
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see “Prohibited
Fuels” inFuel (Gasoline) 0249.
Fuel Additives (Gasoline)
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel
(Gasoline) 0249. If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
The selection of a high quality fuel
is important for maintaining optimum
performance. Do not use diesel fuel
with more than 15 ppm sulfur
content. Do not use a diesel blend
containing more than 20% biodiesel
by volume. Both diesel and
biodiesel blends must meet all the
requirements as defined in the most
current versions of the local fuel
standards. See the recommended
fuels under
What Fuel to Use in the
U.S. (Diesel) 0251 andWhat Fuel
to Use in Canada (Diesel) 0252.
Caution
Engine damage may occur if
recommended fuels are not used,
which may void the vehicle
warranty. Some improper
fuels are:
. Diesel fuel with the addition
of gasoline.
. Diesel fuel mixed with
engine oil or automatic
transmission fluid.
. Triglyceride fuels, such as
raw vegetable oil or animal
fat, in any form, including
with blends of diesel or
biodiesel.
. Marine diesel fuel and
fuel oils.
. Diesel-water emulsions,
such as Aquazole
®.
. Aftermarket diesel fuel
additives, which contain
alcohols, organo-metallic
additives, or water
emulsifiers.
(Continued)