Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 213
Use the recommended engine oil
when the outside temperature drops
below freezing. SeeEngine Oil
0 265. When the outside
temperature drops below –18°C
(0°F), use of the engine heater is
recommended.
See Fuel for Diesel Engines 0246
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) 0253.
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
0279.
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 0246.
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 vehicle warranty.
They could also cause a fire,
which could cause serious
personal injury.
Engine Heater
If equipped, the gasoline engine
block heater and diesel engine oil
pan heater 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).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 Driving and Operating
To Use the Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical 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)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater
cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach
the cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord.
Keep the cord away from
any moving parts.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Driving and Operating
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.
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) 0215 andEngine
Exhaust 0217.
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. Start the cleaning process as
soon as possible. 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. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0130.
{Warning
During DPF self cleaning or
during extended idling while
parked, 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
(Continued)
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Driving and Operating 219
Warning (Continued)
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Keep the exhaust area clear of
material that could ignite or burn.
SeeParking over Things That
Burn 0216 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 Sedan DEF tank
is 14.3 L (3.8 gal).
The capacity of the Liftback DEF
tank is 12.5 L (3.3 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
service plan, OnStar can help to
locate a DEF retailer. See
Customer
Assistance Offices 0369 for phone
numbers to assist in contacting a
GM dealer. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0359.
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.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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220 Driving and Operating
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,
seeFilling the Tank 0254.
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 (DEF) Level
(Diesel Engine Only)” inDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Base)
0 138 orDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0141. 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
(EPA) and the California Air
Resource Board (CARB). The DEF
messages relate to these strategies.
The DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID RANGE: XXXX km (mi)
displays at approximately 1 600 km
(1,000 mi) of fluid range remaining.
This message appears again at
approximately 500 km (300 mi) of
remaining range before the exhaust
fluid tank becomes empty.
Below 500 km (300 mi) of range
remaining, these messages will
appear every time the vehicle is
started.
Below 121 km (75 mi) of range
remaining, the DIC message
EXHAUST FLUID LOW SPEED
LIMITED SOON displays. This
message will display every time the
vehicle is started.
If these warnings are ignored and
the DEF tank becomes empty, the
DIC message EXHAUST FLUID
EMPTY REFILL NOW - 644 KM
(400 MI) UNTIL 105 KM/H (65 MPH)
MAX SPEED displays. The
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Driving and Operating 221
displayed mileage will decrease as
driving continues. A warning light
also comes on.
When the mileage countdown is
zero, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID EMPTY REFILL 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 EMPTY
REFILL 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 EMPTY REFILL 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, the DIC
message EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY
REFILL 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, the DIC message EXHAUST
FLUID EMPTY REFILL 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).
After the transition to 7 km/h (4 mph)
is complete, the DIC message
EXHAUST FLUID EMPTY REFILL
NOW - SPEED LIMITED TO 7 KM/H
(4 MPH) displays. A flashing
warning light and a chime also
come on. 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 14.3 L (3.8 gal).
See
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Warning Light 0136, and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0359.
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.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Driving and Operating
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 underWhat Fuel to Use in the
U.S. (Diesel) 0246 andWhat Fuel
to Use in Canada (Diesel) 0248.
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)
Caution (Continued)
.Diesel fuel with sulfur
greater than 15 ppm.
. Diesel-biodiesel blends not
within the required
specification.
Some conditions, such as dirty fuel,
may decrease fuel filter life and a
CHANGE FUEL FILTER message
may come on in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
What Fuel to Use in the
U.S. (Diesel)
Use of diesel fuel with ultra low
sulfur content (15 ppm, maximum) is
required. Look for service station
fuel dispensers with this label in
green:
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Driving and Operating 247
The diesel fuel must meet ASTM
International specification D 975,
Grades No. 2-D or No. 1-D S15,
also known as Ultra Low Sulfur
Diesel. Contact a fuel supplier or
fueling station with any questions.
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,(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
locomotive, or boiler distillate fuel
since it may contain higher sulfur
levels.
Diesel Fuel Grades
For best results use No. 2-D diesel
fuel year-round because it is
blended for seasonal temperature
differences, both above and below
freezing conditions. No. 1-D diesel
also meeting ASTM International
D975 fuel can be used in very cold
temperatures (below -18 °C or 0 °F);
however, it will reduce power and
fuel economy. Avoid using No. 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
Premium Diesel Fuel (FQP-1A)
corresponds to the Engine
Manufacturers Association (EMA)
Recommended Guideline. It may provide less noise, better starting,
and better vehicle performance, but
is not required.
Biodiesel Blends
Retail pumps dispensing blends
containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5)
are not required to be labeled with
the concentration of biodiesel.
Blends up to B5 must meet ASTM
D975 (Grades No. 2-D or No. 1-D
S15 Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel). When
refueling with a biodiesel blend
above B5, one of the following
labels should appear on the
dispenser: