
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348462) - 2018 - crc - 5/15/17
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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Driving and Operating 215
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
1. Hold the brake pedal down andset the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0229.
2. Hold the button on the shift lever and push the lever toward
the front of the vehicle into
P (Park).
3. Turn off the ignition.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) 0215.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking
brake set. Release the button and check that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see
“Shifting Into Park”
listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
(Automatic Transmission)
This vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission shift lock
control system. The shift lock is
designed to:

Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Driving and Operating
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
. Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless the
ignition on and the brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0333.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button. 2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be
moved from P (Park), see your
dealer.
This vehicle may have the Seat Belt
Assurance System, which may
prevent the vehicle from shifting out
of P (Park). See Seat Belts069.
Parking (Manual
Transmission)
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, move the shift lever into
R (Reverse) if parking on a downhill
slope. On a level surface or an
uphill slope, use 1 (First) gear.
Firmly apply the parking brake. See
Parking Brake 0229. Turn the
wheels toward the curb for a
downhill slope, or away from the
curb for an uphill slope. Once the
shift lever has been placed into gear with the clutch pedal pressed in,
turn the ignition off, and release the
clutch.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is better not to park with the
vehicle running. If the vehicle is left
while running, follow the proper
steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See
Shifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) 0215 andEngine
Exhaust 0217.
For vehicles with pushbutton start,
if the vehicle is left parked while
running and the Remote Keyless

Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348462) - 2018 - crc - 5/15/17
Driving and Operating 217
Entry (RKE) transmitter is outside
the vehicle, the vehicle will turn off
after one hour.
If the vehicle is left parked while
running and the RKE transmitter is
inside, the vehicle will turn off after
two hours.
Vehicles without pushbutton start
will run indefinitely, or until the
ignition is turned off.
Automatic Transmission
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Manual Transmission
The timer will reset if the vehicle
speed is greater than 4 km/h
(2.5 mph).Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:. The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)
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.

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)

Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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