Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 215
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, seeProhibited
Fuels (Gasoline) 0214.
Fuel Additives (Gasoline)
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’ s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15,000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
Fuel Additives (Diesel)
TOP TIER Detergent Diesel is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your area does not have TOP TIER Detergent Diesel,
GM recommends the use of
ACDelco Diesel Fuel Conditioner.
This will help maintain optimal
engine performance. GM does not
recommend other aftermarket diesel
additives.
If low-quality diesel is used for
refueling, GM recommends adding
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus-Diesel to help clean engine
deposits. This is available only at
your GM dealer.
Fuel for Diesel Engines
The selection of a high-quality fuel
is important for maintaining optimum
vehicle performance. Diesel fuel
should meet or exceed the minimum
requirements in the most current
versions of the local fuel standards
Do not use fuel with more than 15
ppm sulfur.
Do not use a diesel blend containing
more than 20% biodiesel by volume.
Caution
Use of fuel that does not comply
with the required technical
standards can lead to engine
power loss, increased wear,
or engine damage and may void
your 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.
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216 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Aftermarket diesel fuel
additives, which contain
alcohols, organo-metallic
additives, or water
emulsifiers.
Caution
If the vehicle is accidentally
refueled with gasoline, do not
continue driving the vehicle.
Driving the vehicle will damage
the fuel system. Have the vehicle
towed to a qualified technician to
have the gasoline removed from
the tank and fuel system. Refuel
with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.
It is also recommended to have
the fuel system flushed with Ultra
Low Sulfur Diesel, to ensure all
gasoline is removed. 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).
Climate Grade Diesel Fuels
At temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F),
avoid using biodiesel blends above
5% by volume. Using such a fuel
may cause fuel filter plugging,
system gelling, and freezing, which
may adversely impact vehicle
starting.
Severe winter grade diesel fuel,
such as 1-D diesel fuel or Arctic
grade diesel fuel, can be used in
extreme cold temperatures (below
−18 °C or 0 °F); however, doing so
will reduce power and fuel economy.
Avoid using severe winter grade fuel
in warm or hot climates. It can result
in stalling, poor starting, and
damage to the fuel injection system.
Fuels improperly blended for cold
temperature operation may result in
restricted fuel filters. The vehicle is
equipped with a fuel heating system
to prevent gelling or waxing of conventional diesel fuel and
biodiesel blends, but may not
prevent all cases.
In case of severe winter conditions,
the fuel filter may become clogged
by wax naturally present in the fuel.
To unclog it, move the vehicle to a
warm garage area and allow the
filter to warm up. The fuel filter may
need to be replaced. See
Fuel Filter
Replacement (Diesel) 0221.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel
produced from vegetable oils or
animal fats that have been
chemically modified to make it
compatible with diesel fuel.
Caution
Do not use home-made biodiesel
or home test kits because the
quality cannot be verified by
approved scientific methods. Do
not use raw vegetable oil or other
unmodified bio-oils, fats,
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Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Driving and Operating
enhance vehicle operation in cold
weather at temperatures below 0 °C
(32 °F). Use of No. 1-D diesel fuel
may lower the fuel economy. For
additional information for better cold
weather operation, seeEngine
Heater 0177.
Water in Fuel (Diesel)
Improper fuel tank inspection or
cleaning, or contaminated fuel from
suppliers, can cause water to be
pumped into the fuel tank along
with the diesel fuel. If a WATER IN
FUEL - CONTACT SERVICE
message displays, the water must
be drained immediately.
{Warning
Diesel fuel containing water is still
combustible. You or others could
be burned. If the fuel needs to be
drained, keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away from the
mixture. As an added precaution, drain the
diesel fuel filter of residual water at
every engine oil change. If the
WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on
frequently, even after draining water
from the fuel filter, see your dealer.
Water in Fuel Troubleshooting
If the WATER IN FUEL - CONTACT
SERVICE message comes on:
Problem Recommended
Action
Message
displays but
goes off during
the ignition
cycle. The fuel filter is
partially filled
with water. Drain
the water as
soon as
possible. See
"Removing
Water from the
Fuel Filter"
following. Problem
Recommended
Action
Message
displays and
stays on. Drain the fuel
filter
immediately.
If no water can
be drained, and
the temperature
is below
freezing, then
water may be
frozen in the
filter. Move the
vehicle to a
warm location to
thaw the water,
then drain the
fuel. If water still
does not drain,
see your dealer.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0241.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0236.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 242.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil 0236.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0249.
6. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0242.
7. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0247.
8. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0263.
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 0239.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0233 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 239
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Neverdispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
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240 Vehicle Care
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:Resetting the Oil Life System
(Base Level Cluster)
1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0132 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0135.
2. Press and hold SET/CLR on the turn signal lever while the
Oil Life display is active. The
oil life will change to 100%.
Resetting the Oil Life System
(Uplevel Cluster) 1. Display the REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0132 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0135.
2. Press and holdVon the DIC
while the Oil Life display is
active. The oil life will change
to 100%.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows: 1. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off.
See Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0169 orIgnition
Positions (Key Access) 0171.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message goes off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
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244 Vehicle Care
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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. See Engine
Overheating 0246.
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 233.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.
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Vehicle Care 319
to a clean area frequently to
prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no
longer any color transfer from
the soil to the cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution followed only by plain
water.
If the soil is not completely
removed, it may be necessary to
use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If ring
formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First,
use a soft bristle brush to remove
dirt that can scratch the surface.
Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window
cleaners or solvents. Periodically
hand wash the microfiber cloth
separately, using mild soap. Do not
use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before
next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a
suction cup to the display. This
may cause damage and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Instrument Panel, Leather,
Vinyl, Other Plastic Surfaces,
Low Gloss Paint Surfaces, and
Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth
dampened with water to remove
dust and loose dirt. For a more
thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather,
especially perforated leather, as
well as other interior surfaces,
may cause permanent damage.
Wipe excess moisture from these
surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use
heat, steam, or spot removers. Do
not use cleaners that contain
silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these
solvents can permanently change (Continued)