2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual

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this opportunity. Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair Process In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs, GM recommends that you take an active role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of choice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there. Specify to the facility that any required replacement collision parts be original equipment parts, either new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by your GM vehicle warranty. Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your insurance company may initially value the repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repair professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember if your vehicle is leased you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not pay the full cost. If another party’s insurance company is paying for the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair valuation based on that insurance company’s collision policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with that company. In such cases, you can have control of the repair and parts choices as long as cost stays within reasonable limits. 7-15 (cid:129) Reporting Safety Defects Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it ﬁnds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer/retailer, or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington D.C., 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from safercar.gov. 7-16 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to: Transport Canada Road Safety Branch 2780 Sheffield Road Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9 Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, please notify General Motors. Call 1-800-222-1020, or write: Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French), or write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give additional technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. Owner Information Owner publications are written speciﬁcally for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee Current and Past Model Order Forms Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, specify year and model name of the vehicle. ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: helminc.com Or you can write to: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds. 7-17 Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy Your GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated computers that record information about the vehicle’s performance and how it is driven. For example, your vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and control engine and transmission performance, to monitor the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a crash and, if so equipped, to provide antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle. These modules may store data to help your dealer/retailer technician service your vehicle. Some modules may also store data about how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as radio pre-sets, seat positions, and temperature settings. Event Data Recorders This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: (cid:129) How various systems in your vehicle were operating (cid:129) Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened (cid:129) How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal (cid:129) How fast the vehicle was traveling This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. Important: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. 7-18 To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. GM will not access this data or share it with others except: with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee; in response to an official request of police or similar government office; as part of GM’s defense of litigation through the discovery process; or, as required by law. Data that GM collects or receives may also be used for GM research needs or may be made available to others for research purposes, where a need is shown and the data is not tied to a speciﬁc vehicle or vehicle owner. OnStar® If your vehicle has OnStar and you subscribe to the OnStar services, please refer to the OnStar Terms and Conditions for information on data collection and use. See also OnStar® System on page 2-39 in this manual for more information. Navigation System If your vehicle has a navigation system, use of the system may result in the storage of destinations, addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip information. Refer to the navigation system operating manual for information on stored data and for deletion instructions. Radio Frequency Identiﬁcation (RFID) RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system security, as well as in connection with conveniences such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use or record personal information or link with any other GM system containing personal information. 7-19 ✍ NOTES 7-20 A Accessories and Modiﬁcations ............................ 5-3 Accessory Power ............................................ 2-23 Accessory Power Outlets ................................. 3-16 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................... 1-73 Additional Required Services, Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-6 Additives, Fuel ................................................. 5-6 Add-On Electrical Equipment ........................... 5-117 Adjustments Headlamp Range .......................................... 1-7 Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine ......................... 5-21, 5-24 Air Conditioning .............................................. 3-18 Air Filter, Passenger Compartment .................... 3-22 Airbag Readiness Light .......................................... 3-26 Airbag System ................................................ 1-54 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ............................ 1-73 How Does an Airbag Restrain? ...................... 1-59 Passenger Sensing System ................... 1-61, 1-67 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .......... 1-72 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? ...................... 1-59 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .... 1-60 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .................... 1-58 Where Are the Airbags? ............................... 1-56 Airbags Antenna Passenger Status Indicator ........................... 3-27 Fixed Mast ................................................. 3-92 Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ... 3-92 Antilock Brake System (ABS) ............................. 4-5 ............................................. 3-30 Warning Light Appearance Care Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ............. 5-115 Care of Safety Belts ................................... 5-112 Chemical Paint Spotting .............................. 5-116 Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses .................. 5-113 Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-111 Finish Care ............................................... 5-114 Finish Damage .......................................... 5-116 Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ..................................... 5-112 Interior Cleaning ........................................ 5-110 Leather .................................................... 5-112 Sheet Metal Damage .................................. 5-116 Tires ........................................................ 5-116 Underbody Maintenance ............................. 5-116 Washing Your Vehicle ................................. 5-113 Weatherstrips ............................................ 5-113 Windshield and Wiper Blades ...................... 5-114 Ashtray ......................................................... 3-17 Assistance Program, Roadside ........................... 7-8 Audio System ................................................. 3-58 Audio Steering Wheel Controls ...................... 3-90 Setting the Clock ......................................... 3-59 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ............ 3-92 Audio System(s) ............................................. 3-60 Audio Systems Radio Reception .......................................... 3-91 Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................ 3-90 Automatic Door Lock ....................................... 2-10 Automatic Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-25 Operation ................................................... 2-26 Back-Up Lamps - Ambulancce Body Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-51 Battery .......................................................... 5-38 Electric Power Management .......................... 3-15 Run-Down Protection ................................... 3-16 Belt Routing, Engine ....................................... 6-15 Bluetooth® ..................................................... 3-80 Boost Gage ................................................... 3-38 Brake Emergencies ................................................ 4-6 Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-35 Brakes .......................................................... 5-35 Antilock ....................................................... 4-5 Parking ...................................................... 2-31 System Warning Light .................................. 3-29 Braking ........................................................... 4-4 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-6 Break-In, New Vehicle ..................................... 2-20 Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-52 Back-Up Lamps - Ambulance Body ................ 5-51 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........ 5-48 Fog Lamp .................................................. 3-14 Halogen Bulbs ............................................ 5-46 Headlamp Aiming ........................................ 5-44 Headlamps ................................................. 5-46 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps .................................. 5-47 License Plate Lamps .................................... 5-52 Taillamps and Turn Signal Lamps .................. 5-49 Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps ........................................ 5-50 Buying New Tires ........................................... 5-72 C California Perchlorate Materials Requirements ................. 5-4 California Fuel .................................................. 5-6 California Proposition 65 Warning ....................... 5-4 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii Capacities and Speciﬁcations .......................... 5-124 Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust ........................................... 2-35 Trunk ......................................................... 2-12 Winter Driving ............................................. 4-23 Care of Safety Belts .............................................. 5-112 CD, MP3 ....................................................... 3-72 Center Console Storage ................................... 2-42 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........... 5-48 Chains, Tire ................................................... 5-78 Charging System Light .................................... 3-28 Check Engine Lamp .............................................. 3-33 Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................. 5-116 Child Restraints Infants and Young Children ........................... 1-33 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children .......... 1-41 Older Children ............................................. 1-30 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position ................................... 1-47 Child Restraints (cont.) Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position .......................... 1-50 Systems ..................................................... 1-37 Where to Put the Restraint ........................... 1-40 Cigarette Lighter ............................................. 3-17 Circuit Breakers ............................................ 5-118 Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels ............. 5-115 Exterior Lamps/Lenses ................................ 5-113 Fabric/Carpet ............................................ 5-111 Finish Care ............................................... 5-114 Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces ..................................... 5-112 Interior ..................................................... 5-110 Leather .................................................... 5-112 Tires ........................................................ 5-116 Underbody Maintenance ............................. 5-116 Washing Your Vehicle ................................. 5-113 Weatherstrips ............................................ 5-113 Windshield and Wiper Blades ...................... 5-114 Climate Control System ................................... 3-18 Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-21 Clock, Setting ................................................. 3-59 Clutch, Hydraulic ............................................. 5-26 Collision Damage Repair .................................. 7-13 Compact Spare Tire ...................................... 5-109 Competitive Driving, Racing or Other ................. 4-19 Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant ............................ 5-80 Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 2-16 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-4 Convenience Net ............................................ 2-42 Coolant Engine ....................................................... 5-28 Engine Temperature Warning Light ................. 3-32 Surge Tank Pressure Cap ............................. 5-31 Cooling System .............................................. 5-26 Courtesy Transportation ................................... 7-11 Cruise Control ................................................ 3-10 Cupholders .................................................... 2-42 Customer Assistance ......................................... 7-6 Offices ......................................................... 7-6 Text Telephone (TTY) Users ........................... 7-6 Customer Information Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-17 Customer Satisfaction Procedure ........................ 7-2 Damage Repair, Collision ................................. 7-13 Data Recorders Event ......................................................... 7-18 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ......................... 3-13 Defensive Driving ............................................. 4-2 Delayed Locking ............................................. 2-10 Differential, Limited-Slip .................................... 4-15 Disc, MP3 ...................................................... 3-72 Display Reconﬁgurable Performance .......................... 3-38 Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 5-4 Dome Lamp ................................................... 3-15 Door Automatic Door Lock .................................... 2-10 Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10 Locks .......................................................... 2-8 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Unlock ............ 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-11 Driver Seat Height Adjuster ...................................... 1-3 Driver Information Center (DIC) ......................... 3-43 DIC Operation and Displays .......................... 3-44 DIC Vehicle Personalization .......................... 3-52 DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-46 ............................ 2-42 Driver Storage Compartment Driving At Night ..................................................... 4-19 Before a Long Trip ...................................... 4-21 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Drunk .......................................................... 4-3 Highway Hypnosis ....................................... 4-21 Hill and Mountain Roads .............................. 4-22 In Rain and on Wet Roads ........................... 4-20 Loss of Control ........................................... 4-17 Off-Road Recovery ...................................... 4-17 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out ................. 4-26 Winter ........................................................ 4-23 Driving for Better Fuel Economy ......................... 4-2 E Easy Entry Seat ............................................... 1-8 EDR ............................................................. 7-18 Electrical Equipment Add-On Equipment ..................................... 5-117 Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block ................. 5-120 Floor Console Fuse Block ........................... 5-119 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-118 Headlamp Wiring ....................................... 5-118 Power Windows and Other Power Options .... 5-118 Windshield Wiper Fuses ............................. 5-118 Electronic Immobilizer PASS-Key® III+ ........................................... 2-18 Electronic Immobilizer Operation PASS-Key® III+ ........................................... 2-18 Electronic Stability Control ................................. 4-7 Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light ........... 3-31 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter ................................. 5-21, 5-24 Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp ........... 3-33 Compartment Overview ................................ 5-12 Coolant ...................................................... 5-28 Coolant Heater ............................................ 2-25 Coolant Temperature Warning Light ................ 3-32 Cooling System ........................................... 5-26 Drive Belt Routing ....................................... 6-15 Engine (cont.) Exhaust ..................................................... 2-35 Oil ............................................................. 5-15 Oil Life System ........................................... 5-19 Overheating ................................................ 5-32 Starting ...................................................... 2-23 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active Light ..... 4-13 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Indicator/Warning Light ................................. 3-30 Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-15 Event Data Recorders ..................................... 7-18 Extender, Safety Belt ....................................... 1-30 Filter Engine Air Cleaner .............................. 5-21, 5-24 Finish Damage ............................................. 5-116 Fixed Mast Antenna ........................................ 3-92 Flashers, Hazard Warning .................................. 3-6 Flash-to-Pass ................................................... 3-8 Flat Tire ........................................................ 5-79 Flat Tire, Changing ......................................... 5-88 Flat Tire, Storing ........................................... 5-106 Fluid Automatic Transmission ................................ 5-25 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-34 Fog Lamp Fog ........................................................... 3-14 Fog Lamp Light .............................................. 3-36 Folding Rear Seat ............................................ 1-9 ............................................................... 5-5 Fuel Additives ...................................................... 5-6 California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Economy Driving ........................................... 4-2 Filling a Portable Fuel Container .................... 5-10 Filling the Tank ............................................. 5-8 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-7 Gage ......................................................... 3-37 Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Speciﬁcations .................................. 5-6 Engine Compartment Fuse Block ................. 5-120 Floor Console Fuse Block ........................... 5-119 Fuses and Circuit Breakers ......................... 5-118 Windshield Wiper ....................................... 5-118 Speedometer .............................................. 3-25 Tachometer ................................................. 3-25 Boost ......................................................... 3-38 .......................................................... 3-37 Fuel Fuses Gage Gages Gasoline Octane ........................................................ 5-5 Speciﬁcations ............................................... 5-6 Glove Box ..................................................... 2-42 GM Mobility Reimbursement Program .................. 7-7 Halogen Bulbs ................................................ 5-46 Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... 3-6 Head Restraints ............................................... 1-7 Headlamp Aiming ....................................................... 5-44 Headlamp Wiring ........................................... 5-118 Headlamps .................................................... 3-12 Bulb Replacement ....................................... 5-46 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ..................... 3-13 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-8 Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps .................................. 5-47 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-8 On Reminder .............................................. 3-13 Range Adjustment ......................................... 1-7 Wiper Activated ........................................... 3-13 Heated Seats ................................................... 1-4 Heater ........................................................... 3-18 Engine Coolant ........................................... 2-25 Height Adjuster, Driver Seat ............................... 1-3 Highbeam On Light ......................................... 3-37 Highway Hypnosis ........................................... 4-21 Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. 4-22 Hood Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Release ..................................................... 5-11 Horn ............................................................... 3-6 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................... 1-15 Hydraulic Clutch ............................................. 5-26 Jump Starting ................................................. 5-39 Keyless Entry, Remote Operation ........................ 2-4 Keyless Entry System ....................................... 2-3 Keys ............................................................... 2-2 Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-20 Indicator/Warning LIghts Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ................... 3-30 Infants and Young Children, Restraints ............... 1-33 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................... 5-62 Instrument Panel Brightness .................................................. 3-14 Cluster ....................................................... 3-24 Overview ..................................................... 3-4 Introduction ...................................................... 6-2 Labeling, Tire Sidewall ..................................... 5-56 Lamp Malfunction Indicator .................................... 3-33 Lamps Back-Up ..................................................... 5-51 Daytime Running (DRL) ................................ 3-13 Dome ........................................................ 3-15 License Plate .............................................. 5-52 Mirror Reading ............................................ 3-15 Taillamps and Turn Signal ............................. 5-49 Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................... 1-24 LATCH System for Child Restraints ................... 1-41 Lighting Entry/Exit ................................................... 3-15 Lights ............................................................ 3-12 Airbag Readiness ........................................ 3-26 Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning ............ 3-30 Brake System Warning ................................. 3-29 Charging System ......................................... 3-28 Engine Coolant Temperature Warning ............. 3-32 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) Active ......... 4-13 Flash-to-Pass ............................................... 3-8 Fog Lamp .................................................. 3-36 Highbeam On ............................................. 3-37 High/Low Beam Changer ................................ 3-8 Oil Pressure ............................................... 3-36 On Reminder .............................................. 3-13 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator .................. 3-27 Safety Belt Reminders .................................. 3-25 Security ..................................................... 3-36 Tire Pressure .............................................. 3-32 ..................................................... 3-28 Up-Shift Limited-Slip Differential .................................... 4-15 Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-26 Locks Automatic Door Lock .................................... 2-10 Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10 Door ........................................................... 2-8 Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-11 Locks (cont.) Power Door .................................................. 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Unlock ............ 2-10 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-11 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-17 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children ............. 1-41 Lumbar Manual Controls ............................................ 1-3 Maintenance Footnotes ..................................................... 6-7 Maintenance Schedule Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 At Each Fuel Fill ........................................... 6-8 At Least Once a Month .................................. 6-9 At Least Once a Year .................................... 6-9 Maintenance Record .................................... 6-16 Maintenance Replacement Parts .................... 6-14 Maintenance Requirements ............................. 6-2 Owner Checks and Services ........................... 6-8 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ............. 6-12 Scheduled Maintenance ................................. 6-4 Using .......................................................... 6-2 Your Vehicle and the Environment ................... 6-2 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................... 3-33 Manual Lumbar Controls .................................... 1-3 Manual Seats ................................................... 1-2 Manual Transmission Fluid .......................................................... 5-26 Operation ................................................... 2-28 Manual Windows ............................................ 2-15 Message DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-46 Mirror Reading Lamps ..................................... 3-15 Mirrors Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ 2-37 Outside Convex Mirror ................................. 2-38 Outside Manual Mirror .................................. 2-37 Outside Power Mirrors .................................. 2-38 Outside Remote Control Mirror ...................... 2-37 MP3 ............................................................. 3-72 Navigation System, Privacy .............................. 7-19 Net Convenience ............................................... 2-42 New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... 2-20 Odometer ...................................................... 3-25 Off-Road Recovery .................................................... 4-17 Oil Engine ....................................................... 5-15 Engine Oil Life System ................................. 5-19 Pressure Light ............................................. 3-36 Older Children, Restraints ................................ 1-30 Online Owner Center ........................................ 7-5 OnStar, Privacy .............................................. 7-19 OnStar® System, see OnStar® Manual ............... 2-39 Outlet Adjustment ............................................ 3-21 Outlets Accessory Power ......................................... 3-16 Outside Convex Mirror ............................................. 2-38 Manual Mirror ............................................. 2-37 Power Mirrors ............................................. 2-38 Remote Control Mirror .................................. 2-37 Owner Checks and Services .............................. 6-8 Owners, Canadian ............................................... ii P Paint, Damage .............................................. 5-116 Park Shifting Into ................................................ 2-32 Shifting Out of ............................................ 2-33 Parking Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-34 Parking Brake ................................................ 2-31 Parking Your Vehicle ....................................... 2-34 Passenger Airbag Status Indicator ..................... 3-27 Passenger Compartment Air Filter ..................... 3-22 Passenger Sensing System ...................... 1-61, 1-67 Passing ......................................................... 4-17 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer ............... 2-18 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation ................................................... 2-18 Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California ...... 5-4 Phone Bluetooth® .................................................. 3-80 Power Door Locks .................................................. 2-9 Electrical System ....................................... 5-118 Retained Accessory (RAP) ............................ 2-23 Windows .................................................... 2-15 Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts .......................... 1-29 Privacy .......................................................... 7-18 Navigation System ....................................... 7-19 OnStar ....................................................... 7-19 Radio Frequency Identiﬁcation (RFID) ............. 7-19 Programmable Automatic Door Unlock ............... 2-10 Proposition 65 Warning, California ....................... 5-4 Racing or Other Competitive Driving .................. 4-19 Radio Frequency Identiﬁcation (RFID), Privacy ...... 7-19 Radio(s) ........................................................ 3-60 Radios Reception ................................................... 3-91 Setting the Clock ......................................... 3-59 Theft-Deterrent ............................................ 3-90 Range Adjustment, Headlamps ........................... 1-7 Rear Door Security Locks ................................ 2-11 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-37 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-4 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants ................. 6-12 Reconﬁgurable Performance Display (RPD) ........ 3-38 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-32 Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility ................. 7-7 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System .................. 2-3 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation ..... 2-4 10 Remote Vehicle Start ........................................ 2-6 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire ..................................... 5-94, 5-98 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-90 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-52 Replacement Parts, Maintenance ...................... 6-14 Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government .................................. 7-16 General Motors ........................................... 7-16 United States Government ............................ 7-16 Restraint System Check Checking the Restraint Systems .................... 1-74 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash .......................................... 1-75 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-23 Ride Control Systems ....................................... 4-7 Electronic Stability (ESC) ................................ 4-7 Enhanced Traction System (ETS) ................... 4-15 Roadside Assistance Program ............................ 7-8 Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out .................... 4-26 Roof Sunroof ...................................................... 2-43 Running the Vehicle While Parked ..................... 2-36 Safety Belt Reminders ..................................... 3-25 Safety Belts Care of .................................................... 5-112 Extender .................................................... 1-30 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-15 Lap-Shoulder Belt ........................................ 1-24 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ....................... 1-10 Use During Pregnancy ................................. 1-29 Safety Defects Reporting to General Motors ......................... 7-16 Reporting to the Canadian Government .......... 7-16 Reporting to the United States Government ....... 7-16 Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. iii Scheduled Maintenance ..................................... 6-4 Additional Required Services ........................... 6-6 Scheduling Appointments ................................. 7-10 Sealant Kit, Tire .............................................. 5-80 Seats Driver Seat Height Adjuster ............................. 1-3 Easy Entry Seat ............................................ 1-8 Heated Seats ............................................... 1-4 Manual Lumbar ............................................. 1-3 Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... 1-4 Split Folding Rear Seat .................................. 1-9 11 Securing a Child Restraint Rear Seat Position ...................................... 1-47 Right Front Seat Position .............................. 1-50 Security Light ................................................. 3-36 Service ........................................................... 5-3 Accessories and Modiﬁcations ......................... 5-3 Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle ................................................ 5-5 Doing Your Own Work ................................... 5-4 Engine Soon Lamp ...................................... 3-33 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-17 Scheduling Appointments .............................. 7-10 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label ..................... 5-117 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle .............. 1-72 Setting the Clock ............................................ 3-59 Sheet Metal Damage ..................................... 5-116 Shifting Out of Park ................................................ 2-33 Shifting Into Park ............................................ 2-32 Signals, Turn and Lane-Change .......................... 3-7 Spare Tire Compact ................................................... 5-109 Installing ............................................ 5-94, 5-98 Removing ................................................... 5-90 Storing ..................................................... 5-106 Speciﬁcations and Capacities .......................... 5-124 Speedometer .................................................. 3-25 Split Folding Rear Seat ..................................... 1-9 Start Vehicle, Remote ....................................... 2-6 12 Starting the Engine ......................................... 2-23 Steering ........................................................ 4-15 Steering Wheel Controls, Audio ......................... 3-90 Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel ................................. 3-6 Storage Areas Center Console ........................................... 2-42 Convenience Net ......................................... 2-42 Cupholders ................................................. 2-42 Driver Storage Compartment ......................... 2-42 Glove Box .................................................. 2-42 Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit ...... 5-88 Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow ..................... 4-25 Sun Visors ..................................................... 2-16 Sunroof ......................................................... 2-43 Tachometer .................................................... 3-25 Taillamps Turn Signal Lamps ...................................... 5-49 Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps ...... 5-50 Text Telephone (TTY) Users ............................... 7-6 Theft-Deterrent Feature .................................... 3-90 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-16 Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ 2-16 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer ............ 2-18 PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation ................................................ 2-18 Tilt Wheel ........................................................ 3-6 Time, Setting .................................................. 3-59 Tire Pressure Light ............................................. 3-32 Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit ....................... 5-88 Tires ............................................................. 5-54 Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels, Cleaning ............................................... 5-115 Buying New Tires ........................................ 5-72 Chains ....................................................... 5-78 Changing a Flat Tire .................................... 5-88 Cleaning ................................................... 5-116 Compact Spare ......................................... 5-109 Different Size .............................................. 5-74 If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-79 Inﬂation - Tire Pressure ................................ 5-62 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-70 Installing the Spare Tire ....................... 5-94, 5-98 Pressure Monitor Operation ........................... 5-65 Pressure Monitor System .............................. 5-64 Removing the Flat Tire ......................... 5-94, 5-98 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ............... 5-90 Sealant and Compressor Kit .......................... 5-80 Sidewall Labeling ......................................... 5-56 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools .......... 5-106 Terminology and Deﬁnitions ........................... 5-60 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-74 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-76 Tires (cont.) Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-76 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-71 Winter ........................................................ 5-55 Recreational Vehicle ..................................... 4-32 Towing a Trailer .................................. 4-35, 4-41 Your Vehicle ............................................... 4-32 Towing Traction Control System (TCS) .................................. 4-10 Limited-Slip Differential ................................. 4-15 Traction Control System ................................... 3-31 Traction System Enhanced ................................................... 3-30 Transmission Fluid, Automatic ........................................... 5-25 Fluid, Manual .............................................. 5-26 Transmission Operation, Automatic .................... 2-26 Transmission Operation, Manual ........................ 2-28 Transportation, Courtesy .................................. 7-11 Trunk ............................................................ 2-12 Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... 3-7 Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................... 3-7 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ............................ 5-74 Up-Shift Light ................................................. 3-28 13 V Vehicle Control ........................................................ 4-4 Loading ...................................................... 4-26 Parking Your ............................................... 2-34 Running While Parked .................................. 2-36 Symbols ......................................................... iii Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy .................. 7-18 Vehicle Data Recording, Radio Frequency (RFID) ............................... 7-19 Vehicle Identiﬁcation Number (VIN) ............................................ 5-117 Service Parts Identiﬁcation Label .................. 5-117 Vehicle Personalization DIC ........................................................... 3-52 Vehicle, Remote Start ....................................... 2-6 Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... 3-21 Visors ........................................................... 2-16 When It Is Time for New Tires .......................... 5-71 Where to Put the Child Restraint ....................... 1-40 Windows ....................................................... 2-14 Manual ...................................................... 2-15 Power ........................................................ 2-15 Windshield Washer ........................................................ 3-9 Washer Fluid .............................................. 5-34 Wiper Blade Replacement ............................. 5-53 Wiper Blades, Cleaning .............................. 5-114 Wiper Fuses ............................................. 5-118 Wipers ......................................................... 3-8 Winter Driving ................................................ 4-23 Winter Tires ................................................... 5-55 Wiper Activated Headlamps .............................. 3-13 XM Radio Messages ....................................... 3-78 XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ................ 3-92 Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ............... 3-23 Warnings DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ 3-46 Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... 3-6 Safety and Symbols ......................................... iii Alignment and Tire Balance .......................... 5-76 Different Size .............................................. 5-74 Replacement ............................................... 5-76 Wheels 14 Your Vehicle and the Environment ....................... 6-2 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner Manual M Seats and Restraint System ............................. 1-1 Front Seats ............................................... 1-2 Rear Seats ............................................... 1-9 Safety Belts ............................................. 1-10 Child Restraints ....................................... 1-30 Airbag System ......................................... 1-54 Restraint System Check ............................ 1-74 Features and Controls ..................................... 2-1 ........................................................ 2-2 ....................................... 2-8 ................................................. 2-14 ............................ 2-16 ........... 2-20 .................................................... 2-37 ...................................... 2-39 ......................................... 2-42 .................................................. 2-43 Instrument Panel ............................................. 3-1 .......................... 3-4 ...................................... 3-18 ........ 3-23 .................. 3-43 ....................................... 3-58 Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Vehicle Mirrors OnStar® System Storage Areas Sunroof Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators Driver Information Center (DIC) Audio System(s) Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle Towing Driving Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-1 ....... 4-2 ................................................... 4-32 Service and Appearance Care .......................... 5-1 Service ..................................................... 5-3 Fuel ......................................................... 5-5 Checking Things Under the Hood ............... 5-10 Headlamp Aiming ..................................... 5-44 Bulb Replacement .................................... 5-46 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement ......... 5-53 Tires ...................................................... 5-54 Appearance Care ................................... 5-110 Vehicle Identiﬁcation ............................... 5-117 Electrical System .................................... 5-117 Capacities and Speciﬁcations ................... 5-124 Maintenance Schedule ..................................... 6-1 ................................ 6-2 Customer Assistance Information .................... 7-1 ........... 7-2 ........................... 7-16 ........... 7-18 Index ................................................................ 1 Customer Assistance and Information Reporting Safety Defects Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy Maintenance Schedule GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, and the name COBALT are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. GM reserves the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles ﬁrst sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it appears in this manual. This manual describes features that may or may not be on your speciﬁc vehicle. Read this manual from beginning to end to learn about the vehicle’s features and controls. Pictures, symbols, and words work together to explain vehicle operation. Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference. Canadian Owners A French language copy of this manual can be obtained from your dealer/retailer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 1-800-551-4123 www.helminc.com Propriétaires Canadiens On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français auprès de concessionnaire ou à l’adresse suivante: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 1-800-551-4123 www.helminc.com Index To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is in the manual and the page number where it can be found. Litho in U.S.A. Part No. 25776709 B Second Printing ©2008 General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ii Safety Warnings and Symbols A circle with a slash through it is a safety symbol which means “Do Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let this happen.” A box with the word CAUTION is used to tell about things that could hurt you or others if you were to ignore the warning. { CAUTION: These mean there is something that could hurt you or other people. Cautions tell what the hazard is and what to do to avoid or reduce the hazard. Read these cautions. A notice tells about something that can damage the vehicle. Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. The notice tells what to do to help avoid the damage. There are also warning labels on the vehicle which use the same words, CAUTION or Notice. Vehicle Symbols The vehicle has components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a speciﬁc component, control, message, gage, or indicator. M : This symbol is shown when you need to see your owner manual for additional instructions or information. * : This symbol is shown when you need to see a service manual for additional instructions or information. iii Vehicle Symbol Chart Here are some additional symbols that may be found on the vehicle and what they mean. For more information on the symbol, refer to the index. 9 : Airbag Readiness Light # : Air Conditioning ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS) g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar® $ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System I : Cruise Control B : Engine Coolant Temperature O : Exterior Lamps # : Fog Lamps . : Fuel Gage + : Fuses i : Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer j : LATCH System Child Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp : : Oil Pressure } : Power / : Remote Vehicle Start > : Safety Belt Reminders 7 : Tire Pressure Monitor F : Traction Control M : Windshield Washer Fluid iv Section 1 Seats and Restraint System Front Seats ......................................................1-2 Manual Seats ................................................1-2 Seat Height Adjuster .......................................1-3 Manual Lumbar ..............................................1-3 Heated Seats .................................................1-4 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................1-4 Head Restraints .............................................1-7 Easy Entry Seat (Coupe) .................................1-8 Rear Seats .......................................................1-9 Split Folding Rear Seat ...................................1-9 Safety Belts ...................................................1-10 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone ................1-10 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly .................1-15 Lap-Shoulder Belt .........................................1-24 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ..................1-29 Safety Belt Extender .....................................1-30 Child Restraints .............................................1-30 Older Children ..............................................1-30 Infants and Young Children ............................1-33 Child Restraint Systems .................................1-37 Where to Put the Restraint .............................1-40 Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) ......................................1-41 Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position ....................................1-47 Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position ............................1-50 Airbag System ...............................................1-54 Where Are the Airbags? ................................1-56 When Should an Airbag Inﬂate? .....................1-58 What Makes an Airbag Inﬂate? .......................1-59 How Does an Airbag Restrain? .......................1-59 What Will You See After an Airbag Inﬂates? .....1-60 Passenger Sensing System (Without Turbo Engine) ..............................1-61 Passenger Sensing System (With Turbo Engine) ...................................1-67 Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ...........1-72 Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle ....................................................1-73 Restraint System Check ..................................1-74 Checking the Restraint Systems ......................1-74 Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash ............................................1-75 1-1 Front Seats Manual Seats { CAUTION: If the vehicle has a manual seat, it can be moved forward or rearward. 1. Lift the bar to unlock the seat. 2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release the bar. You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place. 1-2 Seat Height Adjuster Manual Lumbar On vehicles with this feature, the knob is located on the front of the driver seat lower cushion on the inboard side. Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the lumbar support. 1-3 The driver’s seat height adjuster is located on the outboard side of the seat. To raise the seat, move the lever upward repeatedly until the seat is at the desired height. To lower the seat, move the lever downward repeatedly until the seat is at the desired height. Heated Seats Your vehicle may have heated front seats. The switches are located on the instrument panel above the climate control system. The indicator light will be lit to indicate that the setting is on low. Return the switch to the center to turn off the heated seat. If your vehicle has been turned off, the last heated seat setting will be retained when the vehicle is started again. Press the side of the switch with the double indicator lights to turn on the heated seat at the highest setting. Reclining Seatbacks { CAUTION: You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving. Driver’s Switch Shown, Passenger’s Switch Similar Both indicator lights will be lit to indicate that the setting is on high. Press the side of the switch with the single indicator light to go to the low setting. 1-4 { CAUTION: If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked. Your seats have manual reclining seatbacks. The lever used to operate them is located on the outboard side of the seats. To recline the seatback, do the following: 1. Lift the recline lever. 2. Move the seatback to the desired position, then release the lever to lock the seatback in place. 3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked. To return the seatback to an upright position, do the following: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the seatback and the seatback will return to the upright position. 2. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked. 1-5 { CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the safety belts cannot do their job when reclined like this. The shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash, you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt cannot do its job either. In a crash, the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear the safety belt properly. Do not have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving. 1-6 Head Restraints Pull the head restraint up to raise it. To lower the head restraint, press the button, located on the top of the seatback, and push the restraint down. Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the restraint is at the same height as the top of the occupant’s head. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. 1-7 Easy Entry Seat (Coupe) To use the easy entry seat, do the following: { CAUTION: If the easy entry right front seat is not locked, it can move. In a sudden stop or crash, the person sitting there could be injured. After you have used it, be sure to push rearward on an easy entry seat to be sure it is locked. { CAUTION: If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked. The front passenger seat can be used to easily get in and out of the rear seat. 1-8 1. Push down the easy entry seat handle located on the rear of the seatback on the outboard side to release the seatback. 2. Tilt the seatback forward completely while pushing the seat forward. 3. Move the seat rearward until it locks into place after someone gets into the rear seat area. 4. Move the seatback to its original position and make sure the seatback is locked. Rear Seats Split Folding Rear Seat You can fold either side of the rear seatback down for more cargo space. To lower the rear seatback, follow these steps: 1. Open the trunk and pull one or both of the small handles located in the center of the trunk. Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat. 2. Push the seatback open through the trunk, or pull it down from inside the vehicle. To raise the rear seatback, lift it up and push rearward until you hear a click. Push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is locked into place. { CAUTION: If the seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always pull forward on the top of the seatback at the area of the latch to be sure it is locked. { CAUTION: A safety belt that is improperly routed, not properly attached, or twisted will not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. After raising the rear seatback, always check to be sure that the safety belts are properly routed and attached, and are not twisted. 1-9 { CAUTION: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts. See Safety Belt Reminders on page 3-25 for additional information. Safety Belts Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts. { CAUTION: Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, the injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle harder or be ejected from the vehicle. You and your passenger(s) can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, and check that your passenger(s) are restrained properly too. 1-10 Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes. In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts. Here is why: You never know if you will be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you do not know if it will be a serious one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person would not survive. But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and sometimes walk away. Without safety belts, they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 40 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter... a lot! Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it is just a seat on wheels. 1-11 Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider does not stop. 1-12 The person keeps going until stopped by something. In a real vehicle, it could be the windshield... or the instrument panel... 1-13 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt? A: You could be — whether you are wearing a safety belt or not. But your chance of being conscious during and after an accident, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted. And you can unbuckle a safety belt, even if you are upside down. Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts? A: Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts — not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection. That is true not only in frontal collisions, but especially in side and other collisions. or the safety belts! With safety belts, you slow down as the vehicle does. You get more time to stop. You stop over more distance, and your strongest bones take the forces. That is why safety belts make such good sense. 1-14 Q: If I am a good driver, and I never drive far from home, why should I wear safety belts? A: You may be an excellent driver, but if you are in a crash — even one that is not your fault — you and your passenger(s) can be hurt. Being a good driver does not protect you from things beyond your control, such as bad drivers. Most accidents occur within 25 miles (40 km) of home. And the greatest number of serious injuries and deaths occur at speeds of less than 40 mph (65 km/h). Safety belts are for everyone. How to Wear Safety Belts Properly This section is only for people of adult size. Be aware that there are special things to know about safety belts and children. And there are different rules for smaller children and infants. If a child will be riding in the vehicle, see Older Children on page 1-30 or Infants and Young Children on page 1-33. Follow those rules for everyone’s protection. It is very important for all occupants to buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted people are hurt more often in crashes than those who are wearing safety belts. Occupants who are not buckled up can be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. And they can strike others in the vehicle who are wearing safety belts. First, before you or your passenger(s) wear a safety belt, there is important information you should know. 1-15 In a crash, this applies force to the strong pelvic bones and you would be less likely to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt would apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. The shoulder belt locks if there is a sudden stop or crash. Sit up straight and always keep your feet on the ﬂoor in front of you. The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. 1-16 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is too loose. In a crash, you would move forward too much, which could increase injury. The shoulder belt should ﬁt snugly against your body. A: The shoulder belt is too loose. It will not give as much protection this way. 1-17 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously hurt if your lap belt is too loose. In a crash, you could slide under the lap belt and apply force on your abdomen. This could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The lap belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the thighs. A: The lap belt is too loose. It will not give nearly as much protection this way. 1-18 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt is buckled in the wrong place like this. In a crash, the belt would go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not on the pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. Always buckle your belt into the buckle nearest you. A: The belt is buckled in the wrong buckle. 1-19 { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if your belt goes over an armrest like this. The belt would be much too high. In a crash, you can slide under the belt. The belt force would then be applied on the abdomen, not on the pelvic bones, and that could cause serious or fatal injuries. Be sure the belt goes under the armrests. Q: What is wrong with this? A: The belt is over an armrest. 1-20 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured if you wear the shoulder belt under your arm. In a crash, your body would move too far forward, which would increase the chance of head and neck injury. Also, the belt would apply too much force to the ribs, which are not as strong as shoulder bones. You could also severely injure internal organs like your liver or spleen. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. A: The shoulder belt is worn under the arm. It should be worn over the shoulder at all times. 1-21 { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, you would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. Your body could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. You might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. Q: What is wrong with this? A: The belt is behind the body. 1-22 Q: What is wrong with this? { CAUTION: You can be seriously injured by a twisted belt. In a crash, you would not have the full width of the belt to spread impact forces. If a belt is twisted, make it straight so it can work properly, or ask your dealer/retailer to ﬁx it. A: The belt is twisted across the body. 1-23 Lap-Shoulder Belt All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt. The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly. 3. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get twisted. The lap-shoulder belt may lock if you pull the belt across you very quickly. If this happens, let the belt go back slightly to unlock it. Then pull the belt across you more slowly. Engaging the child restraint locking feature may affect the passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System (Without Turbo Engine) on page 1-61 or Passenger Sensing System (With Turbo Engine) on page 1-67 for more information. 1. If the seat has a safety belt guide, and the safety belt is not routed through the guide, slide the edge of the belt webbing through the opening on the guide. Be sure the belt is not twisted. 2. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To see how, see “Seats” in the Index. 1-24 4. Push the latch plate into the buckle until it clicks. Pull up on the latch plate to make sure it is secure. If the belt is not long enough, see Safety Belt Extender on page 1-30. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly if necessary. 5. If equipped with a shoulder belt height adjuster, move it to the height that is right for you. See “Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment” later in this section for instructions on use and important safety information. It may be necessary to pull stitching on the safety belt through the latch plate to fully tighten the lap belt on smaller occupants. 6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. To unlatch the belt, push the button on the buckle. The belt should return to its stowed position. Before a door is closed, be sure the safety belt is out of the way. If a door is slammed against a safety belt, damage can occur to both the belt and the vehicle. 1-25 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Sedan Only) The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front passenger position. Adjust the height so that the shoulder portion of the belt is centered on the shoulder. The belt should be away from the face and neck, but not falling off the shoulder. Improper shoulder belt height adjustment could reduce the effectiveness of the safety belt in a crash. Press the release button (A) and move the height adjuster to the desired position. The adjuster can be moved up by pushing up on the shoulder belt guide. After the height adjuster is set to the desired position, try to move it down without pressing the release button to make sure it has locked into position. 1-26 Safety Belt Pretensioners This vehicle has safety belt pretensioners for front outboard occupants. Although the safety belt pretensioners cannot be seen, they are part of the safety belt assembly. They can help tighten the safety belts during the early stages of a moderate to severe frontal or near frontal crash if the threshold conditions for pretensioner activation are met. And, if the vehicle has side impact airbags, safety belt pretensioners can help tighten the safety belts in a side crash. Pretensioners work only once. If the pretensioners activate in a crash, they will need to be replaced, and probably other new parts for the vehicle’s safety belt system. See Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash on page 1-75. Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides Rear shoulder belt comfort guides may provide added safety belt comfort for older children who have outgrown booster seats and for some adults. When installed on a shoulder belt, the comfort guide positions the belt away from the neck and head. There is one guide for each outboard passenger position in the rear seat. Here is how to install a comfort guide to the safety belt: 1. Pull the elastic cord out from between the edge of the seatback and the interior body to remove the guide from its storage clip. 2. Place the guide over the belt and insert the two edges of the belt into the slots of the guide. 1-27 { CAUTION: A safety belt that is not properly worn may not provide the protection needed in a crash. The person wearing the belt could be seriously injured. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the body are best able to take belt restraining forces. 3. Be sure that the belt is not twisted and it lies ﬂat. The elastic cord must be under the belt and the guide on top. 1-28 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts. 4. Buckle, position, and release the safety belt as described previously in this section. Make sure that the shoulder belt crosses the shoulder. To remove and store the comfort guide, squeeze the belt edges together so the safety belt can be removed from the guide. Pull the guide upward to expose its storage clip, and then slide the guide onto the clip. Turn the guide and clip inward and slide them in between the seatback and the interior body, leaving only the loop of the elastic cord exposed. A pregnant woman should wear a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap portion should be worn as low as possible, below the rounding, throughout the pregnancy. The best way to protect the fetus is to protect the mother. When a safety belt is worn properly, it is more likely that the fetus will not be hurt in a crash. For pregnant women, as for anyone, the key to making safety belts effective is wearing them properly. 1-29 Child Restraints Older Children Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer/retailer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. To help avoid personal injury, do not let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to ﬁt. The extender has been designed for adults. Never use it for securing child seats. To wear it, attach it to the regular safety belt. For more information, see the instruction sheet that comes with the extender. Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle’s safety belts. 1-30 The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the below ﬁt test: (cid:129) Sit all the way back on the seat. Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Buckle the lap-shoulder belt. Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 1-24 for more information. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Does the lap belt ﬁt low and snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. (cid:129) Can proper safety belt ﬁt be maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat. If you have the choice, a child should sit in a position with a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. Q: What is the proper way to wear safety belts? A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should ﬁt snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child’s pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash. Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 1-24. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly. 1-31 (cid:129) { CAUTION: { CAUTION: Never do this. Never allow two children to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt can not properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, the two children can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time. Never do this. Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest. 1-32 { CAUTION: Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts. Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer protection for adults and older children, but not for young children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. 1-33 Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle. { CAUTION: Never do this. Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 25 mph (40 km/h), a 12 lb (5.5 kg) infant will suddenly become a 240 lb (110 kg) force on a person’s arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint. 1-34 { CAUTION: Never do this. Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inﬂates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. 1-35 { CAUTION: To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. This is because an infant’s neck is not fully developed and its head weighs so much compared with the rest of its body. In a crash, an infant in a rear-facing child restraint settles into the restraint, so the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant’s body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints. Q: What are the different types of add-on child restraints? A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle’s owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child’s weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer’s instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs. 1-36 { CAUTION: A young child’s hip bones are still so small that the vehicle’s regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child’s abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints. Child Restraint Systems A rear-facing infant seat (A) provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint. 1-37 A forward-facing child seat (B) provides restraint for the child’s body with the harness. A booster seat (C-D) is a child restraint designed to improve the ﬁt of the vehicle’s safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window. 1-38 Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle’s safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual. To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) on page 1-41 for more information. A child can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint { CAUTION: A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint. 1-39 Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children, who are large enough, using safety belts. A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the front.” This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. { CAUTION: A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inﬂating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger airbag inﬂates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat, CAUTION: (Continued) 1-40 CAUTION: (Continued) always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint

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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual