Chevrolet Cruze Owners Manual: Engine Overheating
There is an engine coolant temperature gauge on the vehicle instrument cluster to warn of engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood when this warning appears, get service help right away.
If the decision is made to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling fan is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan should be running. If it is not, do not continue to run the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Engine damage from running the engine without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the engine is overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam can be seen or heard,
the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
• Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
• Stops after high-speed driving.
• Idles for long periods in traffic.
• Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is no longer in the overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for three minutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode” following.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This
coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km (150,000
mi), whichever occurs first.
The fol ...
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows the vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency situation. If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates firi ...
Other materials:
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible.
• Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
• Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
• Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
• When road and weather conditions ar ...
StabiliTrak® System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It
is an advanced computer controlled system that assists with directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a difference between the intended
path, ...
Heating and Air Conditioning System Description and Operation
Engine Coolant
Engine coolant is the key element of the heating system. The thermostat
controls engine operating coolant temperature. The thermostat
also creates a restriction for the cooling system that promotes a positive
coolant flow and helps prevent cavitation. Coolant enters the
heater ...
