Chevrolet Cobalt Owners Manual: New Vehicle Break-In

Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: - Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km).

Do not make full-throttle starts. Do not exceed 5,000 engine rpm. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.

- Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in.

Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement.

Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

- Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transmission) or Towing a Trailer (Manual Transmission) for the trailer towing capabilities of your vehicle and more information.

Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.

Ignition Positions

The ignition switch has four different positions.

In order to shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal must be applied.

Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.

(LOCK/OFF): This position
locks the steering column when the key is removed. The key can only be removed in LOCK/OFF.

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.

On vehicles with a manual transmission, the ignition switch can be turned to LOCK/OFF in any shift lever position.

The steering can bind with the wheel turned off center.

If this happens, move it from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this does not work, then the vehicle needs service.

WARNING:
If you have a manual transmission removing the key from the ignition switch will lock the steering column and result in a loss of ability to steer the vehicle. This could cause a collision. If you need to turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.

ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position operates some of the electrical accessories. It unlocks the steering wheel and ignition.

(ON/RUN): This is the
position in which you can operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument panel cluster warning and indicator lights.

The switch stays in this position when the engine is running.

If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.

(START): This position starts
the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to ON/RUN for driving.

A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in LOCK/OFF or ACC/ ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition.

Column Lock Release

For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the following procedure allows the ignition to be turned to LOCK/OFF and ignition key to be removed in case of a dead battery or low voltage battery.

1. Make sure the shift lever is in P (Park).

2. Remove the cover from the bottom of the steering column.

3. Locate the plunger.

4. Press and hold the plunger while turning the ignition key to LOCK/OFF. Remove the key.

Have the vehicle serviced at your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.