The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem, and
CRUZE are trademarks and/or
service marks of General Motors
LLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,
or licensors.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20935335 B Second Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com
Page 4
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
ivIntroduction
Using this Manual
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.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.
WARNING
{
These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage. This
would not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty.
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.”
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,
gauge, 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.
Page 5
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Introductionv
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)% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5.
B. Air Vents on page 8‑6.
C. Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 6‑2.
Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.
See Turn and Lane-ChangeSignals on page 6‑4.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Buttons. See Driver InformationCenter (DIC) on page 5‑22.
D. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8.
E. Horn on page 5‑3.
F. Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑22.
G. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
H. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
I.Infotainment on page 7‑1.
Satellite Radio on page 7‑13 (If
Equipped).
J. Infotainment Display Screen.
K. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.
L. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System on page 6‑4.
M. Passenger Airbag. See Where
Are the Airbags? on page 3‑20.
N. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑4.
O. Data Link Connector (DLC)
(Out of View). See MalfunctionIndicator Lamp on page 5‑13.
P. Instrument Panel Fuse Block on
page 10‑38.
Q. Cruise Control on page 9‑39.
R. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
S. Driver Airbag. See Where Are
the Airbags? on page 3‑20.
T. Ignition Switch or Keyless
Ignition Button (If Equipped).
See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) on page 9‑15 or
Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) on page 9‑18.
U. Driver Knee Airbag. See Where
Are the Airbags? on page 3‑20.
V. Power Door Locks on
page 2‑12.
W. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑4.
X. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑28 or
Manual Transmission on
page 9‑32.
Y. Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑36.
®
StabiliTrak
System on
page 9‑37.
Page 10
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-4In Brief
Z. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 (If Equipped).
Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑3
(If Equipped).
Heated Front Seats on page 3‑6
(If Equipped).
AA. Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5‑12.
AB. Passenger Knee Airbag. See
Where Are the Airbags? on
page 3‑20.
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter will work up to 20 m
(65 ft) away from the vehicle.
RKE Transmitter with Remote
Start Shown
Press the key release button to
extend the key blade. The key can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.
Press
K to unlock the driver door or
all doors.
Q to lock all doors.
Press
Lock and unlock feedback can
be personalized. See VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑33.
Page 11
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ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-5
Press and hold V briefly to open
the trunk.
Press and hold
the vehicle.
Press and hold
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm.
7 again to cancel the panic
Press
alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑4.
7 briefly to locate
7 for at least
Remote Vehicle Start
For vehicles with this feature, the
engine can be started from outside
the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
3. Immediately after completing
Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash, or for
about two seconds if the vehicle
is not in view.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Q.
/ until
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter
at the vehicle and press and
hold
/ until the parking lamps
turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start onpage 2‑9.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the vehicle from
outside, use the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key.
From inside the vehicle, use the
power door lock switch.
See Door Locks on page 2‑11.
Page 12
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-6In Brief
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switch is on
the instrument panel.
K : Press to unlock the doors.Q : Press to lock the doors.
See Power Door Locks onpage 2‑12.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.
Press o { to activate the safety
locks on the rear doors. The
indicator light comes on when
activated.
The rear door power windows are
also disabled.
o { again to deactivate the
Press
lockout switch.
If the indicator light flashes, the
feature may not be working properly.
See Safety Locks on page 2‑12.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Page 13
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ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-7
Seat Height Adjuster
If available, move the lever up or
down to manually raise or lower
the seat.
Seat Cushion Tilt Feature
Six-Way Manual Seat Shown,
Four-Way Similar
If available, move the lever up or
down to raise or lower the front of
the seat cushion.
Reclining Seatbacks
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the 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.
Page 14
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-8In Brief
To return the seatback to an upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback
returns to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
See Reclining Seatbacks onpage 3‑5.
Power Driver Seat
To adjust a power driver seat,
if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the rear of the control up
or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment onpage 3‑4.
Rear Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded.
For detailed instructions, see RearSeats on page 3‑7.
Page 15
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-9
Heated Seats
On vehicles with heated front seats,
the controls are on the center
console. The engine must be
running to operate the heated seats.
L or M to heat the driver or
Press
passenger seat cushion and
seatback.
Press the control once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the control, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then the off setting. Three lights
indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest.
See Heated Front Seats onpage 3‑6 for more information.
Head Restraint
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the
head restraint height in the proper
position.
For more information see Head
Restraints on page 3‑2 and Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑3.
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly:
.
Safety Belts on page 3‑9.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑10.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑11.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑39.
Page 16
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-10In Brief
Passenger Sensing
System
United States
Canada
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑25 for important information.
The passenger airbag status
indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle
is started. See Passenger AirbagStatus Indicator on page 5‑12.
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are on the driver door.
1. Turn the selector switch to
L (Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the
mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to the
O position to deselect the mirror.
See Power Mirrors on page 2‑17.
If the vehicle has heated mirrors,
see Heated Mirrors on page 2‑17.
Vehicles with a manual mirror
adjustment have controls next to
each mirror.
See Manual Mirrors on page 2‑16.
Page 17
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-11
Interior
Adjust the inside rearview mirror by
moving it up and down or side to
side. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare
from the headlamps behind you.
Push the tab forward for daytime
use and pull it for nighttime use.
See Manual Rearview Mirror onpage 2‑17.
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare of lights from behind the
vehicle. The dimming feature and
indicator light come on each time
the vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror on page 2‑17.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever (A) down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Push the lever (A) up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are located
in the headliner.
( : Press to turn the lamps off,
even when a door is open.
H : Press to turn the lamps on
automatically when a door is
opened.
' : Press to turn on the dome
lamps.
Page 18
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-12In Brief
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located in
the overhead console.
# or $ : Press the button near
each lamp to turn it on or off.
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control
This feature controls the brightness
of the instrument panel controls and
infotainment display screen. The
thumbwheel is located to the left
of the steering column on the
instrument panel.
D : Turn the thumbwheel up or
down and hold, to brighten or dim
the instrument panel controls and
infotainment display screen.
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is located
to the left of the steering column on
the instrument panel.
O : Briefly turn to this position to
turn the automatic lamp control off
or on again.
AUTO: Turns the headlamps on
automatically at normal brightness,
together with the parking lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps,
sidemarker lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
taillamps, license plate lamps,
sidemarker lamps, and instrument
panel lights.
Page 19
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-13
5 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, taillamps, license
plate lamps, sidemarker lamps, and
instrument panel lights. A warning
chime sounds if the driver door is
opened when the ignition switch is
off and the headlamps are on.
# : For vehicles with fog lamps,
press to turn the lamps on or off.
For more information, see:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑3.
.
Front Fog Lamps on page 6‑5.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper lever is
on the right side of the steering
column. With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN, move
the windshield wiper lever to select
the wiper speed.
2: Use for fast wipes.
1: Use for slow wipes.
3 : Move the lever to 3 , then
turn the band up for more frequent
wipes or down for less frequent
wipes.
9 : Use to turn the windshield
wipers off.
3 : Briefly move the wiper lever
down for a single wipe or hold down
for several wipes.
Windshield Washer
Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray windshield
washer fluid and activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer onpage 5‑3.
Page 20
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-14In Brief
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, defrosting, and
ventilation for the vehicle can be
controlled with these systems.
Vehicles without Air Conditioning
A. Temperature Control
B. Bi-level Air Mode
C. Floor Air Mode
D. Vent Air Mode
E. Fan Control
F. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
G. Rear Window Defogger
H. Defog
I.Defrost
Vehicles with Air Conditioning
A. Temperature Control
B. Bi-level Air Mode
C. Floor Air Mode
D. Vent Air Mode
E. Fan Control
F. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
G. Rear Window Defogger
H. Recirculation
I.Defog
J. Air Conditioning
K. Defrost
Automatic Climate Control System
A. Temperature Control
B. Rear Window Defogger
C. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
D. Defrost
E. Fan Control
Page 21
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-15
F. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
G. Power
H. Recirculation
I.MODE (Air Delivery Mode)
J. AQS (Air Quality Sensor)
K. Air Conditioning
See Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1 or Automatic Climate
Control System on page 8‑3
(If Equipped).
Transmission
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows
the automatic transmission to be
shifted similar to a manual
transmission.
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
allows for the selection of a range of
gears.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑30.
Up‐Shift Light
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, it will have an up-shift
light that indicates when to shift to
the next higher gear for the best fuel
economy.
See Manual Transmission onpage 9‑32.
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
: Press to turn the system
O
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
BAND: Press to choose between
FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.
MENU: Turn to select radio
stations. Press to select a menu.
g : Press to seek the previous
station or track.
l : Press to seek the next station
or track.
Buttons 1 to 6: Press to save and
select favorite stations.
INFO: Press to show available
information about the current station
or track.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑6.
Page 22
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-16In Brief
Storing a Favorite Station
Stations from all bands can be
stored in the favorite lists in any
order. Up to six stations can be
stored in each favorite page and the
number of available favorite pages
can be set.
To store the station to a position in
the list, press the corresponding
numeric button 1 to 6 until a beep is
heard.
For more information, see “Storing a
Station as a Favorite” in AM-FMRadio on page 7‑11.
Setting the Clock
Adjusting the Time
The clock menu can be only be
used with the radio on while in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
1. Press the CONFIG button and
select Time Settings.
2. Select Set Time.
3. Turn the MENU or MENU/SEL
knob to adjust the highlighted
number.
4. Press the MENU or MENU/SEL
knob to select the next number.
5. To save the time and return to
the Time Settings menu, press
the BACK button at any time or
press the MENU or MENU/SEL
knob after adjusting the minutes.
Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
1. Press the CONFIG button and
select Time Settings.
2. Highlight 12/24 Hour Format.
3. Press the MENU or MENU/SEL
knob to select the 12 hour or
24 hour display format.
See Clock on page 5‑5.
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with an XM™ satellite
radio tuner and a valid XM satellite
radio subscription can receive XM
programming.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces. XM
satellite radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free
music, coast to coast, and in
digital-quality sound. A fee is
required to receive the XM service.
For more information refer to:
.
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.).
.
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
For more information, see SatelliteRadio on page 7‑13.
Page 23
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-17
Portable Audio Devices
Some vehicles have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port located in the center console.
External devices such as iPods®,
laptop computers, MP3 players, CD
changers, and USB drives may be
connected, depending on the audio
system.
For more information, see AuxiliaryDevices on page 7‑20.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio system
and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
®
See Bluetooth (Overview) on
page 7‑23 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑25 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7‑28.
Steering Wheel Controls
For vehicles with audio steering
wheel controls, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.
b / g : For vehicles with a
Bluetooth, OnStar, or navigation
system, press to interact with those
systems. See Bluetooth (Overview)
on page 7‑23 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls) on
page 7‑25 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7‑28, the
OnStar Owner’s Guide, or the
separate navigation manual for
more information.
$ / i : Press to silence the
vehicle speakers only. Press again
to turn the sound on. For vehicles
with OnStar or Bluetooth systems,
press to reject an incoming call,
or to end a current call.
_ SRC ^ : Turn to select an audio
source.
_ or ^ to select the next or
Turn
previous favorite radio station, CD,
or MP3 track.
+
x −: Press + to increase the
volume. Press − to decrease the
volume.
For more information, see SteeringWheel Controls on page 5‑2.
Page 24
Blackplate(18,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-18In Brief
Cruise Control
For vehicles with cruise control:
1 : Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off.
RES/+: Move the thumbwheel up to
resume a previously set speed or to
accelerate.
SET/−: Move the thumbwheel down
to set a speed or to make the
vehicle decelerate.
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 9‑39.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation
system, there is a separate
navigation system manual that
includes information on the radio,
audio players, and navigation
system.
The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads. After a
destination has been set, the
system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of points
of interest (POIs), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See the navigation system manual
for more information.
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is located in the
center of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems. The controls for
the DIC are located on the turn
signal lever.
A. SET/CLR: Press to set or
clear the menu item when it is
displayed.
B.
w / x : Use the thumbwheel
to scroll through the items in
each menu.
Page 25
Blackplate(19,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-19
C. MENU: Press to display the
Trip/Fuel menu and the Vehicle
Information menu. This button is
also used to return to or exit the
last screen displayed on
the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑22.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system uses sensors
on the rear bumper to assist with
parking and avoiding objects while
in R (Reverse). It operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
URPA uses audible beeps to
provide distance and system
information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist onpage 9‑41 for more information.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There is one accessory power outlet
located on the center floor console
and one on the rear of the center
floor console. These outlets are
powered when the key is in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or until
the driver door is opened within
10 minutes of turning off the vehicle.
See Retained Accessory Power(RAP) on page 9‑23.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system is on when
the vehicle is started.
.
To turn off traction control, press
and release
console.
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Vehicle Messages
(Canada Uplevel and United
States) on page 5‑27 or Vehicle
Messages (Canada Base Level)
on page 5‑27.
.
Press and release g again to
turn traction control back on.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑36.
g located on the
i illuminates and the
Page 26
Blackplate(20,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-20In Brief
StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system is on when the vehicle is
started.
.
To turn off both Traction Control
and StabiliTrak, press and
hold
g until g and i illuminate
and the appropriate DIC
message displays. See Vehicle
Messages (Canada Uplevel and
United States) on page 5‑27 or
Vehicle Messages (Canada
Base Level) on page 5‑27.
.
Press g again to turn on both
systems.
For more information, see
StabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑37.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle LoadLimits on page 9‑10. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 10‑48.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment or
a tire sealant and compressor kit.
The kit can be used to temporarily
seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and CompressorKit on page 10‑62 for complete
operating information.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see Ifa Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑60.
Page 27
Blackplate(21,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON DIC message or Code
82 DIC message when it is
necessary to change the engine oil
and filter.
Remember, the Oil Life display
must be reset after each oil change.
It will not reset itself. Also, be
careful not to reset the Oil Life
display accidentally at any time
other than when the oil has just
been changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
To reset the engine oil life system
press the SET button while the Oil
Life display is active.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC MENU button and
thumbwheel, scroll until you
reach REMAINING OIL LIFE on
the DIC (
: % for Canada).
2. Press the SET button to reset
the oil life at 100%. When
prompted, use the thumbwheel
to highlight YES or NO. Press
the SET/CLEAR button to
confirm.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
It cannot be reset accurately.
See Engine Oil Life System onpage 10‑11.
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.
In Brief1-21
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Page 28
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-22In Brief
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program.
See Roadside Assistance Programon page 13‑5 for more information.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Q button
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: chevrolet.com (click on
“Owners,” then “Manage My
Chevrolet/Owners Login”)
Canada: chevroletowner.ca
OnStar
For vehicles with an active OnStar
subscription, OnStar uses several
innovative technologies and live
®
Advisors to provide a wide range
of safety, security, navigation,
diagnostics, and calling services.
Automatic Crash Response
In a crash, built‐in sensors
automatically alert an OnStar
Advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to see if
you need help.
How OnStar Service Works
Q : Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to answer
questions.
] : Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X : Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Page 29
Blackplate(23,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
In Brief1-23
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on
all vehicles. For more information,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide;
visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact
OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080; or push
the
Q button to speak with an
OnStar Advisor 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area, and the wireless
service provider has coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar's
service. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle must have
a working electrical system and
adequate battery power for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment is not properly
installed or you have not maintained
it even if the vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance
with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in the
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems beyond
OnStar's control may prevent
service to you, such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to important parts of the vehicle in a
crash, or wireless phone network
congestion or jamming.
See Radio Frequency Statement onpage 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Page 30
Blackplate(24,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
1-24In Brief
OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls
This vehicle may have Talk/Mute
buttons that can be used to interact
with OnStar Hands-Free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls onpage 5‑2 for more information.
On some vehicles, the Talk/Mute
buttons can be used to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio
if the OnStar Advisor cannot be
heard.
If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may not
be functioning properly. Push
and request a vehicle diagnostic.
If the light appears clear (no light
appears), your OnStar subscription
has expired and all services have
been deactivated. Push
confirm that the OnStar equipment
is active.
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous for many
reasons; children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the
RKE transmitter in the vehicle
and they could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not
leave the RKE transmitter in a
vehicle with children.
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
can be used for the ignition and all
locks if the vehicle is a key access
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
keyless ignition, the key can be
used for the locks.
Page 33
Blackplate(3,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-3
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
If the vehicle has an ignition and it
becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program on
page 13‑5.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
®
on
page 1‑22.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
Page 34
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-4Keys, Doors, and Windows
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The transmitter functions will work
up to 20 m (65 ft) away from the
vehicle. On vehicles with remote
start the distance will be greater.
Keep in mind that other conditions,
such as those previously stated,
can impact the performance of the
transmitter.
Q (Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to
indicate locking. See “Locking
Feedback” under VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑33.
If the driver door is open when
pressed, all doors lock except the
driver door, if enabled through the
vehicle personalization.
Q is
If the passenger door is open
when
Q is pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
theft-deterrent system. See VehicleAlarm System on page 2‑14.
Q may also arm the
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door or all doors. See “Door
Unlock Options” under VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑33.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to
indicate unlocking. See “Unlock
Feedback” under VehiclePersonalization on page 5‑33.
Pressing
theft-deterrent system. See VehicleAlarm System on page 2‑14.
V (Remote Trunk Release):
Press and hold briefly to open the
trunk.
K will disarm the
Page 35
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-5
7 (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and hold briefly to
locate the vehicle. The exterior
lamps flash and the horn chirps.
Press and hold
two seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the
turn signals flash for 30 seconds,
or until
vehicle is started.
7 is pressed again or the
7 for at least
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
For vehicles with this feature,
press
Q and then press and
/ within five seconds to
hold
start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start onpage 2‑9 for additional information.
The buttons on the keys are
disabled when there is a key in the
ignition, if equipped.
Keyless Access Operation
Some vehicles have a keyless
access system that lets you lock
and unlock the doors and access
the trunk without removing the RKE
transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The RKE transmitter
should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the
door or trunk being opened. If the
vehicle has this feature, there will be
a body colored touch pad on the
outside front door handles.
Keyless Unlocking
With the RKE transmitter within
1 m (3 ft), approach the front door
and pull the handle to unlock and
open the door. If the transmitter is
recognized, the door will unlock
and open.
Entering any door other than the
driver door will always cause all of
the doors to unlock. This is not
customizable.
To customize which doors unlock
when the driver door is opened,
see “Door Unlock Options” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑33.
Keyless Locking
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this feature allows
you to select whether the doors
automatically lock during normal
vehicle exit. When the vehicle is
turned off and all doors become
closed, the vehicle will determine
how many keyless access
transmitters remain in the vehicles
interior. If at least one keyless
access transmitter has been
removed from the interior of the
vehicle, the doors will lock after
eight seconds.
Page 36
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-6Keys, Doors, and Windows
If there are two keyless access
transmitters in the vehicle and
one is removed, the other will be
locked in. A person approaching
the outside of the locked vehicle
without an authorized keyless
access transmitter will not be able
to open the door, even with the
transmitter in the vehicle.
Lock Sensor
When all doors are closed and the
ignition is off, the vehicle can be
locked by pressing this area on the
door handle. This feature will be
available for several minutes after
the vehicle has been turned off.
Keyless Trunk Opening
Lift up on the touch pad located
above the license plate to open the
trunk if the RKE transmitter is within
range.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters
no longer work. Any remaining
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to five transmitters matched
to it.
Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter (Keyless Access
Vehicles Only)
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there is one recognized transmitter.
To program, the vehicle must be
off and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must
be with you.
1. Remove the plastic trim piece
from the small storage area next
to the accessory power outlet
towards the front of the console,
to access the transmitter slot.
Page 37
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-7
Push the button on the
recognized transmitter to extend
the key blade. Insert the key
blade into the transmitter slot.
2. Insert the vehicle key of the
new transmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
3. Remove the recognized key and
place the new transmitter into
the transmitter slot.
4. Press the ignition. When the
transmitter is learned, the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the
transmitter pocket and press
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3
through 5.
K.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold the ignition for 10 seconds
to exit programming mode.
Replace the plastic trim piece
from the small storage area.
Programming without a
Recognized Transmitter (Keyless
Access Vehicles Only)
If there are no currently recognized
transmitters available, follow this
procedure to program up to five
transmitters. This feature is not
available in Canada. This procedure
will take approximately 30 minutes
to complete. The vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters you wish
to program must be with you.
1. Insert the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder located on the outside
of the driver door and turn the
key to the unlock position five
times within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC
displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press the ignition.
The DIC displays will again
show REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional
times. After the third time all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the next
steps.
The DIC display should
now show READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.
Page 38
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-8Keys, Doors, and Windows
5. Press the ignition. When the
transmitter is learned the DIC
will show that it is ready to
program the next transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the
transmitter slot and press
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4
through 6.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
4. Remove the plastic trim piece
from the small storage area
next to the accessory power
outlet towards the front of the
console, to access the
transmitter slot. Push the
button on the recognized
transmitter to extend the key
blade. Insert the key blade into
the transmitter slot.
hold the ignition for 10 seconds
to exit programming mode.
Replace the plastic trim piece
from the small storage area.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when you try to start
the vehicle. The REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message may also be displayed at
this time.
K.
To start the vehicle:
1. Remove the plastic trim piece
from the small storage area next
to the accessory power outlet
towards the front of the console,
to access the transmitter slot.
2. Push the button on the
recognized transmitter to extend
the key blade. Insert the key
blade into the transmitter slot.
Page 39
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-9
3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or
N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and the ignition button.
See Starting the Engine onpage 9‑20 for additional
information about the vehicle's
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC. See
“Replace Battery in Remote Key”
under Key and Lock Messages onpage 5‑30.
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Push the button on the
transmitter to extend the key
blade.
2. Remove the battery cover by
prying it with a finger.
3. Remove the battery by pushing
on the battery and sliding it
toward the key blade.
4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Push the battery
down until it is held in place.
Replace with a CR2032 or
equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on
to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/ (Remote Vehicle Start):
This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
Vehicles with an automatic climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperature during
a remote start. A vehicle without
automatic climate control will default
to the last used heating or cooling
mode. Once the key is turned to
ON/RUN, the climate control system
will turn on at the setting the vehicle
was last set to. If the vehicle has
heated seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See HeatedFront Seats on page 3‑6 for more
information.
Page 40
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-10Keys, Doors, and Windows
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view.
Check local regulations for any
requirements.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System on page 2‑3 for additional
information.
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing
Step 2, press and hold
/ until
the turn signal lamps flash, or for
about two seconds if the vehicle
is not in view.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Start the vehicle before driving.
Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10-minute extension, repeat
Steps 1– 3 while the engine is still
running. The remote start can be
extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 10 minutes will start
immediately.
For example, if the engine has been
running for five minutes, and
10 minutes are added, the engine
will run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.
The key is in the ignition (key
access) or if the key is in the
vehicle (keyless access).
.
The hood is not closed.
.
The hazard warning flashers
are on.
Page 41
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
.
The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.
.
The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.
The oil pressure is low.
.
Two remote vehicle starts, or a
single remote start with an
extension, have already
been used.
.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
WARNING
{
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.
Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The chance
of being thrown out of
the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not
locked. So, all passengers
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
should wear safety belts
properly and the doors
should be locked whenever
the vehicle is driven.
.
Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.
Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when slowing or stopping the
vehicle. Lock the doors to
help prevent this from
happening.
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-11
To lock or unlock a door from
outside the vehicle, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
From inside the vehicle, use the
power door lock switch or the
manual lock knob. Pushing down
the manual lock knob on the driver
door will lock all doors.
The doors can also be unlocked
from the inside by pulling the door
handle. Pulling the door handle
again unlatches the door.
Page 42
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-12Keys, Doors, and Windows
Power Door Locks
The power door lock switch is on
the instrument panel.
Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
doors.
Automatic Door Locks
Automatic Door Lock
The doors are programmed to
automatically lock when the shift
lever is moved out of P (Park).
The automatic door lock feature
cannot be disabled.
Automatic Door Unlock
The doors will automatically unlock
when the shift lever is moved into
P (Park).
See Vehicle Personalization onpage 5‑33.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.
Press o { to activate the safety
locks on the rear doors. The
indicator light comes on when
activated.
The rear door power windows are
also disabled.
o { again to deactivate the
Press
lockout switch.
If the indicator light flashes, the
feature may not be working properly.
Page 43
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-13
Doors
Trunk
WARNING
{
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.
Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See “Climate
Control Systems” in the
Index.
.
If the vehicle has a power
liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see EngineExhaust on page 9‑26.
Remote Trunk Release
To open the trunk from outside the
vehicle, press the
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter, or by pressing the touch
pad above the license plate when
the doors are unlocked.
If the engine is running, the doors
must be unlocked. Vehicles with an
automatic transmission must be in
P (Park), vehicles with a manual
transmission must have the park
brake applied.
V button on
Page 44
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-14Keys, Doors, and Windows
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice: Do not use the
emergency trunk release handle
as a tie-down or anchor point
when securing items in the trunk
as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk
from the inside.
There is an emergency trunk
release handle located inside the
trunk on the trunk lid. The release
handle can be accessed by folding
the rear seatback. See Rear Seatson page 3‑7. Pull the release handle
to open the trunk from the inside.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has a theft alarm
system.
Arming the System
To arm the system, use the power
door lock switch or the RKE
transmitter to lock the vehicle while
exiting with the vehicle turned off.
The alarm arms after about
30 seconds after all the doors
have been closed.
Q again and the system arms
Press
immediately.
The security light, located in the
center of the instrument panel, will
flash slowly.
Page 45
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-15
Disarming the System
To disarm the system press K on
the RKE transmitter.
Turning off the System Alarm
If there is an attempt to open the
doors, trunk, or hood without first
pressing
system alarm will be activated.
The exterior lamps will flash and
the horn will sound for about
30 seconds.
To turn off the system alarm
press
K on the transmitter, the
K on the RKE transmitter.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is
removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key. The
key uses a transponder that
matches an immobilizer control unit
in the vehicle and automatically
disarms the system. Only an
authorized key starts the vehicle.
The vehicle may not start if the key
is damaged.
The security light, located in the
instrument panel cluster, comes on
if there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
Page 46
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-16Keys, Doors, and Windows
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key. If the engine
does not start with the other key, the
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle
does start, the first key may be
damaged. See your dealer who can
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
WARNING
{
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.
Manual Mirrors
Vehicles with a manual mirror
adjustment have controls next to
each mirror.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror by
moving it up and down or side to
side. Adjust the mirror to avoid glare
from the headlamps behind you.
Push the tab forward for daytime
use and pull it for nighttime use.
Page 47
Blackplate(17,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-17
Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside power
mirrors are located on the
driver door.
To adjust the mirror:
1. Turn the selector switch to
L (Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the
mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to the
O position to deselect the mirror.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Foldaway Mirrors
The vehicle has manual folding
mirrors. These mirrors can be folded
inward to prevent damage when
going through an automatic car
wash. To fold, pull the mirror toward
the vehicle. Push the mirror outward
to return it to the original position.
Heated Mirrors
The vehicle may have heated
mirrors.
= (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to heat the outside rearview
mirrors. See “Rear Window
Defogger” under Automatic ClimateControl System on page 8‑3 for
more information.
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the mirror in the center to
move it for a clearer view of behind
your vehicle. Adjust the mirror to
avoid glare from the headlamps
behind you. Push the tab at the
bottom of the mirror forward for
daytime use and pull it for
nighttime use.
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic
dimming inside rearview mirror.
Automatic dimming reduces the
glare from the headlamps of the
vehicle behind you. The dimming
feature and the indicator light come
on each time the vehicle is started.
Page 48
Blackplate(18,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-18Keys, Doors, and Windows
Vehicles with OnStar have three
control buttons located at the
bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by
the extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when a window is
partially open. To reduce the sound,
open another window or the sunroof
(if equipped).
Page 49
Blackplate(19,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-19
Power Windows
WARNING
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or even
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function and they
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave keys in a
vehicle with children.
When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.
Push the switch down to open the
window. Pull the front of the switch
up to close it.
The switches work when the ignition
is in ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or in Retained Accessory Power
(RAP). See Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) on page 9‑23.
Express Window Operation
This vehicle may have windows with
an express-up or down feature. This
feature allows the window to be
lowered or raised without holding
the switch. Passenger side and rear
windows only have express-down.
Pull a window switch up or push
it down all the way, release it,
and the window goes down or up
automatically. Stop the window by
pushing or pulling the switch.
Obstacle Detection Feature
If equipped with express-up, and an
object is in the path of the window
when closing, the window will stop
at the obstruction and auto-reverse
to a preset factory position. Weather
conditions such as severe cold and/
or ice may also cause the window
to auto-reverse. The window will
return to normal operation once the
obstruction or condition is removed.
Page 50
Blackplate(20,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-20Keys, Doors, and Windows
If conditions prevent the window
from closing and the window
continues to auto-reverse, it is
possible to close the window with
the ignition in ON/RUN by holding
the window switch in the partially or
fully pulled up position. Release of
the switch from the partially pulled
up position will cause the window to
stop. Release of the switch from the
fully pulled up position will activate
the express-up and related obstacle
detection features.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged or disconnected,
or is not working, the windows will
need to be reprogrammed for the
express-up feature to work. Before
reprogramming, replace or recharge
the vehicle's battery.
To program each front window,
follow these steps:
1. With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active, close all
doors.
2. Press and hold the power
window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull the power window switch up
until the window is fully closed.
4. Continue holding the switch up
for approximately two seconds
after the window is completely
closed.
The window is now reprogrammed.
Repeat the process for the other
windows.
Window Lockout
This feature prevents the rear
passenger windows from operating,
except from the driver position.
Press
o { to activate the rear
window lockout. The LED light (A)
comes on when activated.
The rear door locks are also
disabled.
Press
o { again to deactivate the
lockout.
If the LED light flashes, the feature
may not be working properly.
Page 51
Blackplate(21,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows2-21
Overload Feature
If the windows are operated
repeatedly in short intervals, the
window operation is disabled for a
short time.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod,
if available.
Roof
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches are on the overhead
console.
The sunroof only operates when
the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY or in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑23 for more information.
To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.
To express open or close the
sunroof with the safety function
enabled, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release. To stop
the movement, press the switch
again.
To automatically tilt or close the
sunroof, press the tilt open or close
sunroof switch (B).
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.
The sunroof glass panel cannot be
opened or closed if the vehicle has
an electrical failure.
Page 52
Blackplate(22,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
2-22Keys, Doors, and Windows
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation, noise, or plugging within
the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.
Sunshade
The sunshade is manually operated.
Close or open the sunshade by
sliding. When the sunroof is
opened, the sunshade is
always open.
Safety Function
If the sunroof has any resistance
during automatic closing, it will
immediately stop and reverse.
To override the safety function,
press and hold the close sunroof
switch. The sunroof closes without
the safety function. To stop the
movement, release the switch.
The vehicle's front and rear seats
have adjustable head restraints in
the outboard seating positions.
WARNING
{
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
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.
The height of the head restraint can
be adjusted. Pull the head restraint
up to raise it. Try to move the head
restraint to make sure that it is
locked in place.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top of
the seatback, and push the head
restraint down. Try to move the
head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
Page 55
Blackplate(3,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-3
The front seat outboard head
restraints are not designed to be
removed.
If you are installing a child restraint
in the rear seat, see “Securing a
Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System” under Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑39.
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver 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 seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Page 56
Blackplate(4,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-4Seats and Restraints
Seat Height Adjuster
If available, move the lever up or
down to manually raise or lower
the seat.
Seat Cushion Tilt Feature
Six-Way Manual Seat Shown,
Four-Way Similar
If available, move the lever up or
down to raise or lower the front of
the seat cushion.
Power Seat Adjustment
To adjust the power driver seat,
if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the rear of the control up
or down.
Page 57
Blackplate(5,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-5
To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑5 for
more information.
Reclining Seatbacks
WARNING
{
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver 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 seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.
WARNING
{
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.
To recline the seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
If necessary, move the safety
belt out of the way to access the
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.
Page 58
Blackplate(6,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-6Seats and Restraints
To return the seatback to an upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback
returns to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.
WARNING
{
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 safety belt cannot properly
restrain you, and you could be
injured or killed.
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
the vehicle is moving.
Heated Front Seats
WARNING
{
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This
may cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.
Page 59
Blackplate(7,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-7
On vehicles with heated front seats,
the controls are on the center
console. The engine must be
running to operate the heated seats.
L or M to heat the driver
Press
or passenger seat cushion and
seatback.
Press the control once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the control, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then the off setting. Three lights
indicate the highest setting and one
light the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the
heated seats can be turned on
automatically during a remote
vehicle start. The heated seats will
be canceled when the ignition is
turned on. Press the control to use
the heated seats after the vehicle is
started.
The heated seat indicator lights on
the control do not turn on during a
remote start.
The temperature performance of an
unoccupied seat may be reduced.
This is normal.
The heated seats will not turn
on during a remote start unless
the heated seat feature is enabled
in the vehicle personalization
menu. See Remote Vehicle
Start on page 2‑9 and Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑33 for
more information.
Rear Seats
Either side of the rear seatback can
be folded.
To fold the rear seatbacks:
1. Place the front seatbacks in the
upright position. See RecliningSeatbacks on page 3‑5.
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. Unbuckle the rear safety belts
and make sure the safety belt
buckles are stowed in the
pockets in the seat cushion.
Page 60
Blackplate(8,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-8Seats and Restraints
3. Make sure the safety belt is in
the guide on top of the seatback.
4. Reach under the safety belt and
pull the lever to unlock the
seatback.
A tab near the seatback lever
raises when the seatback is
unlocked.
5. Fold the seatback forward.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the
other seatback, if desired.
To raise the seatback:
WARNING
{
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. Make sure the safety belt is in
the guide on the top of the
seatback.
2. Lift the seatback up and push it
rearward until it clicks into place.
Keep the safety belts clear of the
seatback and untwisted.
A tab near the seatback lever
retracts when the seatback is
locked in place.
Page 61
Blackplate(9,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-9
The center rear safety belt
may lock when you raise the
seatback. If this happens, let the
belt go back all the way and
start again.
WARNING
{
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.
3. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked into
position.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the
other seatback, if necessary.
Keep the seat in the upright locked
position when not in use.
Safety Belts
This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
{
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, injuries can be much
worse than if you are wearing
safety belts. You can be seriously
injured or killed by hitting things
inside the vehicle harder or by
being ejected from the vehicle.
In addition, anyone who is not
buckled up can strike other
passengers in the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision,
passengers riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow
passengers to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and safety belts.
Always wear a safety belt, and
check that all passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders onpage 5‑10 for additional information.
Page 62
Blackplate(10,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-10Seats and Restraints
Why Safety Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the safety belts!
When you wear a safety belt, you
and the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because
you stop over a longer distance and,
when worn properly, your strongest
bones take the forces from the
safety belts. That is why wearing
safety belts makes such good
sense.
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.
Your chance of being conscious
during and after a crash, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
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.
Also, in nearly all states and in
all Canadian provinces, the law
requires wearing safety belts.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
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 3‑32 or Infants
and Young Children on page 3‑34.
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.
Page 63
Blackplate(11,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-11
There are important things to know
about wearing a safety belt properly.
.
Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front
of you.
.
Always use the correct buckle
for your seating position.
.
Wear the lap part of the belt low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. 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.
.
Wear the shoulder belt 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.
WARNING
{
You can be seriously injured,
or even killed, by not wearing
your safety belt properly.
.
Never allow the lap or
shoulder belt to become
loose or twisted.
.
Never wear the shoulder belt
under both arms or behind
your back.
.
Never route the lap or
shoulder belt over an
armrest.
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.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”
in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
get twisted.
Page 64
Blackplate(12,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-12Seats and Restraints
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.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be engaged.
If this happens, let the belt go
back all the way and start again.
3. 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 SafetyBelt Extender on page 3‑16.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.
4. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.
Page 65
Blackplate(13,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-13
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
safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.
Adjust the guide so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑10.
Press the release button and move
the height adjuster to the desired
position. The adjuster can be moved
up by pushing the slide/trim up.
After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing the release button
to make sure it has locked into
position.
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 and
near frontal crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner
activation are met.
Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
the pretensioners and probably
other parts of the vehicle's safety
belt system will need to replaced.
See Replacing Safety Belt SystemParts after a Crash on page 3‑17.
Page 66
Blackplate(14,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-14Seats and Restraints
Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides
This vehicle may have rear safety
belt comfort guides. If not, they are
available through the dealer. The
guides may provide added safety
belt comfort for older children who
have outgrown booster seats and
for some adults. When installed and
properly adjusted, the comfort guide
positions the belt away from the
neck and head.
There is one guide, if equipped, for
each outboard passenger position in
the rear seat. To install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:
2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.
1. Remove the guide from its
storage pocket on the side of
the seat.
Page 67
Blackplate(15,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
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.
WARNING
{
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.
Seats and Restraints3-15
4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.
5. To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt
can be removed from the guide.
Store the guide in its storage
pocket on the seatback.
Page 68
Blackplate(16,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-16Seats and Restraints
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.
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.
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 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.
Safety System Check
Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors,
and anchorages are all working
properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety BeltReminders on page 5‑10 for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑17.
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Seats and Restraints3-17
Safety Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
WARNING
{
Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts after a
Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system
may not properly protect the
person using it, resulting in
serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the safety belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑11.
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3-18Seats and Restraints
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbags:
.
A frontal airbag for the driver.
.
A frontal airbag for the front
outboard passenger.
.
A knee airbag for the driver.
.
A knee airbag for the front
outboard passenger.
.
A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.
.
A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the front outboard
passenger.
.
Seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the second row
outboard passengers.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver.
.
A roof-rail airbag for the front
outboard passenger and the
passenger seated directly
behind the front outboard
passenger.
All vehicle airbags have the word
AIRBAG on the trim or on a label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the center of the
steering wheel for the driver and on
the instrument panel for the front
outboard passenger.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG
is on the lower part of the
instrument panel.
For seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on
the side of the seatback closest to
the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
WARNING
{
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt, even
with airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety
belts, not replace them. Also,
airbags are not designed to inflate
in every crash. In some crashes
safety belts are the only restraint.
See When Should an AirbagInflate? on page 3‑21.
Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce the chance of
hitting things inside the vehicle or
being ejected from it. Airbags are
“supplemental restraints” to the
safety belts. Everyone in the
(Continued)
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Seats and Restraints3-19
WARNING (Continued)
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly, whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
WARNING
{
Because airbags inflate with
great force and faster than the
blink of an eye, anyone who is
up against, or very close to any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Safety belts help keep
you in position before and during
a crash. Always wear a safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.
WARNING
{
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. 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. Young
children and infants need the
protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always
secure children properly in the
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
vehicle. To read how, see Older
Children on page 3‑32 or Infants
and Young Children on
page 3‑34.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 5‑11 for more
information.
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Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel.
The driver knee airbag is below the
steering column. The front outboard
passenger knee airbag is below the
glove box.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and front
outboard passenger are in the side
of the seatbacks closest to the door.
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
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Seats and Restraints3-21
Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,
Passenger Side Similar
On vehicles with second row
seat‐mounted side impact airbags,
they are in the sides of the rear
seatback closest to the door.
WARNING
{
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest. However, they are
only designed to inflate if the
impact exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how
severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
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3-22Seats and Restraints
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
or wide.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, in
rear impacts, or in many side
impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Frontal knee airbags are designed
to inflate in moderate to severe
frontal or near frontal impacts that
exceed a predetermined
deployment threshold.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact airbags and roof-rail airbags.
See Airbag System on page 3‑18.
Seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof‐rail airbags are intended to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Seat-mounted
side impact and roof-rail airbags will
inflate if the crash severity is above
the system's designed threshold
level. The threshold level can vary
with specific vehicle design.
Roof‐rail airbags are not intended
to inflate in rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is intended to inflate on the side
of the vehicle that is struck. Both
roof‐rail airbags will inflate when
either side of the vehicle is struck or
if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on
its side, or in a severe frontal
impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag location, see Where Arethe Airbags? on page 3‑20.
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How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the
protection provided by safety
belts by distributing the force of
the impact more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof‐rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof‐rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of
full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in
many types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑21 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of
the airbags, see Where Are theAirbags? on page 3‑20.
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The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
WARNING
{
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps, turn on the
hazard warning flashers, and shut
off the fuel system after the airbags
inflate. You can lock the doors, turn
off the interior lamps, and turn off
the hazard warning flashers by
using the controls for those
features.
WARNING
{
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
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In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
.
Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for the vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
.
The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. See Vehicle Data
Recording and Privacy on
page 13‑14 and Event Data
Recorders on page 13‑14.
.
Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front
outboard passenger position. The
passenger airbag status indicator
will light on the instrument panel
when the vehicle is started.
Seats and Restraints3-25
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. If you use
remote start, if equipped, to start the
vehicle, you may not see the system
check. When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or
OFF, or the symbol for on or off, will
be visible. See Passenger AirbagStatus Indicator on page 5‑12.
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The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions.
No other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the front outboard passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag should be allowed
to inflate or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
We recommend that children 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.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front. This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag inflates.
WARNING
{
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the passenger frontal
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
passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will
not inflate under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
The passenger sensing system
is designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag if:
.
The front outboard passenger
seat is unoccupied.
.
The system determines that an
infant is present in a child
restraint.
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.
A front outboard passenger
takes his/her weight off of the
seat for a period of time.
.
There is a critical problem
with the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag, the off indicator
will light and stay lit as a reminder
that the airbag(s) are off. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 5‑12.
The passenger sensing system
is designed to turn on the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag anytime the system
senses that a person of adult size is
sitting properly in the front outboard
passenger seat. When the
passenger sensing system has
allowed the airbag(s) to be enabled,
the on indicator will light and stay lit
as a reminder that the airbag(s) are
active.
For some children, including
children in child restraints,
and for very small adults, the
passenger sensing system may
or may not turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag, depending
upon the person's seating posture
and body build. Everyone in the
vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
WARNING
{
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag ReadinessLight on page 5‑11 for more
information, including important
safety information.
Seats and Restraints3-27
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a
Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints (Front
Passenger Seat) on page 3‑49
or Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat) on page 3‑47.
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5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is
still lit, turn the vehicle off.
Then slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat
cushion, if adjustable, to make
sure that the vehicle seatback is
not pushing the child restraint
into the seat cushion. Also make
sure the child restraint is not
trapped under the vehicle head
restraint. If this happens, adjust
the head restraint. See HeadRestraints on page 3‑2.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may
or may not turn off the airbag(s) for
a child in a child restraint depending
upon the child's seating posture and
body build. It is better to secure the
child restraint in a rear seat.
If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult size is sitting in
the front outboard passenger seat,
but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat. Use the
following steps to allow the system
to detect that person and enable the
front outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the
person remain in this position for
one minute after the on indicator
is lit.
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Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep the
passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers
and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system
maintain the passenger airbag
status. See “Safety Belts” and
“Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such
as seat covers, seat heaters, and
seat massagers can affect how
well the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that
you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3‑30 for more information
about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
A wet seat can affect the
performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:
.
The passenger sensing system
may turn off the passenger
airbag when liquid is soaked
into the seat. If this happens, the
off indicator will be lit, and the
airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel will also be lit.
.
Liquid pooled on the seat that
has not soaked in may make it
more likely that the passenger
sensing system will turn on the
passenger airbag while a child
restraint or child occupant is on
the seat. If the passenger airbag
is turned on, the on indicator will
be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry
the seat immediately. If the airbag
readiness light is lit, do not install a
child restraint or allow anyone to
occupy the seat. See AirbagReadiness Light on page 5‑11 for
important safety information.
WARNING
{
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
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Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering
Information on page 13‑11.
WARNING
{
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing or
moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, roof-rail airbag
modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors, side
impact sensors, or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are
part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may
not operate properly if the original
seat trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle.
Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing
pad or device, installed under or on
top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
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turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System onpage 3‑25.
If the vehicle has rollover roof‐rail
airbags, see Different Size Tiresand Wheels on page 10‑57 for
additional important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason,
call Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices on
page 13‑3.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance
or replacement. Make sure the
airbag readiness light is working.
See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 5‑11 for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken, the
airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbags, see
Where Are the Airbags? on
page 3‑20. See your dealer for
service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the
airbag systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system
may not work properly and
may not protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death.
To help make sure the airbag
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away.
See Airbag Readiness Light onpage 5‑11 for more information.
Page 84
Blackplate(32,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-32Seats and Restraints
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle safety belts.
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 fit test below:
.
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.
.
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 onpage 3‑11 for more information.
If the shoulder belt still does not
rest on the shoulder, then return
to the booster seat.
.
Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
.
Can proper safety belt fit be
maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
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 onpage 3‑11.
Page 85
Blackplate(33,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-33
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.
WARNING
{
Never do this.
Never allow two children to wear
the same safety belt. The safety
belt cannot 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.
WARNING
{
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
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.
Page 86
Blackplate(34,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-34Seats and Restraints
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.
WARNING
{
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.
WARNING
{
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
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's
arms. An infant should be
secured in an appropriate
restraint.
Page 87
Blackplate(35,1)
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Seats and Restraints3-35
WARNING
{
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.
Q: What are the different types of
add-on child restraints?
A: Add-on child restraints, which
are purchased by the vehicle
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.
Page 88
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ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-36Seats and Restraints
In addition, there are many
kinds of restraints available for
children with special needs.
WARNING
{
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.
WARNING
{
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 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.
Page 89
Blackplate(37,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat
A forward-facing child seat (B)
provides restraint for the child's
body with the harness.
(C) Booster Seats
A booster seat (C) 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.
Seats and Restraints3-37
Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle
WARNING
{
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 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 System) on
page 3‑39 for more information.
Page 90
Blackplate(38,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-38Seats and Restraints
Children 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.
In some areas, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints.
In the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website
to locate the nearest child safety
seat inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.
Securing the Child within the
Child Restraint
WARNING
{
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.
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 seat in
the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great if the
airbag deploys.
WARNING
{
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
(Continued)
Page 91
Blackplate(39,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-39
WARNING (Continued)
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, always move
the front passenger seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
See Passenger Sensing Systemon page 3‑25 for additional
information.
When securing a child restraint in
a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
Child restraints and booster seats
vary considerably in size, and some
may fit in certain seating positions
better than others. Always make
sure the child restraint is properly
secured.
Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent safety belt
assemblies or LATCH anchors for
additional passengers or child
restraints. Adjacent seating
positions should not be used if the
child restraint prevents access to
or interferes with the routing of the
safety belt.
Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to secure the
child restraint properly.
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.
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH System)
The LATCH system holds a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
This system is designed to make
installation of a child restraint easier.
The LATCH system uses anchors in
the vehicle and attachments on the
child restraint that are made for use
with the LATCH system.
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible
child restraint is properly installed
using the anchors, or use the
vehicle's safety belts to secure the
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and
also the instructions in this manual.
Page 92
Blackplate(40,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-40Seats and Restraints
When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
either the lower anchors or the
safety belts to properly secure the
child restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the top
tether anchor.
In order to use the LATCH system
in the vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. The child restraint
manufacturer will provide you with
instructions on how to use the
child restraint and its attachments.
The following explains how to
attach a child restraint with these
attachments in the vehicle.
Not all vehicle seating positions or
child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.
Lower Anchors
Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are
two lower anchors for each
LATCH seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (B).
Top Tether Anchor
A top tether (A, C) anchors the
top of the child restraint to the
vehicle. A top tether anchor is built
into the vehicle. The top tether
attachment (B) on the child restraint
connects to the top tether anchor in
the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving or in
a crash.
The child restraint may have
a single tether (A) or a dual
tether (C). Either will have a
single attachment (B) to secure
the top tether to the anchor.
Page 93
Blackplate(41,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-41
Some child restraints that have a
top tether are designed for use with
or without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the child
restraint.
Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations
Rear Seat
I (Top Tether Anchor): Seating
positions with top tether anchors.
H (Lower Anchor): Seating
positions with two lower anchors.
To assist in locating the lower
anchors, each rear anchor position
has a label, near the crease
between the seatback and the seat
cushion.
To assist in locating the top tether
anchors, the top tether anchor
symbol is on the cover.
Page 94
Blackplate(42,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-42Seats and Restraints
The top tether anchors are under
the covers, behind the rear seat, on
the filler panel. Be sure to use an
anchor on the same side of the
vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be
placed.
Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be attached, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top tether
must be attached.
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. See Where to Put theRestraint on page 3‑38 for
additional information.
Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH
System
WARNING
{
If a LATCH-type child restraint is
not attached to anchors, the child
restraint will not be able to protect
the child correctly. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured
or killed. Install a LATCH-type
child restraint properly using the
anchors, or use the vehicle safety
belts to secure the restraint,
following the instructions that
came with the child restraint and
the instructions in this manual.
WARNING
{
Do not attach more than one child
restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment
to come loose or even break
during a crash. A child or others
could be injured. To reduce the
risk of serious or fatal injuries
during a crash, attach only one
child restraint per anchor.
WARNING
{
Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck and
the safety belt continues to
tighten. Buckle any unused safety
belts behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull
the shoulder belt all the way out
(Continued)
Page 95
Blackplate(43,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
Seats and Restraints3-43
WARNING (Continued)
of the retractor to set the lock,
if the vehicle has one, after the
child restraint has been installed.
Notice: Do not let the LATCH
attachments rub against the
vehicle’s safety belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary,
move buckled safety belts to
avoid rubbing the LATCH
attachments.
Do not fold the empty rear seat
with a safety belt buckled. This
could damage the safety belt or
the seat. Unbuckle and return the
safety belt to its stowed position,
before folding the seat.
If you need to secure more than one
child restraint in the rear seat, see
Where to Put the Restraint on
page 3‑38 for additional information.
Make sure to attach the child
restraint at the proper anchor
location.
This system is designed to make
installation of child restraints easier.
When using lower anchors, do not
use the vehicle's safety belts.
Instead use the vehicle's anchors
and child restraint attachments
to secure the restraints. Some
restraints also use another vehicle
anchor to secure a top tether.
1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower
anchors. If the child restraint
does not have lower
attachments or the desired
seating position does not have
lower anchors, secure the child
restraint with the top tether and
the safety belts. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer
instructions and the instructions
in this manual.
1.1. Find the lower anchors for
the desired rear outboard
seating position.
1.2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.
For outboard rear seating
positions, if the head
restraint interferes with
the proper installation
of the child restraint, the
head restraint may be
removed. See “Head
Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation” at the end
of this section.
1.3. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments on the child
restraint to the lower
anchors.
2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether
be attached, attach and tighten
the top tether to the top tether
anchor. Refer to the child
restraint instructions and the
following steps:
2.1. Find the top tether anchor.
Open the cover to expose
the anchor.
Page 96
Blackplate(44,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
3-44Seats and Restraints
2.2. Route, attach, and tighten
the top tether according
to the child restraint
instructions and the
following instructions:
.
If you are using a single
tether in a rear outboard
seating position with an
adjustable head restraint,
raise the head restraint and
route the tether under the
head restraint and in
between the head restraint
posts.
.
If you are using a dual
tether in a rear outboard
seating position with an
adjustable head restraint,
raise the head restraint and
route the tether under the
head restraint and around
the head restraint posts.
.
If you are using a single
tether in the center seating
position, or the rear
outboard head restraint has
been removed, route the
single tether over the
seatback.
Page 97
Blackplate(45,1)
ChevroletCruzeOwnerManual-2012
.
If you are using a dual
tether in the center seating
position, or the rear
outboard head restraint has
been removed, route the
dual tether over the
seatback.
3. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To check,
grasp the child restraint at the
LATCH path and attempt to
move it side‐to‐side and
back‐and‐forth. There should
be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in)
of movement, for proper
installation.
Seats and Restraints3-45
Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation
The rear outboard head restraints
can be removed if they interfere with
the proper installation of the child
restraint.
To remove the head restraint:
1. Partially fold the seatback
forward. See Rear Seats onpage 3‑7 for additional
information.
2. Press both buttons on the head
restraint posts at the same
time, and pull up on the head
restraint.
3. Store the head restraint in the
trunk of the vehicle.
Page 98
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3-46Seats and Restraints
4. When the child restraint is
removed, reinstall the head
restraint before the seating
position is used.
WARNING
{
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To reinstall the head restraint:
1. Insert the head restraint posts
into the holes in the top of the
seatback. The notches (A) on
the posts must face the driver
side of the vehicle.
2. Push the head restraint down.
If necessary, press the height
adjustment release button to
further lower the head restraint.
See Head Restraints onpage 3‑2.
3. Try to move the head restraint to
make sure that it is locked in
place.
Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash
WARNING
{
A crash can damage the
LATCH system in the vehicle.
A damaged LATCH system may
not properly secure the child
restraint, resulting in serious
injury or even death in a crash.
To help make sure the LATCH
system is working properly after a
crash, see your dealer to have
the system inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system
and it was being used during a
crash, new LATCH system parts
may be needed.
Page 99
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Seats and Restraints3-47
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the LATCH
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Securing Child Restraints
(Rear Seat)
When securing a child restraint in
a rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the
child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3‑39 for how and
where to install the child restraint
using LATCH. If a child restraint is
secured in the vehicle using a
safety belt and it uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑39 for top tether anchor
locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached.
If the child restraint does not have
the LATCH system, you will be
using the safety belt to secure the
child restraint in this position. Be
sure to follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint. Secure
the child in the child restraint when
and as the instructions say.
If more than one child restraint
needs to be installed in the rear
seat, be sure to read Where to Putthe Restraint on page 3‑38.
1. Put the child restraint on
the seat.
If the head restraint interferes
with the proper installation of the
child restraint, the head restraint
may be removed. See “Head
Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation” under Lower
Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑39.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions of
the vehicle's safety belt through
or around the restraint. The child
restraint instructions will show
you how.
Page 100
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3-48Seats and Restraints
3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks. If the latch
plate will not go fully into the
buckle, check if the correct
buckle is being used.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the
lock. When the retractor lock is
set, the belt can be tightened but
not pulled out of the retractor.
5. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the belt,
and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing
a forward-facing child restraint,
it may be helpful to use your
knee to push down on the child
restraint as you tighten the belt.
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