Cobalt Market Segment:
Compact Car (Economy/Subcompact Segment)
Cobalt Competitors 2008:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra
Cobalt Selling Points:
Affordability, Fuel efficiency, Available sporty variants (SS), Spacious interior for its class, Solid safety ratings (for its era)
Diy Repair Benefit:
Significant cost savings on maintenance and repair by empowering owners to perform work themselves
Ease Of Use Features:
Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and pictures
Manual Coverage Scope:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'Complete' and 'A-Z' coverage implies thousands of pages for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Classification:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language Of Manual:
English
Digital Format:
Downloadable (PDF compatible)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine mechanical (all variants), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Engine control systems (ECM/PCM diagnostics and programming), Turbocharger/Supercharger systems (if applicable to specific trims)
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (all variants), Clutch system, Drive axles, Differentials
Chassis Systems:
Suspension systems (front and rear), Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), Wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery and charging system, Starting system, Lighting system, Instrumentation, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), Wiper/washer system, Audio system, Body control modules (BCM), Engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams, Chassis control module (CCM) wiring diagrams, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) wiring diagrams, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) wiring diagrams
Body Systems:
Body structure, Exterior panels, Interior trim, Seats, Doors, Glass and seals, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, Restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)
General Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions, Disassembly and reassembly of components, Torque specifications, Component replacement procedures, Component adjustment procedures
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, Fluid level checks and replacements, Filter changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation, Electrical system testing, Scan tool usage
Troubleshooting Guides:
Problem identification, Step-by-step diagnostic routines, Flowcharts for common issues
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics with detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and wiring diagrams
Rebuild Capability:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Electrical Diagrams Depth:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems
2008 Cobalt Base Engine:
2.2L Ecotec DOHC I4 (L61)
2.2L Ecotec Horsepower:
145 hp @ 5300 rpm
2.2L Ecotec Torque:
150 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
2008 Cobalt Optional Engine 1:
2.4L Ecotec DOHC I4 VVT (LE5)
2.4L Ecotec Horsepower:
171 hp @ 6600 rpm
2.4L Ecotec Torque:
163 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
2008 Cobalt Ss Engine:
2.0L Ecotec DOHC Turbocharged I4 (LSJ)
2.0L Ecotec Turbo Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5600 rpm
2.0L Ecotec Turbo Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (220 lb-ft with overboost)
Fuel Delivery Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (89 Octane recommended for 2.4L, 91 Octane recommended for SS Turbo)
Block Construction:
Aluminum Alloy
Valvetrain Design:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on 2.4L
NHTSA Front Crash Rating Driver:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating Front Seat:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
NHTSA Side Crash Rating Rear Seat:
★★★★☆ (4 stars)
IIHS Small Overlap Front Rating:
Acceptable (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Good (for models tested)
Standard Braking System:
Front Ventilated Disc / Rear Drum (some models with rear discs)
Available ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Standard Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side-impact curtain airbags (front and rear, often optional/standard depending on trim)
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Standard Audio System:
AM/FM CD player with 4 speakers (base models)
Available Upgrades:
MP3 playback, Satellite Radio (XM), Premium sound systems, Pioneer/Boston Acoustics audio upgrades
Standard Driver Aids:
ABS, Traction Control (optional on some trims, standard on SS)
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (check manual for severe service); Manual: Inspect fluid, change if contaminated or per service advisor.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for Dex-Cool coolant
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (GM approved)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Specification:
Dexron VI
Manual Transmission Fluid Specification:
GM Synchromesh or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange Dex-Cool Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Cobalt Issues:
Intermediate steering shaft clunk, Ignition switch failure, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, Oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan, Torque converter shudder (automatic transmissions), Premature wear of rear suspension bushings