Segment:
Compact car, economy sedan/coupe.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3.
Design Philosophy:
Affordable, fuel-efficient, stylish compact vehicle with available performance variants (SS).
Value Proposition:
Offers a balance of practicality, modern features, and sporty styling for its price point.
Vehicle Systems:
Operation, controls, convenience features, safety, maintenance, troubleshooting basics.
Trim Levels:
Assumed to cover all 2008 Cobalt trims (LS, LT, SS).
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a full owner's manual).
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Instrumentation:
Gauges, warning lights, driver information center.
Controls:
Steering wheel controls, climate control, lighting, wipers, power accessories.
Infotainment:
Radio operation, CD player, optional satellite radio.
Comfort Convenience:
Seats, seat belts, airbags, door locks, windows, mirrors, cruise control.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, ABS operation.
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking.
Maintenance Checks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure, light checks.
Troubleshooting Basics:
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic fault diagnosis.
Tire Wheel Service:
Changing a flat tire, using the spare tire, tire rotation recommendations.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting the vehicle, dealing with overheating.
Level:
Owner-focused, providing information for safe and optimal use of vehicle features.
Ls Lt Transmission:
5-speed Manual (MV5)
Ls Lt Transmission Optional:
4-speed Automatic (4T45-E)
Ss Transmission:
5-speed Manual (M86)
Ss Transmission Optional:
4-speed Automatic (4T45-E)
Automatic Features:
Active Select (driver can manually select gears).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (for clutch actuation, refer to specific service manual for gearbox oil).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part # 19256013 or equivalent)
Length:
173.7 inches (Sedan), 167.8 inches (Coupe)
Height:
56.7 inches (Sedan), 55.7 inches (Coupe)
Trunk Volume:
13.9 cubic feet (Sedan), 10.7 cubic feet (Coupe)
Curb Weight Ls Lt:
Approx. 2,700 - 2,850 lbs
Curb Weight Ss:
Approx. 2,950 - 3,100 lbs
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5 Stars (2008 Model)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5 Stars (2008 Model)
NHTSA Side Driver Impact:
4 Stars (2008 Model)
NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:
4 Stars (2008 Model)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:
4 Stars (2008 Model)
IIHS Front Impact Rating:
Good (2008 Model)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (2008 Model)
IIHS Rear Impact Rating:
Good (2008 Model)
ABS:
Standard on all trims (Anti-lock Braking System).
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional MP3 playback, auxiliary input jack. XM Satellite Radio optional.
Display Type:
Basic LCD screen for radio and climate information.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Available with remote keyless entry.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available for the 2008 model year.
Usb Port:
Not typically available for the 2008 model year.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Oil Change Interval Conventional:
5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or based on oil life monitoring system.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000-50,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.2L:
Check at 100,000 miles; replace as needed. (Use iridium-tipped plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L Turbo:
Check at 60,000 miles; replace as needed. (Use iridium-tipped plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified, GM Approved - GM6094M)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter for 2.2L Ecotec; 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter for 2.0L Turbo Ecotec.
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 or 1052886, Asian Red Long-Life Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377951 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/VI ATF or GM P/N 12378474
Common Complaints 2.2L:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, occasional EGR valve issues.
Common Complaints 2.0L Turbo:
Turbocharger issues (wastegate rattle, oil feed line blockage), PCV system issues, clutch wear (on manual transmissions).
General Issues:
Climate control blend door actuators, power window regulators, occasional HVAC blower motor failures, rear suspension creaks.
Manufacturer:
General Motors (Chevrolet Division)
Introduction Year:
2004 (for the 2005 model year)
Platform:
GM Delta platform (shared with Opel Astra, Saturn Ion, Pontiac G5).
Facelift:
A significant refresh occurred for the 2009 model year, so 2008 represents the pre-facelift design.
Assembly Locations:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA; Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico.
Production Years:
2004-2010