power steering CHEVROLET MALIBU 2004 5.G Owners Manual

The main components of your instrument panel are
the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
C. Steering Wheel Controls and Cruise Controls.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-115
and “Cruise Control” underTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See “Windshield
Wipers” underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-8.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Center Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-52.
J. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21.K. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
L. Side Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
M. Adjustable Pedal Buttons. SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-24.
N. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness” underInterior Lamps on page 3-19.
O. Storage Compartment
P. Fog Lamps. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-14.
Q. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
R. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-29.
S. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-7.
T. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-20.
U. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-30.
V. Center Console Storage Compartment. See
Center Console Storage Area on page 2-45.
W. Traction Control Button (If Equipped). SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9.
3-5

Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
the ignition to ON.
It will stay on, or come on and a chime will sound if it
detects a problem on the vehicle. The Driver Information
Center (DIC) may display a message such as Low
Coolant, Power Steering, Engine Reduced Power, etc.
These messages may help you determine why the
service vehicle soon indicator is on. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-50. If this happens, see
your dealer as soon as possible.
Fuel Gage
Your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have
left, when the ignition is on. When the indicator nears
empty, the amber light located left of the pump symbol
will come on and you will hear a chime. You still
have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon.
United StatesCanada
3-44

DOOR AJAR:This message is displayed if one or
more of the vehicle’s doors are not closed properly.
When this message appears, you should make sure
that the door is closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED:This message is displayed if the
starting of the engine is disabled. Have y our vehicle
serviced by your dealership immediately.
ENG PWR REDUCED:This message informs you that
the vehicle has reduced engine power to avoid
damaging the engine.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message appears when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
KEY FOB BATT LOW:This message is displayed if
the remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low.
LOW COOLANT:This message is displayed when
there is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling
system serviced by a technician as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL:This message is displayed when your
vehicle is low on fuel. You should rell the tank as soon
as possible. You will also see a low fuel warning light
on the instrument panel cluster.LOW WASHER FLUID:This message is displayed
when your vehicle is low on windshield washer uid.
You should rell the tank as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING:This message is displayed if a
problem has been detected with the electric power
steering. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.
PUSH PARK PEDAL:This message is displayed if
the parking brake is left engaged and you try to
drive away.
SERVICE AIR BAG:There is a problem with the air
bag system when this message appears. Let only
a qualied technician work on your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealership immediately.
TRUNK OR GATE AJAR:This message is displayed
when the trunk lid or liftgate of your vehicle is not closed
completely. You should make sure that the trunk lid or
liftgate is closed completely.
3-51

If you do not have anti-lock, use a “squeeze” braking
technique. This will give you maximum braking
while maintaining steering control. You can do this by
pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing
pressure.
In an emergency, you will probably want to squeeze the
brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or
feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal.
This will help you retain steering control. If youdohave
anti-lock, it is different. See “Anti-Lock Brake System”
in this section.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Your vehicle may have an Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially
useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates
only if it senses that one or both of the front wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine power and
may also upshift the transaxle to limit wheel spin.
This light will come on
when your Enhanced
Traction System is
engaged and limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal. This light will also come on when the anti-lock
brake system is working.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the enhanced
traction system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever.
4-9

Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves.
Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you are
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control
systems — steering and braking — have to do their work
where the tires meet the road. Unless you have
four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can
demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
The same thing can happen if you are steering through
a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those
two control systems — steering and acceleration — can
overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way
you want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
4-11

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
before a tire has built up heat from driving.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-57.Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-34.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
5-55

Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Fuses Usage
POWER
MIRRORSPower Mirrors
EPS Electric Power SteeringFuses Usage
RUN/CRANKCruise Control, Electronic
Range Select
HVAC BLOWER
HIGH (Relay)Climate Control System
5-89

Fuses Usage
7 Left Headlamp Low-Beam
8 Horn
9 Right Headlamp Low-Beam
10 Front Fog Lamps
11 Left Headlamp High-Beam
12 Right Headlamp High-Beam
13Powertrain Control
Module (Batt)
14 Windshield Wiper
15 Anti-Lock Brake System
16Powertrain Control
Module (IGN 1)
17 Cooling Fan 1
18 Cooling Fan 2
19 RUN RELAY
20 IBCM 1
21 IBCM (R/C)
22 RBEC 1
23 RBEC 2
24 Anti-lock Brake System
25 IBCM 2Fuses Usage
26 STARTER
27 (DIODE) Windshield Wiper
41 Electric Power Steering
42 (Resistor) Brake Lamp Diagnostic
Relays Usage
28 Cooling Fan 1
29 Cooling Fan Mode
30 Cooling Fan 2
31 STARTER
32 RUN/CRANK Ignition
33 POWERTRAIN
34 A/C CLUTCH
35 High-Beam Headlamps
36 Front Fog Lamps
37 Horn
38 Low-Beam Headlamps
39 Windshield Wiper 1
40 Windshield Wiper 2
5-92

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chang, etc.(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
6-7

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-20
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-34
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-87
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-24
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)....................3-55, 3-62, 3-73, 3-86
Air Bag
Readiness Light..........................................3-34
Air Bag Systems.............................................1-52
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-58
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-60
What Makes an Air Bag Inate?....................1-58
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inates?......1-58
When Should an Air Bag Inate?...................1-57
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-22
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM).......7-10
AM .............................................................3-116
Antenna, Backglass.......................................3-119
Antenna, Fixed Mast......................................3-118
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-119
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-37Appearance Care............................................5-78
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-81
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-84
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-78
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-81
Finish Damage............................................5-83
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-83
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-84
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-84
Weatherstrips..............................................5-81
Arming the System.........................................2-18
Audio Speakers..............................................3-98
Audio System(s).............................................3-52
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-115
Backglass Antenna.....................................3-119
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-117
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-118
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-118
Fixed Mast Antenna...................................3-118
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-69
Radio with CD....................................3-53, 3-58
Radio with Six-Disc CD................................3-82
Rear Seat Audio (RSA).....................3-111, 3-113
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-53
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-52
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