CHEVROLET MALIBU 2006 6.G Owners Manual

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the oor
outlets with some air directed to the side window outlets
and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on to let you know that it is
activated. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, except with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button will cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode
is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in.
Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort,
since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
will revert to the auto recirculation function.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or
oor, the light on the button will ash three times and
go out to let you know this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. You will want to allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
xw(Temperature Control):Press the up and
down arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the
button will illuminate when the air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode,
the system will run the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
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On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver
warm air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system will cool and dehumidify
the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode,
the system will maximize its performance by using
recirculation as necessary.
On cold days when using manual operation of the
automatic system, choose oor mode to deliver air to
the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
push the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
If you want to use the automatic mode, turn the knob
to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing
the temperature buttons.
Defogging and Defrosting
You can use either defog or front defrost to clear fog
or frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode
to clear the windows of fog or moisture. Use the front
defrost button to defrost the front windshield.
-(Defog):Use this setting to clear the windows of
fog or moisture. Turn the mode knob to this position to
select this setting. This setting will deliver air to the
oor and windshield outlets.
0(Defrost):Turn the mode knob to this position to
defrost the windshield. The system will automatically
control the fan speed if you select defrost from
AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C)
or warmer, your air conditioning compressor will
automatically run to help dehumidify the air and dry
the windshield. The air conditioning indicator light will
blink three times if you try to turn off the compressor
while in this mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger will turn off about 15 minutes after the button
is pressed. If you need additional warming time,
press the button again.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger will remain on
once the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated mirrors this button will also
activate that feature.
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If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the rear
defogger and heated mirrors will automatically be
turned on if it is cold outside. The indicator light will
not be on. When the vehicle transitions out of remote
start mode the rear defogger and heated mirrors will
turn off.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the thumbwheels on the air outlets, located on the
center and on the sides of the instrument panel, to
change the horizontal direction of the airow. Use the
tabs on the outlet vanes to change the vertical direction
of the airow. Use the tabs on the outlet vanes to
shut off airow to the outlets.
The two upper outlets in the center of the instrument
panel are dedicated to the rear seats. These outlets
are xed to aim airow into the rear seats to help
cool the rear occupants in hot weather. Airow can
be shut off at the upper outlets by turning the vertical
thumbwheel. The louvers are xed, do not attempt
to move them or they may break.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle
is encountered, use the recirculation mode, with
the temperature knob at a comfortable setting
to prevent the odor from entering the vehicle
through the ventilation system. This can be helpful
when driving through a long tunnel with poor
ventilation. However, extended usage of this
mode in cold or cool weather can cause window
fogging.
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Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the engine
just to let you know they are working. If you
are familiar with this section, you should not be
alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells
you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They are a big help.
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Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages.
United States Base version shown, Canada and SS Model Similar
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Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has
been driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
Your vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The
digital odometer will read 999,999 if someone tries
to turn it back.
You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a
new odometer installed. If the new one can be set to
the mileage total of the old odometer, then it must
be. But if it can’t, then it’s set at zero and a label must
be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage
reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far you have driven
since you last reset it.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-47for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows your engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come on for several seconds to remind people to fasten
their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
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The safety belt light will
also come on and stay
on for several seconds,
then it will ash for
several more.
If the vehicle is equipped with the passenger sensing
system, the chime and light will be repeated if the driver
remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, neither the chime
nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensor, the
pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring and
the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system, seeAirbag System
on page 1-59.This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash for
a few seconds. Then the
light should go out. This
means the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly. Have your
vehicle serviced right away.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when you turn the ignition key to ON. If the light doesn’t
come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
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Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on for a
few seconds when you
turn on the ignition
as a check to show
you it is working.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and
you hear a chime, you may have a problem with
the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while
this light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part
can still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it does not come on then, have
it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does
not release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake
is fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
United StatesCanada
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The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a
BRAKE FLUID message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-50for more information.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal
is harder to push or the pedal may go closer to the
oor. It may take longer to stop. Try turning off
and restarting the vehicle one or two times, if the
light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-39.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning light
on can lead to an accident. If the light is still
on after you have pulled off the road and
stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
If your vehicle has the
anti-lock brake system, the
light will come on when
your engine is started and
may stay on for several
seconds. That’s normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to off. If the light
comes on and the chime sounds when you are driving,
stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.
Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the
light still stays on, or comes on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake
system warning light is not on, you still have brakes,
but you do not have anti-lock brakes. If the regular
brake system warning light is also on, you do not have
anti-lock brakes and there is a problem with your
regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-36earlier in this section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition key to ON. This is
normal. If the light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If your vehicle has
the Traction Control
System (TCS), this
light may come on for
the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by pressing the
TC (traction control) button located on the center
console, the light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the button
again and the warning light should go out.
If there is a brake system problem that is specically
related to traction control, the TCS will turn off
and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Traction Control System
Active Light
If your vehicle has
the Traction Control
System (TCS), this
light will come on when
the system is limiting
wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if the TCS active
light comes on, so adjust your driving accordingly.
The light will stay on for a few seconds after the
3 system stops limiting wheel spin.
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