sensor CHEVROLET MALIBU 2007 6.G Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag Inate?
The driver’s and right front passenger’s frontal
airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes. But they are
designed to inate only if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds take into account a variety of desired
deployment and non-deployment events and are
used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in
time for the airbags to inate and help restrain the
occupants. Whether your frontal airbags will or
should deploy is not based on how fast your vehicle
is traveling. It depends largely on what you hit, the
direction of the impact, and how quickly your
vehicle slows down.
In addition, your vehicle has “dual-stage” frontal
airbags, which adjust the restraint according
to crash severity. Your vehicle has electronic
frontal sensors which helps the sensing system
distinguish between a moderate frontal impact
and a more severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, these airbags inate at a level
less than full deployment. For more severe
frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.If the front of your vehicle goes straight into a
wall that does not move or deform, the threshold
level for the reduced deployment is about
12 to 16 mph (19 to 26 km/h), and the threshold
level for a full deployment is about 18 to 24 mph
(29 to 38.5 km/h). The threshold level can
vary, however, with specic vehicle design, so that
it can be somewhat above or below this range.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash
speeds. For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inate at a different crash
speed than if the vehicle hits an object that
does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole),
the airbags could inate at a different crash
speed than if the vehicle hits a wide object
(like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
78

Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger’s position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible when you start
your vehicle in the instrument panel.
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, will be visible during the system check.
If you are using remote start to start your vehicle
from a distance, if equipped, you may not see
the system check. When the system check
is complete, either the word ON or the word OFF,
or the symbol for on or the symbol for off, will
be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 203.The passenger sensing system will turn off the
right front passenger’s frontal airbag under certain
conditions. The driver’s airbags are not part of
the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with
sensors that are part of the right front passenger’s
seat. The sensors are designed to detect the
presence of a properly-seated occupant and
determine if the passenger’s frontal airbag should
be enabled (may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer
if they are restrained in the rear rather than
the front seat.
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.
United StatesCanada
82

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to the front
or sides of the vehicle that could keep the
airbags from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your
vehicle’s frame, bumper system, height,
front end or side sheet metal, they may keep
the airbag system from working properly.
Also, the airbag system may not work properly
if you relocate any of the airbag sensors.
If you have any questions about this,
you should contact Customer Assistance
before you modify your vehicle. The phone
numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 476.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out
whether this will affect my airbag system?
A:Changing or moving any parts of the
front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, ceiling headliner, ceiling
and pillar garnish trim, roof-mounted airbag
modules, or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system. If you have
questions, call Customer Assistance. The
phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure
on page 476.
89

Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature will continue to
illuminate the headlamps for 20 seconds after the
key is turned to off at night. Then the headlamps
will automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp
feature while it is active turn the switch at the
end of the turn signal/multifunction lever to
the off/on position.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it
easier for others to see the front of your vehicle
during the day. DRL can be helpful in many
different driving conditions, but they can be
especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. Fully functional
daytime running lamps are required on all
vehicles rst sold in Canada.The DRL system will turn your low-beam
headlamps on at a reduced brightness when
the following conditions are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is turned to
AUTO. In addition, Canadian vehicles
DRL will also turn on if you have turned
on the parking lamps.
The light sensor detects daytime light.
See the end of this section for more
information on the light sensor.
The shift lever is not in PARK (P).
While the DRL system is on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, and instrument panel lights
will not be illuminated.
The DRL system will be off any time your
vehicle is in PARK (P). The DRL system on
U.S. vehicles can also be turned off by using
the off/on switch for one ignition cycle.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the
regular headlamp system when you need it.
182

Light Sensor
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered
or the headlamps may remain on when you
do not need them. The light sensor for the
DRL and Automatic Headlamp features is
located on top of the instrument panel.
The automatic headlamp system may be on
when driving through a parking garage, heavy
outcast weather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic
headlamp system turns on the headlamps at
the normal brightness along with other lamps
such as the taillamps, sidemarker, parking lamps,
and the instrument panel lights. The radio lights
will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel that controls the automatic
headlamp system. Make sure it is not covered
or the automatic headlamp system will be on
when it is not needed.There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the DRL
and the automatic headlamp systems so that
driving under bridges or bright overhead street
lights does not affect the system. The DRL
and automatic headlamp systems will only be
affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage,
the automatic headlamp system comes on
immediately. Once you leave the garage, it takes
about one minute for the automatic headlamp
system to change to DRL if it is light outside.
During that delay, the instrument panel cluster may
not be as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument
panel brightness control is in the full bright position.
See “Instrument Panel Brightness Control” under
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 184.
To idle your vehicle with the automatic headlamp
system off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior
light switch to the off/on position. For Canadian
vehicles, the transaxle must stay in PARK (P) for
this function.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the
regular headlamps when they are needed.
183

maximum heat setting. Choosing either
maximum setting will not cause the vehicle
to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located
on the top of the instrument panel near
the windshield. This sensor regulates air
temperature based on sun load, and also
turns on your headlamps.
Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille
on the lower right side of the climate
control faceplate. This senses the inside
vehicle temperature needed for proper
regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in
cold weather, the system will delay turning
on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine
coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
will override this delay and change the fan
to a selected speed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature,
the climate control display will initially
show “AS” in place of the temperature to
indicate the remote start has been activated.The system will automatically regulate the
temperature according to the following:
If inside air temperature is below 72°F (22°C),
the system will automatically adjust to the
following settings: highest fan speed, defrost
mode, recirculation, and the full heat position.
If inside air temperature is above 79°F (26°C)
the system will automatically adjust to the
following settings: highest fan speed, panel
mode, recirculation, and full cold position.
If inside air temperature is between 72°F (22°C)
and 79°F (26°C), the system will adjust
automatically to the following settings: medium
fan speed, panel mode, recirculation, and the
full cold position.
The climate control will change back to manual
operation by turning on the vehicle with the key.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 97.
The heater works best if you keep the
windows closed while using it.
193

Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
Several seconds after the key is turned to ON or
START, a chime will sound for several seconds
to remind the front passenger to buckle their
safety belt. This would only occur if the passenger
airbag is enabled. SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 82for more information. The
passenger safety belt light will also come on and
stay on for several seconds, then it will ash
for several more.
This chime and light
is repeated if the
passenger remains
unbuckled and
the vehicle is
in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster, 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 72.
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.
202

Dinghy Towing
The Malibu Sedan SS and Maxx SS cannot be
dinghy towed.
For vehicles that can be dinghy towed, follow
these steps:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.4. To prevent your battery from draining while
the vehicle is being towed, remove the
following fuse from the instrument panel
fuse block: IGN SENSOR. SeeInstrument
Panel Fuse Block on page 447for more
information.
5. Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
6. Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).
7. Release the parking brake.
Remember to install the fuses once you reach
your destination. To reinstall a fuse, do the
following:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Reinstall the fuse.
Notice:If you exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
while towing your vehicle, it could be
damaged. Never exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
while towing your vehicle.
331

Fuses Usage
HVAC
BLOWER HIGH
(Relay)Climate Control System
CLUSTER/
THEFTInstrument Panel Cluster, Theft
Deterrent System
ONSTAR OnStar
®System
NOT
INSTALLEDNot Used
AIRBAG (IGN) Airbag System
HVAC CTRL
(BATT)Climate Control System
PEDAL Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
WIPER SW Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
IGN SENSOR Ignition Switch
STR/WHL
ILLUMSteering Wheel Controls
Backlighting
NOT
INSTALLEDNot Used
RADIO Audio System
INTERIOR
LIGHTSOverhead Lighting, Trunk/Cargo
Lighting
REAR WIPER Rear Wiper System/Washer Pump
HVAC CTRL
(IGN)Climate Control System
Fuses Usage
HVAC
BLOWERClimate Control System
DOOR LOCK Automatic Door Lock System
ROOF/HEAT
SEATSunroof, Heated Seats, Automatic
Dimming Rearview Mirror, Compass,
Rear Wiper/Washer System
POWER
WINDOWSPower Window Switch
NOT
INSTALLEDNot Used
NOT
INSTALLEDNot Used
AIRBAG
(BATT)Airbag System
FUSE PULLER Fuse Puller
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
448

Fuses Usage
6 Emission 1
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
13 Engine Control Module (BATT) (L4)
14 Windshield Wiper
15 Anti-lock Brake System
16 Engine Control Module (IGN 1) (L4)
17 Cooling Fan 1
18 Cooling Fan 2
19 Run Relay
20 IBCM 1
21 IBCM (R/C)
22 Rear Electrical Center 1
23 Rear Electrical Center 2
24 Anti-lock Brake SystemFuses Usage
25 IBCM 2
26 Starter
27 (DIODE) Windshield Wiper
41 Electric Power Steering
42 Transaxle Control Module
43 Ignition Module
44 Fuel Injectors
45 Rear Oxygen Sensors
46 (Resistor) Brake Lamp Diagnostic
47 Daytime Running Lamps
51 Engine Control Module (BATT) (V6)
Relays Usage
28 Cooling Fan 1
29 Cooling Fan Mode Series/Parallel
30 Cooling Fan 2
31 Starter
32 Run/Crank Ignition
33 Powertrain
450