CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009 7.G Owners Manual

Operation
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if vehicle has one, to provide
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant the engine uses that provides
heat to warm the inside of the vehicle. For more
information, seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-25.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan must
be on to run the air-conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the current airow mode.
Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air will be directed toward
the side windows.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and oor
outlets, with some air directed to the side windows. When
this mode is selected, the system automatically turns off
recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The air-conditioning compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning indicator light
turns off when defog is selected. If the air-conditioning
button is pressed while in defog mode, the indicator light
will turn on. If the button is pressed again, the light will
turn off. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode quickly clears the windshield
of fog or frost. Air is directed to the windshield with some
air directed to the oor vents. In this mode, outside air is
pulled into the vehicle. The air-conditioning compressor
will not run unless the outside temperature is at or below
freezing. The air-conditioning compressor operates
although the indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning
indicator light turns off when defrost is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed while in defrost mode,
the indicator light turns on. If the button is pressed again,
the light turns off. Recirculation cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
3-21

To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select
0.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
it is on.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned off
is normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
air conditioning system operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that it is on.
Air from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout
the vehicle. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with the recirculation
mode. Press
:to cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show that it is
on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle. The
recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you try to
use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot function.
Pressing this button cancels the outside air mode. When
switching to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside air.
When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on, the
system defaults to outside air automatically. Only use
recirculation mode when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging can occur.
3-22

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
<REAR:Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on. Be sure to clear as much
snow from the rear window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs for
about seven minutes before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by turning off the engine.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors heat when the rear window defogger
is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on page 2-39.Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach a
temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything
similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with the remote start feature, when it is
activated the climate control system heats or cools the
inside of the vehicle using the modes that were set before
the vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will
remain active during a remote start. However, the climate
control buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned
on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate control system
will not operate during remote start. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
3-23

Automatic Climate Control System
For vehicles with this system, the heating, cooling,
and ventilation can be automatically controlled.
A. Fan Control
B. Air Conditioning
C. Recirculation
D. Outside Air
E. Rear Window
DefoggerF. Air Delivery Mode
Control
G. Display
H. Temperature
Control
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan speed
control and the air delivery mode control knobs to activate
the automatic system. When automatic operation is
active the system controls the inside temperature and
air delivery.
To place the system in automatic mode do the following:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the
AUTO position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate.
Press
worxto adjust the temperature setting as
necessary. If the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C)
the system remains at the maximum cooling setting.
If the temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle to
heat or cool any faster.
3-24

Do not to cover the sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on the intensity
of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends on
the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
overrides this delay and changes the fan to the
selected speed.
Manual Operation
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still enters
the vehicle. The airow direction and temperature can be
adjusted.
x/wTemperature Control:Press the arrows to
increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle.Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. The system automatically controls
the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode.
If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the
air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the
compressor is turned off while in this mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press turn the air conditioning
on and off. An indicator light turns on to show the
air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode,
the system runs the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
3-25

On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed for
the air conditioner to work its best.
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 cools and dehumidies the air
inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system
maximizes its performance by using recirculation as
necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation
of the automatic system, use oor mode to deliver air
to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
press
xorwto the desired temperature setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
press
xorwto adjust the temperature.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show it is on. Air from
outside the vehicle will circulate throughout the vehicle.
The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button cancels the recirculation mode.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light above the button comes on to
show it is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you
try to use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot
function.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with the oor,
defrost, or defog modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator ashes three times and turns
off to indicate that 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 can cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help
dehumidify the air.
3-26

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the
button again.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
For vehicles with heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-39.
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.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with remote start, when it is activated the
climate control system heats and cools the inside of the
vehicle using the previous system settings before the
vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will
remain active during a remote start. However, the climate
control buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned
on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate control system
will not operate during remote start.
With the automatic climate control system, the
climate control displays “RS” in place of the temperature
to indicate that remote start is activated. For best
performance, turn both the fan and mode knobs to AUTO.
If the temperature is cold enough and the mode knob is
set to AUTO, the system begins in defrost to clear the
windows. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet by
moving it either up and down or side-to-side, to change
the direction and amount of airow in the vehicle.
3-27

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 the vehicle.
Do not use non-GM approved hood deectors as
they could adversely affect the performance of
the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the 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.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
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 the
warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there may
be a problem, check the section that explains what to do.
Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.
3-28

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going,
how much fuel the vehicle has used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.
United States Base version shown, Canada Similar
3-29

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been
driven, in either miles (used in the United States)
or kilometers (used in Canada).
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer. The
digital odometer will read 999,999 if it is turned back.
If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, it must be
set to the mileage total of the old odometer. If that is not
possible, then it must be set at zero and a label must be
put on the driver door to show the old mileage reading
when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has
been driven since the odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-44for more information.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety
belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
3-30