check engine CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX 2007 6.G Owners Manual

Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range.
This is normal for any RKE system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter
to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from
your vehicle. You may need to stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps
to the left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement
is necessary. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 97.
If you are still having trouble, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualied technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors may be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk or liftgate may be opened from
about 3 feet (1 m) up to 197 feet (60 m) away
with the remote keyless entry transmitter. If your
vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature,
you can also start the vehicle’s engine with the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote StartRemote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
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Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature.
This feature allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle. It may also start the
vehicle’s heating or air conditioning systems and
rear window defogger. When the remote start
system is active and the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, it may automatically
regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation
of the system will return after the key is turned
to ON. SeeAutomatic Climate Control System on
page 192for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may
require a person using remote start to have
the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements on remote starting
of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle
is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.The remote start feature provides two separate
starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running time.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset
after your vehicle’s engine is started two times
using the transmitter’s remote start button.
The remote start system is reset by inserting the
vehicle’s key into the ignition switch and turning it
to ON. SeeIgnition Positions on page 118for
information regarding the ignition positions on
your vehicle.
You can start your vehicle’s engine from about
197 feet (60 m) away. However, the range may be
less while the vehicle is running, and as a result
you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it
off than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which may affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 96.
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The remote vehicle start feature will not operate
if any of the following occur:
The remote start system is disabled
through the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on page 212.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already
been provided.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start
feature are shipped from the factory with the
remote vehicle start system enabled. The system
may be enabled or disabled through the DIC.
See “REMOTE START” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 225for additional
information.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle
start feature, it will have the remote start ready
feature. This feature allows your dealer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
If the keyless entry transmitter has a plus (+)
symbol on the back cover, your vehicle has the
remote start ready feature. You can lock or unlock
your vehicle from about 197 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to
your vehicle.
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When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does
not start and the security light comes on, the
key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check the
fuse, seeFuses on page 446. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Chevrolet
Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 481for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder
to “learn” the transponder value of a new
or replacement key. Up to 10 additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.See your GM dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank
that is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates
the system.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
off, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn
it to on within ve seconds of removing the
original key.
5. The security light will turn off once the key
has been programmed. It may not be
apparent that the security light went on due to
how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
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2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F
or−18°C), it could be ooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all
the way to the oor and holding it there as you
hold the key in START for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts, let go of the
key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently until the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with
the electronics in your vehicle. If you add
electrical parts or accessories, you could
change the way the engine operates. Before
adding electrical equipment, check with
your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your
vehicle’s warranty.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change
the position of the throttle and brake pedals.
This feature is designed for shorter drivers, since
the pedals cannot move farther away from the
standard position, but can move rearward
for better pedal reach.
The ignition must be off or the vehicle in PARK (P)
for this feature to work. The feature will not work
if your foot is pushing on the throttle or brake
pedal. Remove your foot from the pedals
and press the switch again.
The switch used to
adjust the pedals
is located on the
left side of the
instrument panel.
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Warning Lights, Gages,
and Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and
gages on your vehicle. The pictures help to
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 the 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 the details show 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 as 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 vehicle’s warning lights
and gages. They can be a big help.
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.
198

Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on
briey when you turn
on the ignition, but
the engine is not
running, as a check to
show you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with a
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.
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206

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates
that the engine coolant
has overheated or
the radiator cooling fan
is not working.
This light will come on briey when you turn on
the ignition as a check to show you it is working.
If the light comes on and the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving conditions,
pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 374for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
the light comes on and you hear a chime, your
engine is too hot! It means that your engine
coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions and the gage reads hot,
you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 371.
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has
a computer which
monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after awhile, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel
economy might not be as good, and the engine
might not run as smoothly. This could lead
to costly repairs that might not be covered by
your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transaxle, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 344.
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This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has
been detected. A misre increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis
and service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on
your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as soon
as it is possibleIf the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service
as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 349.
The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly installed should turn
the light off.
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