weight CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998 User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A B
If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer
tongue
(A) should weigh 10 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight
(B). If you have a weight-distributing
hitch, the trailer tongue
(A) should weigh 12 percent of
the total loaded trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer and
then the tongue, separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able to get them right \
simply
by moving some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver’s door
or
see “Loading Your Vehicle” in the Index. Then be sure
you don’t
go over the GVW limit for your vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It’s important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are a
few reasons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here are
some rules to follow:
The rear bumper on your vehicle is not intended for
hitches.
Do not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted
hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch? If you do,
then be sure to seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch. If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide
(CO) from your exhaust can get into your
vehicle (see “Carbon Monoxide” in the Index).
Dirt
and water can, too.
4-35

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer
so that the tongue will not drop to the road
if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructions
about safety chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching safety
chains and do not attach them to the bumper. Always
leave just enough slack
so you can turn with your rig.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does your trailer have its own brakes?
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes
so you’ll be able to install, adjust and maintain
them properly. And because you have anti-lock brakes,
do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you
do, both systems won’t work well, or at all.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight
of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments), safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are working.
This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes are still working.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fuel .......................................... 6-3
FillingYourTank
.............................. 6-5
Gage
....................................... 2-60
In Foreign Countries ........................... 6-5
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
....................... 6-56
Gages Engine Coolant Temperature
.................... 2-54
Fuel
....................................... 2-60
GarmentHook
................................. 2-45
GAM
....................................... 4-31
Gear Positions. Automatic Transaxle
................ 2- 18
GloveBox
.................................... 2-41
Gross Axle Weight Rating
........................ 4-31
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...................... 4-31
Guide en Francais
u
GVWR ....................................... 4-31
.. .................................
Halogen Bulbs ................................ 6-31
Hazard Warning Flashers
.......................... 5-2
Head Restraints
................................. 1-5
Headlamps .................................... 2-36
Bulb Replacement
............................ 6-32
High/Low Beam Changer
...................... 2-30
OnReminder
................................ 2-36
Wiring
..................................... 6-55
Hearing Impaired. Customer Assistance
.............. 8-4
Heating
........................................ 3-4
High-BeamHeadlamps
.......................... 2-30
Highway Hypnosis
.............................. 4-22 HillandMountainRoads
......................... 4-22
Hitches. Trailer
................................. 4-35
Hood Checking Things Under
......................... 6-8
Release
...................................... 6-8
Horn
......................................... 2-28
Hydroplaning
.................................. 4-18
Ignition Positions
..............
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check ....
Illuminated Entryfixit ...........
Inflation. Tire ..................
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror .
Inspections ....................
Brake System ................
Exhaust Systems .............
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot . .
Front-Wheel-Drive Axle Seal ...
Radiator and Heater Hose ......
Steering ....................
Suspension ..................
Throttle System ..............
Inspections. Engine Cooling System
Instrument Panel
...............
Cleaning ....................
Cluster .....................
Fuse Block ..................
Intensity Control .............
Interior Lamps .................
................ 2-13
................ 7-32
................ 2-38
................ 6-38
................ 2-39
................ 7-33
................ 7-34
................ 7-33
................ 7-33
................ 7-33
................ 7-33
................ 7-33
................ 7-33
................ 7-34
................ 7-33
................ 2-46
................ 6-48
................ 2-48
................ 6-56
................ 2-38
................ 2-38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TopStrap ..................................... 1-42
TorqueLock
................................... 2-24
Torque. Wheel Nut
......................... 5.29. 6.62
Towing
FromtheFront
............................... 4-28
From the Rear
............................... 4-30
Recreational Vehicle
.......................... 4-28
Towing a Trailer
................................ 4-32
Towing Your Vehicle
............................. 5-8
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
............... 4-28
Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
................ 4-30
Trailer Backing
Up with ............................. 4-37
Brakes
..................................... 4-36
Driving on Grades
............................ 4-38
Driving with a
............................... 4-36
Following Distance with
....................... 4-37
Hitches
..................................... 4-35
Maintenance When Towing
..................... 4-40
MakingTurns
................................ 4-37
ParkingonHills
.............................. 4-39
Passingwith
................................. 4-37
Safety Chains
................................ 4-36
Tongueweight
............................... 4-34
Total Weight on Tires
.......................... 4-35
Towing
..................................... 4-32
Turnsignals
................................. 4-38
Weight
..................................... 4-34 Transaxle
Automatic
................................... 6-19
Ignition Lock Check
.......................... 7-32
Transmitters. Keyless Entry System
................. 2-6
Transportation. Courtesy
.......................... 8-8
Trip Odometer ................................. 2-49
Trunk
Release Lockout
.............................. 2-10
Remote
..................................... 2-10
TrunkLamp
................................... 2-39
IITYUsers
..................................... 8-4
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals
............... 2-29
Turn Signal On Chime
........................... 2-29
Turn SignalMultifunction Lever
................... 2-29
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
................ 4-38
Underbody Flushing Service
..................... 7-32
Underbody Maintenance
......................... 6-52
Vehicle Control
...................................... 4-6
Damagewarnings
v11
Dimensions ................................. 6-63
Identification Number
......................... 6-54
Loading
.................................... 4-30
Storage
..................................... 6-30
Ventilation System
............................... 3-5
Visor Vanity Mirrors
............................ 2-44
Visors. Sun .................................... 2-44
.. ..............................
9-11