CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998 Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose
dirt. Wipe vinyl or leather, plastic and painted surfaces
with a clean, damp cloth.
Your dealer has two cleaners, Multi-Purpose Interior
Cleaner and Capture Non-Solvent
Dry Spot and Soil
Remover for cleaning fabric and carpet. They will clean
normal spots and stains very well. You can get
GM-approved cleaning products from your dealer. (See
“Appearance Care and Materials” in the Index.)
Here are some cleaning tips:
Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can -- before they set.
Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used if stains
are stubborn.
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire
area immediately
or it will set.
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner
on Fabric
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt lines.
Mix powdered cleaner following the directions on
the container label to form thick suds.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge. Don’t saturate the material and don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge
to remove the suds.
Wipe cleaned area with a clean, damp towel or cloth.
Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
Stains caused by such things as catsup, coffee (black),
egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, vomit, urine and
blood can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the
2. If a stain remains, follow the multi-purpose interior
soiled
area with cool water.
cleaner instructions described earlier.
3. If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine,
treat the area with a waterhaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup (250 ml)
of lukewarm water.
4. Let dry.
Stains caused by candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili
sauce and unknown stains can be removed as follows:
1. Carefully scrape off excess stain.
2. First, clean with cool water and allow to
dry completely.
3. If a stain remains, follow instructions for
Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner.
Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You
may have to do it more than once.
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if
you don’t get them off quickly. Use a clean cloth
and a vinyVleather cleaner. See your dealer for
this product.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or
saddle soap and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Then, let the
leather dry naturally.
Do not use heat to dry.
For stubborn stains, use a leather cleaner. See your
dealer for this product.
Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive
* cleaners, furniture polish or shoe polish on leather.
Soiled or stained leather should be cleaned
immediately. If
dirt is allowed to work into the
finish, it can harm the leather.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only lnild soap and water to clean the top surfaces
of the instrument panel. Sprays containing silicones or
waxes may cause annoying reflections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
Use only a mild soap and water solution on a soft
cloth or sponge. Commercial cleaners may affect the
surface finish.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
' A CAUTION:
+
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. If you do, it
may severely weaken them. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and
lukewarm water.
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM
Part No. 1050427) or a liquid household glass cleaner
will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films on
interior glass.
Don't use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may
cause scratches. Avoid placing decals on the inside rear
window, since they may have to be scraped off later. If
abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window,
an electric defogger element may be damaged.
Any temporary license should not be attached across the
defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running, wax, sap or other material may
be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM
Part No. 10500 11. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
6-48

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth
soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep \
it
clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water. Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays
of the
sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials” in the
Index.) Don’t use cleaning agents
that are petroleum
based, or that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to
dry on the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish
with a soft, clean chamois
or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water
to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a liquid
hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soap to clean
exterior lamps and lenses. Follow instructions under
“Washing Your Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint
finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care and Materials”
in the Index.)
6-49

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that
are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoatlclearcoat
I I paint finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on
a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl
marks.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter. Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. You can help to keep the paint finish looking
new by keeping your vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
(If Equipped)
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly,
dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels
is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don’t use
strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage the surface.
Don’t take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicon carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can
also damage the surface of these wheels.
6-50 I
1

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care to wipe
off any overspray or splash from all painted
surfaces on the body or wheels
of the vehicle.
Petroleum-based products may damage the
paint finish.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas
of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these
are not
removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor
pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Chevrolet will repair, at no charge to the owner, the
surfaces
of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER
994954
1050172
1050173
1050174
1050214
1050427
1052870
I 1052918””
1 1052925
I 1052929
SIZE DESCRIPTION
23 in. x 25 in. Polishing; Cloth - Wax Treated
16
oz. (0.473 L) I Tar and Road Oil Remover
16
oz. (0.473 L) I Chrome Cleaner and Polish
16
oz. (0.473 L) I White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
32
oz. (0.946 L) Vinyl Cleaner
23
oz. (0.680 L) Glass Cleaner
16
02. (0.473 L) Wash Wax Concentrate
8 oz. (0.237 L) Armor All“ Protectant
-
USAGE
Exterior polishing cloth
emoves tar, road oil and asphalt
Use on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and
brass
Removes soil and black marks from whitewalls
Cleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops Removes dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
Cleans and lightly waxes
Protects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
TM, plastic,
rubber and vinvl
16
oz. (0.473 L)
16 oz. (0.473 L) Wheel Cleaner Spray on and rinse with water
8 oz. (0.237 L) Capture Dry Spot Remover
Attracts, absorbs and removes soils
16
oz. (0.473 L) Armor All” Cleaner Cleans and shines a varietv of surface tvDes
Multi-Purpose Interior Cleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door\
panels
Cleaner and floor mats I I I d
I 12345721 I 2.5 sq. ft. I Synthetic Chamois I Shines vehicle without scratching 1
.,A
12345725 12 oz. (0.354 L) Silicone Tire Shine Spray on tire shine
12377964
See your General Motors
Parts Department for these products. **Not recommended for use on ins\
trument panel vinyl.
16
oz. (0.473 L) Surface Cleaner Removes contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
12377984
16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleaner Wax Removes light scratches and oxidation a\
nd protects finish
12377966 16
oz. (0.473 L) Finish Enhancer Removes dust, fingerprints and surface contaminan\
ts
See “Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
-
6-53

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
I I SAMPLE4UXWM072675 I hL I I
ENGINEA998 7 ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR PLANT
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side. You can see
it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service
Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover. It’s very
helpful
if you ever need to order parts. On this label is:
0 your VIN,
0 the model designation,
paint information and
0 a list of all production options and
special equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Electrical System
Add-on Electrical Equipment
I NOTICE:
Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer first. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle
and the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment
can keep other components from working as
they should.
Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, see “Servicing
Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle” in
the Index.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses, one for each
headlamp, in the fuse block. An electrical overload will
cause the lamps to turn
off. If this happens, have your
headlamp wiring checked right away.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper motor is protected by an internal
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to
heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor
cools.
If the overload is caused by some electrical
problem and not snow, etc., be sure
to get it fixed.
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Circuit breakers in the fuse block protect the power
windows and other power accessories. When the current
load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes,
protecting the circuit until
the problem is fixed or
goes away.