key CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998 Owner's Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
The button for your fog
lamps
is on the instrument
panel, to the left
of the
steering wheel, beside
the instrument panel
intensity control.
When using fog lamps, the ignition must be on as well
as the parlung lamps or the low-beam headlamps.
Push the button to
turn the fog lamps on. An indicator
light on the button will glow when the fog lamps are on.
Push the button again to turn the fog lamps
off.
The fog lamps will turn off whenever the high-beam
headlamps
are turned on. When the high beams are
turned off, the fog lamps will come on again.
Interior Lamps
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
You can brighten or dim the
instrument panel cluster
lights by rotating the switch,
located on the instrument
panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
Illuminated EntryExit System
When you open any door, the lamps inside your vehicle
will go on. These lamps will fade out after about
40
seconds, or when the ignition is turned on after all doors
have been closed.
If the ignition was recently turned off,
the lamps will fade out after four seconds. These lamps
will also go on when you press the vehicle symbol
or
UNLOCK button on the optional Keyless Entry
System transmitter.
2-38

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the ignition has been off for less than two minutes,
the lamps inside your vehicle will stay
on for about
15 seconds after your key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
Press the switch on the lower front portion of the mirror
to turn on the lamp. Press the other side of the switch to
turn the lamp
off.
Three-Position Dome Lamp
The switch on this lamp has three positions. The ON
position will turn on the light. The DOOR position will
turn on the light whenever a door is opened. The OFF
position will shut
off the lamp completely, even when a
door is opened.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Battery Saver
Your vehicle is equipped with a battery saver feat ;
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery. When any interior
lamp (trunk, reading, footwell or
glove box) is left on when the ignition is turned
off, the
battery saver system will automatically shut the lamp off
after
20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery.
LO reactivate the interior lamps, either:
0 The ignition must be turned on,
0 The activated lamp switch must be turned off and
then on or
0 A door must be opened.
The battery saver feature will also be activated when
any door
of your vehicle is left open.
Mirrors
Inside Daymight Rearview Mirror
This mirror can be adjusted two ways. First, to adjust
the angle
of the mirror, move the mirror to a position
that allows you see to out the back window.
To adjust
the height of the mirror, adjust the arm that connects the
mirror to the windshield.
To reduce glare from lights behind you, move the lever
toward you to the night position.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Convex Outside Mirror
Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved
so you can see more from the
driver’s seat.
’ A CAUTION:
1
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle
on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Center Console Storage Area
Storage Compartments
Glove Box
The center console has two separate storage areas. The
upper compartment, which is also the armrest, can be
used to store maps, gloves, etc. To open, pull up on the
driver’s side
of the lid.
Use the key to lock and unlock the glove
box. To open,
pull the glove
box handle up.
2-41

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when 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 warning lights
and gages. They’re a big help.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime will
come
on for about eight seconds to remind people to
fasten their safety belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled.
The safety belt light will
also come on and stay on
for about
20 seconds,
then it will flash for about
55 seconds. If the driver’s
belt is already buckled,
neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
Air Bag Readiness Light
There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the air bag symbol. The system
checks the air bag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you
if there is an electrical problem. The
system check includes the air bag sensor, the air bag
modules, the wiring and the crash sensing and
diagnostic module. For more information on the air bag
system, see “Air Bag’’ in the Index.
This light will come on
when you start your engine,
and it will flash for a few
seconds. Then the light
should
go out. This means
the system is ready.
If the air bag readiness light stays on after you start the
engine or comes on when you are driving, your air bag
system may not work properly. Have your vehicle
serviced right away.
The air bag readiness light should flash for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition key to
ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be
ready to warn you if there is a problem.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system
~ indicator light will come on
when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as
a check to
show you
it is working.
When the engine is running, it should
go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and you
hear a chime, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose 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 vehcle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn’t 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.
BRAKE
~
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn’t come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the light and chime come on while you are driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that
the pedal is harder to push.
Or, the pedal may go closer
to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See “Towing
Your Vehicle” in the Index.)
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light
is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident.
If the light is still on after you’ve
pulled
off the road and stopped carefully, have
the vehicle towed for service.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake. The
light will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release
fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means you have a brake problem.
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, this light will come
on when you turn your
ignition on
or start your
engine and it will stay
on for three seconds.
That’s normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to OFF. Or, if the
light comes on and the chime sounds when you’re driving,
stop
as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then
start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still
stays on, or comes on again while you’re driving, your
vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning
light isn’t
on, you still have brakes, but you don’t have
anti-lock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light
is
also on, you don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a
problem with
your regular brakes. See “Brake System
Warning Light” earlier in this section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you turn the ignition key
to ON. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have it fixed
so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 doesn’t come on, have it repaired.
This light will also come on during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
0
0 Light Flashing -- A misfire condition has been
detected.
A misfire increases vehicle emissions and
may damage the emission control system
on your
vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis
and service may be required.
Light On Steady -- An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required.
If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
0 Reducing vehicle speed.
Avoiding hard accelerations.
0 Avoiding steep uphill grades.
0 If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as
it is possible. If
the light stops flashing and
remains on steady, see “If
the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to flash, 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 flashing,
follow the previous steps, and drive the vehicle to your
dealer or qualified service center for service.
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. 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.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out.
A few driving trips should turn the light off.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The oil level monitoring system only checks oil level
during the brief period between key on and engine
crank. It does not monitor engine oil level when the
engine is running. Additionally, an oil level check is
only performed if the engine has been turned off for a
considerable period of time allowing the oil normally in
circulation to drain back into the oil pan.
Passlock Warning Light
THEFT
SYSTEM
This light will come on
briefly when you
turn the
ignition to
ON. The light
will stay on until the
engine starts.
If the light flashes, the Passlock system has entered a
tamper mode. If the vehicle fails to start, see “Passlock”
in the Index.
If the light comes on continuously while driving and
stays on, there may be a problem with the Passlock
system. Your vehicle will not be protected by Passlock,
and you should see your dealer.
Cruise Light (If Equipped)
CRUISE
Low Washer Light
LOW
WASH
The CRUISE light comes
on whenever you set your
cruise control.
The
LOW WASH light will
come on briefly when you
turn on the ignition.
It will also stay on or come on and chime, if the fluid
reservoir is less than one-third full.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Drunken Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to
the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims
every
year.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive
a vehicle:
0 Judgment
Muscular Coordination
0 Vision
0 Attentiveness.
Police records show that almost half
of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving.
In recent years, over 17,000 annual motor
vehicle-related deaths have been associated with the use
of alcohol, with more than
300,000 people injured.
Many adults
-- by some estimates, nearly half the
adult population
-- choose never to drink alcohol, so
they never drive after drinking. For persons under 2 1,
it’s against the law in every U.S. state to drink alcohol.
There are good medical, psychological and
developmental reasons for these laws. The obvious
way to solve this highway safety problem
is for people never to
dnnk alcohol and then drive. But
what if people do? How much is “too much”
if the
driver plans to drive? It’s a lot less than many might
think. Although it depends on each person and situation,
here is some general information on the problem.
The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of someone
who is drinking depends upon four things:
0 The amount of alcohol consumed
The drinker’s body weight
0 ‘i’he amount of food that is consumed before and
during drinking
consume the alcohol.
The length of time it has taken the drinker to
According to the American Medical Association, a
180-lb.
(82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce
(355 ml) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a
BAC of about
0.06 percent. The person would reach the
same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses
of wine or three mixed drinks
if each had 1- 1/2 ounces
(45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka.
4-3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you
run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That
is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine
off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or
so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use
at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing
equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the
instructions for the towing equipment.
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
There are two ways to tow your vehicle from the front,
To tow your vehicle with a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position
with
a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.