check engine CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998 Repair Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in
Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
pe~orm these underhood checks at eachfielfill,
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See “Engine Oil” in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL@
coolant mixture
if necessary. See “Engine Coolant” in
the Index for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid
if
necessary. See “Windshield Washer Fluid” in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures. See
“Tires”
in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See “Audio Systems” in the
Index for further details.
7-29
~.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose
or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or
miss areas
of the windshield. Also see “Wiper Blades,
Cleaning’’ in the Index.
Automatic Transaxle Inspection
Check the transaxle fluid level; add if needed. See
“Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.
A fluid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
At Least Once a Year
Key Lock Cylinders Service
Lubricate the key lock cylinders with the lubricant
specified in Part
D.
Body Lubrication Service
Lubricate all body door hinges and latches, including
those for the hood and trunk lid.
Part D tells you what to
use. More frequent lubrication may be required when
exposed to a corrosive environment.
7-30

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI) Check
Starter Switcr :heck
I CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If
it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see “Parking
Brake” in the Index
if necessary) and the
regular brake.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn
off the engine immediately if it starts.
should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N). If
the starter works in any other position, your vehicle
needs service.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The starter
I A CAUTION: I
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly.
If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake” in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the ON position,
but don’t
start the engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of
PARK (P) with normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI
needs service.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set,
try to tum
the ignition key to OFF in each shift lever position. The
key should
turn to OFF only when the shift lever is in
PARK (P).
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in OFF.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P)
T - lanism Check
II
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin to move. You
or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there
is room in front of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake
at once should the vehicle begin to move. Park
on a fairly steep
hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With
the engine running and transaxle in
NEUTRAL (N),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to PARK
(P). Then
release
all brakes.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least
every spring, use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
7-32

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Part E: Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading and who performed the service
in the boxes provided after the maintenance interval.
Any additional information from “Owner Checks and Services” or “Periodic Maintenance” can be added on
the following record pages. Also,
you should retain all
maintenance receipts. Your owner information portfolio
is
a convenient place to store them.
Maintenance Record
ODOMETER
READING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED
SERVICED
BY
I
7-36

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1998 CHEVROLET SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATIOP
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling o
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it\
in with your check, money order, or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below\
.)
SERVICE MANUALS
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1998 CHEVROLET
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, intended to provide basic operational information about
t
electrical, steering, body, etc. vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenanc
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00 Schedule for all models.
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1998 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist
in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual
and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$1 0.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, please
specify year and model name
of the vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-44
Adding Equipment to Your Vehicle
.................. 6-3
Adjuster. Seat .............................. 1.2. 1.52
AirBag
....................................... 1-20
How Does it Restrain
.......................... 1-24
Howitworks
................................ 1-22
Location
.................................... 1-22
Readiness Light
......................... 1.22. 2.5 1
Servicing ................................... 1-26
What Makes it Inflate
.......................... 1-24
What Will
You See After it Inflates ............... 1-25
When Should it Inflate ......................... 1-24
Air Bag Readiness Light
................... 1.22. 2.5 1
Aircleaner .................................... 6-18
Air Conditioning ............................ 3.2. 2.3
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-62
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-43
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-50
Antenna. Fixed ................................. 3-24
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-20
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.53. 4.7
Brakes
................................. 2.53. 4.7
Anti.Theft. Radio .............................. 3- 19 Appearancecare
............................... 6-45
Appearance Care Materials
....................... 6-53
Arbitration Program
.............................. 8-9
Audio Equipment. Adding
......... 2.15.2.16.3.22. 6.55
Audio Systems .................................. 3-6
Auto-Down Window
............................ 2-28
Automatic Transaxle Park Mechanism Check
......... 7-32
Automatic Light Control
......................... 2-37
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
........................ 6-19
Automatic Transaxle Operation
.................... 2-18
Shifting
..................................... 2-18
Ashtray
....................................... 2-43
Backing up with a Trailer
....................... 4-37
Battery
....................................... 6-30
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Replacement, Keyless Entry System ............... 2-8
Saver
...................................... 2-39
Warnings
.................................... 5-3
BBB Auto Line
................................. 8-9
Before Leaving on
a Long Trip .................... 4-21
Better Business Bureau Mediation
................... 8-9
Blizzard
...................................... 4-26
__.~ ... .......... ~- ~

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-29
Fluid
....................................... 6-26
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-26
Parking
..................................... 2-22
Pedal Travel
................................. 6-29
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-30
System Warning Light
.................... 2-52, 6-27
Trailer
...................................... 4-36
Transaxle Shift Interlock
.................. 2-25, 7-31
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check
.................. 7-3 1
Wear
....................................... 6-28
Brakes, Anti-Lock
.......................... 2-53, 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking
in Emergencies ........................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 13
BTSI
.................................... 2-25, 7-31
BTSICheck
................................... 7-31
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-3 1
Back-up Lamp
.............................. 6-34
Dome Lamp
................................. 6-36
Headlamps
.................................. 6-32
CHMSL
.................................... 6-33
Taillamp
.................................... 6-34
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-7
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
............... 2.10.2.26.4.27. 4.35 Care
of Your
Compact Disc Player ................. 3-24
Care of Your Compact Discs
...................... 3-24
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-29
Cassette Tape Player
........................ 3.9, 3.18
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
CD Adapter Kit
................................ 3-13
CDPlayer
..................................... 3-14
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature
................. 3-19
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-42
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement
... 6-33
Center Rear Passenger Position
.................... 1-32
Certification Label
.............................. 4-31
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-43
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-22
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-55
Check Oil Light
........................... 2-58. 6-12
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-52
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-52
Child Restraints
................................ 1-37
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
........... 1-42
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position
.......... 1-44
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-46
TopStrap
................................... 1-42
Wheretoput
................................ 1-41
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-56
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning ...................................... 6-44
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-50
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-49
Fabric
...................................... 6-45
Glass
....................................... 6-48
Inside of Your Vehicle
......................... 6-46
Instrumentpanel
............................. 6-48
Outside of Your Vehicle
........................ 6-49
Special Problems
............................. 6-47
Stains
...................................... 6- 46
Tires
....................................... 6-51
Vinyl
....................................... 6-47
Wheels
..................................... 6-50
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-48
Climate Control System
........................... 3-2
Clock. Setting the
................................ 3-6
Comfort Controls
................................ 3-2
Compact Disc Care
............................. 3-24
Compact Disc Player
............................ 3-14
Compact Disc Player Care
........................ 3-24
Compact Spare Tire
............................. 5-32
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 4-6
ConvenienceNet
............................... 2-43
Convex Outside Mirror
.......................... 2-41
Coolant
....................................... 6-20
Adding
..................................... 6-23
Checking
................................... 6-22
Heater. Engine
............................... 2- 17 Surge
Tank
.................................. 5-15
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
....................... 6-23
Cooling System
................................ 5-15
Courtesy Transportation
........................... 8-8
Cruise Control ................................. 2-33
Cruise Light
................................... 2-59
Cupholder. Center Console
....................... 2-42
Cupholder. Rear Seat
............................ 2-43
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users
......... 8-4
Customer Assistance Information
................... 8-1
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
.................... 8-2
Cupholder. Instrument Panel
...................... 2-42
Damage. Finish
............................... 6-51
Damage. Sheet Metal
............................ 6-51
Daytime Running Lamps
......................... 2-37
Dead Battery
................................... 5-3
Defects. Reporting Safety
........................ 8-10
Defensive Driving
............................... 4-2
Defogger. Rear Window
.......................... 3-5
Defogging
..................................... 3-4
Defrosting
..................................... 3-4
Dimensions. Vehicle
............................ 6-63
Dolby Noise Reduction
.......................... 3-12
Dome Lamp
................................... 2-39
Dome Lamp Bulb Replacement
.................... 6-36
DoorLocks
..................................... 2-4
Drive. Automatic Overdrive
...................... 2-20
DriverPosition
................................. 1-11
9-3
.

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