warning CHEVROLET MALIBU 2003 5.G Owner's Guide

Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelcožbattery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
ž
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº next for
tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your
vehicle for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see
Theft-Deterrent
Feature (Non-RDS Radios) on page 3-57orTheft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios) on page 3-57.
Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to follow the steps below to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
·They contain acid that can burn you.
·They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
·They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you don't follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.
5-36

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance.
(This applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a speci®ed government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signi®cantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction ± AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on speci®ed government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-53

Temperature ± A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a speci®ed indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly in¯ated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underin¯ation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are
not needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
5-54

Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes ¯at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warning ¯ashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake ®rmly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won't
move, you can put blocks at the front and rear
of the tire farthest away from the one being
changed. That would be the tire on the other
side of the vehicle, at the opposite end.The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
5-57

After installing the compact spare on your vehicle,
you should stop as soon as possible and make sure
your spare tire is correctly in¯ated. The compact spare
is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can ®nish your trip and have your full-size
tire repaired or replaced where you want. Of course,
it's best to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon
as you can. Your spare will last longer and be in good
shape in case you need it again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, don't
take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught
on the rails. That can damage the tire and wheel,
and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Don't use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And don't mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They won't ®t. Keep your spare tire
and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains won't ®t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Don't use tire chains on
your compact spare.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into ¯ames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed
space. When you use anything from a container to clean
your vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer's
warnings and instructions. And always open your doors
or windows when you are cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
·Gasoline
·Benzene
·Naphtha
·Carbon Tetrachloride
·Acetone
·Paint Thinner
·Turpentine
·Lacquer Thinner
·Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous Ð some more than
others Ð and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
5-67

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-16
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-31
Additional Program Information........................... 7-8
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-5
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-76
Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade)............................3-39, 3-43, 3-50
Air Bag System, Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)................................1-48
Air Bag .........................................................3-26
Readiness Light..........................................3-26
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-17
AM ...............................................................3-57
Antenna, Fixed Mast.......................................3-59
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)............................ 4-6
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-28
Appearance Care............................................5-67
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-70
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-73
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-68
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-71
Finish Damage............................................5-73
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-72
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-73Appearance Care (cont.)
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-73
Weatherstrips..............................................5-70
Ashtrays........................................................3-17
Audio System(s).............................................3-36
Care of Your Cassette
Tape Player.............................................3-58
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs........................................3-59
Chime Level Adjustment...............................3-59
Fixed Mast Antenna.....................................3-59
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-48
Radio with CD....................................3-37, 3-41
Setting the Time for Radios with
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios without
Radio Data Systems (RDS).......................3-36
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-57
Understanding Radio Reception.....................3-57
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-13
Automatic Transaxle Inspection.........................6-16
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-17
Automatic Transaxle........................................5-18
Fluid..........................................................5-18
Operation...................................................2-20
1

B
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery..........................................................5-36
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-20
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-16
Brake............................................................2-23
Parking......................................................2-23
System Inspection.......................................6-20
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brake Adjustment............................................5-35
Brake Fluid....................................................5-32
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-34
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-44
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-45
Buying New Tires...........................................5-52
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-82
Carbon Monoxide...................4-23, 4-34, 2-11, 2-26
Care of.........................................................5-70
Safety Belts................................................5-70
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-58
Your CD Player...........................................3-59
Your CDs ...................................................3-59
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-54
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-15
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-54
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-30
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-24
Chains, Tires..................................................5-55
2

Charging System Light....................................3-27
Check...........................................................3-30
Engine Light...............................................3-30
Check Engine Light.........................................3-30
Checking Coolant............................................5-20
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood....................... 5-9
Checking Your Restraint Systems......................1-54
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-73
Child Restraints..............................................1-35
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-35
Infants and Young Children...........................1-31
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-40
Older Children.............................................1-28
Securing a Child Restraint Designed
for the LATCH System..............................1-41
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center
Rear Seat Position...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear
Outside Seat Position...............................1-42
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right
Front Seat Position...................................1-46
Top Strap...................................................1-38
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-38
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-59Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-17
Cleaning........................................................5-68
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-68
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-71
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-73
Weatherstrips..............................................5-70
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-72
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-71
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-68
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-70
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components.................5-70
Cleaning Leather............................................5-69
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-70
Cleaning Tires................................................5-72
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-69
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-72
Climate Control System...................................3-17
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-21
Compact Disc Messages.................3-41, 3-47, 3-56
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-66
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Coolant.........................................................3-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-29
Heater, Engine............................................2-19
Low Warning Light.......................................3-29
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-21
Cooling System..............................................5-24
3

Following Distance..........................................4-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-4
System Inspection.......................................6-19
Fuses...........................................................5-77
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-77
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-76
G
Gage............................................................3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Garment Hooks..............................................2-30
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-4
Glove Box.....................................................2-30
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-76
Headlamps..............................................3-6, 5-42
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-42
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-14
Headlamps On Reminder................................... 3-7
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-21
Hitches..........................................................4-37
Hood.............................................................. 5-9
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-26
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-31
How to Check................................................5-50
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
6

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-23
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-22
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-31
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-27
If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-25
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-49
Inspection......................................................6-20
Brake System.............................................6-20
Engine Cooling System................................6-20
Exhaust System..........................................6-19
Fuel System...............................................6-19
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-19
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-19
Throttle System...........................................6-20
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger's Side)....5-79
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver's Side).......5-78
Instrument Panel.............................................3-23
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-36
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-16
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-24
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-40
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-24
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Light.............................................................3-26
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
7