check engine light CHEVROLET MALIBU 2005 5.G User Guide

Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL
COLD mark or slightly higher.
If the LOW COOLANT message is displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), it means you are low
on engine coolant. Have the system serviced by a
technician as soon as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-52for more information.
5-23

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transaxle in PARK (P) or a manual transaxle in
NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlet. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
each vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you. Keep
hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
5-37

{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.5. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or
missing insulation. If they do, you could get a
shock. The vehicles could be damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here are some
things you should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote positive (+) terminal if
the vehicle has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to negative (−)oryou
will get a short that would damage the battery
and maybe other parts too. And do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on
the dead battery because this can cause sparks.
{CAUTION:
Fans or other moving engine parts can injure
you badly. Keep your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5-38

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer rst. 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 airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-74.
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 Wiper Fuses
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 xed.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Fuses in the fuse block protect the power windows and
other power accessories. When the current load is
too heavy, the fuse opens protecting the circuit until the
problem is xed or goes away.
Fuses
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by fuses and fusible thermal links in
the wiring itself.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick a feature of your vehicle that
you can get along without — like the radio or cigarette
lighter — and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.
Replace it as soon as you can.
There are three fuse blocks in your vehicle: one in the
center of the instrument panel, one in the engine
compartment and one in the trunk.
There is a fuse puller located on the instrument panel
fuse block. It can be used to easily remove fuses
from the fuse block.
5-83

C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications............................5-91
Carbon Monoxide...........2-14, 2-15, 2-32, 4-24, 4-38
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-77
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-120
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-121
Your CDs and DVDs ..................................3-121
Cargo Lamp...................................................3-19
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-44
Chains, Tire...................................................5-60
Charging System Light....................................3-37
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-41
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-80
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-45
Older Children.............................................1-33
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-53Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-56
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-79
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-78
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-74
Finish Care.................................................5-78
Glass Surfaces............................................5-77
Instrument Panel.........................................5-76
Interior Plastic Components...........................5-76
Leather......................................................5-76
Tires..........................................................5-79
Ultra Lux Suede..........................................5-76
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-80
Vinyl..........................................................5-75
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-77
Weatherstrips..............................................5-77
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-78
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Automatic...................................................3-25
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-29
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-28
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-73
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
3

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-86
Fuses........................................................5-83
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-83
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-83
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-23Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-39
Warning Light.............................................3-39
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-80
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-122
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Windshield Washer......................................5-30
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-18
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-6
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
5

Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses...........................................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-86
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-88
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-83
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-40
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-83
Headlamps....................................................5-41
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-17
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-16
Delayed.....................................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-16
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...................................................3-21, 3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-45
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
HomeLink
®Wireless Control System.................2-40
HomeLink®Wireless Control System
Operation...................................................2-41
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
6

O
Odometer......................................................3-32
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-32
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-12
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-33
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-38
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-29
Outside
Convex Mirror.............................................2-38
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-38
Power Mirrors.............................................2-37
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-29
Shifting Out of............................................2-31
Park (P) Headlamps Off in Park (P)..................3-16
Parking
Brake........................................................2-29
Over Things That Burn.................................2-31
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-35
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-70
Passing.........................................................4-13
PASS-Key
®III+..............................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation................................2-20
Power ............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlet(s)......................................3-20
Door Locks.................................................2-12
Electrical System.........................................5-83
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-22
Windows....................................................2-17
Pretensioners, Safety Belt................................1-32
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-13
9