air conditioning CHEVROLET MALIBU 2005 5.G Owners Manual

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside the
vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When
the remote start system is active and the vehicle has an
automatic climate control system, it may automatically
regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation of the
system will return after the key is turned to ON.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running time.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset after
your vehicle’s engine is started two times using the
transmitter’s remote start button. The remote start
system is reset by inserting the vehicle’s key into the
ignition switch and turning it to ON. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-22for information regarding the
ignition positions on your vehicle.
You can start your vehicle’s engine from approximately
197 feet (60 m) away. However, the range may beless while the vehicle is running, and as a result you
may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off than
you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which may affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-4.
/(Remote Start):If your vehicle has the remote start
feature, the keyless entry transmitter will have a
button with this symbol on it.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the vehicle’s turn signal
lights ash.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the engine is running.
The engine will shut off automatically after
10 minutes, unless a time extension has been
done, or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the ignition
switch and turned to ON.
If you enter the vehicle after a remote start, and the
engine is still running, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn it to ON to drive the vehicle.
2-9

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has
the remote start feature, the climate control system will
function as part of the remote start feature. The
system will return to the last settings the vehicle was at
when it was turned off.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan must be on to run the air-conditioning
compressor.
To change the air delivery settings, turn the right knob
to select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward the
side windows.
3-22

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on to let you know that
it is activated. The outside air mode can be used
with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode. Pressing this button will cancel
the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode
is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in.
Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort,
since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.
Pressing this button will cancel the outside air mode.
When you switch to the defog or defrost modes
the system will automatically move from recirculation
to outside air. When you move the mode knob back
to another air delivery mode, the system will move back
into recirculation. When the vehicle or fan is turned
off and back on, the system will default to outside air
automatically. Only use recirculation mode when it
is needed for comfort, since window fogging may occur.
3-23

Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
When it’s cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warms
the coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-24.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. When the air conditioning
button is pressed, an indicator light will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the
time it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also
helps the system to operate more efficiently.For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select air conditioning.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount
of water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling
or after turning off the engine. This is normal.
3-24

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from
to clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture
and warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode
to remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost
mode.
-(Defog):This mode splits the air between the
windshield and the oor outlets with a small amount
directed to the side windows. When you select this
mode, the system turns off recirculation automatically.
The air-conditioning compressor will run unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The
air-conditioning compressor will operate although
the indicator light will not be on. The air-conditioning
indicator light will turn off when defog is selected.If the air-conditioning button is pressed while in defog
mode, the indicator light will turn on. If the button is
pressed again, the light will turn off. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to
the windshield with some air directed to the oor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force
outside air into your vehicle. The air-conditioning
compressor will run unless the outside temperature is
at or below freezing. The air-conditioning compressor
will operate although the indicator light will not be
on. The air-conditioning indicator light will turn off when
defrost is selected. If the air-conditioning button is
pressed while in defrost mode, the indicator light will
turn on. If the button is pressed again, the light will
turn off. Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
3-25

Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can automatically
control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your
vehicle.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control knobs to
activate the automatic system. When automatic operation
is active the system will control the inside temperature
and air delivery.Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Place the fan knob and the mode knob to AUTO.
The display will now show the current set
temperature. When auto is selected, the air
conditioning operation and air inlet will be
automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run when the outside temperature
is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally
be set to outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air
inlet may automatically switch to recirculate inside
air to help quickly cool down your vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with an initial
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Press the up or
down arrow temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the
system will remain at the maximum cooling setting.
If you choose the temperature setting of 90°F
(32°C) the system will remain at the maximum
heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting will
not cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on
sun load, and also turns on your headlamps.
3-27

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the oor
outlets with some air directed to the side window outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog
or defrost modes. Information on defogging and
defrosting can be found later in this section.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on to let you know that it is
activated. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with the recirculation mode.
Pressing this button will cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode
is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in.
Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort,
since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
will revert to the auto recirculation function.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or
oor, the light on the button will ash three times and
go out to let you know this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. You will want to allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
Temperature Control:Press the up and down arrows to
increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the
button will illuminate when the air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode,
the system will run the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for
your vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows
closed for the air conditioner to work its best.
3-29

On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver
warm air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system will cool and dehumidify
the air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode,
the system will maximize its performance by using
recirculation as necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation
of the automatic system, choose oor mode to deliver
air to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
push the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
If you want to use the automatic mode, turn the knob
to AUTO and adjust the temperature by pressing
the temperature buttons.
The heater works best if you keep the windows closed
while using it.
Defogging and Defrosting
You can use either defog or front defrost to clear fog
or frost from your windshield. Use the defog mode
to clear the windows of fog or moisture. Use the front
defrost button to defrost the front windshield.
-(Defog):Use this setting to clear the windows of
fog or moisture. Turn the mode knob to this position to
select this setting. This setting will deliver air to the
oor and windshield outlets.
0(Defrost):Turn the mode knob to this position to
defrost the windshield. The system will automatically
control the fan speed if you select defrost from
AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C)
or warmer, your air conditioning compressor will
automatically run to help dehumidify the air and dry
the windshield. The air conditioning indicator light will
blink three times if you try to turn off the compressor
while in this mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the button will
come on to let you know that the rear window defogger
is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger will turn off about 15 minutes after the button
is pressed. If you need additional warming time,
press the button again.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger will remain on
once the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated mirrors this button will also
activate that feature.
3-30

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need additional
wiring. Check with your dealer. The arrows on your
instrument panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer lamps
will also ash, telling other drivers you’re about to turn,
change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It’s
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
When towing a trailer on long uphill grades while the
outside temperature is above 85°F (29°C), reduce your
vehicle speed to 45 mph (72 km/h) to avoid overheating
the engine cooling system.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don’t shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to
reduce engine load. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-24.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here’s
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don’t shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-43

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of the
illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
5-50