climate control CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 6.G User Guide

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is activated. Be sure
to clear as much snow from the rear window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven minutes before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by pressing the button again or
by turning off the engine.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface
of the outside mirrors heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-41.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it
is activated, the climate control system heats or cools
the inside of the vehicle using the modes that were
set before the vehicle was turned off. The climate control
knobs will remain active during a remote start.
However, the climate control buttons will be inactive
until the ignition is turned on by the key. If the fan is off,
the climate control system will not operate during
remote start. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, the heating, cooling, and
ventilation can be automatically controlled.
3-24

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 controls the inside
temperature and air delivery.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the AUTO
position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet
may automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down the vehicle.2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
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 the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C) the system
remains at the maximum cooling setting. If the
temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting does 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 the
intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan
until warm air is available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature.
Turning the fan knob overrides this delay and
changes the fan to the selected speed.
3-25

Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still
enters the vehicle. The direction can be changed by
changing the mode position. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either the up or down arrow
temperature buttons.
9(Fan):Turn the knob with the fan symbol to
manually adjust the fan speed.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode divides the air between the
instrument panel outlets and the oor outlets.
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. An indicator light comes
on to show it is activated. Air from outside the vehicle
will circulate throughout the vehicle. The outside air
mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot be used
with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button
cancels the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
above the button comes on to show it is activated. The
air inside the vehicle recirculates through the climate
control system and the vehicle, not from outside
the vehicle. This mode is helpful when trying to limit
odors from entering the vehicle and for maximum
air conditioning performance in hot weather. The
recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you try to
use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot function.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
If recirculation is selected while in defrost, defog or oor
mode, the light on the button ashes three times and
then goes out to indicate that this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
3-26

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 the windshield.
-(Defog):Use the defog mode to clear the windows
of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. This
setting delivers air to the oor and windshield outlets.
0(Defrost):Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. The system
automatically controls the fan speed if defrost is selected
from the AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is
40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air conditioning compressor
automatically runs to help dehumidify the air and dry the
windshield. The air conditioning indicator light blinks
three times if the compressor is turned off 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 comes on to show that the rear window defogger
is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the
button again.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear
window defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 2-41.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
3-28

Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If the vehicle has remote start and it is activated,
the climate control system heats and cools the inside of
the vehicle using the previous system settings before
the vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will
remain active during a remote start. However, the
climate control buttons will be inactive until the ignition
is turned on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate
control system will not operate during remote start.
With the automatic climate control system, the climate
control displays “RS” in place of the temperature to
indicate that remote start is activated. For best
performance, turn both the fan and mode knobs to
AUTO. If the temperature is cold enough and the mode
knob is set to AUTO, the system begins in defrost to
clear the windows. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-5.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet by
moving it either up and down or side-to-side, to change
the direction and amount of airow in the vehicle.
Operation Tips
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into the vehicle.
Do not use non-GM approved hood deectors as
they could adversely affect the performance of
the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
When an objectionable odor outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the vehicle through the
ventilation system. This can be helpful when driving
through a long tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this mode in cold or
cool weather can cause window fogging.
3-29

To turn the system off
or on, press and release
this button located on
the instrument panel
underneath the climate
controls.
The DIC will display the appropriate message as
described previously when you press the button.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-39
for more information.
Traction Control Operation
Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine
power to the wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each individual wheel
(brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automatically
when you start your vehicle, and it will activate and ash
the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION
message if it senses either of the front wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
For more information on the LOW TRACTION message,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46.Notice:If you allow the wheel(s) of one axle to spin
excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake
warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, you
could damage the differential. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Reduce engine
power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively
while these lights and this message are displayed.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, it is
possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with
the front wheels spinning with a loss of traction,
it is possible to cause damage to the transmission.
Do not attempt to shift when the front wheels do
not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered. See your warranty book
for additional information.
The traction control system may activate on dry or rough
roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration
while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this happens, you may notice a
reduction in acceleration, or may hear a noise or
vibration. This is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light will ash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise control again, you
may re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-10.
4-7

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system
begins to assist the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will ash and the
cruise control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to use cruise again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-10.
The ESC/TCS button is
located on the instrument
panel underneath the
climate controls.
The traction control system can be turned off or back on
by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction
control and ESC, press and hold the button briey.
When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION
OFF and ESC OFF messages will appear, and
the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver
that both traction control and ESC are disabled.It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if your vehicle is stuck in sand, mud,
ice or snow, and you want to “rock” your vehicle
to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off
the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions
where high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-20.
ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that
a problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and
SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light will be
on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and
requires service. If the problem does not clear after
restarting the vehicle, you should see your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-48for more information.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
4-9

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
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 signicantly 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 specied 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.
5-73

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-19
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-70
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-26
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-24
Air Conditioning......................................3-21, 3-24
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-35
Readiness Light..........................................3-34
Airbag System................................................1-56
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-63
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-65
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-70
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-64
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-61
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-58
Antenna, Backglass.........................................3-81
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . 3-81
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Anti-lock Brake, System Warning Light...............3-38Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-92
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-96
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-93
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Finish Damage............................................5-95
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-91
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-89
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-95
Tires..........................................................5-95
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-96
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-94
Appointments, Scheduling Service.....................7-10
Audio System.................................................3-59
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-79
Backglass Antenna......................................3-81
Radio Reception..........................................3-80
Setting the Clock.........................................3-60
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-79
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-81
Audio System(s).............................................3-62
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-24
1

Child Restraints (cont.)
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-52
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-94
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-93
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-90
Finish Care.................................................5-93
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-91
Interior.......................................................5-89
Tires..........................................................5-95
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-96
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-92
Weatherstrips..............................................5-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-94
Climate Control System...................................3-21
Automatic...................................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-29
Clock, Setting.................................................3-60
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-88
Compass.......................................................2-39
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-53
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-26
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-40
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-40
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-29
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cupholders....................................................2-52
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation................................7-10
Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................ 7-6
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-6
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-7
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-16
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government..............................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.........................7-15
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-7
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-16
3