light CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 6.G Manual PDF

EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS
This feature, which allows the vehicle’s exterior
perimeter lighting to turn on each time the unlock button
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
pressed, can be enabled or disabled. When EXT
LIGHTS appears on the display, press and hold the
reset button for at least one second to scroll through the
available settings:
OFF:The exterior perimeter lighting will not turn on
when the unlock button on the RKE transmitter is
pressed.
ON (default):The exterior perimeter lighting will turn on
when the unlock button on the RKE transmitter is
pressed.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5for more information.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the information button while the desired setting is
displayed on the DIC.
LANGUAGE
This feature allows you to select the language in which
the DIC will display. When LANGUAGE appears on
the display, press and hold the reset button for at least
one second to scroll through the available settings:
ENGLISH (default):All messages will appear in
English.
FRENCH:All messages will appear in French.
SPANISH:All messages will appear in Spanish.
GERMAN:All messages will appear in German.
To select a setting and exit out of the personalization
menu mode, press the information button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Exiting Personalization Menu
The personalization menu will be exited when any of the
following conditions occur:
A ten second time period has elapsed.
The ignition is turned off.
The end of the personalization menu list is reached.
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Finding a Station
BAND:Press to switch between FM1, FM2, AM, or
XM™ (if equipped). The selection displays.
f(Tune):Turn to select radio stations.
©SEEK¨:Press the arrows to go to the previous or
the next station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for a
few seconds until the radio beeps once. The radio goes
to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to
the next station. Press either arrow again to stop
scanning.
The radio seeks and scans stations only with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
To scan presets within the current selected band by
pressing and holding either seek arrow for four seconds
until a double beep sounds. The radio goes to a stored
preset, plays for a few seconds if a strong signal is
present, then goes to the next stored preset. The station
frequency ashes while the radio is in the scan mode.
4(Information):Press to switch the display between
the radio station frequency and the time. While the
ignition is off, press this button to display the time.
4(Information) (With XM™ Satellite Radio Service,
MP3, and RDS Features):Press this button to
display additional text information related to the current
FM-RDS or XM™ station, or MP3 song. A choice of
additional information such as: Channel, Song, Artist,
and CAT (category) can appear. Continue pressing this
button to highlight the desired label, or press the
pushbutton positioned under any one of the labels and
the information about that label displays.
While information is not available, No Info displays.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is in PARK (P). Tune to your
favorite stations using the presets, favorites button,
and steering wheel controls if the vehicle has this
feature. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
3-65

Setting the Tone (Bass/Midrange/Treble)
BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, or Treble):Your
radio may display some or all tones such as BASS, MID,
and TREB. To adjust the tone settings, press the
fknob or for the AM-FM radio, you can also press the
EQ button until the tone control labels display. Press
the pushbutton positioned under the desired label, then
turn the
fknob clockwise or counterclockwise to
adjust the highlighted setting. The highlighted setting
can also be adjusted by pressing either SEEK arrow.
On some radios, the
\FWD (forward) andsREV
(reverse) buttons are available and can be used to
adjust the desired tone levels.
If a station’s frequency is weak, or has static, decrease
the treble.
Your radio may be capable of adjusting bass, midrange,
or treble to the middle position by pressing the
pushbuttton positioned under the BASS, MID (midrange),
or TREB (treble) label for more than two seconds.
The radio beeps once and the level adjusts to the
middle position.
Your radio may also be capable of adjusting all tone
and speaker controls to the middle position by pressing
the
fknob for more than two seconds until the radio
beeps once.EQ (Equalization):Press this button to select preset
equalization settings.
To return to the manual mode, press the EQ button until
Manual displays or start to manually adjust the bass,
midrange, or treble by pressing the
fknob.
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)
`
BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade):To adjust balance
or fade, press the
`if your radio has this symbol, or
the
fknob until the speaker control labels display.
Continue pressing to highlight the desired label, or press
the pushbutton positioned under the desired label.
Turn the
fknob clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust
the highlighted setting. The highlighted setting can
also be adjusted by pressing either SEEK arrow.
On some radios, the
\FWD (forward) andsREV
(reverse) buttons are available and can be used to
adjust the desired tone levels.
Your radio may be capable of adjusting balance or fade
to the middle position by pressing the pushbuttton
positioned under the BAL or FADE label for more than
two seconds. The radio beeps once and the level
adjusts to the middle position.
Your radio may also be capable of adjusting all speaker
and tone controls to the middle position by pressing
the
fknob for more than two seconds until the radio
beeps once.
3-67

Care of Your CDs
If playing a CD, the sound quality can be reduced due
to CD quality, the method of recording, the quality of the
music that has been recorded, and the way the CD
has been handled. Handle them carefully. Store CD(s)
in their original cases or other protective cases and
away from direct sunlight and dust. The CD player scans
the bottom surface of the disc. If the surface of a CD
is damaged, such as cracked, broken, or scratched, the
CD does not play properly or not at all. Do not touch
the bottom side of a CD while handling it; this could
damage the surface. Pick up CDs by grasping the outer
edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
If the surface of a CD is soiled, take a soft, lint free cloth
or dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent
solution mixed with water, and clean it. Make sure the
wiping process starts from the center to the edge.
Care of Your CD Player
Do not add any label to a CD, it could get caught in the
CD player. If a CD is recorded on a personal computer
and a description label is needed, try labeling the top of
the recorded CD with a marking pen.The use of CD lens cleaners for CDs is not advised,
due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics
with lubricants internal to the CD player mechanism.
Notice:If a label is added to a CD, or more than one
CD is inserted into the slot at a time, or an attempt
is made to play scratched or damaged CDs, the
CD player could be damaged. While using the
CD player, use only CDs in good condition without
any label, load one CD at a time, and keep the
CD player and the loading slot free of foreign
materials, liquids, and debris.
If an error displays, see “CD Messages” later in this
section.
For vehicles that have a radio with a Six-Disc CD
player, see the following:
LOAD
^:Press to load CDs into the CD player.
This CD player holds up to six CDs.
To insert one CD, do the following:
1. Press and release the
^button.
2. Wait for the message to insert the disc.
3. Load a CD. Insert the CD partway into the slot,
label side up. The player pulls the CD in.
3-70

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-37.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do
alcohol, drugs, and frustration. But even in
three-fourths of a second, a vehicle moving at
60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That
could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so
keeping enough space between your vehicle and
others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool
between hard stops. The brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the
pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be
harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
4-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning
Light on page 3-38.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS)
that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the front wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark to limit wheel spin.
This light will ash when
your traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may re-engage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.When this light is on solid
and either the SERVICE
TRACTION or TRACTION
OFF message is displayed,
the system will not limit
wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for more information.
The Traction Control System is automatically enabled
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system enabled. You can turn TCS
off if you ever need to.
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.
4-6

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

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Your vehicle may have an Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system which combines antilock brake, traction
and stability control systems and helps the driver
maintain directional control of the vehicle in most driving
conditions.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away, the system performs several diagnostic checks to
ensure there are no problems. You may hear or feel the
system working. This is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with your vehicle. The system should
initialize before the vehicle reaches 20 mph (32 km/h).
If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS
light will be on solid, and the ESC OFF or SERVICE
ESC message will be displayed.
For more information, seeDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-46.This light will ash on the
instrument panel cluster
when the ESC system
is both on and activated.
You may also feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE ESC
or ESC OFF message is displayed, the system will
not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of
the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-48.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is
automatically enabled whenever you start your vehicle.
To assist the driver with vehicle directional control,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should always
leave the system on. But, you can turn ESC off if you
ever need to.
4-8

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