cooling CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 6.G Owners Manual

Trunk
Press the trunk release button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter for one second to open the
trunk from the outside.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-37.
Remote Trunk Release
Press the button located
on the driver’s door near
the map pocket to open
the trunk.
The trunk can only be opened while the vehicle is in
PARK (P) or when the ignition is off.
2-13

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling and ventilation for your vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
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 will be directed toward the
side windows.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes
on to show that 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. Press this button to
cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
comes on to show that it is activated. The air inside the
vehicle will be recirculated 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.
3-21

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

Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
4-17

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are especiallyimportant in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive
belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you
nd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to
review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a at tire while towing a trailer, be sure
to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the vehicle
before changing the tire.
4-36

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-19
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-24
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Pressure Cap...............................................5-29
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-31
Cooling System............................................5-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-49
License Plate Lamp......................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-52
Winter Tires.................................................5-53
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
High-Speed Operation...................................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-64
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-69
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-19.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-19.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
SeeCooling System on page 5-32.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-26.
G. Pressure Cap. SeePressure Cap on page 5-29.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-39.
I. Automatic transmission Fluid Dipstick. See “Checking
the Fluid Level” underAutomatic Transmission
Fluid on page 5-26.
J. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-102.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
5-19

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the dealer/retailer
and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
For the 2.4L, 3.5L and 3.6L engines, the transmission
uid will not reach the end of the dipstick unless
the transmission is at operating temperature. If you
need to check the transmission uid level, please take
your vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
5-26

What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too hot but would
not get the overheat warning. The engine could
catch re and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
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/retailer check your cooling system.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
5-27