warning lights CHEVROLET MALIBU 2008 6.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-11
Child Restraints
.......................................1-31
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-39
OnStar
®System
......................................2-42
Universal Home Remote System
................2-45
Storage Areas
.........................................2-52
Sunroof
..................................................2-53
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-46
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-59Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-51
Tires
......................................................5-52
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-97
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Specications
...................5-108
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-18
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM

If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough
outside, the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps, parking
lamps, and back-up lamps turn on each time
Kon the
transmitter is pressed. These exterior lamps stay on
for 20 seconds, or until a door is opened. See
“EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-53for additional information.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms the
content theft-deterrent system. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and hold for
about one second to open the trunk. The trunk can be
opened with the transmitter when the vehicle speed
is less than 2 mph (3 km/h) or when the ignition is off.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate your vehicle. The horn sounds three times
and the headlamps and turn signals ash three times.
Press and hold
Lfor about three seconds to initiate the
panic alarm. The horn sounds and the headlamps
and turn signals ash for 30 seconds. Press
Lagain
to cancel the panic alarm.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be
re-coded to match the new transmitter. The lost
transmitter will no longer work after the new transmitters
are re-coded. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT (Battery)
LOW message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB
BATT (Battery) LOW” underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for additional information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
2-6

9(LOCK/OFF):This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. It also locks the ignition
and transmission. A warning chime sounds if the driver’s
door is opened while the ignition is off and the key is
left in the ignition.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers while
the engine is not running.
R(ON/RUN):This position unlocks the ignition. It is also
the position to where the key returns after you release
the switch and the engine starts. The switch will
stay in this position while the engine is running. But
even while the engine is not running, you can use
ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You might not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to the ON/RUN position for normal driving.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
sounds, when the driver’s door is opened. Always
remember to remove the key from the ignition and take
it with you. This locks your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You might not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
2-23

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in Park..................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp .................................................3-17
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-17
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-17
Rear Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-18Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...........
.3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-38
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light............................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the
ignition while leaving the lamps on, you will hear a
warning chime.
Headlamps Off in Park
This feature works when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps
off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights
on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This function does not work for vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the headlamps
on for 20 seconds after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF,
then the headlamps automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the
day. DRL are helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional DRL
are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada. The
vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument panel
that controls the DRL. Make sure it is not covered, or
the head lamps will be on when they are not needed.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that are
rst sold in Canada).
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released or the vehicle is
not in PARK.
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights
are not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to
the parking lamp position.
As with any vehicle, you should turn on the regular
headlamp system when they are needed.
3-14

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
your warning lights and gages could also save you
or others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there could be or there is
a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the engine
just to let you know they are working. If you are
familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed
when this happens.Gages can indicate when there could be or there is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often
gages and warning lights work together to let you know
when there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. Get to know your warning lights and
gages. They are a big help.
3-30

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages.
United States Base version shown, Canada Similar
3-31

OIL LIFE
Press the information button until OIL LIFE displays.
The engine oil life system shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. It shows 100% when the system
is reset after an oil change. It alerts you to change the oil
on a schedule consistent with your driving conditions.
In addition to the engine oil life system monitoring the oil
life, additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-19andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Always reset the engine oil life system after an oil
change. See “How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System”
underEngine Oil Life System on page 5-22.
Tire Pressure
The pressure for each tire can be viewed in the DIC.
The tire pressure is shown in either pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the information
button until LF ## PSI (kPa) ## RF displays for the
front tires. Press the information button again until
LR ## PSI (kPa) ## RR displays for the rear tires.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the system
while driving, a message advising you to check the
tire pressure appears in the display. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-60andDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for more information.
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
A message clears when the vehicle’s condition is no
longer present. To acknowledge a message and clear it
from the display, press and hold any of the DIC
buttons. If the condition is still present, the warning
message comes back on the next time the vehicle is
turned off and back on. With most messages, a warning
chime sounds when the message displays. Your
vehicle may have other warning messages.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is disabled with the headlamp switch. See
Automatic Headlamp System on page 3-15for more
information.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the automatic headlamp
system is enabled with the headlamp switch. See
Automatic Headlamp System on page 3-15for more
information.
3-48

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

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