check engine light CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009 7.G User Guide

Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
This light comes on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/
retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator
light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not
owing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be
low on oil and it might have some other system problem.Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent on
page 2-18.
3-41

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. SeeAutomatic
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.
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when the
brake uid level is low. The brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-34for more information.
Have the brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible.
CHANGE OIL SOON
This message displays when the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed.
When this message is acknowledged and cleared from
the display, the engine oil life system must still be
reset separately. SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-24,Engine Oil on page 5-21, andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays if the fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to make sure that it
is on properly. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the message off.
3-46

CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure in one
or more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See
Tires on page 5-51,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-59. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-44. If the tire pressure is low, the low
tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-37.
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the cruise control system
is active. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10for more
information.
DOOR AJAR
This message displays if one or more of the vehicle’s
doors are not closed properly. Make sure that the
door(s) are closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine
is disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays
on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster ashes when ESC is assisting
you with directional control of the vehicle. You may feel or
hear the system working and see this message displayed
in the DIC. Slippery road conditions may exist when this
message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
This message may stay on for a few seconds after ESC
stops assisting you with directional control of the vehicle.
This is normal when the system is operating. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-35
for more information.
3-47

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor
or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going
on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-35.
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 the 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 to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump or
motor might be heard operating and the brake pedal
might be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
4-5

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd an engine coolant temperature gage as
well as an engine coolant temperature warning light
on your vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-37andEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-36.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-36for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 5-36for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
5-34

Chains, Tire...................................................5-74
Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-14
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-97
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children..................................................1-44
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-52
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-54
Systems.....................................................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-92
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-95
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-92
Interior.......................................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-96Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-27
Climate Control Systems
Automatic...................................................3-24
Clock, Setting.................................................3-57
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................
5-89
Compass.......................................................2-38
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-4
Convenience Net............................................2-51
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-37
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-36
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-33
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Courtesy Transportation...................................7-10
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-42
Cupholders....................................................2-50
3

Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-102
Fuses........................................................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-6
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-35
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-38
Compartment Overview................................5-16
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-36
Cooling System...........................................5-28
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-21
Oil Life System...........................................5-24Engine (cont.)
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-36
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-16
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-26
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-85
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-28
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat...........................................1-10
Front Storage Area.........................................2-50
5

Lights............................................................3-13
Airbag Readiness........................................3-31
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-35
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Charging System.........................................3-33
Cruise Control.............................................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-36
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Highbeam On.............................................3-42
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Oil Pressure...............................................3-41
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-30
Security.....................................................3-41
Tire Pressure..............................................3-37
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-44
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4M
Maintenance
Footnotes..................................................... 6-7
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-39
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-40
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MP3 .............................................................3-71
8

N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Net
Convenience...............................................2-51
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-30
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-30
Off-Road
Recovery....................................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System.................................5-24
Pressure Light.............................................3-41
Older Children, Restraints................................1-32
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-40
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-44
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-27
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-18
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-39
Heated Mirrors............................................2-40
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-36
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-96
Parade Dimming.............................................3-16
Park
Headlamps Off in Park.................................3-14
Shifting Into................................................2-33
Shifting Out of............................................2-34
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-34
Parking Brake................................................2-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-32
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-66
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-20
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 5-4
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-78
9