ignition CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009 7.G Owner's Guide

Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened and the ignition is turned
off while leaving the lamps on, a warning chime will
sound.
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.
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. Do not cover this
sensor 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
P (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.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when they are needed.
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio
lights will also be dim.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only be
affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting
lasting longer than this delay.
If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light switch to
the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, the
transmission must stay in P (Park) for this function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-15

Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this symbol
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. In this position, the
dome lamps remain on whether a door is opened or
closed.
Entry/Exit Lighting
The lamps inside the vehicle come on when any door is
opened. These lamps fade out about 20 seconds after
all of the doors have been closed or when the ignition is
turned to ON/RUN. They also come on when the unlock
symbol button or the horn symbol is pressed on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system transmitter.
The lamps inside the vehicle stay on for about
20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition to
provide light as you exit.
Parade Dimming
Parade dimming is a separate lighting mode that comes
on while the parking lamps are turned on during the day.
It prevents the display lights and indicator lights from
being dim, while the parking lamps are used during
the day.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with front and rear reading lamps, press
the lens to turn the lamp on and off, while the doors are
closed. These lamps come on automatically when any
door is opened.
3-16

Battery Run-Down Protection
The vehicle has a battery run-down protection feature
designed to protect the vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, or visor vanity)
is left on while the ignition is turned off, the battery
run-down protection system will automatically shut the
lamp(s) off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining
the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
Turn on the ignition.
Turn the exterior lamp control off and then on.
Open a door.
Press any Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
button (if equipped).
Press the remote trunk release button.
Press the power door lock switch.
The battery run-down feature will also be activated
when any door on the vehicle is left open and the
ignition is in LOCK/OFF.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect auxiliary
electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
There are two accessory power outlets. One accessory
power outlet is located inside the storage bin below the
climate controls and the other outlet is on the rear of the
center storage console.
To use an outlet, lift the protective cap. When not in use,
always cover the outlet with the protective cap. The
accessory power outlet is operational at all times.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible with
the accessory power outlet and could result in blown
vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a problem,
see your dealer/retailer for additional information on the
accessory power outlet.
3-18

Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do not use equipment
exceeding maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the
proper installation instructions included with the
equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating
Current
The vehicle may have a power outlet that can be used
to plug in electrical equipment that uses a maximum
limit of 150 watts.
The power outlet is located
on the rear of the center
console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns on to show it is in
use. The light comes on when the ignition is in ON/RUN
and equipment requiring less than 150 watts is plugged
into the outlet, and no system fault is detected.
The indicator light does not come on when the ignition
is in LOCK/OFF or if no equipment is plugged into
the outlet.
3-19

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on. 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 turning off the engine.
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 heat when the rear window defogger
is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on page 2-39.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
For vehicles with the remote start feature, when 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.
3-23

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press to turn the rear window defogger on
or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the
rear window defogger is on.
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.
For vehicles with heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-39.
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.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
For vehicles with remote start, when 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.
3-27

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag are enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger
sensing system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-31
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for
more information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on,
turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
3-33

Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking
both parts need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light comes on briey when the ignition key is
turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
also comes on when the parking brake is set. The light
stays on if the parking brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is fully released, it means
there is a brake problem.The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display a
BRAKE FLUID message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-46for more information.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and
carefully stop. The brake pedal may be harder to push
or the pedal may go closer to the oor. It may take longer
to stop. Try turning off and restarting the vehicle one or
two times, if the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-26.
{CAUTION:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service. United States
Canada
3-34

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
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 ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on, or
comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the
vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle
does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-34.For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for all
brake related DIC messages.Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the
Traction Control System
(TCS), the indicator/
warning light comes on
briey when the engine is
started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
If this light is on while certain DIC messages display,
this indicates that the ESC and TCS are not working or
are disabled.
3-35