brakes CHEVROLET MALIBU 2009 7.G Owners Manual

I (Intermediate):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using
the brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle
would otherwise accelerate. If constant upshifting or
downshifting occurs while driving up steep hills, this
position can be used to prevent repetitive types of shifts.
You might choose I (Intermediate) instead of D (Drive)
when driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing a
trailer, so that there is less shifting between gears.
L (Low):This position gives you access to 4 (Fourth),
3 (Third), 2 (Second) and 1 (First) gear ranges.
This provides more engine braking but lower fuel
economy than D (Drive). You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the electronic range
select is put in L (Low), the transmission will not shift
into lower gears until the vehicle is going slow enough.Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Transmission)
The automatic transmission
has a shift lever located
on the console between
the seats.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
2-28

The cruise control buttons
are located on the steering
wheel.
I(On/Off):Press to turn the cruise control system on
and off.
RES+ (Resume):Press to resume a set speed and to
accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press to set a speed and to decrease the
speed.To set a speed do the following:
1. Press
Ito turn cruise control on. The indicator
light on the button comes on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET−and release it. The cruise symbol
displays in the instrument panel cluster to show the
system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction Control
System (TCS) or Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control automatically
disengages. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8andElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on
page 4-6. When road conditions allow, the cruise control
can be used again.
3-11

Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed and then
the brakes are applied, the cruise control is disengaged.
The cruise symbol in the instrument panel cluster also
goes out indicating cruise is no longer engaged. To
return to the previously set speed, you do not need to
repeat the set process again. Once at a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more, briey press the RES+.
This takes the vehicle back up to the previously chosen
speed and stays there.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
There are two ways to go to a higher speed.
If the cruise control system is already engaged,
press the RES+. Hold it there until the desired
speed is reached and then release the button.
To increase the vehicle speed in very small
amounts, briey press the RES+ and then release
it. Each time this is done, the vehicle goes about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise
Control
If the cruise control system is already engaged:
Push and hold the SET−until the desired lower
speed is reached, then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, briey push
the SET−. Each time this is done, the vehicle
goes about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using
Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle’s
speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle
slows down to the previously set cruise control speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills depends upon
the vehicle’s speed, load, and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s speed. When
going downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a lower
gear to keep the vehicle at a lower speed. When the
brakes are applied this ends the cruise control.
3-12

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

Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-34.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it 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 the 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 with a lot of heavy braking. Keeping pace
with the traffic and allowing realistic following distances
eliminates a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes
are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down.
If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake
assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.
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
vehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
4-4

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

Traction Control System (TCS)
The 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
the traction control system
is limiting wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working,
but this is normal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins to
limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control may be re-engaged when
road conditions allow. 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 3-46for more information.
The Traction Control System is automatically enabled
whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, always leave the
system enabled. TCS can be turned off if needed.
It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn
the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you want to “rock” the 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 4-19.
4-8

To turn the system off or
on, press and release this
button located on the
center console.
The DIC will display the appropriate message as
described previously when the button is pressed.
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 the vehicle is started, 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 3-43.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to
spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and
Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or
SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed,the differential could be damaged. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle 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, a reduction
in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration
may be heard. This is normal.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system
activates, the ESC/TCS light will ash and the cruise
control will automatically disengage. The cruise control
may be re-engaged when road conditions allow.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3for more information.
4-9

Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has the electric power steering system and
the engine stalls while driving, the power steering assist
system will continue to operate until you are able to stop
the vehicle. If power steering assist is lost because the
electric power steering system is not functioning, the
vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction several
times until it stops, or hold the steering wheel in the
stopped position for an extended amount of time, you
may notice a reduced amount of power steering assist.
The normal amount of power steering assist should return
shortly after a few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not require
regular maintenance. If you suspect steering system
problems, contact your dealer/retailer for service repairs.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has the hydraulic power steering system
and power steering assist is lost because the engine
stops or the power steering system is not functioning,
the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective than
braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd a
truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. These problems
can be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time.
But sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is
no room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply the brakes — but, unless
the vehicle has antilock brakes, not enough to
lock the wheels. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
4-10

Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid,
too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If the traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for
a second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
4-12