CHEVROLET MALIBU 2011 7.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 2011, Model line: MALIBU, Model: CHEVROLET MALIBU 2011 7.GPages: 382, PDF Size: 5.81 MB
Page 131 of 382

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-21
Notice:Driving with the engine
coolant temperature warning light
on could cause the vehicle to
overheat. See Engine Overheating
on page 10‑19. The vehicle's
engine could be damaged, and it
might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature
warning light on.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating
on page 10‑19for more information.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a Tire Pressure
Monitor System, this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
It provides information about tire
pressures and the Tire Pressure
Monitor System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A tire pressure message can
accompany the light. See Tire
Messages
on page 5‑30for
more information. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the
pressure value shown on the Tire
and Loading Information Label. See
Tire Pressure
on page 10‑45for
more information.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System. The light flashes
for about a minute and stays on
steady for the remainder of the
ignition cycle. This sequence
repeats with every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
on page 10‑48for more
information.
Page 132 of 382

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-22 Instruments and Controls
Engine Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.
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 for changing engine oil.
The oil pressure light should come
on briefly as the engine is started.
If it does not come on have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Security Light
For information regarding this light
and the vehicle's security system,
see Content Theft Deterrent.
Page 133 of 382

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Instruments and Controls 5-23
High-Beam on Light
The high-beam on light comes on
when the high-beam headlamps are
in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
on page 6‑2for more
information.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light comes on
whenever the cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise
control is turned off. See Cruise
Control
on page 9‑34for more
information.
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
Your vehicle has a Driver
Information Center (DIC). The DIC
display gives you the status of many
of your vehicle's systems. The DIC
is also used to display driver
personalization menu modes and
warning/status messages. All
messages will appear in the DIC
display, located at the bottom of the
instrument panel cluster.
Page 134 of 382

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-24 Instruments and Controls
The DIC buttons are located on the
left side of the steering wheel.
INFO (Information):Press this
button to scroll through the vehicle
information mode displays.
r(Reset): Press this button to
reset some vehicle information
mode displays, select a
personalization menu mode setting,
or acknowledge a warning
message.
Press and hold the information and
reset buttons at the same time for
one second, then release the buttons to enter the personalization
menu. See
Vehicle Personalization
on page 5‑31for more information.
The DIC comes on when the ignition
is on. The DIC has different modes
which can be accessed by pressing
the DIC buttons. The button
functions are detailed in the
following.
Information Modes
INFO (Information): Press this
button to scroll through the following
vehicle information modes:
Outside Air Temperature
The outside air temperature will be
displayed at the same time as the
Odometer and the Trip Odometer.
The temperature outside of the
vehicle will be displayed in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F). The outside air
temperature appears on the left
side of the DIC display and the
odometer, or trip odometer, appears
on the right side of the display. Odometer
Press the information button until
the outside air temperature and the
odometer displays. This mode
shows the total distance the vehicle
has been driven in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi).
To change the DIC display to
English or metric units, see
“UNITS”
under Vehicle Personalization
on
page 5‑31.
Trip Odometer
Press the information button until
the outside air temperature along
with A or B displays. These modes
show the current distance traveled
since the last reset for each trip
odometer in either kilometers (km)
or miles (mi). Both odometers can
be used at the same time.
To reset the trip odometer to zero,
press and hold the reset button for a
few seconds while the desired trip
odometer is displayed.
Page 135 of 382

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-25
FUEL RANGE
Press the information button until
FUEL RANGE displays. This mode
shows the remaining distance you
can drive without refueling in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi). It is
based on fuel economy and the fuel
remaining in the tank.
When the fuel level is low, FUEL
RANGE LOW displays.
The fuel economy data used to
determine fuel range is an average
of recent driving conditions. As your
driving conditions change, this data
is gradually updated. The FUEL
RANGE mode cannot be reset.
MPG (L/100 KM) AVG (Average)
Press the information button until
MPG (L/100 KM) AVG displays. This
mode shows how many liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles
per gallon (mpg) your vehicle is
getting based on current and past
driving conditions.To reset the average fuel economy,
press and hold the reset button
while MPG (L/100 KM) AVG is
displayed. Average fuel economy is
then calculated starting from that
point. If the average fuel economy is
not reset, it is continually updated
each time you drive.
MPG (L/100 KM) INST
(Instantaneous)
Press the information button until
MPG (L/100 KM) INST displays. This
mode shows the current fuel
economy at a particular moment
and changes frequently as driving
conditions change. This mode
shows the instantaneous fuel
economy in liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon
(mpg). Unlike average fuel
economy, this screen cannot be
reset.
AV (Average) SPEED
Press the information button until
AV SPEED displays. This mode
shows the vehicle's average speed
in kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph).
To reset the average vehicle speed,
press and hold the reset button
while AV SPEED is displayed.
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.
Page 136 of 382

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5-26 Instruments and Controls
In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. See
Engine Oil
on page 10‑9and
Scheduled Maintenanceon
page 11‑2.
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 10‑12.
Tire Pressure
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), the
pressure for each tire can be
viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure
is shown in either kilopascals (kPa)
or pounds per square inch (psi). 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
add air will appear in the display.
See
Tire Pressure
on page 10‑45andTire Messageson page 5‑30for more information.
Vehicle Messages
The following 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.
Page 137 of 382

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-27
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID
This message displays, while the
ignition is on, when the brake fluid
level is low. The brake system
warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light
on
page 5‑18for more information.
Have the brake system serviced by
your dealer as soon as possible.
PUSH PARK PEDAL
This message displays if the parking
brake is left engaged. See Parking
Brake
on page 9‑29for more
information.
Cruise Control Messages
CRUISE ENGAGED
This message displays when the
cruise control system is active. See
Cruise Control
on page 9‑34for
more information.
Door Ajar Messages
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.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the
trunk is not closed completely.
Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely. See Trunk
on
page 2‑10for more information.
Engine Oil Messages
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. See
Engine Oil Life
System
on page 10‑12, Engine Oilon page 10‑9, and Scheduled
Maintenanceon page 11‑2for
more information.
Engine Power Messages
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 for service as
soon as possible.
Page 138 of 382

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-28 Instruments and Controls
Fuel System Messages
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.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gauge
on page 5‑11, Fuelon
page 9‑37, and Filling the Tankon
page 9‑41for more information.
Key and Lock Messages
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. Replace
the battery in the transmitter. See
“Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Lamp 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 6‑3for more information.
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
This message displays if the
automatic headlamp system is
enabled with the headlamp switch.
SeeAutomatic Headlamp System
on page 6‑3for more information.
Ride Control System
Messages
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
flashes 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 9‑32and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 5‑20for more
information.
ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), this
message displays and the ESC/TCS
light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when ESC is turned
off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
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Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-29
SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)on page 9‑32and Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light
on page 5‑20for
more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
message displays and the ESC/TCS
light on the instrument panel cluster
flashes when the system is actively
limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message stays on
for a few seconds after the system
stops limiting wheel spin. See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 9‑30and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 5‑20for more
information.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC
STABILITY CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), this
message displays and a chime
sounds if there has been a problem
detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected
problem remains present. When this
message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
on page 9‑32and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
If this message turns on while you
are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the
ignition off and then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the
ESC inspected by your dealer as
soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
message displays and a chime
sounds when the system is not
functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected
problem remains present. When this
message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See
Traction Control
System (TCS)
on page 9‑30and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
Have the system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
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Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-30 Instruments and Controls
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
message displays and the ESC/TCS
light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the system is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS)
on page 9‑30and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there
is a problem with the airbag system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
Service Vehicle Messages
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting
of the engine is disabled. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING
On some vehicles, this message
displays if a problem has been
detected with the electric power
steering. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately.
Tire Messages
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light
on page 5‑21. Several conditions may cause this
message to appear. See
Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on
page 10‑48for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the
TPMS. See your dealer.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the
vehicle's tires is low on air. The low
tire pressure warning light also
comes on. See Tire Pressure Light
on page 5‑21. If this 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 10‑38,Vehicle
Load Limitson page 9‑12, and Tire
Pressureon page 10‑45. The DIC
also shows the tire pressure values.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑23.