lights CHEVROLET MALIBU 2011 7.G User Guide

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Lighting 6-3
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets the high-beam
headlamps be used to signal a
driver in front of you that you want
to pass.
Pull the turn signal/multifunction
lever toward you until the high-beam
headlamps come on, then release
the lever to turn them off.
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 first 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 first 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.
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.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Lighting 6-5
Have the bulbs replaced. If the bulb
is not burned out, check the fuse.
SeeFuses on page 10‑30.
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.
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
The knob for this control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering column.
D (Instrument Panel
Brightness): 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.
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.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
6-6 Lighting
Lighting Features
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.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-19
The steering can bind with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, move the steering wheel
from right to left while turning the
key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn't work, the vehicle needs
service.
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 can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument panel warning lights. The
switch will stay in this position while
the engine is running. If you leave the key in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to
start the 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 driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
and the key is in the ignition.Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Heated Seats (if equipped)
.Sunroof (if equipped)
These features continue to work up
to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to LOCK/OFF.
The power windows, heated seats,
and sunroof will work until any door
is opened.
The radio continues to work until the
driver door is opened.
All these features operate when the
key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY.

Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
9-32 Driving and Operating
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, see
Ride Control System Messages
on
page 5‑28.
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 flash and the
cruise control will automatically
disengage. The cruise control
may be re-engaged when road
conditions allow. See
Cruise Control
on page 9‑34. Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer
accessories can affect the vehicle's
performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications
on page 10‑3for
more information.
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
The vehicle has an Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system
which combines antilock brake,
traction and stability control systems
and helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle in
most driving conditions.
When you first start the vehicle and
begin to drive away, the system
performs several diagnostic checks
to ensure there are no problems.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal
and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle. The
system should initialize before the
vehicle reaches 32 km/h (20 mph).

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-35
FusesUsage
RADIO Audio System
INTERIOR
LIGHTS Interior Lamps
NOT
INSTALLED Not Used
POWER
WINDOWS Power Windows
HVAC
CTRL (IGN) Heating Ventilation
Air Conditioning
Control (Ignition)
HVAC
BLOWER Heating Ventilation
Air Conditioning
Blower Switch
DOOR LOCK Door Locks
ROOF/
HEAT SEAT Sunroof,
Heated Seat
NOT
INSTALLED Not Used Fuses
Usage
NOT
INSTALLED Not Used
AIRBAG
(BATT) Airbag (Battery)
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER Spare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER Spare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER Spare Fuse Holder
SPARE FUSE
HOLDER Spare Fuse Holder
FUSE
PULLER Fuse PullerRear Compartment Fuse
Block
The rear compartment fuse block is
located in the trunk of the vehicle.
Access the fuse block through the
trunk panel on the driver side of the
rear cargo area.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-5
Fuel (cont.)Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . 9-38
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-38
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-38
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Fuel Economy Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30 Engine Compartment
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35G
GasolineSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Gauges Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Delayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . 10-46
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-8
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
i-6 INDEX
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii, 7-1
J
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-28
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keyless Entry System . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-40
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Lamps
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-3
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
LATCH System Replacing Parts After aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Latch, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
Lighting Entry/Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Parade Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-20
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
i-12 INDEX
Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Service Parts Identification
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19W
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . . . 5-31
Wheels
Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58 When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-53
Where to Put the Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Windshield
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 10-27