ESP CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX 2007 6.G Owner's Manual

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the
pedal down while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid (don’t overll), engine oil,
drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and
the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts
and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. See
Engine Overheating on page 371.
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Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine)
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transaxle Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transaxle uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 462, and
be sure to use the transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 468.
How to Check Automatic Transaxle
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading
on the dipstick.Notice:Too much or too little uid can damage
the transaxle. Too much can mean that some of
the uid could come out and fall on hot engine
or exhaust system parts, starting a re. Too
little uid could cause the transaxle to overheat.
Be sure to get an accurate reading if you check
the transaxle uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transaxle uid level if you have been driving:
When outside temperatures are above
90°F (32°C).
At high speed for quite a while.
In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the uid should be at
normal operating temperature, which is 180°F to
200°F (82°C to 93°C).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about
15 miles (24 km) when outside temperatures are
above 50°F (10°C). If it is colder than 50°F (10°C),
you may have to drive longer.
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Low-Prole Performance Tire
If your vehicle has P225/50R18 or P225/50R17
size tires, they are classied as low-prole
performance tires. These tires are designed
for very responsive driving on wet or dry
pavement. You may also notice more road
noise with low-prole performance tires and
that they tend to wear faster.
Notice:If your vehicle has low-prole tires,
they are more susceptible to damage from
road hazards or curb impact than standard
prole tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly
damage can occur when coming into contact
with road hazards like, potholes, or sharp
edged objects, or when sliding into a curb.
Your GM warranty does not cover this type
of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
ination pressure and, when possible avoid
contact with curbs, potholes, and other
road hazards.
Winter Tires
If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered
roads often, you may want to get winter tires for
your vehicle. All season tires provide good overall
performance on most surfaces but they may
not offer the traction you would like or the same
level of performance as winter tires on snow or ice
covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for
increased traction on snow and ice covered roads.
With winter tires, there may be decreased dry
road traction, increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After switching to winter tires, be alert
for changes in vehicle handling and braking.
See your dealer for details regarding winter
tire availability and proper tire selection.
Also, seeBuying New Tires on page 410.
398

Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto
the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible ination pressure
for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.Normal Occupant Weight:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 324.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating
positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that
faces outward when mounted on a vehicle.
The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same moldings on the other
sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire ination
pressure as shown on the tire placard. See
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 406andLoading
Your Vehicle on page 324.
404

While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on the wear rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specied government
test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1.5) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart signicantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices, and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA,
A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specied government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.Warning:The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning:The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underination, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
413

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly. But if you
should ever have a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a stop well out
of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much
like a skid and may require the same correction
you would use in a skid. In any rear blowout
remove your foot from the accelerator pedal. Get
the vehicle under control by steering the way
you want the vehicle to go. It may be very bumpy
and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed
if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the
jack provided with your vehicle only for
changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to use the
jacking equipment to change a at tire safely.
417

Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns
with the sales transaction or the operation of
your vehicle will be resolved by your dealer’s sales
or service departments. Sometimes, however,
despite the best intentions of all concerned,
misunderstandings can occur. If your concern
has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the
following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member
of dealership management. Normally, concerns
can be quickly resolved at that level. If the
matter has already been reviewed with the sales,
service, or parts manager, contact the owner
of the dealership or the general manager.
STEP TWO:If after contacting a member of
dealership management, it appears your concern
cannot be resolved by the dealership without further
help, in the U.S., contact the Chevrolet Customer
Assistance Center by calling 1-800-222-1020.
In Canada, contact General Motors of CanadaCustomer Communication Centre by calling
1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French).
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in
order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please
have the following information available to give the
Customer Assistance Representative:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or title, or
the plate at the top left of the instrument panel
and visible through the windshield.
Dealership name and location.
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
(kilometers).
When contacting Chevrolet, please remember that
your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s
facility. That is why we suggest you follow
Step One rst if you have a concern.
STEP THREE — U.S. Owners:Both General
Motors and your dealer are committed to making
sure you are completely satised with your new
vehicle. However, if you continue to remain
unsatised after following the procedure outlined in
Steps 1 and 2, you should le with the Better
Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program to
enforce your rights.
476

Roadside Assistance Program
In the U.S., call1-800-CHEV-USA
(1-800-243-8872).
In Canada, call1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
As the owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance program.
Who is Covered?
Roadside Assistance coverage is for the vehicle
operator, regardless of ownership. In Canada,
a person driving this vehicle without the consent
of the owner is not eligible for coverage.
The following services are provided in the U.S.
during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period and,
in Canada, during the Base Warranty coverage
period of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
up to a maximum coverage of $100.
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest service station
(approximately $5 in Canada). Service toprovide diesel may be restricted. For safety
reasons, propane and other alternative fuels
will not be provided through this service.
Lock-out Service:To ensure security, the
driver must present personal identication
before lock-out service is provided. In Canada,
the vehicle registration is also required.
Lock-out service will be covered at no charge if
you are unable to gain entry into your vehicle.
A remote unlock may be available if you have
an active OnStar
®subscription.
Emergency Tow From a Public Roadway
or Highway:Tow to the nearest dealership
for warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Winch-out
assistance when the vehicle is mired in sand,
mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire in
good condition, when equipped and properly
inated, is covered at no charge. The customer
is responsible for the repair or replacement of
the tire if not covered by a warrantable failure.
Jump Start:No-start occurrences which
require a battery jump start will be covered
at no charge.
481

Trip Routing Service (Canada only):Upon
request, Roadside Assistance will send you
detailed, computer personalized maps,
highlighting your choice of either the most
direct route or the most scenic route to your
destination, anywhere in North America,
along with helpful travel information pertaining
to your trip.
We will make every attempt to send your
personalized trip routing as quickly as
possible, but it is best to allow three weeks
before your planned departure date.
Trip routing requests will be limited to
six per calendar year.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance
(Canada only):In the event of a warranty
related vehicle disablement, while en route
and over 250 kilometres from original point of
departure, you may qualify for trip interruption
expense assistance. This assistance covers
reasonable reimbursement of up to a
maximum of $500 (Canadian) for (A) meals
(maximum of $50/day), (B) lodging (maximum
of $100/night) and (C) alternate ground
transportation (maximum of $40/day).This benet is to assist you with some of the
unplanned expense you may incur while
waiting for your vehicle to be repaired.
Pre-authorization, original detailed receipts
and a copy of the repair order are required.
Once authorization has been given, your
advisor will help you make any necessary
arrangements and explain how to claim for
trip interruption expense assistance.
Alternative Service (Canada only):There
may be times, when Roadside Assistance
cannot provide timely assistance, your advisor
may authorize you to secure local emergency
road service, and you will be reimbursed
up to $100 upon submission of the original
receipt to Roadside Assistance.
In many instances, mechanical failures are
covered under Chevrolet’s Bumper-to-Bumper
warranty, and the duration of the Base Warranty
Coverage for Canadian customers of the new
Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, any cost for
parts and labor for non-warranty repairs are
the responsibility of the driver.
482

Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs,
and public transportation is used as ‘shuttle
service,’ the reimbursement is limited to the
associated shuttle allowance and must be
supported by original receipts. In addition, for
U.S. customers, should you arrange transportation
through a friend or relative, limited reimbursement
for reasonable fuel expenses may be available.
Claim amounts should reect actual costs and
be supported by original receipts.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a
courtesy rental vehicle or reimburse you for
a rental vehicle that you obtain if your vehicle
is kept for an overnight warranty repair. Rental
reimbursement will be limited and must be
supported by original receipts. This requires
that you sign and complete a rental agreement
and meet state/provincial, local, and rental
vehicle provider requirements. Requirementsvary and may include minimum age requirements,
insurance coverage, credit card, etc. You are
responsible for fuel usage charges and may also
be responsible for taxes, levies, usage fees,
excessive mileage, or rental usage beyond the
completion of the repair.
Generally it is not possible to provide a like-vehicle
as a courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service,
may not be available at every dealer. Please
contact your dealer for specic information
about availability. All Courtesy Transportation
arrangements will be administered by appropriate
dealer personnel.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally
modify, change or discontinue Courtesy
Transportation at any time and to resolve all
questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the
terms and conditions described herein at its
sole discretion.
485