Chevrolet MALIBU - 2011 Owner's Manual
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Chevrolet MALIBU - 2011 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 243 Overheated Engine Protection Electrical System Operating Mode ... 10-20 Overload ....10-30 Power Steering Fluid ..10-21 Fuses .

  • Page 244: Table Of Contents

    When It Is Time for New Tires ..... . 10-53 Jump Starting ....10-78 For service and parts needs, visit Buying New Tires .
  • Page 245 GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. Your GM dealer can accessorize the vehicle Most motor vehicles, including this Adding non dealer accessories to using genuine GM Accessories. one, contain and/or emit chemicals the vehicle can affect vehicle When you go to your GM dealer known to the State of California to...
  • Page 246 If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more Be sure to use the proper about how to service the vehicle nuts, bolts, and other than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see fasteners.
  • Page 247 3. Lift the hood. 4. After the hood is slightly lifted, it To open the hood: will continue to open to the full position. Before closing the hood, be sure all the filler caps are on properly. Lower the hood until the lifting force of the strut is reduced, then release the hood to latch fully.
  • Page 249 E. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. Windshield Washer Fluid B. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of Reservoir. See Adding Washer View). See Pressure Cap. See Fluid under C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See When G. Brake Master Cylinder to Add Engine Oil under Reservoir.
  • Page 251 G. Pressure Cap. See To ensure proper engine B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. H. Brake Master Cylinder performance and long life, careful Reservoir. See Brake Fluid attention must be paid to engine oil. under Following these simple, but important steps will help protect C.
  • Page 252 It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See for the location of the for the engine oil fill cap.
  • Page 253 This certification mark indicates that Use of Substitute Engine Oils if the oil has been approved to the dexos is unavailable: In the event dexos specification. that dexos approved engine oil is not available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the API Starburst symbol...
  • Page 254 be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold Used engine oil contains certain starting for the engine at extremely elements that can be unhealthy for low temperatures. When selecting This vehicle has a computer system your skin and could even cause an oil of the appropriate viscosity that indicates when to change the cancer.
  • Page 255 The engine oil and filter must be 3. Press and hold the reset button changed at least once a year and, until the DIC display shows at this time, the system must be ACKNOWLEDGED. Reset the system whenever the reset. Your dealer has trained 4.
  • Page 256 Change the fluid and filter at the To inspect or replace the engine air intervals listed in cleaner/filter: , and be for the location of the sure to use the transmission fluid engine air cleaner/filter. listed in Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the scheduled maintenance intervals and replace it at the first oil change after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
  • Page 257 The cooling system allows the Operating the engine with the air engine to maintain the correct cleaner/filter off can cause you or working temperature. others to be burned. The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop flames if the engine backfires.
  • Page 258 An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up even Adding only plain water or some when the engine is not running other liquid to the cooling system and can cause injury. Keep can be dangerous. Plain water hands, clothing, and tools away and other liquids, can boil before from any underhood electric fan.
  • Page 259 Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL The vehicle must be on a level coolant. If using this mixture, surface when checking the coolant nothing else needs to be added. level. This mixture: Check to see if coolant is visible in You can be burned if you spill Gives freezing protection down the coolant surge tank.
  • Page 260 pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and surge tank pressure cap to cool if you ever An electric engine cooling fan 2. Then keep turning the pressure have to turn the pressure cap. under the hood can start up even cap slowly, and remove it.
  • Page 261 By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant surge tank might be lower. If the level is lower than the FULL COLD If it is decided not to lift the hood mark, add more of the proper when this warning appears, but mixture to the coolant surge tank Steam from an overheated engine instead get service help right away.
  • Page 262 3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the If an engine overheat warning is road, shift to P (Park) or displayed but no steam can be seen N (Neutral) and let the This emergency operating mode or heard, the problem may not be...

  • Page 263: Power Steering Fluid

    3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. 4. Replace the cap and completely Power steering fluid is used in all tighten it. vehicles with the V6 engine. Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine 5. Remove the cap again and look have electric power steering and do at the fluid level on the dipstick.
  • Page 264 When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before Open the cap with the washer use. If operating the vehicle in an symbol on it. Add washer fluid until area where the temperature may fall the tank is full.
  • Page 265 Brake linings should always be If this is not done, the brakes might replaced as complete axle sets. not work properly. For example, installing disc brake pads that are The brake wear warning sound wrong for the vehicle, can change means that soon the brakes will the balance between the front and See your dealer if the brake pedal...
  • Page 266 There are only two reasons why the Always clean the brake fluid brake fluid level in the reservoir reservoir cap and the area around might go down: the cap before removing it. This If too much brake fluid is added, it helps keep dirt from entering the The brake fluid level goes down can spill on the engine and burn,...
  • Page 267 Batteries have acid that can burn When you are doing this you and gas that can explode. inspection, the vehicle could You can be badly hurt if you are move suddenly. If the vehicle not careful. See moves, you or others could be for tips on working injured.
  • Page 268 3. Try to start the engine in each Be ready to apply the regular gear. The vehicle should start brake immediately if the vehicle only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). begins to move. If the vehicle starts in any other 3.
  • Page 269 To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to Headlamp aim has been preset at P (Park). Then release the the factory and should need no To replace the wiper blade: parking brake followed by the further adjustment.
  • Page 270 For the proper type of replacement bulbs, see For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this section, contact your dealer. 3. Remove the three wing nuts, which hold the taillamp Halogen bulbs have pressurized assembly, from inside the gas inside and can burst if you vehicle.
  • Page 271 4. Push the new bulb in and turn it clockwise to install. To replace the license plate 5. Replace the license plate lamp lamp bulb: by pushing it through the fascia opening. 6. Turn the two screws that hold the license plate lamp clockwise to reinstall.
  • Page 272 If there is a problem on the road and Always clear ice and heavy snow a fuse needs to be replaced, the from the windshield before using the same amperage fuse can be windshield wipers. borrowed. Choose some feature of If the overload is caused by an the vehicle that is not needed to use electrical problem and not snow or...
  • Page 273 To identify and check fuses, circuit breakers, and relays, see , and The engine compartment fuse block is located on the driver side of the engine compartment, near the battery. The vehicle may not be equipped with all of the fuses, relays, and features shown.
  • Page 274 Emission Run Relay, Transmission Heating, Control Module Left Headlamp Ventilation, Air Battery Low-Beam Conditioning Ignition Module Horn Blower (LE9 & LE5); Right Headlamp Body Control Injectors, Ignition Low-Beam Module 1 Coils Odd (LY7) Front Fog Lamps Body Control Injectors (LE9 & Module Run/Crank LE5);...
  • Page 275 Front Fog Lamps Regulated Voltage Control Horn DC/AC Inverter Low-Beam Antilock Brake Headlamp System BATT Windshield Wiper 1 Windshield Cooling Fan 1 Wiper 2 Cooling Fan Daytime Running Series/Parallel Lamps Cooling Fan 2 Stoplamps The instrument panel fuse block is Starter AIR Solenoid located on the instrument panel...
  • Page 276 Instrument Panel CLUSTER/ Cluster, Theft THEFT Deterrent System ® ONSTAR OnStar Not Used INSTALLED AIRBAG Airbag (Ignition) (IGN) Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC Control Diagnostic CTRL (BATT) Link Connector (Battery) PEDAL Not Used Windshield Wiper/ WIPER SW Cruise Control Washer Switch POWER Switch, Passenger Power Mirrors...
  • Page 277 RADIO Audio System Not Used INSTALLED INTERIOR Interior Lamps LIGHTS AIRBAG Airbag (Battery) (BATT) Not Used INSTALLED SPARE FUSE Spare Fuse Holder HOLDER POWER Power Windows WINDOWS SPARE FUSE Spare Fuse Holder HOLDER Heating Ventilation HVAC Air Conditioning SPARE FUSE CTRL (IGN) Spare Fuse Holder Control (Ignition)
  • Page 278 Park Lamps, Instrument Panel Dimming Not Used Not Used Not Used Sunroof Controls Not Used Not Used Audio Amplifier Heated Seat Controls Not Used Not Used Remote Keyless Passenger Seat Entry (RKE) Not Used Controls System, XM Emission 2, Satellite Radio Driver Seat Canister Vent Controls...
  • Page 279 Not Used Back-up Lamps Rear Window Defogger Not Used Not Used Park Lamps Not Used Trunk Release Not Used Auxiliary Power Fuel Pump Outlets Not Used 38 (Diode) Cargo Lamp Not Used Not Used Not Used Trunk Release Rear Defog Not Used Heated Mirrors Back-up Lamps...
  • Page 280 Under inflated tires pose the Improperly repaired tires can same danger as overloaded cause a crash. Only your Your new vehicle comes with tires. The resulting crash dealer or an authorized tire high-quality tires made by a could cause serious injury. service center should repair, leading tire manufacturer.
  • Page 281 If you choose to use winter tires: You may also notice more road noise with low profile Use tires of the same brand and If you expect to drive on snow or ice performance tires and that they tread type on all four wheel covered roads often, you may want tend to wear faster.
  • Page 282 and service description. See the Tire Identification Number (TIN). Tire Size illustration later in this The TIN shows the Useful information about a tire is section for more detail. manufacturer and plant code, molded into its sidewall. The tire size, and date the tire was examples below show a typical manufactured.
  • Page 283 gone flat. If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, see temporary use tire or compact spare tire should be inflated to 420 kPa (60 psi). For more information on tire pressure and inflation see The letters and numbers following the DOT (Department A combination of of Transportation) code is the letters and numbers define a...
  • Page 284 A two digit is certified to carry. The speed number that indicates the tire rating is the maximum speed a height to width measurements. tire is certified to carry a load. For example, if the tire size The following illustration shows aspect ratio is 60, as shown in an example of a typical item C of the illustration, it would...
  • Page 285 A rubber coated layer of maximum capacity of fuel, oil, Gross Axle Weight cords that is located between and coolant, but without Rating for the rear axle. See the plies and the tread. Cords passengers and cargo. may be made from steel or other A code molded reinforcing materials.
  • Page 286 model name molding that is The portion of a tire load rating for a tire at the higher or deeper than the same between the tread and the bead. maximum permissible inflation moldings on the other sidewall pressure for that tire. of the tire.
  • Page 287 tire's traction, temperature, equipment tire size and and treadwear. Ratings are recommended inflation pressure. determined by tire See Tire and Loading manufacturers using Information Label under government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire. See Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively.
  • Page 288 For additional information If you overfill the tire, release air regarding how much weight your by pushing on the metal stem Use a good quality pocket-type vehicle can carry, and an in the center of the tire valve. gauge to check tire pressure. example of the Tire and Loading Re check the tire pressure with You cannot tell if your tires are...
  • Page 289 pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under inflated. inflation pressure adjustment for The Tire Pressure Monitor System Accordingly, when the low tire high speed operation. When (TPMS) uses radio and sensor pressure telltale illuminates, you speed limits and road conditions technology to check tire pressure should stop and check your tires as...
  • Page 290 The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then for information regarding remain continuously illuminated. Part 15 of the Federal This sequence will continue upon When a low tire pressure condition Communications Commission (FCC) subsequent vehicle start ups as...
  • Page 291 and details about the DIC operation Your vehicle's TPMS system can and displays see warn you about a low tire pressure condition but it does not replace The TPMS will not function properly normal tire maintenance. See The low tire pressure warning light if one or more of the TPMS sensors may come on in cool weather when are missing or inoperable.
  • Page 292 The TPMS sensor matching Operating electronic devices or The TPMS sensors can also be process was started but not being near facilities using radio matched to each tire/wheel position completed or not completed wave frequencies similar to the by increasing or decreasing the successfully after rotating the TPMS could cause the TPMS tire's air pressure.
  • Page 293 time, for about five seconds to 6. The passenger side front turn If no tires are learned after start the TPMS learn mode. The signal comes on to indicate that entering the TPMS learn mode, horn sounds twice indicating the corner sensor is ready to be or if communication with the TPMS receiver is ready and in...
  • Page 294 Always remove the tires if any of the following statements Tires should be rotated every are true: 12 000 km (7,500 miles). See You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. The purpose of a regular tire You can see cord or fabric rotation is to achieve a uniform showing through the tire's...
  • Page 295 After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures as shown on off and cause an accident. When Various factors, such as the Tire and Loading Information changing a wheel, remove any maintenance, temperatures, driving label. See rust or dirt from places where the speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions influence when you need...
  • Page 296 Parking for an extended period can This way, your vehicle will cause flat spots on the tires that continue to have tires that are additional information. may result in vibrations while designed to give the same driving. When storing a vehicle for performance and vehicle safety, The rubber in tires ages over time.
  • Page 297 GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This is because uniform tread depth on all tires Mixing tires could cause you If you use bias-ply tires on the will help keep your vehicle to lose control while driving. vehicle, the wheel rim flanges performing most like it did when If you mix tires of different could develop cracks after...
  • Page 298 rated tires may give a low Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic systems such as antilock pressure warning that is higher brakes, rollover airbags, traction or lower than the proper warning control, and electronic stability Quality grades can be found level you would get with TPC control, the performance of these where applicable on the tire...

  • Page 299: Tires

    use spare tires, tires with course. For example, a tire assigned to this tire is based on nominal rim diameters of graded 150 would wear one and straight-ahead braking traction 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), a half (1½) times as well on the tests, and does not include or to some limited-production government course as a tire...
  • Page 300 A represent higher levels of pulls to one side or the other, the If you need to replace any of the alignment should be checked. If the wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, performance on the laboratory vehicle vibrates when driving on a or Tire Pressure Monitor System test wheel than the minimum smooth road, the tires and wheels...
  • Page 301 vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle's wheels. If you do find Do not use tire chains. There is traction devices that will fit, install not enough clearance. Tire chains them on the front tires. used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, for more information.

  • Page 302: If A Tire Goes Flat

    A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a skid and may require the same correction Lifting a vehicle and getting under Changing a tire can be you would use in a skid. In any rear it to do maintenance or repairs is dangerous.
  • Page 303 enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust To be certain the vehicle will not contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) move, put blocks at the front and which cannot be seen or smelled. rear of the tire farthest away from It can cause unconsciousness the one being changed.
  • Page 304 sealant and compressor kit to be D. Pressure Gauge effective. See E. Air Only Hose (Black) Storing the tire sealant and Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) compressor kit or other G. Power Plug equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could Read and follow all of the tire cause injury.
  • Page 305 If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire 5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) and wheel damage by driving slowly onto the tire valve stem. Turn it to a level place. Turn on the hazard clockwise until it is tight. warning flashers.

  • Page 306: Tire Sealant And Compressor Kit

    The compressor will inject Be careful while handling the sealant and air into the tire. tire sealant and compressor kit as it could be warm after The pressure gauge (D) will usage. initially show a high pressure while the compressor pushes the 12.
  • Page 307 19. Stop at a safe location and 20. Wipe off any sealant from the check the tire pressure. Refer wheel, tire, and vehicle. to Steps 1 through 11 under 21. Dispose of the used sealant Using the Tire Sealant and canister and sealant/air Compressor Kit without Sealant hose (F) assembly at a local...
  • Page 308 6. Plug the power plug (G) into the for other important accessory power outlet in the safety warnings. vehicle. Unplug all items from other accessory power outlets. 1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage To use the air compressor to inflate location.
  • Page 309 10. Inflate the tire to the 11. Press the on/off button (A) to recommended inflation turn the tire sealant and pressure using the pressure compressor kit off. To remove the sealant canister: gauge (D). The recommended Be careful while handling the inflation pressure can be found tire sealant and compressor kit on the Tire and Loading...

  • Page 310: Compressor Kit

    4. Replace with a new canister which is available from your dealer. 5. Push the new canister into place. The equipment you will need is in the trunk. 6. Screw the connector (B) to the canister (A). 1. Open the trunk. See for more information.
  • Page 311 3. Turn the wing nut 1. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it. counterclockwise to loosen The tools you will be using include Then remove the compact spare wheel wrench. the wheel wrench (A) and jack (B). tire. See 2.
  • Page 312 1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See 2. If the vehicle has a wheel cover or hubcap that has plastic wheel nut caps, loosen the plastic nut caps. You might need to use the wheel wrench to loosen them. Do not pry off wheel covers or center caps that have plastic 3.
  • Page 313 Getting under a vehicle when it is jacked up is dangerous. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you could be badly injured or killed. Never get under a vehicle when it is supported only by a jack. 5. Position the lift head at the jack 7.
  • Page 314 Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
  • Page 315 Never use oil or grease on bolts Wheel nuts that are improperly or or nuts because the nuts might incorrectly tightened can cause come loose. The vehicle's wheel the wheels to become loose or could fall off, causing a crash. come off.

  • Page 316: Compact Spare Tire

    Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. 14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in 3.
  • Page 317 7. With the valve stem up, place the tire on the compartment floor with the rear of the tire under the trim panel. The tire may not lay completely flat. 8. Line up the bolt with the wheel center. 9. With the yellow cap in place to prevent the wheel from being scratched, screw the bolt extension onto the bolt through...
  • Page 318 Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the passenger compartment of the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike someone. Store all these in the proper place. A. Cover 2. Collapse the wrench using the same button used to extend it.
  • Page 319 5. Place the jack in the spare tire well. Make sure the stow bolt goes through the hole in the center of the wrench on the jack, with the base of the jack towards Driving with more than one the front of the vehicle. Turn the compact spare tire at a time could jack retainer nut until it firmly result in loss of braking and...
  • Page 320 After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop as soon as For more information about the possible and make sure the spare vehicle battery, see tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph If the battery has run down, you (105 km/h) for distances up to may want to use another vehicle...
  • Page 321 2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If they are, it could cause a ground connection you do not want. You would not be able to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could damage the electrical 3.
  • Page 322 4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative ( ) terminal Using a match near a battery can Battery fluid contains acid that locations on each vehicle. Your cause battery gas to explode. vehicle's positive (+) terminal is can burn you.
  • Page 323 Before you connect the cables, 7. Do not let the other end touch here are some things you should metal. Connect it to the know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) terminal of the good positive (+) or to a remote battery.
  • Page 324 10. Now start the vehicle with the To disconnect the jumper cables good battery and run the from both vehicles, do the following: engine for a while. 1. Disconnect the black 11. Try to start the vehicle that had negative ( ) cable from the the dead battery.

  • Page 325: Towing The Vehicle

    How far will the vehicle be towed? Some vehicles have restrictions on how far and how long they can tow. Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another Does the vehicle have the vehicle such as behind a proper towing equipment? See motorhome.
  • Page 326 3. Set the parking brake. 4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is being towed, remove the following fuse from the instrument panel fuse block: (IGN SENSOR). See for more information. 5. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY. To dinghy tow the vehicle from the 6.
  • Page 327 4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping device designed for towing. 5. Remove the key from the ignition. 6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth, and a car washing soap 7.
  • Page 328 Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Wash with water or use chrome polish on chrome or Do not use cleaning agents that are stainless steel trim, if necessary. petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives, as they can Use special care with aluminum Foreign materials such as calcium damage the paint, metal, or plastic...
  • Page 329 High pressure car washes could cause water to enter the vehicle. Avoid using high pressure washes The vehicle may have either closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. surface of the vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding 8,274 kPa Keep the wheels clean using a soft, (1,200 psi) can result in damage or...
  • Page 330 Use chrome polish only on thoroughly when cleaning the chrome-plated wheels, but avoid blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and If the vehicle is damaged and any painted surface of the wheel, a buildup of vehicle wash/wax requires sheet metal repair or and buff off immediately after treatments may cause wiper replacement, make sure the body...
  • Page 331 Chemicals used for ice and snow Some weather and atmospheric The vehicle's interior will continue to removal and dust control can collect conditions can create a chemical look its best if it is cleaned often. on the underbody. If these are not fallout.
  • Page 332 Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Your dealer has products for Cleaners can contain solvents that Avoid laundry detergents or cleaning the vehicle's interior. When can become concentrated in the dishwashing soaps with cleaning the vehicle's interior, only vehicle's interior. Before using degreasers.
  • Page 333 cleaning, gently remove as much of 5. If the soil is not completely To remove dust, a soft cloth the soil as possible using one of the removed, use a mild soap dampened with water can be used. following techniques: solution and repeat the cleaning If a more thorough cleaning is process with plain water.
  • Page 334 Some commercial products may increase gloss on the instrument panel. The increase in gloss may To remove dust, a soft cloth cause annoying reflections in the dampened with water can be used. windshield and even make it difficult If a floor mat is the wrong size or If a more thorough cleaning is to see through the windshield under is not properly installed, it can...
  • Page 335 Use only a single floor mat on Use the following guidelines for the driver side. proper floor mat usage. Do not place one floor mat on The original equipment floor 1. Pull up on the rear of the mat to top of another.

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