2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

= :

= = = = = = = = 5-17 3-39, 3-44, 3-52

Finding PTY Stations ............................... Finish Care .................................................... Finish Damage ............................................... Fixed Mast Antenna ........................................ Flash-to-Pass Feature ....................................... Flat Tire ........................................................ Flat Tire. Changing ......................................... Fluid

3.47. 3-54 5-76 5-77 3-63 3-7 5-60 5-61

Automatic Transaxle ..................................... 5-18 Power Steering ........................................... 5-32 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-33 FM ............................................................... 3-61 .................................................... Fog Lamps 3-15 ........................................ Folding the Seatback 1-6 Following Distance .......................................... 4-38 Footnotes ................................................ 6-6, 6-1 2 Fuel ............................................................... 5-5 5-6 Additives ...................................................... California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... 5-9 ........................................... Filling Your Tank 5-7 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-7 3-d1 uayt! Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5 System Inspection ....................................... 6-21

.........................................................

m~

n-

Fuses

Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-82 .Windshield .w .iper ......................................... 5-81

G

Gage

Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... Fuel .......................................................... Speedometer .............................................. Tachometer ................................................. Garment Hooks .............................................. Gasoline

Octane ........................................................ Specifications ............................................... Glass Surfaces ............................................... Glove Box ..................................................... GM Mobility Program for Persons with

Disabilities ....................................................

3-30 3-37 3-25 3-26 2-32

5-5 5-5 5-74 2-32

7-5

Highway Hypnosis ........................................... Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. Hitches .......................................................... Hood

4-22 4-22 4-37

Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Release ..................................................... 5-10 3-5

Horn ............................................................... How to Add Coolant to

the Coolant

Surge Tank ................................................. ................................................

How to Check How to Check Power Steering Fluid How to Use This Manual ...................................... How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Hydroplaning ..................................................

5-27 5-53 .................. 5-32 ii ................... 1-12 4-18

Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... Head Restraints ............................................... Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer .................... Headlamp Wiring ............................................ Headlamps .................................................... ....................................... Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal Lamps .............................. Halogen Bulbs ............................................ Headlamps Off in Park (P) ............................... Headlamps On Reminder ...................................

3-4 1-5 3-7 5-81 5-45 5-45 5-47 5-45 3-14 3-7

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-24 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-23 If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-32 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-32 Ice or Snow ....... 4-28 If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer ..................... 4-35 ........................... 4-26 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-18 .......................... Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 6-19 Indicators ....................................................... 3-23 ............... 1-34 Infants and Young Children, Restraints

5-53

6-21 6-21 6-20 6-21 6-20

6-20 6-21

3-24 3-2 3-1 5

Inflation . Tire Pressure ................................... Inspection

............................................. Brake System Engine Cooling System ................................ Exhaust System .......................................... Fuel System ............................................... Part C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal

......................................... Throttle System ...........................................

Instrument Panel

Cluster ....................................................... Overview .....................................................

Instrument Panel Brightness ............................. Instrument Panel Fuse Block

(Passenger’s Side) .......................................

Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver’s Side) Interior Lamps ................................................ Interior Plastic Components ..............................

5-84 ....... 5-83 3-15 5-74

jump Siariiny .................................................

s-sy

Key Lock Cylinders Service .............................. ....................................... Keyless Entry System Keys ...............................................................

6-17 2-4 2-2

Lamps

Exterior ...................................................... 3-12 Interior ....................................................... 3-15 Lap Belt ........................................................ 1-26 Lap-Shoulder Belt ................................... 1-1 3, 1-23 LATCH System

Child Restraints ........................................... 1-43 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for

the LATCH System ................................... Leather ......................................................... Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................... Leaving Your Vehicle With the

Engine Running

..........................................

1-45 5-74 2-12

2-26

Light

.......................................

Air Bag Readiness Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Brake System Warning ................................. Charging System ......................................... Check Oil Level .......................................... Door Ajar ................................................... LE!!! Cm!2!-!! !n!.lrnI!?cJ ................................... Low Washer Fluid Warning ........................... Malfunction Indicator .................................... Oil Pressure ............................................... Passlock@ Warning ....................................... Safety Belt Reminder ................................... Se;;fice ‘4ehiclz Soon ...................................

3-27 ................... 3-29 3-28 3-28 3-35 3-36 3-3Q 3-36 3-31 3-34 3-35 3-26 3-3u rJ 13c

Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-32 Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-1 2 Locks

Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-9 Door ........................................................... 2-8 Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-12 Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-1 2 Power Door .................................................. 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-1 0 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-1 1 Long Trip/Highway Definition .............................. 6-6 Long Trip/Highway Intervals ............................... 6-6 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance ........ 6-1 2 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-14 Low Coolant Warning Light .............................. 3-30 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ....................... 3-36

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ............ 5-88 Maintenance Schedule

At Each Fuel Fill ......................................... 6-16 ................................ At Least Once a Month 6-16 At Least Once a Year .................................. 6-1 7 At Least Twice a Year .................................. 6-1 7 Brake System 6-21 Inspection .............................. Engine Cooling System Inspection ................. 6-21 Exhaust System Inspection ........................... 6-20

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)

Fuel System Inspection ................................ How This Section is Organized ....................... Introduction .................................................. Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Requirements Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services Part B - Owner Checks and Services Part C Part D - Recommended Fluids and

6-21 6-3 6-2 ..... 6-12 6-2 ......... 6-4 ............. 6-16 ...... 6-20

Periodic Maintenance Inspections

.............................

Lubricants ............................................... 6-22 Part E - Maintenance Record ........................ 6-23 .......................... Selecting the Right Schedule 6-5 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance ............. 6-6 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal Inspection .......................... Throttle System Inspection ............................ Using Your ................................................... Your Vehicle and the Environment

..................... Maintenance When Trailer Towing Making Turns ................................................. Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ Manual Seats ................................................... Manual Windows ............................................ Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Mexico, Central America and Caribbean

Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U S . Virgin Islands) .......................................

6-20 6-21 6-4 ................... 6-2 4-41 4-39 3-31 1-2 2-16 ............... 2-6

7-4

Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ Outside Convex Mirror ................................. Outside Power Mirrors .................................. Outside Remote Control Mirrors .....................

New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... Normal Maintenance Replacement

2-18 Parts ............ 5-88

Odometer ...................................................... Off-Road Recovery .......................................... Oil

Light

................................... Check Oil Level Engine ....................................................... Pressure Light ............................................. ................................ Older Operation ...................................................... ................................................ nnnra+inn Tps -r-*---** Other Outlet Outside

...................................... ............................................

Restraints

Convex Power Remote Coiitroll ?dirrors

............................................. ............................................. ................................

Children,

Warning

Owners. Canadian

...............................................

2-30 Owner’s Information ........................................ 2-31 2-31 2-30

ii 7-11

Park (P)

Parking

Shifting Out of

............................................

2-27

Mechanism

Check (P)

3-25 4-1 2

Brake ........................................................ 2-25 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-28

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle

Park

Shifting Into

........................... Parking on Hills .............................................. Park( P) 2-25 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance 6-4 Part B - Owner Checks and 6-16 Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-20 Part D - Recommended Fluids and

................................................

............ ................

Services

Services

6-19 4-40

Lubricants

.................................................. Part E - Maintenance Record ...........................

.................................................

.....................................................

Passlockw Plan Ahead When Possible Playing a Cassette Tape Playing a Compact Disc Playing the Radio

...........................

................................ .................................. ..................

6-22 6-23 4-1 2, 4-38 2-17 7-7 3-56 3-41, 3-49, 3-59 3-39, 3-43, 3-51

3-35 5-1 3 3-34 1-31 3-1 8 1_33 Passing ” LL 3-5 3-22

2-31 2-31 o on L-3u

Power ............................................................. 1-3 Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-1 7 .................................................. Door Locks 2-9 Electrical System ......................................... 5-81 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-32 Windows .................................................... 2-1 6 Power Steering ............................................... 4-10 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-1 0

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-1 1

Radio Messages ............................. 3.41. 3.48. Radios ..........................................................

3-56 3-38 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-62 3-63 Care of Your CD Player ............................... Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-63 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-51 Radio with CD 3-39, 3-43 Setting the Time for Radios with

....................................

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

.......................

Setting the Time for Radios without

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

....................... Theft-Deterrent ............................................ Understanding Reception ..............................

3-38

3-38 3-61 3-61

10

RDS Messages ...................................... 3.47. 3-55 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-28 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-6 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............. 1-22 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-22 Rear Window Defogger .................................... 3-21 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-30 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-4 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-29 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-4 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-5 Remote Trunk Release 2-13 Remote Trunk Release Lockout 2-13 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

.................................... ........................

Spare Tire ..................................................

5-63 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-62 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-50 Replacing Brake System Parts 5-37 .......................... Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

..............................................

1-60

Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government .................................. General Motors ........................................... United States Government .............................. Restraint System Check ...................................

7-10 7-10 7-9 6-17 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ..........................................

1-60

Restraint Systems

Checking .................................................... Replacing Parts ...........................................

1-60 1-60 Restraints, Head ............................................... 1-5 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-1 9 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-22 Roadside

Assistance Program .......................................

7-5 ................... 4-28 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-29

Safety Belt

Safety Belts

Reminder Light ............................................

3-26

...................................................... 5-75 Care of 1-26 Center Rear Passenger Position .................... Driver Position ............................................ 1-1 3 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-12 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-1 1 Rear Safetv Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults ......................... 1-28 1-22 Rear Seat Passengers ................................. Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-22 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-30 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-21 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-7

Safety Chains ................................................. Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. Seats

Head Restraints ............................................ Manual ........................................................ Rear Seat Operation ...................................... Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... Six-Way Power Driver .................................... Second-Gear Start .......................................... Securing a Child Restraint

4-37 ... III

1-5 1-2 1-6 1-4 1-3 2-24

Center Rear Seat Position ............................ Designed for the LATCH System Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... Right Front Seat Position ..............................

1-48 ................... 1-45 1-45 1-50 Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance .......... 6-5 Service ........................................................... 5=3

Adding Equipment to the Outside of

n - ._ . .- - n . .II-L.--

Your Vehicle .............................................. ...................................

5-4 Doing Your Own Work 5-3 Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-31 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-10 Vehicle Soon Light ....................................... 3-36 ............................................. 1 - I W d C i V l L C D U i I G t I I l a Service Manuals ............................................. 7-10 Setting Preset Stations .................... 3-40, 3-45, 3-52 Setting the Time

7 4 n

Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ............ 3-38 Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........ 3-38

11

Setting the Tone (BassTTreble) .......... 3-40, 3-45, 3-53 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-77 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-25 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-27 Short Trip/City Definition .................................... 6-5 Short Trip/City Intervals ..................................... 6-5 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance ................ 6-6 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ........................... 1-16 Skidding ........................................................ 4-1 4 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips 4-18 ....................... Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-73 Specifications, Capacities ................................. 5-87 Speedometer .................................................. 3-25 Starter Switch Check ....................................... 6-18 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-19 Steering ........................................................ 4-1 0 Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-1 1 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal Inspection .............................. Steering Tips .................................................. Storage

Garment Hooks ...........................................

6-20 4-10

2-32

Storage Areas

Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-32 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-32 Glove Box .................................................. 2-32 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools .......................... 5-69 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools ....................... 5-70

...................

Stuck in Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow Sun Visors .................................................. Sunroof ...................................................... Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) ............ ................. How Does an Air Bag Restrain? Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ...... What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ................. What Will You See After an Air Bag

Inflates? ...............................................

When Should an Air Bag Inflate? ................ Where Are the Air Bags?

...........................

. 4-28 . 2-16 . 2-33 . 1-53 . 1-57 . 1-59 . 1-57

. 1-58 . 1-57 . 1-55

Tachometer .................................................... Taillamps

..................................... Passlock@ .................................................. ............................... Throttle System Inspection Tilt Wheel ........................................................ Tire Inflation Check ......................................... Tires .....................................................

3-26 Turn Signal. Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps ...... 5-48 Theft.Deterrent. Radio 3-61 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-17 2-17 6-21 3-5 6-16 5-52, 5-77 5-56 5-60 5-61 5-71

Buying New Tires ........................................ Chains ....................................................... Changing a Flat Tire .................................... Compact Spare Tire .....................................

12

Tires (cont.)

If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-60 Inflation . Tire Pressure ............................... 5-53 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-54 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-57 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-58 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-58 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-55 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-21 5-74 Top of the Instrument Panel ............................. Top Strap ...................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-42 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-27 .................. 4-36 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Towing

Recreational Vehicle ..................................... .......................................... Towing a Trailer ............................................... Your Vehicle Trailer Brakes ................................................. Transaxle

Fluid, Automatic ........................................... Transaxle Operation, Automatic ......................... Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit

Repair Manual

............................................ Transportation Options ...................................... Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit ................................... Trip Odometer ................................................

4-29 4-34 4-29 4-37

5-1 8 2-22

7-10 7-8 2-14 3-25

Trunk ............................................................ ................................................... Trunk Lamp Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... ........................... Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

2-12 3-16 3-6 3-6 .................. 4-39

Underbody Flushing Service ............................. Understanding Radio Reception ........................ ............................ Uniform Tire Quality Grading United States ................................................... Used Replacement Wheels .............................. .................................. Using Cleaner on Fabric Using RDS ............................................

6-19 3-61 5-57 7-4 5-59 5-73 3-46, 3-54

Vehicle

Control ........................................................ Damage Warnings ........................................... Loading ...................................................... Service Soon Light ...................................... Symbols .........................................................

4-6 iv 4-32 3-36 iv

Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-80 Service Parts Identification Label ................... 5-80

13

.............................................. Vehicle Storage Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... Vinyl ............................................................. Visors ...........................................................

5-38 When to Change Engine Oil ............................. 5-16 3-22 When to Check .............................................. 5-53 5-74 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-32 2-16 When

You Are Ready to Leave After

Warning Lights. Gages and Warnings

Indicators ................ 3-23

Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Safety and Symbols ......................................... Vehicle Damage ..............................................

............................... ..................................

...................... Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... ?'Veatheistrip Liibrication ................................... Weight of the Trailer ........................................ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ What to Do with Used Oil ................................ What to Use .................................. Wheels

.......................... Aiiy~-lt-l-l~i-~i h1-d Tilt: i;dihl-IC;e Replacement ............................................... When to Add Engine Oil ..................................

3-4 3-5 iii iv 3-36 5-75 6-1 7 4-35 4-36 5-15 5-17 5-20, 5-32, 5-33

Parking on a Hill ......................................... 4-40 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-40 Why Safety Belts Work ..................................... 1-8 Window Lockout ............................................. 2-1 6 Windows ....................................................... 2-15 Manual ...................................................... 2-16 Power ........................................................ 2-16 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................... 5-76 Windshield Washer ........................................... 3-8 Fluid .......................................................... 5-33 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ................ 6-16 Windshield Wiper

Blade Replacement ...................................... Fuses ........................................................ Windshield Wipers ............................................ Winter Driving ................................................ Wiper Blade Check .........................................

5-51 5-81 3-7 4-24 6-17

r m

5 - a ~ 5-58 5-14

Your Vehicle and the Environment .......................

6-2

14