1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be
a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear.
If you rarely make a moderate or
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then
-- very carefully -- make
a few moderate brake stops about every
1,000 miles
(1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
pumping the brake pedal repeatedly while the engine is
running with the shift lever
in PARK (P).
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be
of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put
in -- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts.
If you
don’t, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that
are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you’ve come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Every new Chevrolet has a Delco Freedom@ battery.
You never have to add water to one of these. When it’s
time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom
battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown
on the original battery’s label.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, take
off the black, negative (-) cable from
the battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
I
I ,. CAUTION:
Bulb Replacement
This section describes bulb changing procedures for some of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index. For any bulbs not
listed in this section, contact your Chevrolet dealer service department.
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren’t careful, See “Jump Starting” in the Index
for tips on working around
a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see “Theft-Deterrent
Feature” in the Index.
Halogen Bulbs
I A CAUTIOL
t- I
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst
if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package,
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Trent Exterior Bulbs Headlamp and Front
lbrn Signal Lamp
Bulb Replacement
When replacing a halogen bulb, do not touch the glass
portion of the bulb. The oil from your fingers will
shorten the life of your new halogen bulb. For the type
of bulb to use,
see “Replacement Bulbs” in the Index.
1. With the hood open and the engine off, pull the
fastener out of the plastic splash shield covering the
top of the headlamp assembly and remove it.
A. Front Turn Signal
B. High-Beam Headlamp
C. Low-Beam Headlamp
2. Carefully pull directly up on the two latches.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Remove the lamp assembly from the vehicle by
pulling forward. Use care not to scratch the vehicle
with the lamp or the lamp with the fender.
harness and twist the bulb less than one-quarter
of a
turn to the left and remove. Gently wiggle the bulb
from the socket.
4. For the high or low-beam bulbs, unclip the wiring
5. For the turn signal bulb, press the tab on the white
bulb socket and twist it less than one-quarter
of a
turn to the left.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness to the bulb or
lamp assembly.
lining up the lamp to the mounting balls.
7. Replace the lamp to its original position by carefully
8. Press down on the two latches. Replace the splash
shield by pushing down on the retainer.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
1. Open the trunk and locate the CHMSL housing at the
2. Twist the bulb housing one-quarter of a turn to
top
of the trunk.
remove it.
3. Gently remove burned out bulb(s) and replace with a
new one.
Rear Exterior Lamps TaiYStop/'hrn SignaVBack-Up Lamps
A. Back-up
Lamps
B. Taillamp C. Rear Turn Signal Lamp
1. Unscrew the butterfly
fastener that holds in the trunk trim.
2. Pull back the trunk trim.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 3. Remove the three plastic wingnuts. 4. Pull out the taillamp assembly to expose
the backplate.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7. Reverse the steps to reassemble the rear lamp
assembly and mount to the car.
Make sure that the
six tabs are securely fastened to
the backplate before reassembling the lamp.
Dome Lamp
To change your dome lamp bulb, grasp the center front
and center rear portion of the housing and
squeeze
firmly but gently. The housing should pop off.
If this doesn't work, you may need to use a small
flat-head screwdriver under the side of the housing to
help
pry it off.
5. Carefully remove the backplate by gently pulling up
on the four outer and two inner tabs.
6. Gently wiggle the bulbs to remove them from the
socket. Replace the bulb.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For the proper type and length, see “Capacities and Specifications’’
in the Index.
Here’s how to remove the Sheppard’s
Hook type:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm away from
the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
Tires
Your new Chevrolet comes with high-quality tires made
by a leading tire manufacturer. If
you ever have
questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain
service, see your Chevrolet Warranty booklet for details.
‘ ”AUTION: d
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result
of too much friction.
You could have an air-out and a serious
accident. See “Loading Your Vehicle” in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
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