1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, your
dealer will order you an extender, It’s free. When you go
in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear,
so the
extender will be long enough for you. The extender will
be just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use it
only for the seat it is made to fit.
To wear it, just attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from
doing its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can
rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened
or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After
a Crash
If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn
during a more severe crash, then you need new belts.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used at
the time
of the collision.
If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special\

part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier
in
this section.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 2 Features and Controls
Here you can learn about the many standard and optional features on your vehicle, and inform\
ation on starting,
shifting and braking. Also explained are the instrument panel and the warning systems that tell you if everything is
working properly
-- and what to do if you have a problem.
2-2
2-4
2-6
2- 10
2-11
2- 12
2- 13
2- 13
2-
14
2- 17
2-18
2-22
2-23
2-25
2-25
2-26 Keys
Door Locks
Keyless Entry System
TrUnk
Theft
Passlock’
New Vehicle “Break-In”
Ignition Positions
Starting Your Engine
Engine Coolant Heater
(If Equipped)
Automatic Transaxle Operation Parking Brake
Shifting Into PARK (P)
Shifting Out
of PARK (P)
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust 2-26
2-27
2-28
2-29
2-36
2-38
2-39
2-4 1
2-43
2-44
2-44
2-45
2-45
2-46 2-50 Running
Your Engine While You’re Parked
Windows
Tilt Wheel
Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever
Exterior Lamps
Interior Lamps
Mirrors Storage Compartments
Ashtray and Lighter Sunvisors
Accessory Power Outlet
Garment
Hook
Sunroof
Instrument Panel
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Keys
Leaving young children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous for many reasons.
A child or others could be badly injured or
even killed.
They could operate power windows or other
controls or even make the vehicle move. Don't
leave the keys in a vehicle with young children.
2-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine One key is used for the
ignition and all other locks.
When a new vehicle is delivered, the key has a
bar-coded key tag. This tag may be removed by your
dealer before
it is delivered. Each tag has
a key code on
it that tells your dealer or a
qualified locksmith
how to make extra keys. Keep the
tag in
a safe place. If you lose your keys, you’ll be able
to have one made easily using this tag.
If you need a new key,
go to your dealer for the correct
key code.
I NOTICE:
Your vehicle has a number of new features that
can help prevent theft, therefore you can have a
lot of trouble getting into your vehicle if you ever
lock your keys inside. You may even have to
damage your vehicle to get in.
So be sure you
have extra keys.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Door Locks From the outside, use your key or Keyless Entry
System, if your vehicle has this option.
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
Passengers
-- especially children -- can easily
open the doors and fall out. When
a door is
locked, the inside handle won’t open it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked
door when you slow down or stop your vehicle.
This may not be
so obvious: You increase the
chance
of being thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash
if the doors aren’t locked. Wear safety belts
properly, lock your doors, and you will be far
better
off whenever you drive your vehicle.
From the inside, to lock the door, move the locking
lever forward.
To unlock
the door, move the locking lever rearward.
There are several ways to lock and unlock your vehicle.
2-4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Power Door Locks (If Equipped) Rear Door Security Locks
With the power
door locks,
you can unlock or lock all
of the doors of your vehicle
from the driver or front
passenger door lock switch.
Pull
up on the switch to unlock all of the doors. Push
down on it to lock all the doors.
Door Ajar Reminder
If one of the doors of your vehicle is not closed
properly, the ignition is on and
you shift from PARK (P)
or
NEUTRAL (N), you will hear a chime. Also, the
Door Ajar light on the instrument panel will come
on and stay
on until the doors are closed and
completely latched.
Your vehicle is equipped
with rear door security
locks that help prevent
passengers from opening
the rear doors of your
vehicle from the inside.
The switch is located
on the inside of the rear door. To
use the security locks:
1. Move the switch up.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same thing on the other rear door.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The rear doors of your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open
a rear door when the security lock is on:
1. Unlock the door from the inside.
2. Then open the door from the outside.
If you don’t cancel the security lock feature, adults or
older children who ride in the rear won’t be able to open \
the rear door from the inside. You should let adults and
older children know how these security locks work, and
how to cancel the locks.
To cancel the rear door lock:
1. Unlock the door from the inside and open it from
the outside.
2. Move the switch down.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
The rear doors will now work normally.
Leaving Your Vehicle
If you are leaving your vehicle, open your door and
set the locks from the inside, then get out and close
the door.
Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
If your vehicle has this option, you can lock and unlock
your doors or unlock your trunk from about
3 feet (1 m)
up to
30 feet (9 m) away using the remote keyless entry
transmitter supplied with your vehicle.
In addition, the system
illuminates the interior
lights for a set period of
time. The keyless entry
system consists of a
receiver, which is located in
the vehicle, and two
hand-held transmitters.
Your keyless entry system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission
(FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Changes or modifications to this system by other than an
authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
This system has a range of about
3 feet (1 m) up to
30 feet (9 m). At times you may notice a decrease in
range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry
system. If the transmitter does not work or if you have
to stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter to
work, try this:
Check to determine if battery replacement or
resynchronization is necessary. See the instructions
that follow.
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
If you’re still having trouble, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Operation
The following functions are available with the keyless
entry system:
LOCK: All doors will automatically lock when the
LOCK button on the transmitter is pressed. Press the
button a second time and you will hear a “chirp” to
indicate that the doors have been locked.
UNLOCK: The driver’s door will unlock automatically
when the UNLOCK button on the transmitter is pressed.
If the UNLOCK button is pressed again within five
seconds, all remaining doors will unlock.
Trunk Release: The trunk will unlock anytime
the
vehicle symbol on the transmitter is pressed, the trunk
lockout is not engaged and the gear selector is in
PARK
(P) or NEUTRAL (N) .