1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

yellowblue
6-29 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 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
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original
battery's label.

yellowblue
6-30 Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº 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 ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
This section describes bulb changing procedures for some
of your interior and exterior lamps. For bulb sizes, see
ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index. For any bulbs not listed
in this section, contact your dealer service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
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.
Headlamps
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.

yellowblue
6-31
2. Carefully pull directly up on the two latches.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.
4. Unclip the wiring harness and twist the bulb less
than one
-quarter of a turn counterclockwise and
remove. Gently wiggle the bulb from the socket.

yellowblue
6-32
5. Reconnect the wiring harness to the bulb or
lamp assembly.
6. Replace the lamp to its original position by carefully
lining up the lamp to the mounting balls.
7. Press down on the two latches. Replace the splash
shield by pushing down on the retainer.
Front Exterior Bulbs
A. Front Turn Signal
B. High
-Beam Headlamp
C. Low
-Beam Headlamp

yellowblue
6-33 Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
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.
2. Carefully pull directly up on the two latches.
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.

yellowblue
6-34
4. Press the tab on the white bulb socket and twist it
less than one
-quarter of a turn counterclockwise.
5. Replace the lamp to its original position by carefully
lining up the lamp to the mounting balls.
6. Press down on the two latches. Replace the splash
shield by pushing down on the retainer.
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
1. Open the trunk and locate the CHMSL housing on
the underside of the rear window shelf.
2. Twist the bulb socket one quarter of a turn to
remove it.
3. Gently remove burned out bulb(s) and replace with a
new one.

yellowblue
6-35 Rear Exterior Lamps
A. Back-Up Lamp
B. Taillamp/Stoplamp
C. Rear Turn Signal Lamp
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal/Back-Up Lamps
1. Unscrew the fastener
located on the inside of
the trunk at the rear of
the vehicle.
2. Gently pull back the trunk trim.

yellowblue
6-36
3. Remove the three plastic wingnuts.4. Pull out the taillamp assembly to expose
the backplate.