1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU service indicator

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2-52 Charging System Indicator Light
The charging system
indicator light will come on
when you turn on the
ignition, but the engine is
not running, as a check to
show you it is working.
When the engine is running, it should go out.
If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving and you
hear a chime, you may have a problem with the
electrical charging system. It could indicate that you
have a loose generator drive belt or another electrical
problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this
light is on could drain your battery.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be
certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you
need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
United States Canada
This light should come on briefly when you turn the
ignition key to ON. If it doesn't come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's a problem.
If the light and chime come on while you are driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle
towed for service. (See ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.)

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2-55 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
Your vehicle is equipped
with a computer which
monitors operation of the
fuel, ignition and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On
-Board
Diagnostics
-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life
of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The CHECK ENGINE light comes on and
a chime will sound to indicate that there is a problem
and service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is apparent.
This may prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
This system is also designed to assist your service
technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
NOTICE:
If you keep driving your vehicle with this light
on, after a while, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as
good and your engine may not run as smoothly.
This could lead to costly repairs that may not be
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE:
Modifications made to the engine, transaxle,
exhaust or fuel system of your vehicle or the
replacement of the original tires with other than
those of the same Tire Performance Criteria
(TPC) can affect your vehicle's emission controls
and may cause the CHECK ENGINE light to
come on. Modifications to these systems could
lead to costly repairs not covered by your
warranty. This may also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.

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2-60 Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light will come on
briefly when you turn
on the ignition.
It will stay on or come on and chime if it detects a
problem on the vehicle, such as a DRL or an ALC
malfunction. If this happens, see your dealer service
department as soon as possible.
Door Ajar Light
When the ignition is on, this
light will stay on until all
doors are closed and
completely latched.
You will hear a chime if a door is unlatched after the
engine is started and the vehicle is not in PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N).
Fuel Gage
Your fuel gage tells you
about how much fuel you
have left, when the ignition
is on. When the indicator
nears empty, the light will
come on and you will hear a
chime. You still have a little
fuel left, but you should get
more soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None
of these show a problem with your fuel gage:

At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.

It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the
gage indicated. For example, the gage may have
indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.

The gage moves a little when you turn a corner or
speed up.

The gage goes back to empty when you turn off
the ignition.

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3-25
If your vehicle is equipped with the AM-FM Stereo with
Cassette Tape Player and Automatic Tone Control:
1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE AUX button for five
seconds. The tape symbol on the display will flash
for two seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer's
recommended cleaning time.
When the cleaning cassette has been ejected, the cut tape
detection feature is active again.
You may also choose a non
-scrubbing action, wet-type
cleaner which uses a cassette with a fabric belt to clean
the tape head. This type of cleaning cassette will not
eject on its own. A non
-scrubbing action cleaner may
not clean as thoroughly as the scrubbing type cleaner.
The use of a non
-scrubbing action, dry-type cleaning
cassette is not recommended.
After you clean the player, press and hold EJECT for
five seconds to reset the CLN indicator. The radio will
display
--- to show the indicator was reset.Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may
degrade over time. Always make sure the cassette tape is in
good condition before you have your tape player serviced.
Care of Your Compact Discs
Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases
or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight
and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and
clean it, wiping from the center to the edge.
Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling
discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to
the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with
lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes
without being damaged. If the mast should ever become
slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should
replace it.
Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still
tightened to the fender.

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6-4
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission
Standards (indicated on the underhood emission control
label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. If such fuels are not available
in states adopting California emissions standards, your
vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel may turn on and/or your
vehicle may fail a smog
-check test. (See ªMalfunction
Indicator Lampº in the Index.) If this occurs, return to
your authorized Chevrolet dealer for diagnosis to
determine the cause of failure. In the event it is
determined that the cause of the condition is the type of
fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane
-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator whether or not
the fuel contains MMT. General Motors does not
recommend the use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Chevrolet dealer for service.To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system, allowing your emission control system to
function properly. Therefore, you should not have to add
anything to the fuel. In addition, gasolines containing
oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines may be available in your area to
contribute to clean air. General Motors recommends that
you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with
the specifications described earlier.
NOTICE:
Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Don't use it. It can corrode
metal parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty.

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6-28
NOTICE: (Continued)

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
your vehicle. If you do, wash it off immediately.
See ªAppearance Careº in the Index.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that make a
high
-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º

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Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Record 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance Schedule 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Definition 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long Trip/Highway Intervals 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scheduled Maintenance Services 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selecting the Right Schedule 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Definition 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short Trip/City Intervals 7-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance, Underbody 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Trailer Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns with a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Malfunction Indicator Lamp 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Front Seat 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Methanol 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirror Reading Lamps 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual Remote Control 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Remote Control 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor Vanity 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobility Program 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multifunction Lever 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net, Convenience 2-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neutral, Automatic Transaxle 2-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer, Trip 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Pressure Warning Light 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Mirror 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating Engine 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-11, 8-12, 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park
Automatic Transaxle 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Out of 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
At Night 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Mechanism Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lots 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-11
Treadwear 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Quality Grading 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used Replacement Wheel 6-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement 6-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When It's Time for New 6-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque Lock 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Torque, Wheel Nut 5-26, 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing
From the Front 4
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From the Rear 4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a Trailer 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer
Backing Up with 4
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on Grades 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving with a 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Following Distance with 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance When Towing 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making Turns 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking on Hills 4-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing with 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Chains 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tongue Weight 4-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Weight on Tires 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 4-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turn Signals 4
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle
Automatic 6
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Lock Check 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmitters, Keyless Entry System 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation, Courtesy 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trip Odometer 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk 2-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamp 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release Lockout, Remote 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TTY Users 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal and Lane Change Signals 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal On Chime 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever 2-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Flushing Service 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Underbody Maintenance 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle
Control 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage Warnings vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification Number 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .