2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU key

2-18
Theft
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft
-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal. However, there are ways you can help.
Key in the Ignition
If you leave your vehicle with the keys inside, it's an
easy target for joy riders or professional thieves
-- so
don't do it.
When you park your vehicle and open the driver's
door, you'll hear a chime reminding you to remove
your key from the ignition and take it with you.
Always do this. Your ignition and transaxle will be
locked. And remember to lock the doors.
Parking at Night
Park in a lighted spot, close all windows and lock your
vehicle. Remember to keep your valuables out of sight.
Put them in a storage area, or take them with you.
Parking Lots
Even if you park in a lot where someone will be
watching your vehicle, it's still best to lock it up and
take your keys. But what if you have to leave your key?

If possible, park in a busy, well
-lit area.

Put your valuables in a storage area, like your trunk
or glove box.

Be sure to close and lock the storage area.

Close all windows.

Move the trunk release lockout switch to ON.

Lock the glove box.

Lock all the doors except the driver's.

If your vehicle has a remote keyless entry system,
take the transmitter with you.

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Passlock
Your vehicle is equipped with the Passlock
theft
-deterrent system.
Passlock is a passive theft
-deterrent system. Passlock
enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder has not been
tampered with.
During normal operation,
the THEFT SYSTEM
light will come on for
approximately five
seconds when the key
is turned to ON and the
engine is started.
After attempting to start the engine, if the THEFT
SYSTEM light flashes or stay on, wait ten minutes
with the key in ON until the light goes off. Then turn
the ignition to OFF before attempting to start the
engine again.
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº
NOTICE:
Your vehicle doesn't need an elaborate
ªbreak
-in.º But it will perform better in
the long run if you follow these guidelines:

Don't drive at any one speed -- fast or
slow
-- for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Don't make full
-throttle starts.

Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings aren't yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking
-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.

Don't tow a trailer during break
-in.
See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for
more information.

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Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
A (OFF): This is the only position from which you can
remove the key. It also locks your ignition and transaxle.
A warning chime will sound if you open the driver's door
when the ignition is off and the key is in the ignition.
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key;
if so, is it all the way in? Turn the key only with
your hand. Using a tool to force it could break
the key or the ignition switch. If none of this
works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers when the engine is
not running. To use ACCESSORY, turn the key
clockwise to the first position.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push
-start your vehicle.
See ªRecreational Vehicle Towingº in the Index.

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C (ON): This position unlocks the ignition. It is also
the position to where the key returns after you start the
engine and release the switch. The switch will stay in
this position when the engine is running. But even when
the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate
your electrical accessories, and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
D (START): This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to ON for normal driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition
is turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF,
the radio will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or
until the driver's door is opened.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's
a safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transaxle. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.

2-22
NOTICE:
Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to help avoid
draining your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If your engine won't start (or starts but then stops),
it could be flooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for not more than 15 seconds at a time.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
NOTICE:
Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you don't,
your engine might not perform properly.
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
In very cold weather, 0
F (-18
C) or colder,
the engine coolant heater can help. You'll get easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine
warm
-up. Usually, the coolant heater should be
plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting
your vehicle. At temperatures above 32
F (0
C),
use of the coolant heater is not required.

2-25
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transaxle shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
-- push the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
-- as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before
moving the shift lever.) See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º
later in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see ªStuck
In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
while your engine is ªracingº (running at high
speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly
on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very
rapidly. You could lose control and hit people
or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.

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Shifting Into PARK (P)
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move,
even when you're on fairly level ground, use the
steps that follow. If you're pulling a trailer, see
ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:

Hold in the button on the lever.

Push the lever all the way toward the front
of your vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the key in your hand,
your vehicle is in PARK (P).

2-31
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock
control system. You have to apply your regular brake
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition
is in ON. See ªAutomatic Transaxle Operationº in
the Index.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever
-- push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P)
-- as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift into the gear you wish. (Press the
shift lever button before moving the shift lever.)
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the regular brake until the
end of Step 5.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Turn the key to START, to start the vehicle.
5. Shift to the drive gear you want.
6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.
Parking Over Things That Burn
CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Don't park
over papers, leaves, dry grass or other things that
can burn.