2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU steering

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it ®nds that a safety defect exists in
a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer or
General Motors.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
the Washington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your vehicle
has a safety defect, you should immediately notify
Transport Canada, in addition to notifying General
Motors of Canada Limited. You may write to:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Tower C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, we certainly hope you'll notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English)
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, 163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
7-9

E
Electrical System............................................5-76
Add-On Equipment......................................5-76
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-77
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-76
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-76
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-76
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-13
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-32
Engine..........................................................5-17
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Battery.......................................................5-36
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-30
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-19
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-29
Coolant......................................................5-19
Cooling System Inspection............................6-20
Exhaust.....................................................2-26
Oil .............................................................5-13
Overheating................................................5-22
Starting......................................................2-18
Engine Compartment Fuse Block......................5-80
Engine Coolant Level Check.............................6-15
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing..................4-40Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-15
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-15
Express-Down Window....................................2-15
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-28
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-12
F
Filter.............................................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finding a Station............................3-38, 3-42, 3-48
Finding PTY Stations...............................3-44, 3-51
Finish Care....................................................5-71
Finish Damage...............................................5-73
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-59
Flash-to-Pass Feature....................................... 3-7
Flat Tire........................................................5-56
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-57
Fluid.............................................................5-18
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-18
Power Steering...........................................5-30
Windshield Washer......................................5-31
FM ...............................................................3-57
Fog Lamps....................................................3-14
Folding the Seatback........................................ 1-5
5

Following Distance..........................................4-38
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-5
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
Filling a Portable Fuel Container..................... 5-9
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-6
Gage.........................................................3-35
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations.................................. 5-4
System Inspection.......................................6-19
Fuses...........................................................5-77
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-77
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-76
G
Gage............................................................3-29
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-29
Fuel..........................................................3-35
Speedometer..............................................3-24
Tachometer.................................................3-25
Garment Hooks..............................................2-30
Gasoline......................................................... 5-4
Octane........................................................ 5-4
Speci®cations............................................... 5-4
Glove Box.....................................................2-30
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-4
Head Restraints............................................... 1-5
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-76
Headlamps..............................................3-6, 5-42
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-42
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-14
Headlamps On Reminder................................... 3-7
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-21
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-21
Hitches..........................................................4-37
Hood.............................................................. 5-9
Checking Things Under.................................. 5-9
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-5
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-26
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-31
How to Check................................................5-50
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-18
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-11
Hydroplaning..................................................4-17
6

I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-23
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-22
If the Light Is Flashing.....................................3-31
If the Light Is on Steady..................................3-31
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-27
If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer.....................4-35
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-25
Ignition Positions.............................................2-17
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check..........................6-18
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-31
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-49
Inspection......................................................6-20
Brake System.............................................6-20
Engine Cooling System................................6-20
Exhaust System..........................................6-19
Fuel System...............................................6-19
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-19
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal.........................................6-19
Throttle System...........................................6-20
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-15
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Passenger's Side)....5-79
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver's Side).......5-78
Instrument Panel.............................................3-23
Cluster.......................................................3-23
Overview..................................................... 3-2
Interior Lamps................................................3-15
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-36
K
Key Lock Cylinders Service..............................6-16
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-3
Keys............................................................... 2-2
L
Lamps...........................................................3-12
Exterior......................................................3-12
Interior.......................................................3-15
Lap Belt........................................................1-24
Lap-Shoulder Belt...................................1-12, 1-21
LATCH System...............................................1-40
Child Restraints...........................................1-40
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-41
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running.....................................................2-24
Leaving Your Vehicle.......................................2-11
Light.............................................................3-26
Air Bag Readiness.......................................3-26
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning...................3-28
Brake System Warning.................................3-27
7

Light (cont.)
Charging System.........................................3-27
Check Oil Level..........................................3-33
Door Ajar...................................................3-34
Low Coolant Warning...................................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning...........................3-34
Malfunction Indicator....................................3-30
Oil Pressure...............................................3-32
Passlock
žWarning.......................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminder...................................3-25
Service Vehicle Soon...................................3-35
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-32
Lockout Protection..........................................2-11
Locks............................................................. 2-8
Delayed Locking........................................... 2-8
Door........................................................... 2-7
Leaving Your Vehicle....................................2-11
Lockout Protection.......................................2-11
Power Door.................................................. 2-8
Programmable Automatic Door Locks............... 2-9
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-10
Long Trip/Highway De®nition.............................. 6-5
Long Trip/Highway Intervals............................... 6-5
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance........6-11
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Low Coolant Warning Light..............................3-29
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light.......................3-34
M
Maintenance, Normal Replacement Parts............5-83
Maintenance Schedule.....................................6-15
At Each Fuel Fill.........................................6-15
At Least Once a Month................................6-15
At Least Once a Year..................................6-16
At Least Twice a Year..................................6-16
Brake System Inspection..............................6-20
Engine Cooling System Inspection.................6-20
Exhaust System Inspection...........................6-19
Fuel System Inspection................................6-19
How This Section is Organized....................... 6-3
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance.....6-11
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services......... 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services..............6-15
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections.......6-19
Part D - Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants...............................................6-21
Part E - Maintenance Record.........................6-22
Selecting the Right Schedule.......................... 6-4
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance............. 6-6
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..........................6-19
Throttle System Inspection............................6-20
Using Your................................................... 6-4
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
8

Part D - Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.....6-21
Part E - Maintenance Record............................6-22
Passing.................................................4-11, 4-38
Passlock
ž......................................................2-16
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-7
Playing a Cassette Tape..................................3-52
Playing a Compact Disc..................3-39, 3-46, 3-54
Playing the Radio...........................3-37, 3-41, 3-48
Power Steering................................................ 4-8
Power............................................................. 1-3
Accessory Outlets........................................3-16
Door Locks.................................................. 2-8
Electrical System.........................................5-76
Steering Fluid.............................................5-30
Windows....................................................2-15
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................. 2-9
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-11
R
Radio Messages.............................3-39, 3-45, 3-52
Radios..........................................................3-36
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-58
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-59
Care of Your CDs........................................3-59Radios (cont.)
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-48
Radio with CD....................................3-37, 3-41
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-37
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)................................3-36
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-57
Understanding Reception..............................3-57
RDS Messages......................................3-45, 3-51
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-10
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-25
Rear Seat Operation......................................... 1-5
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions.............1-20
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-20
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-20
Rearview Mirrors.............................................2-28
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-3
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-28
Remote Keyless Entry System,
Operation..................................................... 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System............................ 2-3
Remote Trunk Release Lockout........................2-12
Remote Trunk Release....................................2-12
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-59
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-58
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-47
Replacing Brake System Parts..........................5-35
10

Service........................................................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-4
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-3
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-30
Publications Ordering Information..................... 7-9
Vehicle Soon Light.......................................3-35
Setting Preset Stations....................3-38, 3-42, 3-49
Setting the Time.............................................3-37
Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-37
Radios without Radio Data
Systems (RDS)........................................3-36
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)..........3-38, 3-43, 3-49
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-72
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-23
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-25
Short Trip/City De®nition.................................... 6-4
Short Trip/City Intervals..................................... 6-5
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance................ 6-6
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-14
Skidding........................................................4-13
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-17
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-69
Speci®cations, Capacities.................................5-82
Speedometer..................................................3-24
Starter Switch Check.......................................6-17
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-18
Steering.......................................................... 4-8
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-10Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot and Seal Inspection..............................6-19
Steering Tips................................................... 4-9
Storage Areas................................................2-30
Center Console Storage Area........................2-30
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-30
Glove Box..................................................2-30
Storage.........................................................2-30
Garment Hooks...........................................2-30
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools..........................5-65
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools.......................5-66
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-27
Sun Visors.....................................................2-15
Sunroof.........................................................2-31
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)...............1-48
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?....................1-52
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle.........1-54
What Makes an Air Bag In¯ate?....................1-52
What Will You See After an
Air Bag In¯ates?.......................................1-52
When Should an Air Bag In¯ate?...................1-51
Where Are the Air Bags?..............................1-50
T
Tachometer....................................................3-25
Taillamps.......................................................5-45
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps....5-45
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-57
12

Vehicle Storage..............................................5-36
Vehicle............................................................ 4-5
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-32
Service Soon Light......................................3-35
Symbols......................................................... iv
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-21
Visors...........................................................2-15
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-22
Warnings......................................................... 3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-4
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-4
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light......................3-34
Washing Your Vehicle......................................5-71
Weatherstrip Lubrication...................................6-16
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-36
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-35
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-14
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-17
What to Use..........................................5-20, 5-31
Wheels..........................................................5-54
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-54
Replacement...............................................5-54When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil.............................5-16
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-30
When to Check..............................................5-50
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.....5-17
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill.........................................4-40
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-38
Why Safety Belts Work..................................... 1-8
Window Lockout.............................................2-15
Windows.......................................................2-14
Manual......................................................2-14
Power........................................................2-15
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check................6-15
Windshield Washer.........................................5-31
Fluid..........................................................5-31
Windshield Wiper............................................5-48
Blade Replacement......................................5-48
Fuses........................................................5-76
Windshield Wipers............................................ 3-8
Winshield Washer............................................. 3-9
Winter Driving................................................4-23
Wiper Blade Check.........................................6-16
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14