2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU air conditioning

)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to the
instrument panel outlets, and then directs most of
the remaining air to the ¯oor outlets. Some air may be
directed toward the side windows.
A(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
¯oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
9(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
The fan must be on to run the air-conditioning
compressor.
:(Outside Air):Press this button to turn the
outside air mode on or off. When this mode is on,
outside air will circulate throughout your vehicle. When
the button is pressed, an indicator light in the button
will come on to let you know that it is activated.
The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button will cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):This mode keeps outside air from
coming in the vehicle. It can be used to prevent outside
air and odors from entering your vehicle or to help heat or
cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly. Press this
button to turn the recirculation mode on or off. When the
button is pressed, an indicator light in the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The air-conditioning
compressor comes on. The recirculation mode can be
used with vent, bi-level, or ¯oor modes, but it cannot be
used with the defog or defrost modes. Pressing this
button will cancel the outside air mode. When you switch
to the defog or defrost modes the system will
automatically move from recirculation to outside air.
When you move the mode knob back to another mode,
the system will move back into recirculation. When the
car is turned off and back on the system will default to
outside air automatically.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside your vehicle.
3-18

When it's cold outside 0ÉF (-18ÉC) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if equipped, to provide warmer air
faster to your vehicle. An engine coolant heater warms
the coolant that the engine uses to provide heat to
warm the inside of your vehicle. For more information,
see
Engine Coolant Heater on page 2-19.
#A/C (Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air-conditioning system on or off. When A/C is
pressed, an indicator light in the button will come on to
let you know that air conditioning is activated.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the vent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select A/C.
4. Select the recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.Using these settings together for long periods of time
may cause the air inside of your vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening, after the air in
your vehicle has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so you may sometimes notice a small amount of
water dripping underneath your vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is normal.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and
warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode to
remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
3-19

Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode directs half of the air to the
windshield and half to the ¯oor outlets with a small
amount directed to the side windows. When you select
this mode, the system turns off recirculation
automatically and runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in
the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield with some air directed to the ¯oor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force outside
air into your vehicle and run the air-conditioning
compressor. Recirculation cannot be selected while in
the defrost mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light in the button
will come on to let your know that the rear window
defogger is activated. Be sure to clear as much snow
from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger will turn off approximately
10 minutes after the button is pressed. If turned on
again, the defogger will only run for approximately
®ve minutes before turning off. The defogger can also
be turned off by pressing the button again or by turning
off the engine.
Notice:Don't use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage
the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn't be
covered by your warranty. Do not attach a temporary
vehicle license, tape, a decal or anything similar
to the defogger grid.
3-20

When towing a trailer, the arrows on your instrument
panel will ¯ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer
are burned out. Thus, you may think drivers behind
you are seeing your signal when they are not. It's
important to check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous grades
exceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higher than
normal engine and transaxle temperatures may result
and damage your vehicle. Frequent stops are very
important to allow the engine and transaxle to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
beforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you don't shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce your
speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce the
possibility of engine and transaxle overheating.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage. If the indicator
is in the red area, turn off the air conditioning to
reduce engine load. See
Engine Overheating on
page 5-22.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here's
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but don't shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-39

Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver's side of the vehicle, near the engine air
cleaner/®lter. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location.
Fuses Usage
1 Ignition Switch
2Right Electrical Center-Fog Lamps,
Radio, Body Function Control
Module, Interior LampsFuses Usage
3Left Electrical Center-Stoplamps,
Hazard Lamps, Body Function
Control Module, Cluster, Climate
Control System
4 Anti-Lock Brakes
5 Ignition Switch
6 Not Used
7Left Electrical Center-Power Seats,
Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk
Release and Remote Lock Control
8 Cooling Fan #1
Relays Usage
9 Rear Defogger
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Cooling Fan #1
13 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
14 Cooling Fan #2
15 Cooling Fan
16 Air Conditioning Compressor
17 Not Used
18 Fuel Pump
19 Automatic Headlamp System
5-80

Relays Usage
20 Automatic Headlamp System
21 Horn
22 Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Fuses Usage
23±32 Spare Fuse Holder
33 Rear Defogger
34Accessory Power Outlets,
Cigar Lighter
35 Generator
36 Not Used
37Air Conditioning Compressor,
Body Function Control Module
38 Automatic Transaxle
39Powertrain Control Module (PCM),
Ignition
40 Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
41 Ignition System
42Back-Up Lamps, Automatic
Transaxle Shift Lock Control SystemFuses Usage
43 Horn
44 PCM
45 Parking Lamps
46 Climate Control System
47Canister Purge Valve, PCM, Exhaust
Gas Recirculation, Heated Oxygen
Sensor
48 Fuel Pump Injectors
49 Not Used
50 Right Headlamp
51 Left Headlamp
52 Cooling Fan
53 HVAC Blower (Climate Control)
54 Not Used
55 Cooling Fan #2 Ground
56 Fuse Puller
57 Not Used
5-81

Capacities and Speci®cations
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer toPart D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-21for more information.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ®ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
Capacities
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a
Use Refrigerant Oil, R134a Systems1.4 lbs. 0.6 kg
Automatic Transaxle Complete Overhaul 9.5 quarts 9.0 L
Cooling System 13.6 quarts 12.9 L
Engine Oil with Filter 4.5 quarts 4.3 L
Fuel Tank 14.1 gallons 53.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb-ft 140Y
Engine Speci®cations
Engine VIN Code Transaxle Spark Plug Gap
V6 J Automatic 0.06 inch, (1.52 mm)
5-82

Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
®ttings and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of
the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended
at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts
as needed. Replace any components that have high
effort or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
cha®ng, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self-adjusting and no manual
adjustment is required. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often if your driving habits
or conditions result in frequent braking.
6-20