2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU park brake adjustment

The main components of your instrument panel are the
following:
A. Side Window Defogger Vents. See ªDefogging and
Defrostingº in
Climate Control System on
page 3-17.
B. Vent Outlets. See
Outlet Adjustment on page 3-21.
C. Instrument Panel Brightness Thumbwheel. See
Interior Lamps on page 3-15.
D. Fog Lamp Button (If Equipped). See ªFog Lampsº in
Exterior Lamps on page 3-12.
E. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See
Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
F. Cruise Control Buttons (If Equipped). See ªCruise
Controlº in
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-5.
G. Instrument Panel Cluster. See
Instrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-23.
H. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See ªWindshield
Wipersº in
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on
page 3-5.
I. Ignition Switch. See
Ignition Positions on
page 2-17.J. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-4.
K. Instrument Panel Fuse Blocks. See
Fuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-77.
L. Instrument Panel Cupholder. See
Cupholder(s) on
page 2-30.
M. Remote Trunk Release Button. See ªRemote Trunk
Releaseº in
Trunk on page 2-11.
N. Hood Release. See
Hood Release on page 5-10.
O. Tilt Wheel Lever. See
Tilt Wheel on page 3-5.
P. Parking Brake. See
Parking Brake on page 2-23.
Q. Horn. See
Horn on page 3-5.
R. Audio System. See
Audio System(s) on page 3-36.
S. Cigarette Lighter. See
Ashtrays and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-17.
T. Ashtray. See
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter on
page 3-17.
U. Accessory Power Outlet. See
Accessory Power
Outlets on page 3-16.
V. Climate Control System. See
Climate Control
System on page 3-17.
3-3

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque speci®cations.
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
Brake System Inspection on page 6-20.
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 Ð very carefully Ð 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 Ð for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in Ð be sure
you get new approved 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 Ð 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.
5-35

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

B
Backing Up....................................................4-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-16
Battery..........................................................5-36
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-20
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-16
Brake............................................................2-23
Parking......................................................2-23
System Inspection.......................................6-20
System Warning Light..................................3-27
Brake Adjustment............................................5-35
Brake Fluid....................................................5-32
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-34
Brakes..........................................................5-32
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-16
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-42
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-44
Front Turn Signal Lamps..............................5-44
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-42
Headlamps.................................................5-42
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-47Bulb Replacement (cont.)
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps........................................5-45
Buying New Tires...........................................5-52
C
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Canadian Roadside Assistance........................... 7-6
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-82
Carbon Monoxide...................4-23, 4-34, 2-11, 2-26
Care of.........................................................5-70
Safety Belts................................................5-70
Your Cassette Tape Player............................3-58
Your CD Player...........................................3-59
Your CDs ...................................................3-59
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-54
Cassette Tape Player Service...........................6-15
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-54
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-30
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-44
Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts.....1-24
Chains, Tires..................................................5-55
2

Maintenance When Trailer Towing.....................4-40
Making Turns.................................................4-38
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-30
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual Windows............................................2-14
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle............... 2-5
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and
U.S. Virgin Islands) ± Customer Assistance....... 7-4
Mirrors..........................................................2-28
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-28
Outside Convex Mirror.................................2-29
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-29
Outside Remote Control Mirrors.....................2-28
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-3
N
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-16
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts............5-83
O
Odometer......................................................3-24
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-11
Oil ................................................................3-33
Check Oil Level Light...................................3-33
Engine.......................................................5-13
Pressure Light.............................................3-32Oil (cont.)
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-3
Operation Tips................................................3-21
Operation......................................................3-17
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-4
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-21
Outside.........................................................2-29
Convex Mirror.............................................2-29
Power Mirrors.............................................2-29
Remote Controls Mirrors...............................2-28
Overseas ± Customer Assistance........................ 7-4
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
Owner's Information........................................7-10
P
Park (P)........................................................2-25
Shifting Into................................................2-23
Shifting Out of............................................2-25
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle
Park (P) Mechanism Check...........................6-18
Parking on Hills..............................................4-39
Parking.........................................................2-23
Brake........................................................2-23
Over Things That Burn.................................2-26
Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services............. 6-4
Part B - Owner Checks and Services.................6-15
Part C - Periodic MaintenanceInspections...........6-19
9