2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU display

1–6 (Preset Pushbuttons):Press this button to play
a station you have programmed on the radio preset
pushbuttons. Press this button again to go to the next
preset station.
If your vehicle has the Radio with Six-Disc CD and
multiple CDs are loaded, each press of this button will
take you to the next CD.
xuw(Volume):Press the up or the down arrow
to increase or to decrease volume.
>(Mute):Press this button to turn the sound off.
Press this button again to turn the sound on.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to toggle between
listening to the radio, a cassette tape, a CD, or a
remote device.
DVD Distortion
You may experience video distortion when operating
cellular phones, scanners, CB radios, Global Position
Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios, mobile fax, or
walkie talkies.
It may be necessary to turn off the DVD player when
operating one of these devices in or near the vehicle.
*Excludes the OnStar
®System.
Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range, however, can
cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can pick
up noise from things like storms and power lines.
Try reducing the treble to reduce this noise.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals,
causing the sound to come and go.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
(48 Contiguous US States)
XM™ Satellite Radio gives you digital radio reception
from coast to coast. Just as with FM, tall buildings
or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing
the sound to come and go. Your radio may display
NO SIGNAL to indicate interference.
3-116

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause
reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged
mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their
cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and
extreme heat. If they are not, they may not operate
properly or may cause failure of the tape player.
Your tape player should be cleaned regularly after
every 50 hours of use. Your radio may display CLEAN
TAPE to indicate that you have used your tape
player for 50 hours without resetting the tape clean
timer. If this message appears on the display, your
cassette tape player needs to be cleaned. It will still play
tapes, but you should clean it as soon as possible to
prevent damage to your tapes and player. If you notice
a reduction in sound quality, try a known good
cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault.
If this other cassette has no improvement in sound
quality, clean the tape player.
For best results, use a scrubbing action, non-abrasive
cleaning cassette with pads which scrub the tape
head as the hubs of the cleaner cassette turn.
The recommended cleaning cassette is available
through your dealer.The broken tape detection feature of your cassette
tape player may identify the cleaning cassette as
a damaged tape, in error. To prevent the cleaning
cassette from being ejected, use the following steps:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the radio off.
3. Press and hold the TAPE CD button for ve
seconds. READY will appear on the display and
a cassette symbol will ash for ve seconds.
4. Insert the scrubbing action cleaning cassette.
5. Eject the cleaning cassette after the manufacturer’s
recommended cleaning time.
After the cleaning cassette is ejected, the broken tape
detection feature will be 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.
3-117

After you clean the player, press and hold the cassette
eject button for two seconds to reset the clean tape
timer. The radio will display TP DECK CLEANED
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 CDs and DVDs
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 side without writing when
handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer
edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.
Care of Your CD and DVD 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.
Cleaning Your DVD Player
When cleaning the outside DVD cabinet face and
buttons, use only a clean cloth dampened with
clean water.
Cleaning the Video Screen
When cleaning the video screen, use only a clean cloth
dampened with clean water. Use care when directly
touching or cleaning the screen, as damage may result.
Fixed Mast Antenna (MAXX Only)
The xed 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 you should replace it.
Check occasionally to be sure the mast is still tightened
to the rear quarter panel.
3-118

How to Reset the Oil Life System
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your
engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime your
oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when
the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where
you change your oil prior to a Change Oil Soon message
being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the (ENTER) button for at least
one second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display
message will appear for three seconds or until
the next button is pressed. This will tell you
the system has been reset.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the Change Oil Soon message comes back on when
you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long.
Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose
of clothing or rags containing used engine oil.
See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and
disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your
dealer, a service station or a local recycling center
for help.
5-21

If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark or slightly higher.
If the low coolant message is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), it means you’re low on engine
coolant. Have the system serviced by a technician as
soon as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50for
more information.
5-25

Engine Overheating
You will nd a coolant temperature gage and light on
your vehicle’s instrument panel and a low coolant level
warning message displayed on your DIC. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-39andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-50.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn
you badly, even if you just open the hood.
Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it off and get
everyone away from the vehicle until it cools
down. Wait until there is no sign of steam or
coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re.
You or others could be badly burned.
Stop your engine if it overheats, and get
out of the vehicle until the engine is cool.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not
be covered by your warranty.
5-27

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number or specication may be obtained from your
dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-24.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
Washer SolventGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor
and Release
PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM
Part No. U.S. 12346293, in Canada
992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part
No. U.S. 12345579, in Canada
992887).
6-12

Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-39
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-38
Heater, Engine............................................2-25
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-43
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-44
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-13
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-8
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors.......7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-12
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-11
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-12D
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-17
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.........................3-24, 3-29
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-18
Delayed Locking.............................................2-12
Dinghy Towing................................................4-32
Disarming the System.....................................2-19
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dolly Towing..................................................4-34
Dome Lamp...................................................3-19
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-12
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-12
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-12
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-45
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-50
4