2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU clock

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You
can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you can not; there is not
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes — but, unless you
have anti-lock, not enough to lock your wheels.
SeeBraking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much
speed as you can from a possible collision. Then
steer around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-12

While refueling, hang the tethered cap inside the
fuel door.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left
(counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it;
if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back
to the right.
{CAUTION:
If you spill fuel and then something ignites it,
you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out
on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This
spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and
is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap
slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop.
Then unscrew the cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Don’t top off or overll your
tank, and wait a few seconds after you’ve nished
pumping before you remove the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeCleaning
the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-81.
5-9

When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right
(clockwise) until you hear a clicking sound. Make
sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-39.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the
station attendant. Leave the area immediately.Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you
get the wrong type, it may not t properly. This may
cause your malfunction indicator lamp to light and
may damage your fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-39.
5-10

{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. Your vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong
mixture, your engine could get too hot but
you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:In cold weather, water can freeze and
crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other
parts. Use the recommended coolant and the
proper coolant mixture.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on
hot engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts are
hot enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot
engine.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure
cap when the cooling system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise (left) about two or two and one-half
turns. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. This will
allow any pressure still left to be vented out the
discharge hose.
5-32

1. Open the hood.
2. Carefully remove the two bolts attaching the
headlamp assembly to the vehicle.
3. Remove the lamp assembly from the vehicle by
pulling it forward. Use care not to scratch the
vehicle with the lamp or the lamp with the fender.4. Remove the rubber covers from the individual
sockets.
5. Unclip the wiring
harness and twist
the socket less than
one-quarter turn
counterclockwise
and remove it.
5-46

2. Unscrew the two
fasteners located
on the inside of the
trunk at the rear of
the vehicle.
3. Gently pull back the trunk trim.
4. Remove the plastic wing nut.
5. Pull out the taillamp assembly and turn the bulb
socket one quarter turn counterclockwise.6. Gently wiggle the
bulb to remove it from
the socket. Replace
the bulb.
7. Reverse the steps to attach the taillamp assembly
to the vehicle.
8. When securing the lamp assembly back into place,
align the assembly so that the trunk lid doesn’t
contact it.
9. Close the trunk.
5-48

The following steps will tell you how to use the jack and
change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you’ll need is in the trunk.
1. For the sedan model, lift the handle on the spare
tire cover. The handle may hook on the trunk front
edge weatherstrip to hold the cover out of the
way. For the MAXX model, lift the handle to release
the latch on the spare tire cover.2. Lift and remove the cover.
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it.
Then remove the compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-77for more information
about the compact spare tire.
Tire Changing Tools
1. The tools you’ll be using include the wrench (A) and
jack (B). The MAXX model includes an additional
extension.
Sedan model shown, MAXX model similar
5-67

2. Turn the plastic wing nut counterclockwise to
loosen wheel wrench.
3. Unhook the wheel wrench from the jack.4. Before using the wheel wrench, you must extend
the handle.
5. Extend the handle by pressing the button with your
index nger and pulling on the end of the wrench.
5-68