2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU instrument panel

Liftgate
To open the liftgate on the MAXX from the outside, use
the trunk button on the remote keyless entry transmitter
or the remote trunk release button, located on the
lower edge of the driver’s door.
Unlocking all doors using the power door unlock switch
or the remote keyless entry transmitter unlock button
will also unlock the liftgate. Locking all doors with
the power door lock switch or the remote keyless entry
transmitter lock button will also lock the liftgate.
You can also use the key in the driver’s door lock cylinder
to unlock and open the liftgate. Turn the driver’s door lock
cylinder toward the rear of the vehicle and back to the
center twice to unlock the liftgate. Turn the driver’s door
lock cylinder toward the rear of the vehicle and back to
the center three times to open the liftgate.
If the liftgate is unlocked, you can manually open it by
pushing on the touch pad switch located on the underside
of the liftgate trim panel, slightly to the right of center.
If none of these ways of opening the liftgate works, there
is a pull cable located under the body trim panel in
the liftgate area which will open it. This should be used
in case of emergency only, not for daily use.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can’t see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. If you must drive with the liftgate open
or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-33.
To close the liftgate, pull down on the openings, then
rmly shut the liftgate. Don’t drive with the liftgate open,
even slightly. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-33.
2-15

PASS-Key®III+
Your PASS-Key®III + system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III + uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III +
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III + is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III + system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will
stop owing to the engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the SECURITY light in the instrument
panel cluster comes on, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
on page 5-88. If the engine still does not start with the
other key, your vehicle needs service. If your vehicle
does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your dealer
who can service the PASS-Key
®III + to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 7-6for more information.
2-20

ACC (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers while the engine
is not running. To use ACC, turn the key clockwise
to the rst position.
Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-31.
R(ON):This position unlocks the ignition. It is also the
position to where the key returns after you start the
engine and release the switch. The switch will stay in
this position while the engine is running. But even while
the engine is not running, you can use ON to operate
your electrical accessories, and to display some
instrument panel warning lights.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to the ON position for normal driving.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Your vehicle has a Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
feature which will allow some features to continue
to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to
off or until the driver’s door is opened.
Your vehicle’s sunroof and heated seats, if equipped,
and the power windows also work this way. They
will turn off after 10 minutes or if any door is open.
Starting Your Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position — that is
a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift into
PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped.
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn your
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let
go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm.
2-23

Notice:Holding your key in START for longer than
15 seconds at a time will cause your battery to
be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat
can damage your starter motor. Wait about 15
seconds between each try to help avoid draining
your battery or damaging your starter.
2. If your engine won’t start (or starts but then stops),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing your accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor and holding it there as you hold the key
in START for not more than 15 seconds at a time.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Your engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer. If you do not, your engine
might not perform properly.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If your vehicle has this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals. This feature is
designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals cannot
move farther away from the standard position, but can
move rearward for better pedal reach.
The vehicle must be in PARK (P) or have the ignition off
for this feature to operate. If the system senses
unusually high resistance while the pedals are being
adjusted, such as a drivers foot pushing the brake pedal,
it is designed to disable the switch. Simply remove
the obstruction and try to adjust the pedals again.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the left side of the
instrument panel.
2-24

Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you
increase speed may damage the transaxle. Have
your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
LOW (L2) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for
higher speeds until then.
LOW (L):This position gives you access to THIRD,
SECOND and FIRST gears for more power but
lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
(D). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow
or mud. If the electronic range select is put in LOW
(L1), the transaxle won’t shift into lower gears until the
vehicle is going slow enough.
Electronic Range Select Mode
This feature allows you to select lower driving gears.
The button for this mode is located on the left side of the
shift lever knob.
The electronic range select mode only changes gear
when the shift lever is in LOW (L).
When the shift lever is rst moved into the LOW (L)
position, the display in the instrument panel shows L3.
Press the (−) end of the button on the shift lever
once for L2 and once more for L1. Press the (+) end of
the button to return to L2 and L3. The shift lever
must be moved back to DRIVE (D) to turn off the
electronic range select mode.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, push down the parking brake
pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the
brake system warning light will come on. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-36.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down momentarily
on the parking brake pedal with your left foot until you
feel the pedal release. If the parking brake is not
released when you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light will be on and a chime will sound warning
you that the parking brake is still on.
A message will also appear in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) to remind you to release the parking brake.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-40.
2-29

Center Console Storage Area
There is a storage compartment in the center console
area. To open the lower compartment, pull up on
the release at the front edge of the armrest. There is
also an accessory power outlet inside of the storage
area. SeeAccessory Power Outlets on page 3-20
for more information.
Map Pocket
Your vehicle may have storage pockets located on the
front edge of the seats, the door panels or the back
of the front seats.
Your vehicle may also have a console picture clip to
hold photos located near the center of the instrument
panel and a parking pass holder located near the
driver’s side door trim.
Rear Compartment Storage
Panel/Cover
Your vehicle may have an adjustable panel/cargo cover
feature. The panel/cargo cover can be adjusted into
four positions.
2-45

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Interior Lamps..............................................3-19
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-30
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-34
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-34
Charging System Light..................................3-35
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-36
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Enhanced Traction System
Warning Light...........................................3-37
Enhanced Traction System Active Light............3-38Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-39
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-39
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-42
Security Light...............................................3-43
Cruise Control Light......................................3-43
Service Vehicle Soon Light............................3-44
Fuel Gage...................................................3-44
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-45
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-50
Audio System(s).............................................3-52
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-52
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-53
Radio with CD (Base Level)...........................3-53
Radio with CD (Up Level)..............................3-58
Radio with Cassette and CD..........................3-69
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-82
Rear Seat Entertainment System....................3-96
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
(Without Entertainment System).................3-111
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
(With Entertainment System).....................3-113
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-115
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-115
DVD Distortion............................................3-116
Radio Reception.........................................3-116
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-117
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-118
Care of Your CD and DVD Player.................3-118Cleaning Your DVD Player...........................3-118
Cleaning the Video Screen...........................3-118
Fixed Mast Antenna (MAXX Only).................3-118
Backglass Antenna (Sedan Only)..................3-119
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-119
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2