2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU hood release

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the
vehicle. It also starts up the vehicle’s heating or air
conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When
the remote start system is active and the vehicle
has an automatic climate control system, it will
automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is turned
to the on position. A remote start occurs when buttons
on the remote keyless entry transmitter are pressed.
Laws in some local communities require that a person
using remote start have the vehicle in view when
doing so and may prohibit the execution of remote start
if not in view of the vehicle. Check local regulations
for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running. Or it provides
one start with 10 minutes of engine running, which can be
extended by 10 more minutes, for 20 minutes of total
running time. Once two starts or 20 minutes running time
has been provided, the vehicle must be started normally
with the ignition key to get more remote starts.The remote start feature will not operate if the key is in
the ignition or the hood is not closed.
Your remote keyless entry transmitter, with the remote
start button, provides an increased range of operation.
However, the range may be less while the vehicle
is running. As a result, you may need to be closer to
your vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, see “Remote Keyless
Entry System Operation” previously in this section.
/(Remote Start):Press the lock button and then
press this button to use the remote start feature.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do
the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press the transmitter’s lock button, release it and
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the vehicle’s turn signal
lights ash or for at least four seconds. The
vehicle’s doors will be locked.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
4. If it is your rst remote start since last driving,
repeat these steps while the engine is still
running for a 10 minute time extension.
2-9

The main components of your instrument panel are
the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
C. Steering Wheel Controls and Cruise Controls.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-115
and “Cruise Control” underTurn Signal/Multifunction
Lever on page 3-8.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See “Windshield
Wipers” underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-8.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Center Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-52.
J. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-21.K. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-44.
L. Side Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-21.
M. Adjustable Pedal Buttons. SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-24.
N. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See “Instrument
Panel Brightness” underInterior Lamps on page 3-19.
O. Storage Compartment
P. Fog Lamps. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-14.
Q. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
R. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-29.
S. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-7.
T. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlets on page 3-20.
U. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-30.
V. Center Console Storage Compartment. See
Center Console Storage Area on page 2-45.
W. Traction Control Button (If Equipped). SeeEnhanced
Traction System (ETS) on page 4-9.
3-5

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling Your Tank............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22
Automatic Transaxle Fluid..............................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-29
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-38
Jump Starting...............................................5-39
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-45
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-45
Headlamps..................................................5-45
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-47
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-49
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Tires..............................................................5-50
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-57
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-58
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-59
Buying New Tires.........................................5-60
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-62
Wheel Replacement......................................5-62
Tire Chains..................................................5-64
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-65
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-66
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-77
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Checking Things Under
the Hood
Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the hood release handle located inside the
vehicle to the right of the steering column.2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and push the
secondary hood release handle toward the driver’s
side of the vehicle before lifting the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
5-12

4. Release the hood prop
rod from its retainer
and put the hood prop
into the slot marked
with an arrow.Before closing the hood, be sure all the ller caps
are on properly. Lift the hood to relieve pressure on
the hood prop. Then let the hood drop from about
8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) above the vehicle to latch
fully. Do not drop the hood from full prop-rod height.
Check to make sure the hood is closed and repeat the
procedure if necessary.
5-13

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

Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-6
Gate Operator and Canadian Programming........2-43
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities.................................................... 7-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.................... 3-9
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-87
Headlamps....................................................5-45
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-45
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-45
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-18
Headlamps On Reminder................................... 3-9
Headphones...................................................3-97
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-24
Hitches..........................................................4-43
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-40
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-41Hood
Release.....................................................5-12
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Alarm is Activated...................2-19
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank......5-30
How to Check................................................5-58
How to Detect a Tamper Condition....................2-19
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......5-22
How to Turn Off the System Alarm....................2-19
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-15
Hydroplaning..................................................4-20
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-28
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-27
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-40
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-41
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-28
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-30
If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer.....................4-41
Ignition Positions.............................................2-22
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-34
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-57
Information Mode (INFO Button)........................3-46
7