2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU engine coolant

Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low, a
LOW WASHER FLUID message will be displayed on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-52for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-31

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-54and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-9.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services” in
this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
6-5

(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require changing.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-22 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist
you with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for further
details.
Notice:It is important to check your oil regularly
and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your
engine oil at the proper level can cause damage
to your engine not covered by your warranty.
6-8

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-22for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Visually inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeTires on page 5-47for further
details. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-62.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-54.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-29.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If
the vehicle starts in any other position, contact your
GM Goodwrench
®dealer for service.
6-9

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. GM Goodwrench
®
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-15.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-22.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Windshield
WasherGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-III Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Look for
“Approved for the H-Specication”
on the label.
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............................3-40
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-40
Heater, Engine............................................2-24
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-24
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-45
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-44
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users............................... 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States
Government............................................7-10
Roadside Assistance Program......................... 7-6
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-16
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Delayed Headlamps........................................3-16Delayed Locking.............................................2-12
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Dome Lamp ...................................................3-18
Door
Delayed Locking..........................................2-12
Door Ajar Reminder.....................................2-12
Locks........................................................2-11
Power Door Locks.......................................2-12
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-13
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-16
Six-Way Power Seat...................................... 1-3
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-47
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-47
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-52
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-15
City ...........................................................4-19
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-20
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-22
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-17
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out.................4-29
Winter........................................................4-24
DVD
Rear Seat Entertainment System...................3-99
4

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-86
Fuses........................................................5-83
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-83
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-83
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-20
Battery.......................................................5-35
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-22
Coolant Heater............................................2-24
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-32
Oil .............................................................5-15
Oil Life System...........................................5-18
Overheating................................................5-24
Starting......................................................2-23Enhanced Traction System (ETS)........................ 4-8
Active Light................................................3-39
Warning Light.............................................3-39
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-9
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-20
Finish Damage...............................................5-80
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-122
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-61
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-62
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-70
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.....................................5-21
Windshield Washer......................................5-30
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-18
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-6
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-19
5

Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses...........................................................5-83
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-86
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-84
Rear Compartment Fuse Block......................5-88
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-83
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-40
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-44
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-6
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-83
Headlamps....................................................5-41
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-17
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-41
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-16
Delayed.....................................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-41
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-16
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...................................................3-21, 3-25
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-45
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-22
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-22
HomeLink
®Wireless Control System.................2-40
HomeLink®Wireless Control System
Operation...................................................2-41
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-16
6