2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU warning lights

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-8
Safety Belts
.............................................1-10
Child Restraints
.......................................1-33
Airbag System
.........................................1-60
Restraint System Check
............................1-75
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-11
Windows
.................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-33
OnStar
®System
......................................2-38
HomeLink®Wireless Control System
...........2-40
Storage Areas
.........................................2-44
Sunroof
..................................................2-47
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-54Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-34
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-41
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-45
Tires
......................................................5-47
Appearance Care
.....................................5-73
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-82
Electrical System
......................................5-83
Capacities and Specications
.....................5-91
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-10
Index................................................................ 1
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM

Vehicle Damage Warnings
Also, in this manual you will nd these notices:
Notice:These mean there is something that could
damage your vehicle.
A notice tells about something that can damage the
vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered
by your vehicle’s warranty, and it could be costly. But
the notice will tell what to do to help avoid the damage.
When you read other manuals, you might see
CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in
different words.
There are also warning labels on the vehicle. They use
the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information
relating to a specic component, control, message,
gage, or indicator.
If you need help guring out a specic name of a
component, gage, or indicator, reference the following
topics:
Seats and Restraint Systems in Section 1
Features and Controls in Section 2
Instrument Panel Overview in Section 3
Climate Controls in Section 3
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators in Section 3
Audio System(s) in Section 3
Engine Compartment Overview in Section 5
iv

Ignition Positions
With the key in the ignition
switch, you can turn it to
four different positions.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.
9(OFF):This is the only position from which you
can remove the key. It also locks your ignition and
transaxle. A warning chime will sound if you open the
driver’s door while the ignition is off and the key is left in
the ignition.
ACC (ACCESSORY):This position lets you use things
like the radio and windshield wipers while the engine
is not running.Use this position if your vehicle must be pushed or
towed, but never try to push-start your vehicle.
SeeRecreational Vehicle Towing on page 4-35.
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 is equipped with a Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) feature which will allow the radio to
continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to OFF.
Your radio will work when the ignition key is in ON or
ACC. Once the key is turned from ON to OFF, the radio
will continue to work for up to 10 minutes 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 opened.
2-22

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)...........................3-16
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-16
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-17
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-18
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-18
Dome Lamp .................................................3-18
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-19
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-19
Rear Reading Lamps....................................3-19
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-19Cargo Lamp.................................................3-19
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-25
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light.............3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-38
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light.........3-39
Enhanced Traction System Active Light............3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Canadian Exterior Lamp Positions for Nighttime
LampsPAUTO;2
Headlamp ON ON ON ON
Parking Lamp ON ON ON ON
DRL/Turn
Signal LampOFF OFF OFF OFF
Taillamp ON ON ON ON
Headlamps on Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and turn off the ignition while
leaving the lamps on, you will hear a warning chime.
Headlamps Off in PARK (P)
This feature works when the ignition is on and it is dark
outside. To turn the headlamps off when it is dark outside
but keep other exterior lights on, turn the exterior lamp
control to the parking lamp position. In this position, the
parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license plate
lamps and instrument panel lights will be on, but the
headlamps will be off.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This feature will work for Canadian vehicles if the vehicle
is in PARK (P).
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature will continue to illuminate
the headlamps for 20 seconds after the key is turned
to off at night. Then the headlamps will automatically
turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the switch at the end of the
turn signal/multifunction lever to the off/on position.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day. DRL
can be helpful in many different driving conditions, but
they can be especially helpful in the short periods after
dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime running
lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
3-16

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something
is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to your warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you
will see in the details on the next few pages, some
warning lights come on briey when you start the
engine just to let you know they are working. If you
are familiar with this section, you should not be
alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows
there may be a problem, check the section that tells
you what to do about it. Please follow this manual’s
advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly — and even
dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights
and gages. They are a big help.
3-32

Instrument Panel Cluster
Your instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You’ll know how
fast you’re going, how much fuel you’re using, and many other things you will need to drive safely and economically.
Your vehicle has this instrument panel cluster, which includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained
on the following pages.
United States version shown, Canada Similar
3-33

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages will appear if there is a problem
detected in one of your vehicle’s systems.
Any message will clear when the vehicle’s condition is
no longer present. The warning message will come back
on the next time the vehicle is turned off and back on
if the condition is still present. With most messages,
a warning chime will sound when the message is
displayed. Your vehicle may have other warning
messages.
AUTO LIGHTS OFF:This message is displayed if the
automatic headlamp system is disabled with the
headlamp switch.
AUTO LIGHTS ON:This message is displayed if the
automatic headlamp system is enabled with the
headlamp switch.
BRAKE FLUID:This message will display if the ignition
is in ON to inform the driver that the brake uid level
is low. Have the brake system serviced by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.CHANGE OIL SOON:This message is displayed when
the life of the engine oil has expired and it should be
changed.
When you acknowledge the Change Engine Oil
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18,Engine Oil on
page 5-15, andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
CHECK GAS CAP:This message will appear if the gas
cap has not been fully tightened. You should recheck
your gas cap to make sure that it is on properly. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the display off.
DOOR AJAR:This message is displayed if one or
more of the vehicle’s doors are not closed properly.
When this message appears, you should make sure that
the door is closed completely.
ENGINE DISABLED:This message is displayed if the
starting of the engine is disabled. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer immediately.
3-56