2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU climate control

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-22.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-33.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-9.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Center Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-22.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-54.
J. Climate Control System. SeeClimate Control
System on page 3-22.
K. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-50.
L. Side Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-22.
M. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped). See
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-25.N. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-19.
O. Storage Compartment.
P. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps on
page 3-18.
Q. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
R. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-33.
S. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
T. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls (Three Spoke) on page 3-105or
Audio Steering Wheel Controls (Four Spoke)
on page 3-106.
U. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-21.
V. Shift Lever. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-34.
W. Center Console Storage Compartment. See
Center Console Storage Area on page 2-50.
X. Traction Control Button or Enhanced Traction
System Button (If Equipped). SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9 Enhanced Traction
System (ETS) on page 4-11.
Y. Rear Wiper/Washer Controls (If Equipped).
SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-10.
3-5

Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have a cigarette lighter. To use the
lighter, located on the instrument panel below the
climate controls, push it in all the way and let go.
When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating will not allow the lighter to back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating may occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating, cooling
and ventilation for your vehicle. If your vehicle has
the remote start feature, the climate control system
will function as part of the remote start feature.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry System Operation
on page 2-6.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the fan
speed. The fan must be on to run the air-conditioning
compressor.
3-22

To change the air delivery settings, turn the right knob
to select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets. Some air may be directed toward
the side windows.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on to let you know that
it is activated. The outside air mode can be used
with all modes, but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode. Pressing this button will cancel
the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode
is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in.
Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort,
since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.
Pressing this button will cancel the outside air mode.
When you switch to the defog or defrost modes
the system will automatically move from recirculation
to outside air. When the vehicle or fan is turned off
and back on, the system will default to outside air
automatically. Only use recirculation mode when it is
needed for comfort, since window fogging may occur.
3-23

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from
to clear fog or frost from your windshield. Use the
defog mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture
and warm the passengers. Use the defrost mode
to remove fog or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode splits the air between the
windshield and the oor outlets with a small amount
directed to the side windows. When you select this
mode, the system turns off recirculation automatically.
The air-conditioning compressor will run unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The
air-conditioning compressor will operate although
the indicator light will not be on. The air-conditioning
indicator light will turn off when defog is selected.If the air-conditioning button is pressed while in defog
mode, the indicator light will turn on. If the button
is pressed again, the light will turn off. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to
the windshield with some air directed to the oor vents.
In this mode, the system will automatically force
outside air into your vehicle. The air-conditioning
compressor will run unless the outside temperature is
at or below freezing. The air-conditioning compressor
will operate although the indicator light will not be
on. The air-conditioning indicator light will turn off when
defrost is selected. If the air-conditioning button is
pressed while in defrost mode, the indicator light will
turn on. If the button is pressed again, the light will
turn off. Recirculation cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
3-25

Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can automatically
control the heating, cooling and ventilation in your
vehicle.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan speed
control and the air delivery mode control knobs to activate
the automatic system. When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature and
air delivery.Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Place the fan knob and the mode knob to AUTO.
The display will now show the current set
temperature. When auto is selected, the air
conditioning operation and air inlet will be
automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run when the outside temperature
is over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally
be set to outside air. If it’s hot outside, the air
inlet may automatically switch to recirculate inside
air to help quickly cool down your vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with an initial
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Press the up or
down arrow temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C) the
system will remain at the maximum cooling
setting. If you choose the temperature setting of
90°F (32°C) the system will remain at the maximum
heat setting. Choosing either maximum setting
will not cause the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on
sun load, and also turns on your headlamps.
3-27

Also be careful not to cover the sensor grille on
the lower right side of the climate control faceplate.
This senses the inside vehicle temperature
needed for proper regulation.
To avoid blowing cold air at start-up in cold weather,
the system will delay turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends
on the engine coolant temperature. Turning the
fan knob will override this delay and change the fan
to a selected speed.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control display will initially show “AS” in place of the
temperature to indicate the remote start has been
activated. The system will automatically regulate the
temperature according to the following:
If inside air temperature is below 72°F (22°C), the
system will automatically adjust to the following
settings: highest fan speed, defrost mode,
recirculation, and the full heat position.
If inside air temperature is above 79°F (26°C) the
system will automatically adjust to the following
settings: highest fan speed, panel mode,
recirculation, and full cold position.
If inside air temperature is between 72°F (22°C) and
79°F (26°C), the system will adjust automatically to
the following settings:medium fan speed, panel
mode, recirculation, and the full cold position.The climate control will change back to manual
operation by turning on the vehicle with the key. See
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation on page 2-6.
The heater works best if you keep the windows
closed while using it.
Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn
off the entire climate control system. Outside air will
still enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the
oor. This direction can be changed by changing the
mode position. The temperature can also be adjusted
using either the up or down arrow temperature buttons.
9(Fan):The knob with the fan symbol allows you
to manually adjust the fan speed.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining air to
the oor outlets.
3-28

6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the oor
outlets with some air directed to the side window outlets
and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. When this mode is
selected, air from outside the vehicle will circulate
throughout your vehicle. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on to let you know that it is
activated. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, except with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button will cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. When recirculation
mode is selected, the air inside the vehicle will be
recirculated through the climate control system and
the vehicle, not from outside your vehicle. This mode
is helpful when you are trying to limit odors from
entering your vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. When the button is
pressed, an indicator light above the button will come
on to let you know that it is activated. The recirculation
indicator light will blink three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode that it can not be used in.
Only use this mode when it is needed for comfort,
since window fogging will rapidly occur if the air
conditioning compressor is not engaged.Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
will revert to the auto recirculation function.
If you select recirculation while in defrost, defog or
oor, the light on the button will ash three times and
go out to let you know this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time may cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. You will want to allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
xw(Temperature Control):Press the up and
down arrows to increase or decrease the temperature
inside the vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. A light above the
button will illuminate when the air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or in AUTO mode,
the system will run the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps to reduce the time
it takes for your vehicle to cool down. It also helps
the system to operate more efficiently.
3-29

If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.
The Traction Control System operates in all transaxle
shift lever positions except park or neutral. But the
system can upshift the transaxle only as high as the
shift lever position you’ve chosen, so you should use
the lower gears only when necessary. SeeAutomatic
Transaxle Operation (Base Models) on page 2-27
orAutomatic Transaxle Operation (SS Models)
on page 2-30.
When the system is off,
this warning light, located
on the instrument panel
cluster, will come on to
let you know if there’s
a problem, or if the system
has been turned off.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the Traction Control
System on. But you can turn the system off if you prefer.
To turn the system on or off, press the TC button
located under the climate controls. In order to effectively
“rock” the vehicle, you will need to turn off TCS.
If you press the TC button once, the traction control
system will turn off and the traction control system
warning light will come on. Press the TC button again
to turn the system back on. The traction control system
warning light will go off.
When you turn the system off, the Traction Control
System warning light will come on and stay on. If the
Traction Control System is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button to turn the system off, the warning
light will come on — but the system won’t turn off right
away. It will wait until there’s no longer a current
need to limit wheel spin.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-10