2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU power steering

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to
the FULL COLD mark on the front of the surge tank.
Wait about ve minutes, then check to see if the level
is below the FULL COLD mark. If the level is below
the FULL COLD mark, add additional coolant to bring
the level up to the mark. Repeat this procedure until
the level remains constant at the FULL COLD mark
for at least ve minutes.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower than
the FULL COLD mark, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until the level
reaches the FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer, if necessary.
Power Steering Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine)
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for reservoir location.
5-36

When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless a leak is suspected in the system, or an unusual
noise is heard. A uid loss in this system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level
on the dipstick
The uid level should be within the crosshatched area
on the dipstick.
If the uid is at or below the ADD mark on the dipstick,
add just enough uid to bring the level within the
crosshatched area.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
5-37

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger vehicle
tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example,
if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in item C of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall
is 60 percent as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the letter D means diagonal or
bias ply construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
5-58

Fuses Usage
POWER MIRRORS Power Mirrors
EPS Electric Power Steering
RUN/CRANKCruise Control, Electronic Range
Select, Driver Shift Control
HVAC BLOWER
HIGH (Relay)Climate Control System
CLUSTER/ THEFTInstrument Panel Cluster,
Theft Deterrent System
ONSTAR OnStar
®System
NOT INSTALLED Not Used
AIRBAG (IGN) Airbag System
HVAC CTRL
(BATT)Climate Control System
PEDALAdjustable Throttle and Brake
Pedal
WIPER SW Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
IGN SENSOR Ignition Switch
NOT INSTALLED Not Used
NOT INSTALLED Not Used
RADIO Audio System
INTERIOR LIGHTSOverhead Lighting,
Trunk/Cargo Lighting
Fuses Usage
REAR WIPERRear Wiper System/
Washer Pump
HVAC CTRL (IGN) Climate Control System
HVAC BLOWER Climate Control System
DOOR LOCK Automatic Door Lock System
ROOF/HEAT SEATSunroof, Heated Seats,
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror, Compass, Rear Wiper/
Washer System
POWER
WINDOWSPower Window Switch
NOT INSTALLED Not Used
NOT INSTALLED Not Used
AIRBAG (BATT) Airbag System
FUSE PULLER Fuse Puller
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
SPARE FUSE
HOLDERSpare
5-101

Fuses Usage
1 Air Conditioning Clutch
2 Electronic Throttle Control
3 Ignition Module
4 Transmission
5 Fuel Injectors
6 Emission 1
7 Left Headlamp Low-Beam
8 Horn
9 Right Headlamp Low-Beam
10 Front Fog Lamps
11 Left Headlamp High-Beam
12 Right Headlamp High-Beam
13 Powertrain Control Module (Batt)
14 Windshield Wiper
15 Anti-lock Brake System
16 Powertrain Control Module (IGN 1)
17 Cooling Fan 1Fuses Usage
18 Cooling Fan 2
19 Run Relay
20 IBCM 1
21 IBCM (R/C)
22 Rear Electrical Center 1
23 Rear Electrical Center 2
24 Anti-lock Brake System
25 IBCM 2
26 Starter
27 (DIODE) Windshield Wiper
41 Electric Power Steering
42 Transmission Control Module
43 Ignition Module
44 Fuel Injectors
45 Intake Tuning Valve
46 (Resistor) Brake Lamp Diagnostic
47 Daytime Running Lamps
5-103

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect electric power steering cables
for proper hook-up, binding, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
hydraulic power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blades that appear worn or damaged or
that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired.Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also look
for any opened or broken airbag coverings, and have
them repaired or replaced. The airbag system does not
need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, door hinges and
latches, hood hinges and latches, and trunk lid hinges
and latches. More frequent lubrication may be required
when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
(g)Check system for interference or binding and for
damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that have high effort or
excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or cruise
control cables.
(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.
6-7

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, see
Engine Oil on page 5-17.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-26.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
or equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherGM Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Power Steering
System
(if equipped)GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransaxleDEXRON
®-VI 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

E
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-98
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-102
Fuses........................................................5-99
Headlamp Wiring.........................................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-100
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-99
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-104
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-99
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-22
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-41
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-26
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-40
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-40
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-36
Oil .............................................................5-17
Oil Life System...........................................5-20
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-31
Overheating................................................5-29
Starting......................................................2-24
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)......................4-11
Active Light................................................3-39
Warning Light.............................................3-39Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-34
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-22
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-108
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-71
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-72
Flat Tire, Storing.............................5-82, 5-84, 5-86
Fluid
Automatic Transaxle.............................5-23, 5-24
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-18
Folding Seatback, Passenger............................. 1-8
Front Reading Lamps......................................3-20
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
5