2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU coolant level

Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light........................................................3-38
Traction Control System Active 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
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-45
Cruise Control Light......................................3-45
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-47
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-47
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-50
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-52Audio System(s).............................................3-54
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio
Data Systems (RDS)..................................3-55
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS).........................................3-55
Radio with CD (Base Level)...........................3-56
Radio with CD (Up Level)..............................3-61
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-71
Rear Seat Entertainment System....................3-86
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
(Without Entertainment System).................3-101
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
(With Entertainment System).....................3-103
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-105
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(Three Spoke).........................................3-105
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
(Four Spoke)...........................................3-106
Radio Reception.........................................3-106
Care of Your CDs and DVDs........................3-107
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-107
Fixed Mast Antenna (MAXX Only).................3-108
Backglass Antenna (Sedan Only)..................3-108
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-108
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

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

ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED:This
message will display to inform you that the vehicle has
reduced engine power to avoid damaging the engine.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s ability
to accelerate. If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays on,
the vehicle should be taken to your GM dealer for service
as soon as possible.
GATE AJAR:If your vehicle has a liftgate, this
message will display when the liftgate of your vehicle
is not closed completely. You should make sure that
the liftgate is closed completely. SeeLiftgate (MAXX)
on page 2-16for more information.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message will display when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW:This message will
display if the remote keyless entry transmitter battery is
low. You should replace the battery in the transmitter.
See “Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry
System Operation on page 2-6.
LOW COOLANT:This message will display when there
is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling system
serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.LOW FUEL:This message will display when your
vehicle is low on fuel. You should rell the fuel tank as
soon as possible. You will also see a low fuel warning
light on the instrument panel cluster. SeeFuel on
page 5-5andFilling the Tank on page 5-8.
LOW WASHER FLUID:This message will display
when your vehicle is low on windshield washer uid.
You should rell the windshield washer uid reservoir
as soon as possible. See “Adding Washer Fluid”
underWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
POWER STEERING:This message will display if a
problem has been detected with the electric power
steering, if equipped. Have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your GM dealer.
PUSH PARK PEDAL:This message is displayed if
the parking brake is left engaged. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-33for more information.
SERVICE AIR BAG:There is a problem with the
airbag system when this message appears. Have your
vehicle serviced immediately by your GM dealer.
TRUNK AJAR:If your vehicle has a trunk, this
message will display when the trunk lid of your vehicle
is not closed completely. You should make sure
that the trunk lid is closed completely. SeeTrunk
(Sedan) on page 2-15for more information.
3-51

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Engine Coolant Bleed Valve.
C. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine) on page 5-36.
D. Automatic Transaxle Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transaxle Fluid (2.2L L4 and 3.5L V6 Engines) on
page 5-23orAutomatic Transaxle Fluid (3.9L
V6 Engine) on page 5-24.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-17.
G. Engine Coolant Reservoir. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-26.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 5-39.
I. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-102.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
5-17

How to Add Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transaxle uid to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-12.
If the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper
uid to bring the level into the crosshatched area on
the dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add enough uid at
the dipstick hole to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much uid, generally less than
one pint (0.5 L). Do not overll.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transaxle
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transaxle uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
3. After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described under “How to Check Automatic
Transaxle Fluid,” earlier in this section.
4. When the correct uid level is obtained,
push the dipstick back in all the way.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-26

Checking Coolant
The engine coolant surge tank is located in the rear of
the engine compartment. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you
badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure
cap — even a little — when the engine and
radiator are hot.
The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your
engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the
FULL COLD mark or slightly higher.
If the LOW COOLANT message is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), it means you are low on engine
coolant. Have the system serviced by a technician as
soon as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-50for more information.
5-28

Cooling System
When you decide it is safe to lift the hood, here is what
you will see:
A. Electric Engine Cooling Fans
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the
hood can start up even when the engine is
not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling,
do not do anything else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
3.5L V6 Engine shown, 2.2L L4 and
3.9L V6 Engines similar
5-32

The coolant level should be at or above the FULL
COLD mark on the front of the coolant surge tank. If it
is not, you may have a leak at the pressure cap or in the
radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump, or
somewhere else in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them.
If you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they are not, your vehicle needs service.
Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-33