2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU engine

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

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-5
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-6
Doors and Locks............................................2-11
Door Locks..................................................2-11
Power Door Locks........................................2-12
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-12
Delayed Locking...........................................2-13
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-13
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-14
Lockout Protection........................................2-14
Trunk (Sedan)..............................................2-15
Liftgate (MAXX)............................................2-16
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-21
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-22
Ignition Positions..........................................2-23
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-25
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-26
Automatic Transaxle Operation
(Base Models)..........................................2-27
Automatic Transaxle Operation (SS Models).....2-30
Parking Brake..............................................2-33
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-34
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-35
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-36
Engine Exhaust............................................2-36
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-37
Mirrors...........................................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-38
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar
®..............2-38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®...................................................2-38
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Compass.................................................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-43
Outside Power Heated Mirrors........................2-43
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-43
OnStar
®System.............................................2-44
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Remote Keyless Entry System
Operation
The vehicle’s doors may be locked and unlocked, and the
trunk or liftgate may be opened from approximately 3 feet
(1 m) up to 197 feet (60 m) away with the remote keyless
entry transmitter. If your vehicle has the remote vehicle
start feature, you can also start the vehicle’s engine with
the remote keyless entry transmitter.The following functions may be available if your vehicle
has the remote keyless entry system:/(Remote Vehicle Start):If your vehicle has this
feature, the engine may be started from outside
the vehicle using the remote keyless entry transmitter.
See “Remote Vehicle Start” later in this section for more
detailed information.
Q(Lock):Press the lock button to lock all the doors.
The interior lamps will turn off after all of the doors
are closed. If enabled through the Driver Information
Center (DIC), the remote lock feedback can be
programmed to have the horn chirp and/or the parking
lamps ash when the remote keyless entry transmitter
is used to lock the vehicle’s doors. See “LOCK HORN”
and “LIGHT FLASH” underDIC Vehicle Personalization
on page 3-52for more information.
Pressing the lock button may arm the content
theft-deterrent system. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-18.
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote Start
Remote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
2-6

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
When the remote start system is active and the vehicle
has an automatic climate control system, it may
automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal
operation of the system will return after the key is
turned to ON. SeeAutomatic Climate Control System
on page 3-27for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is
low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running time.
The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset
after your vehicle’s engine is started two times using
the transmitter’s remote start button. The remote
start system is reset by inserting the vehicle’s key into
the ignition switch and turning it to ON. SeeIgnition
Positions on page 2-23for information regarding
the ignition positions on your vehicle.You can start your vehicle’s engine from approximately
197 feet (60 m) away. However, the range may be
less while the vehicle is running, and as a result you
may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off than
you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which may affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry System on page 2-5.
/(Remote Start):If your vehicle has the remote
start feature, the keyless entry transmitter will have a
button with this symbol on it.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature,
do the following:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the vehicle’s turn signal
lights ash.
3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will
turn on and remain on while the engine is running.
The engine will shut off automatically after
10 minutes, unless a time extension has been
done, or the vehicle’s key is inserted into the
ignition switch and turned to ON.
If you enter the vehicle after a remote start, and
the engine is still running, insert the key into the
ignition switch and turn it to ON to drive the vehicle.
2-9

4. To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following. The parking lamps will turn off.
Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the
vehicle, and press the remote start button.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch to ON and then to OFF.
If only one remote start procedure has been done, since
last driving the vehicle or resetting the remote start
system, the engine may be started again remotely by
following the remote start procedure a second time.
If the remote start procedure is used again before the
rst 10 minute time frame has ended, the rst 10 minutes
will immediately expire and the second 10 minute time
frame will start.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if
any of the following occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts have already been
provided.
Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature
are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle
start system enabled. The system may be enabled
or disabled through the DIC. See “REMOTE START”
underDIC Vehicle Personalization on page 3-52
for additional information.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it will have the remote start ready feature. This
feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer’s
remote vehicle start feature.
If the keyless entry transmitter has a plus (+) symbol
on the back cover, your vehicle has the remote
start ready feature. You can lock or unlock your
vehicle from approximately 197 feet (60 m) away.
See your dealer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to
your vehicle.
2-10

Trunk (Sedan)
To unlock the trunk from the outside, use the key or
the remote keyless entry transmitter. When closing the
trunk, close from the center to ensure it fully latches.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. If you must drive with the trunk lid open
or if electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select
the control setting that will force outside
air into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.
Remote Trunk/Liftgate Release
Press the remote
release button, located
on the lower edge of
the driver’s door, to open
the trunk lid or the
liftgate.
You can open the trunk lid on the sedan or the liftgate
on the MAXX only while the vehicle is in PARK (P)
or the ignition is off.
2-15

PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III +
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III + is a passive
theft-deterrent system. This means you don’t have to do
anything special to arm or disarm the system. It works
when you insert or remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III + system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will
stop owing to the engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, the key may have a
damaged transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this
time, you may also want to check the fuse, see
Fuses on page 5-99. If the engine still does not
start with the other key, your vehicle needs service.
If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty.See your dealer who can service the PASS-Key
®III +
to have a new key made. In an emergency, contact
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III + decoder to
“learn” the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 additional keys may be programmed
for the vehicle. The following procedure is for
programming additional keys only. If all the currently
programmed keys are lost or do not operate, you must
see your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III + to have keys made and programmed
to the system.
See your GM dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III + to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-21

To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start,
see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to off,
and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to on
within ve seconds of removing the original key.
5. The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that
the security light went on due to how quickly
the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the security light comes on
and stays on, you may be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
®III + system, however,
is not working properly and must be serviced by
your dealer. Your vehicle is not protected by the
PASS-Key
®III + system at this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III + key,
see your GM dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III + to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time your new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new
linings can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline
every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-42for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-22