2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU hood release

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

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-17
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-22
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(2.2L L4 and 3.5L V6 Engines)...................5-23
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
(3.9L V6 Engine).......................................5-24
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
(3.5L V6 and 3.9L V6 Engines)...................5-31
Cooling System............................................5-32
Power Steering Fluid (3.9L V6 Engine)............5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps..........................................5-48
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-56
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-61
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-64
Buying New Tires.........................................5-64
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-66
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the hood release
handle with this symbol
on it. It is located inside
the vehicle to the left of
the steering column.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and push the
secondary hood release handle toward the driver’s
side of the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood.
4. Release the hood prop rod from its retainer and put
the hood prop into the slot marked with an arrow.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the ller caps are
on properly. Then lift the hood to relieve pressure on the
hood prop. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer. Lower the hood
8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) above the vehicle and
release it to latch fully. Check to make sure the hood
is closed and repeat the procedure if necessary.
5-11

Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and
Parking Lamps
A. High-Beam Headlamp
B. Low-Beam Headlamp/DRL
C. Front Turn Signal/Parking LampTo replace one of these bulbs, do the following:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 5-11
for more information.
2. Remove the two bolts attaching the headlamp
assembly to the vehicle.
3. Remove the headlamp assembly from the vehicle
by pulling it forward. Use care not to scratch the
vehicle with the lamp or the lamp with the fender.
5-48

Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs, do the following:
1. Open the trunk. SeeHood Release on page 5-11
for more information.
A. Taillamp
B. Back-Up Lamp
C. Taillamp/Stoplamp/Turn Signal Lamp2. Remove the two
fasteners located on the
inside of the trunk at the
rear of the vehicle.
3. Pull back the trunk trim.
4. Remove the plastic wing nut.
5. Pull out the taillamp assembly and turn the bulb
socket one quarter turn counterclockwise.
5-50

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

Fuel (cont.)
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-46
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-5
Fuses...........................................................5-99
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-102
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-100
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-104
Windshield Wiper.........................................5-99
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-40
Fuel..........................................................3-46
Speedometer..............................................3-34
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-46
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 5-5
Specications............................................... 5-5
Glove Box.....................................................2-50
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 7-5
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-6
Head Restraints............................................... 1-7
Headlamp Wiring............................................5-99
Headlamps
Automatic Headlamp System.........................3-17
Bulb Replacement.......................................5-47
Daytime Running Lamps...............................3-16
Delayed.....................................................3-16
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-47
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking
Lamps ....................................................5-48
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Headlamps Off in Park (P)...............................3-16
Heated Seats................................................... 1-4
Heater...................................................3-22, 3-27
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-45
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-25
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn ............................................................... 3-6
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-19
6