
Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-34
Airbag System
.........................................1-59
Restraint System Check
............................1-71
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-11
Windows
.................................................2-16
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-38
OnStar
®System
......................................2-44
Universal Home Remote System
................2-46
Storage Areas
.........................................2-50
Sunroof
..................................................2-53
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-22
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-32Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-47
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-54
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-39
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-52
Tires
......................................................5-54
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identi cation
.................................5-98
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-107
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance and Information.............. 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Index................................................................ 1
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM

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

Universal Home Remote System......................2-46
Universal Home Remote System Operation......2-47
Storage Areas................................................2-50
Glove Box...................................................2-50
Cupholder(s)................................................2-50
Center Console Storage Area.........................2-50Map Pocket.................................................2-50
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover
(MAXX)....................................................2-51
Table (MAXX)..............................................2-52
Convenience Net..........................................2-52
Sunroof.........................................................2-53
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

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

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

Window Lockout
The driver’s power window controls also include a
lockout button.
o(Window Lockout):Press the lockout button to
stop the rear passengers from using their window
switches. The driver and front passenger can still
operate all the windows with the lock on. When the
red part of the switch is visible you have returned
to normal window operation.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.
You can also remove them from the center mount and
swing them to the side, to block out glare from the
side. The visors also have extenders that can be
pulled out.
Your vehicle may have lighted visor vanity mirrors
located on the passenger and driver’s side visor.
When you lift the cover, the light will turn on.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle may have a
content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Arming the System
With the ignition off, you can arm the system by doing
any one of the following:
Press the remote keyless entry transmitter lock
button.
Press the power door lock switch while the driver’s
door is open.
Turn the driver’s door key lock cylinder clockwise.
2-18

Instrument Panel Brightness
The control for this
feature is located on the
instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel.
Turn the knob clockwise to brighten the lights or
counterclockwise to dim them.
Dome Lamp
The switch on this lamp has three positions. The on
position will turn on the lamp anytime. The door position
will turn on the lamp whenever a door is opened. The
off position will shut off the lamp completely, even while
a door is opened. Your dome lamp may be equipped
with two rear reading lamps. SeeRear Reading Lamps
on page 3-20.
Entry/Exit Lighting
When you open any door, the lamps inside of your
vehicle will go on. These lamps will fade out 20 seconds
after the last door is closed, or when the ignition is
turned on after all doors have been closed. These lamps
will also go on when you press the trunk release
button, the unlock button or the panic button on the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
The lamps inside of your vehicle will turn on for about
10 seconds after your key is removed from the ignition
to provide an illuminated exit.
Parade Dimming
Parade dimming is a separate lighting mode of operation
that is activated if the park lamps are turned on during
the day. Usually when the park lamps are turned on
during the day, the display’s illumination and LEDs
become lower and the backlighting is activated.
To avoid this condition, backlighting is turned off, and
the displays and LEDs are set to a high predetermined
intensity when daylight conditions are detected to
enhance the display’s visibility during daytime.
3-19

Front Reading Lamps
Push the lens to turn the reading lamps on and off.
The reading lamps will turn on when the door is open
if the dome lamp is in the door position. The reading
lamps will also turn on with the dome lamp switch in
the on position. The lamps will not turn on if the door is
open and the dome lamp is in the off position.
Rear Reading Lamps
The vehicle’s dome lamp may have two reading
lamps. The reading lamps turn on and off by pushing
on the lens.
Trunk Lamp
The trunk lamp comes on when you open your trunk.
Cargo Lamp
If your vehicle is the MAXX model, it has a cargo lamp.
The cargo lamp comes on when the liftgate is opened.
If you want to leave the liftgate open you can turn off
the cargo lamp by pushing on the lens.
Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a battery run-down protection feature
designed to protect your vehicle’s battery.
When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, or visor vanity)
is left on while the ignition is turned off, the battery
run-down protection system will automatically shut the
lamp(s) off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining
the battery.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:
Turn on the ignition.
Turn the exterior lamp control off and then on.
Open a door.
Press any remote keyless entry transmitter button
(if equipped).
Press the remote trunk release button.
Press the power door lock switch.
The battery run-down feature will also be activated
when any door on the vehicle is left open and the
ignition is in OFF.
3-20