2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU MAXX Components

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
5

Airbags supplement the protection provided
by safety belts. Airbags distribute the force of
the impact more evenly over the occupant’s upper
body, stopping the occupant more gradually.
But the frontal airbags would not help you in
many types of collisions, including rollovers, rear
impacts, and many side impacts, primarily because
an occupant’s motion is not toward the airbag.
Side impact airbags would not help you in many
types of collisions, including many frontal or
near frontal collisions, rollovers, and rear impacts.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything
more than a supplement to safety belts, and then
only in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal
collisions for the driver’s and right front
passenger’s frontal airbags, and only in moderate
to severe side collisions for vehicles with side
impact airbags.What Will You See After an Airbag
Inates?
After the frontal and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inate, they quickly deate, so quickly that
some people may not even realize an airbag
inated. Roof-mounted side impact airbags may still
be at least partially inated minutes after the vehicle
comes to rest. Some components of the airbag
module — the steering wheel hub for the driver’s
airbag, the instrument panel for the right front
passenger’s bag, the side of the seatback closest to
the door for the seat-mounted side impact airbags
(if equipped), and the garnish trim and the area
along the ceiling of your vehicle near the side
windows for the roof–mounted side impact airbags
(if equipped) — may be hot for a short time. The
parts of the airbag that come into contact with you
may be warm, but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming from the vents
in the deated airbags. Airbag ination does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of the windshield
or being able to steer the vehicle, nor does it
prevent people from leaving the vehicle.
80

Starting the Engine
Place the transaxle in the proper gear.
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N). Your engine will not start in
any other position — this is a safety feature.
To restart when you are already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Shifting into PARK (P) with the vehicle
moving could damage the transaxle. Shift
into PARK (P) only when your vehicle is
stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal,
turn the ignition key to START. When the
engine starts, let go of the key. The idle
speed will go down as your engine gets warm.
Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transaxle
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate
all moving parts.Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled
Cranking System. This feature assists in
starting the engine and protects components. If
the ignition key is turned to the START position,
and then released when the engine begins
cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the
engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be
stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking
motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is
already running. Engine cranking can be
stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC or OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods
of time, by returning the key to the START
position immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down.
120

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Side Window Outlets. SeeClimate Control
System on page 188.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 171.
C. Cruise Controls (If Equipped). SeeCruise
Control on page 176.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument
Panel Cluster on page 198.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 173.
F. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 118.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 170.
H. Passenger Sensing System. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 82.
I. Center Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control
System on page 188.
J. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 228.
K. Climate Control System. SeeClimate
Control System on page 188.L. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 160.
M. Side Air Outlets. SeeClimate Control
System on page 188.
N. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped).
SeeAdjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
on page 121.
O. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness on page 184.
P. Storage Compartment.
Q. Fog Lamps (If Equipped). SeeFog Lamps
on page 184.
R. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on
page 352.
S. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 132.
T. Horn. SeeHorn on page 170.
U. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls
(Three Spoke) on page 282orAudio Steering
Wheel Controls (Four Spoke) on page 283.
V. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 186.
169

Certain electrical accessories may not be
compatible with the accessory power outlet and
could result in blown vehicle or adapter fuses.
If you experience a problem see your dealer for
additional information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to
your vehicle may damage it or keep other
components from working as they should.
The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to
follow the proper installation instructions included
with the equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet
can cause damage not covered by your
warranty. Do not hang any type of accessory
or accessory bracket from the plug because
the power outlets are designed for accessory
power plugs only.Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have a cigarette lighter. To use
the lighter, located on the instrument panel below
the climate controls, push it in all the way and let
go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while
it is heating does not let the lighter back
away from the heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can occur to the
lighter or heating element, or a fuse could
be blown. Do not hold a cigarette lighter
in while it is heating.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other
ammable items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes
or other smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage your vehicle.
Never put ammable items in the ashtray.
187

Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment
and drive properly, you can lose control
when you pull a trailer. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy, the brakes may not
work well — or even at all. You and your
passengers could be seriously injured.
You may also damage your vehicle; the
resulting repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. Pull a trailer only if you
have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with
your vehicle.
If you have a Malibu Sedan SS or a Maxx SS,
trailer towing is not recommended. Your vehicle
was neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with
a 3.5L V6 engine and the proper trailer towing
equipment.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle,
you should read the information in “Weight of
the Trailer” that appears later in this section.
Trailering is different than just driving your vehicle
by itself. Trailering means changes in handling,
durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to
be used properly.
That’s the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety
rules. Many of these are important for your safety
and that of your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and tires
are forced to work harder against the drag of the
added weight. The engine is required to operate
at relatively higher speeds and under greater
loads, generating extra heat. What’s more,
the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
333

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer rst.
Some electrical equipment can damage your
vehicle and the damage would not be covered
by your warranty. Some add-on electrical
equipment can keep other components from
working as they should.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to your
vehicle, seeServicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 88.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 333for more
information about add-on electrical equipment and
towing a vehicle.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring is protected by fuses in the
fuse block. An electrical overload will cause
the lamps to turn off. If this happens, have your
headlamp wiring checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by a
circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats
due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop
until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by
some electrical problem, have it xed.
445

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 359. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 362.An Emission Control Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (j).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 364.See footnote (k).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 408and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 465.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
3.9L Engine Only: Check automatic transmission uid level and add uid
as needed.•
Inspect throttle system.See footnote (g).•
461