2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU coolant

2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly,
and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper
mixture, to the FULL COLD mark on the
front of the surge tank. Wait about
ve minutes, then check to see if the level
is below the FULL COLD mark. If the level is
below the FULL COLD mark, add additional
coolant to bring the level up to the mark.
Repeat this procedure until the level remains
constant at the FULL COLD mark for at
least ve minutes.4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off,
start the engine and let it run until you can
feel the upper radiator hose getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the level
is lower than the FULL COLD mark, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches the
FULL COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
See your dealer, if necessary.
378

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure
to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing,
use a uid that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low,
a LOW WASHER FLUID message will be
displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 222
for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid
until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 354
for reservoir location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
uid. Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer uid tank
and other parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as well
as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for uid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
the vehicle’s windsheild washer system
and paint.
380

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 406.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 324.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 324.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 324.
403

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

(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter
if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches 90°F (32°C)
or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police,
or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the uid and lter do not require
changing.
(i)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This
service can be complex; you should have
your dealer/retailer perform this service. See
Engine Coolant on page 368 for what to use.
Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the cooling
system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate
a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage. Replace belt if
necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be
performed at the intervals specied to help
ensure the safety, dependability, and emission
control performance of your vehicle. Your
GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you with
these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at
once. Whenever any uids or lubricants are added
to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper
ones, as shown inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 468.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks
at each fuel ll.
464

Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper
oil if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 359for
further details.
Notice:It is important to check the engine
oil regularly and keep it at the proper
level. Failure to keep the engine oil at the
proper level can cause damage to the engine
not covered by your warranty.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add
DEX-COOL®coolant mixture if necessary. See
Engine Coolant on page 368for further details.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in
the windshield washer uid reservoir and add
the proper uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 406. Check to make sure the spare tire
is stored securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 418.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage
highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life
System service notication. Check the tires for
wear and, if necessary, rotate the tires. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on page 408.
465

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number, or specication can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer.
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 359.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 368.
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
TransmissionDEXRON
®-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
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
468

Clock
Radios with Radio Data
Systems (RDS)..................................... 230
Radios without Radio Data
Systems (RDS)..................................... 229
Collision Damage Repair............................. 487
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt................. 37
Compact Spare Tire.................................... 434
Compass............................................139, 141
Competitive Driving..................................... 305
Content Theft-Deterrent............................... 113
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 292
Convenience Net......................................... 163
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage........................ 211
Engine Temperature Warning Light........... 211
Heater, Engine......................................... 122
Surge Tank Pressure Cap........................ 371
Cooling System........................................... 374
Cruise Control............................................. 176
Cruise Control Light.................................... 216
Cupholder(s)................................................ 160
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation........................... 483
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users......................... 479Customer Assistance Information (cont.)
Customer Assistance Offices.................... 479
Customer Satisfaction Procedure.............. 476
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program...... 480
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors..................................... 492
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government.......................... 491
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government.................... 491
Roadside Assistance Program.................. 481
Service Publications Ordering
Information........................................... 492
D
Daytime Running Lamps............................. 182
Defensive Driving........................................ 288
Delayed Headlamps.................................... 182
Delayed Locking.......................................... 106
Doing Your Own Service Work.................... 345
Dome Lamp................................................ 184
Door
Delayed Locking...................................... 106
Door Ajar Reminder................................. 105
498