2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU cooling

Lockout Protection
This feature prevents the driver’s door from being
locked using the power door locks, if the key is
left in the ignition and a door is open.
Pressing the power door lock switch will lock all
the doors and then unlock the driver’s door.
Pressing and holding the power door lock switch
for more than three seconds will override this
feature.
If you remove the key from the ignition, or if you
use the manual door lock or the remote keyless
entry transmitter, you could still lock your key
inside your vehicle. Always remember to take
your key with you.
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 136.
108

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
With this system you can control the heating,
cooling and ventilation for your vehicle. If your
vehicle has the remote start feature, the climate
control system will function as part of the remote
start feature. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 97.
Operation
9
(Fan):Turn the left knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease
the fan speed. The fan must be on to run
the air-conditioning compressor.To change the air delivery settings, turn the right
knob to select one of the following:
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode directs half of the air to
the instrument panel outlets, and the remaining
air to the oor outlets. Some air may be directed
toward the side windows.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to
the oor outlets with some air directed to the
side window outlets and windshield.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this
button to turn the outside air mode on. When this
mode is selected, air from outside the vehicle
will circulate throughout your vehicle. When the
button is pressed, an indicator light will come on to
let you know that it is activated. The outside air
mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot be
used with the recirculation mode. Pressing this
button will cancel the recirculation mode.
188

Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, you can
automatically control the heating, cooling and
ventilation in your vehicle.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan
speed control and the air delivery mode control
knobs to activate the automatic system. When
automatic operation is active the system will
control the inside temperature and air delivery.Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Place the fan knob and the mode knob
to AUTO.
The display will now show the current set
temperature. When auto is selected, the
air conditioning operation and air inlet will be
automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor will run when the outside
temperature is over about 40°F (4°C). The air
inlet will normally be set to outside air. If it’s hot
outside, the air inlet may automatically switch
to recirculate inside air to help quickly cool
down your vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with an initial
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Press the up or
down arrow temperature buttons to adjust the
temperature setting as necessary. If you
choose the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C)
the system will remain at the maximum cooling
setting. If you choose the temperature setting
of 90°F (32°C) the system will remain at the
192

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates
that the engine coolant
has overheated or
the radiator cooling fan
is not working.
This light will come on briey when you turn on
the ignition as a check to show you it is working.
If the light comes on and the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving conditions,
pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off
the engine as soon as possible.
SeeCooling System on page 374for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area,
the light comes on and you hear a chime, your
engine is too hot! It means that your engine
coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under
normal driving conditions and the gage reads hot,
you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle
and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 371.
United StatesCanada
211

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that
can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check
all uid levels and also the brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transaxle. These parts
can work hard on mountain roads.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could
get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or
even none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine assist
the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes
will have to do all the work of slowing
down. They could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would then have
poor braking or even none going down a
hill. You could crash. Always have the
engine running and your vehicle in gear
when you go downhill.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when
you go down a steep or long hill.
316

When towing a trailer on long uphill grades while
the outside temperature is above 85°F (29°C),
reduce your vehicle speed to 45 mph (72 km/h)
to avoid overheating the engine cooling system.
You can ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering
information or advice, or you can write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices on page 479for more
information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important
weight to measure because it affects the total
or gross weight of your vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight
of the vehicle, any cargo you may carry in it,
and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.
And if you tow a trailer, you must add the
tongue load to the GVW because your vehicle
will be carrying that weight, too. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 324for more information
about your vehicle’s maximum load capacity.If you’re using a weight-carrying hitch or a
weight-distributing hitch, the trailer tongue (A)
should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
After you’ve loaded your trailer, weigh the trailer
and then the tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they aren’t, you may be
able to get them right simply by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You’ll nd these numbers on the
Tire and Loading Information label. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 324. Then be sure you don’t
go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including the
weight of the trailer tongue.
335

Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could
be damaged. Avoid making very sharp
turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may
need additional wiring. Check with your
dealer/retailer. The arrows on your instrument
panel will ash whenever you signal a turn or
lane change. Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps will also ash, telling other drivers you’re
about to turn, change lanes or stop.When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the
bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you
may think drivers behind you are seeing
your signal when they are not. It’s important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer bulbs
are still working.
Driving On Grades
When towing a trailer on long uphill grades while
the outside temperature is above 85°F (29°C),
reduce your vehicle speed to 45 mph (72 km/h)
to avoid overheating the engine cooling system.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbefore
you start down a long or steep downgrade.
If you don’t shift down, you might have to use
your brakes so much that they would get hot
and no longer work well.
Pay attention to the engine coolant gage.
If the indicator is in the red area, turn off the
air conditioning to reduce engine load. See
Engine Overheating on page 371.
338

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the
pedal down while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear
of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and
store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you’re pulling a trailer. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic
transmission uid (don’t overll), engine oil,
drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and
the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts
and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. See
Engine Overheating on page 371.
340