2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU service

Service and Appearance Care
.................. 341
Service
................................................. 344
Fuel
...................................................... 346
Checking Things Under the Hood
......... 352
Bulb Replacement
................................ 389
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.... 394
Tires
..................................................... 397
Appearance Care
.................................. 435
Vehicle Identication
............................. 444
Electrical System
.................................. 445
Capacities and Specications
................ 454Maintenance Schedule
.............................. 457
Maintenance Schedule
.......................... 458
Customer Assistance Information
............. 475
Customer Assistance and Information
..... 476
Reporting Safety Defects
...................... 491
Index
.......................................................... 495
2

{CAUTION:
When an airbag inates, there may be
dust in the air. This dust could cause
breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing
trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as it is
safe to do so. If you have breathing
problems but cannot get out of the vehicle
after an airbag inates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door. If you
experience breathing problems following
an airbag deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
Your vehicle has a feature that may automatically
unlock the doors, turn the interior lamps on,
and turn the hazard warning ashers on when
the airbags inate. You can lock the doors,
turn the interior lamps off, and turn the hazard
warning ashers off again by using the controls
for those features.In many crashes severe enough to inate the
airbag, windshields are broken by vehicle
deformation. Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the right front passenger airbag.Airbags are designed to inate only once.
After an airbag inates, you will need some
new parts for the airbag system. If you do
not get them, the airbag system will not be
there to help protect you in another crash.
A new system will include airbag modules
and possibly other parts. The service manual
for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
Your vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information
after a crash. SeeVehicle Data Collection
and Event Data Recorders on page 486.
Let only qualied technicians work on the
airbag system. Improper service can mean
that the airbag system will not work properly.
See your dealer for service.
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Safety belts help keep the passenger in position
on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and
braking, which helps the passenger sensing
system maintain the passenger airbag status.
See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in
the Index for additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the
instrument panel cluster ever comes on
and stays on, it means that something
may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the
protection of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 202for more
on this, including important safety
information.
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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag system
in several places around your vehicle. You do not
want the system to inate while someone is
working on your vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information about servicing
your vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase
a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 492.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds, after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected,
an airbag can still inate during improper
service. You can be injured if you are
close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part
of the airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and make sure
the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
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Changes or modications to this system by other
than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
At times you may notice a decrease in range.
This is normal for any RKE system. If the
transmitter does not work or if you have to
stand closer to your vehicle for the transmitter
to work, try this:
Check the distance. You may be too far from
your vehicle. You may need to stand closer
during rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects
may be blocking the signal. Take a few steps
to the left or right, hold the transmitter
higher, and try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement
is necessary. See “Battery Replacement”
underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 97.
If you are still having trouble, see your
dealer/retailer or a qualied technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors may be locked and unlocked,
and the trunk or liftgate may be opened from
about 3 feet (1 m) up to 197 feet (60 m) away
with the remote keyless entry transmitter. If your
vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature,
you can also start the vehicle’s engine with the
remote keyless entry transmitter.
Remote Keyless Entry
with Remote StartRemote Keyless Entry
without Remote Start
97

PASS-Key®III+
The PASS-Key®III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry
Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.Changes or modications to this system by
other than an authorized service facility could
void authorization to use this equipment.
PASS-Key
®III+ uses a radio frequency
transponder in the key that matches a
decoder in your vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key
®III+ is a
passive theft-deterrent system. This means you
don’t have to do anything special to arm or
disarm the system. It works when you insert or
remove the key from the ignition.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it shuts down
the vehicle’s starter and fuel systems. The starter
will not work and fuel will stop owing to the
engine. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to
start the vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key codes.
115

When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does
not start and the security light comes on, the
key may have a damaged transponder. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition
key. At this time, you may also want to check the
fuse, seeFuses on page 446. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle
needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new
key made. In an emergency, contact Chevrolet
Roadside Assistance. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 481for more information.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder
to “learn” the transponder value of a new
or replacement key. Up to 10 additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.See your GM dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank
that is cut exactly as the ignition key that operates
the system.
To program the new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the already programmed key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
off, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn
it to on within ve seconds of removing the
original key.
5. The security light will turn off once the key
has been programmed. It may not be
apparent that the security light went on due to
how quickly the key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 if additional keys
are to be programmed.
116

If you are ever driving and the security light comes
on and stays on, you may be able to restart
your engine if you turn it off. Your PASS-Key
®III+
system, however, is not working properly and
must be serviced by your dealer. Your vehicle is
not protected by the PASS-Key
®III+ system at
this time.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your GM dealer or a locksmith who can
service PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will perform better
in the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 333for
the trailer towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
117