2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling and ventilation for your vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
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 will 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. An indicator light comes
on to show that it is activated. Air from outside the
vehicle will circulate throughout the vehicle. The outside
air mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot
be used with the recirculation mode. Press this button to
cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
comes on to show that it is activated. The air inside the
vehicle will be recirculated through the climate control
system and the vehicle, not from outside the vehicle.
This mode is helpful when trying to limit odors from
entering the vehicle and for maximum air conditioning
performance in hot weather. The recirculation indicator
light blinks three times if you try to use recirculation
in a mode in which it cannot function.
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Pressing this button will cancel the outside air mode.
When switching to the defog or defrost modes the
system automatically moves from recirculation to outside
air. When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on,
the system defaults to outside air automatically.
Only use recirculation mode when it is needed for
comfort, since window fogging can occur.
Temperature Control:Turn the center knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if vehicle has one, to provide
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant the engine uses that provides
heat to warm the inside of the vehicle. For more
information, seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-27.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn
the air conditioning system on or off. An indicator light
comes on to show it is activated.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned off
is normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
air conditioning system operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry. To
prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
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Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from the windshield. Use the defog
mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm
the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Turn the right knob to select the defog or defrost mode.
-(Defog):This mode divides the air between the
windshield and the oor outlets with a small amount
directed to the side windows. When this mode is
selected, the system automatically turns off recirculation.
The air-conditioning compressor will run unless the
outside temperature is at or below freezing. The
air-conditioning compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning indicator
light turns off when defog is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed while in defog mode,
the indicator light will turn on. If the button is pressed
again, the light will turn off. The recirculation mode
cannot be selected while in the defog mode. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode directs most of the air to the
windshield with some air directed to the oor vents.
In this mode, the system automatically forces outside air
into the vehicle. The air-conditioning compressor will
not run unless the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The air-conditioning compressor
operates although the indicator light is not on. The
air-conditioning indicator light turns off when defrost is
selected. If the air-conditioning button is pressed while in
defrost mode, the indicator light turns on. If the button
is pressed again, the light turns off. Recirculation cannot
be selected while in the defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select the defrost mode.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
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Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
that the rear window defogger is activated. Be sure
to clear as much snow from the rear window as possible.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If turned on again, the defogger only runs
for about seven minutes before turning off. The defogger
can also be turned off by pressing the button again or
by turning off the engine.
If your vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If your vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface
of the outside mirrors heat when the rear window
defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power Mirrors on
page 2-41.
Notice:Do not use anything sharp on the inside of
the rear window. If you do, you could cut or
damage the warming grid, and the repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not attach
a temporary vehicle license, tape, a decal or
anything similar to the defogger grid.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation
If your vehicle has the remote start feature and it
is activated, the climate control system heats or cools
the inside of the vehicle using the modes that were
set before the vehicle was turned off. The climate control
knobs will remain active during a remote start.
However, the climate control buttons will be inactive
until the ignition is turned on by the key. If the fan is off,
the climate control system will not operate during
remote start. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-5.
Automatic Climate Control System
If your vehicle has this system, the heating, cooling, and
ventilation can be automatically controlled.
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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 controls the inside
temperature and air delivery.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the AUTO
position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet
may automatically switch to recirculate inside air to
help quickly cool down the vehicle.2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
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 the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C) the system
remains at the maximum cooling setting. If the
temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle
to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the
top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
This sensor regulates air temperature based on the
intensity of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan
until warm air is available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant temperature.
Turning the fan knob overrides this delay and
changes the fan to the selected speed.
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Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still
enters the vehicle. The direction can be changed by
changing the mode position. The temperature can also
be adjusted using either the up or down arrow
temperature buttons.
9(Fan):Turn the knob with the fan symbol to
manually adjust the fan speed.
H(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode divides the air between the
instrument panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the side window
outlets.
The right knob can also be used to select defog or
defrost modes. Information on defogging and defrosting
can be found later in this section.
:(Outside Air):Press the right side of this button
to turn the outside air mode on. An indicator light comes
on to show it is activated. Air from outside the vehicle
will circulate throughout the vehicle. The outside air
mode can be used with all modes, but it cannot be used
with the recirculation mode. Pressing this button
cancels the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press the left side of the button
to turn the recirculation mode on. An indicator light
above the button comes on to show it is activated. The
air inside the vehicle recirculates through the climate
control system and the vehicle, not from outside
the vehicle. This mode is helpful when trying to limit
odors from entering the vehicle and for maximum
air conditioning performance in hot weather. The
recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you try to
use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot function.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
If recirculation is selected while in defrost, defog or oor
mode, the light on the button ashes three times and
then goes out to indicate that this is not allowed. This is
to prevent window fogging.
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When the weather is cool or damp, operating the
system in recirculation for extended periods of time can
cause fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the
fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the
air conditioning is on. Allow the air conditioning to run
automatically to help dehumidify the air.
Temperature Control:Press the up and down arrows
to increase or decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning compressor on and off. A light above
the button comes on while the air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode,
the system runs the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for
the vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation
of the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm
air to the oor and cooler air to the instrument
panel outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, press
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidies the
air inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode,
the system maximizes its performance by using
recirculation as necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation of
the automatic system, use oor mode to deliver air to
the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered, push
the temperature buttons to the desired setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
adjust the temperature by pressing the temperature
buttons.
3-27

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass. This
can be minimized if the climate control system is
used properly. There are two modes to choose from to
clear fog or frost from the windshield.
-(Defog):Use the defog mode to clear the windows
of fog or moisture and warm the passengers. This
setting delivers air to the oor and windshield outlets.
0(Defrost):Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly. The system
automatically controls the fan speed if defrost is selected
from the AUTO mode. If the outside temperature is
40°F (4°C) or warmer, the air conditioning compressor
automatically runs to help dehumidify the air and dry the
windshield. The air conditioning indicator light blinks
three times if the compressor is turned off while in
this mode.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear):Press this button to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light above the
button comes on to show that the rear window defogger
is activated.
If driving below 50 mph (80 km/h), the rear window
defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is
pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the
button again.
If the vehicle’s speed is maintained above 50 mph
(80 km/h), the rear window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
If the vehicle has heated outside mirrors, the surface of
the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear
window defogger is activated. SeeOutside Power
Mirrors on page 2-41.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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