2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU manual transmission

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-22
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24
Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-26
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-27
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Four Speed Transmission).........................2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Transmission)...........................2-30
Parking Brake..............................................2-34
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-35
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-37
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-37
Engine Exhaust............................................2-37
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-38
Mirrors...........................................................2-39
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-39
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar®and Compass...............................2-39
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-41
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-42
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving.
It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle.
If you need more power for passing, and you are:Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more,
push the accelerator all the way down.
MANUAL MODE (M):This position, allows you to
change gears similar to a manual transmission. If your
vehicle has this feature, see Driver Shift Control (DSC).
2-32

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) rearward to
MANUAL (M).
While driving in manual mode, the transmission will
remain in the driver selected gear. When coming
to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle
will automatically shift into FIRST (1) gear.
2. Press the (+) plus paddle located on top of the
steering wheel controls forward to upshift, or
push the backside of the shift paddle rearward to
downshift.The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument
cluster will change from the currently displayed message
to the letter “M”, For MANUAL position, and a number
indicating the requested gear range when moving
the shift lever forward or rearward.
While using the DSC feature the transmission will have
rmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this
for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear
longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (RPM):
The transmission will not automatically shift to the
next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine
RPM is too high.
The transmission will not allow shifting to the next
lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is
too high.
2-33

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. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are especiallyimportant in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, 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. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-29.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If you get a at tire while towing a trailer, be sure
to secure the trailer and disconnect it from the vehicle
before changing the tire.
4-36

Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start procedure. Put an
automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual
transmission in NEUTRAL before setting the
parking brake.
5-43

ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L L4 Engine 5.0 qt 4.7 L
3.5L V6 Engine 4.0 qt 3.8 L
3.6L V6 Engine 5.5 qt 5.2 L
Fuel Tank 16.3 gal 61.7 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the appropriate level, as recommended in this
manual.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
2.4L L4 B Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
3.5L V6 N Automatic 0.040 inches (1.01 mm)
3.6L V6 7 Automatic 0.044 inches (1.10 mm)
5-109

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777 (English) or
1-800-263-7854 (French), or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Communication Centre, CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
7-16

Tires (cont.)
High-Speed Operation..................................5-62
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-77
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-60
Inspection and Rotation................................5-67
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-81
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-64
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-62
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-81
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-79
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-87
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-57
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-74
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-74
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
Winter Tires................................................5-53
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-26
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-30
Your Vehicle...............................................4-26
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-6
Traction Control System...................................3-39
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-26
Transmission Operation, Automatic............2-28, 2-30
Trip Odometer................................................3-32Trunk............................................................2-13
Trunk Lamps..................................................3-18
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-45
Operation...................................................2-46
Using this Manual............................................... iii
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-21
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-18
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN).............................................5-97
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-98
Vehicle Personalization
DIC ...........................................................3-53
Vehicle, Remote Start....................................... 2-7
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-29
Visors...........................................................2-18
13