2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU radio

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it 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 interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
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.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range, try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. 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 the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician for
service.
2-4

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
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 the vehicle.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
When trying to start the vehicle if the engine does not
start and the security light on the instrument panel
cluster comes on, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
2-20

9(LOCK/OFF):This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. It also locks the ignition
and transmission. A warning chime sounds if the driver’s
door is opened while the ignition is off and the key is
left in the ignition.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers while
the engine is not running.
R(ON/RUN):This position unlocks the ignition. It is also
the position to where the key returns after you release
the switch and the engine starts. The switch will
stay in this position while the engine is running. But
even while the engine is not running, you can use
ON/RUN to operate the electrical accessories, and to
display some instrument panel warning lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You might not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
/(START):This position starts the engine. When the
engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will
return to the ON/RUN position for normal driving.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
sounds, when the driver’s door is opened. Always
remember to remove the key from the ignition and take
it with you. This locks your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You might not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
2-23

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Heated Seats (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features continue to work up to 10 minutes after
the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The power windows, heated seats, and sunroof will
work until any door is opened.
The radio continues to work until the driver’s door is
opened.
All these features operate when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this is a
safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
2-24

Location information about your vehicle is only available if
the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and available.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical system
(including adequate battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service to you at any particular time or place.
Some examples are damage to important parts of your
vehicle in an accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the OnStar
advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, this
means that your system is not functioning properly and
should be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the light
appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired. You can always press the
OnStar button to conrm that your OnStar equipment
is active.
Universal Home Remote
System
The Universal Home Remote System provides a way to
replace up to three hand-held Radio-Frequency (RF)
transmitters used to activate devices such as garage
door openers, security systems, and home lighting.
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.
2-45

Storage Areas
Glove Box
To open, pull the handle up.
Cupholders
There are removable cupholders located in front of the
center console. See “Center Console Storage Area”
later on in this section for information on how to access
them. To remove the cupholders, press and hold the
tab at the rear of the cupholders and lift up and
rearward. This will disengage the two forward tabs.
To reinstall, place the two forward tabs in the slots
and push the rear of the cupholder down.
If your vehicle has rear seat cupholders, pull down the
door on the back of the center console to access them.
Instrument Panel Storage
Your vehicle has an instrument panel storage area,
with a removable liner, located above the radio.
To open, slide the latch toward you.
Front Storage Area
There is a storage area in front of the shifter.
To access, push the bottom of the door. It will open
automatically.
Center Console Storage
Your vehicle has a center console storage area. Inside
the center console is a storage tray and a main storage
bin. To access the storage tray, pull up on the driver side
latch. To access the main storage bin, pull up on the
passenger side latch. Inside is a removable bin divider
to customize the storage compartment. There also may
be a storage pocket at the rear of the center console.
The armrest on top of the center console can be
adjusted to a rearward, middle, and forward position.
To adjust, pull or push the front of the armrest to
the desired position.
In front of the main storage bin is another storage area.
To access, push down and then forward on the rear
of the cover. Inside is a storage tray and removable
cupholders.
2-52

Security Light...............................................3-44
Cruise Control Light......................................3-44
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-45
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-46
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-48
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-53Audio System(s).............................................3-59
Setting the Clock..........................................3-60
Radio(s)......................................................3-62
Using an MP3..............................................3-73
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-78
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-79
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-79
Radio Reception...........................................3-80
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-81
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-81
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps,
sidemarker, parking lamps, and the instrument panel
lights. The radio lights will also be dim.
Your vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Make sure it is not covered or the automatic headlamp
system will be on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only
be affected when the light sensor sees a change
in lighting lasting longer than this delay.If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL
if it is light outside. During that delay, the instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See “Instrument Panel Brightness
Control” underInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-16.
To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light
switch to the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in
Canada, the transmission must stay in PARK (P) for this
function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
3-15