2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU traction control

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Headlamps..................................................3-13
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-14
Headlamps Off in Park..................................3-14
Delayed Headlamps......................................3-14
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-14
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamp .................................................3-17
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Parade Dimming...........................................3-17
Front Reading Lamps....................................3-17
Overhead Console Reading Lamps.................3-17
Rear Reading Lamps....................................3-18
Trunk Lamp.................................................3-18Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-19
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-20
Climate Controls............................................3-21
Climate Control System.................................3-21
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...........
.3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometer..............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-37
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-38
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light............................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-41
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
D. Windshield Wiper and Washer Lever. See
Windshield Wipers on page 3-9andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
E. Instrument Panel Storage. SeeInstrument Panel
Storage on page 2-52.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-59.
G. Adjustable Pedal Buttons (If Equipped). See
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-26.
Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-16. Fog Lamps Button.
SeeFog Lamps on page 3-16.
H. Driver Storage Compartment. SeeDriver Storage
Compartment on page 2-53.
I. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
J. Cruise Controls. SeeCruise Control on page 3-10.
Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-46.
K. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
on page 3-7.L. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-79.
N. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
O. Climate Control System or Automatic Climate
Control System. SeeClimate Control System on
page 3-21orAutomatic Climate Control System on
page 3-24.
P. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Q. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
(Four Speed Transmission) on page 2-28or
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed
Transmission) on page 2-30.
R. Front Storage Area. SeeFront Storage Area on
page 2-52. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-19.
S. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. SeePassenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-35.
T. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-52.
3-5

Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker stops the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload. If the motor
gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear away the snow
or ice, and then turn the wipers back on.
As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on for
more than 15 seconds, the vehicle’s headlamps turn on
automatically. They turn off 15 seconds after the
wipers are turned off.
Windshield Washer
To wash the windshield, press the button at the end of
the lever until the washers begin.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
When the button is released, the washers stop, but the
wipers continue to wipe about three times or resume
the previous speed.
Cruise Control
Cruise control lets you maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can really help on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h).
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
3-10

Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons
are located on the steering
wheel.
I(On/Off):Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off.RES+ (Resume):Press to resume a set speed and to
accelerate the speed.
SET−(Set):Press to set a speed and to decrease
the speed.
To set a speed do the following:
1. Press
Ito turn cruise control on. The indicator
light on the button comes on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET−and release it. The cruise symbol
displays in the instrument panel cluster to show the
system is engaged.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control shuts off.
If the vehicle is in cruise control and the Traction
Control System (TCS) or Enhanced Traction System
(ETS) begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
automatically disengages. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 4-8. When road conditions allow, the
cruise control can be used again.
3-11

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
This light is located in the
center of the instrument
panel cluster.
For vehicles that have the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the Traction Control System (TCS), this
indicator/warning light should come on briey when
the engine is started.
If the indicator/warning light does not come on then,
have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a
problem. This light, along with the appropriate Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages, indicates when the
ESC system and the TCS are working or are disabled.If this light is on and not ashing, the TCS and
potentially the ESC system have been disabled. Check
your DIC messaging to determine which feature(s) is
no longer functioning and whether it is because of
the driver turning off the feature(s), or the system may
not be working properly and your vehicle requires
service. If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin will not be
limited. If the ESC system is disabled, the system
will not aid in maintaining vehicle directional control.
In either case, adjust your driving accordingly.
If the indicator/warning light is on and ashing, the TCS
or the ESC system is actively working. Check the
DIC messaging for details to determine which system is
working. If the LOW TRACTION message appears,
the system is limiting wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE
message appears, the system is aiding in maintaining
vehicle directional control.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8and
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48for
more information on the messages associated with
this light.
3-39

ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting of the engine is
disabled. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine power
is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when ESC is
assisting you with directional control of the vehicle.
You may feel or hear the system working and see this
message displayed in the DIC. Slippery road conditionsmay exist when this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message may stay on for
a few seconds after ESC stops assisting you with
directional control of the vehicle. This is normal when
the system is operating. SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC) on page 4-8andElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light on page 3-39for more information.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC
is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-39for
more information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
3-50

KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery in
the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel
Gage on page 3-45,Fuel on page 5-5, andFilling the
Tank on page 5-8for more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on
the instrument panel cluster ashes when the system is
actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions
may exist if this message is displayed, so adjust
your driving accordingly. This message stays on for a
few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-39for
more information.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid
reservoir to the proper level as soon as possible.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
POWER STEERING
On some vehicles, this message displays if a problem
has been detected with the electric power steering. Have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.
PUSH PARK PEDAL
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-34for more
information.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately.
3-51

SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and a chime sounds if there has
been a problem detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
This light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, the
system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeElectronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-8
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-39
for more information.
If this message turns on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off and
then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the ESC inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and a chime sounds when
the system is not functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument panel cluster.
This light stays on solid as long as the detected problem
remains present. When this message displays, the
system is not working. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
andElectronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-39
for more information. Have the system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-41. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-64for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
3-52