2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU warning light

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
............................................... 1-9
Safety Belts
.............................................1-11
Child Restraints
.......................................1-31
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-18
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-22
Mirrors
....................................................2-39
OnStar
®System
......................................2-42
Universal Home Remote System
................2-45
Storage Areas
.........................................2-52
Sunroof
..................................................2-53
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-21
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-46
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-59Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-51
Tires
......................................................5-52
Appearance Care
.....................................5-89
Vehicle Identication
.................................5-97
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Specications
...................5-108
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-15
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-18
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM

If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough
outside, the vehicle’s high-beam headlamps, parking
lamps, and back-up lamps turn on each time
Kon the
transmitter is pressed. These exterior lamps stay on
for 20 seconds, or until a door is opened. See
“EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS” underDIC Vehicle
Personalization on page 3-53for additional information.
Pressing
Kon the RKE transmitter disarms the
content theft-deterrent system. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-18.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and hold for
about one second to open the trunk. The trunk can be
opened with the transmitter when the vehicle speed
is less than 2 mph (3 km/h) or when the ignition is off.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate your vehicle. The horn sounds three times
and the headlamps and turn signals ash three times.
Press and hold
Lfor about three seconds to initiate the
panic alarm. The horn sounds and the headlamps
and turn signals ash for 30 seconds. Press
Lagain
to cancel the panic alarm.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter
is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased
through your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be
re-coded to match the new transmitter. The lost
transmitter will no longer work after the new transmitters
are re-coded. Each vehicle can have a maximum of
four transmitters matched to it.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the KEY FOB BATT (Battery)
LOW message displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB
BATT (Battery) LOW” underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48for additional information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
2-6

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any
of the follow occur:
The remote start system is disabled through
the DIC.
The vehicle’s key is in the ignition.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The hazard warning ashers are on.
The check engine light is on. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41.
The engine coolant temperature is too high.
The oil pressure is low.
Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time
extension, have already been provided for that
ignition cycle.Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are
shipped from the factory with the remote start system
enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled
through the DIC. See “REMOTE START” underDIC
Vehicle Personalization on page 3-53for additional
information.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature.
This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature.
See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the
manufacturer’s remote vehicle start feature to your
vehicle.
2-9

Trunk Assist Handle
There is an assist handle
located on the inside of
the trunk.
Pull down on the handle to lower the trunk. Then close
the trunk with your other hand. If the trunk is not
properly closed, the TRUNK AJAR message will appear
in the message center of your instrument panel
cluster. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48
for more information.
Notice:Using the trunk assist handle as a tie-down
or anchor point when securing items in the trunk
may damage it. Use the trunk assist handle only to
help you close the trunk lid.
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Notice:Do not use the emergency trunk release
handle as a tie-down or anchor point when securing
items in the trunk as it could damage the handle.
The emergency trunk release handle is only
intended to aid a person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk from the inside.
There is a glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release
handle located inside the trunk on the trunk latch. This
handle glows following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle up to open the trunk from the inside.
2-14

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

Second or Third Gear Start Feature
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift the gear select
tap switch into Second or Third gear. A higher gear
allows you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces.
With the DSC feature, the vehicle can be set to pull
away in Second or Third gear.
1. Move the shift lever from DRIVE (D) into the
MANUAL MODE (M).
2. With the vehicle stopped, press (+) end of the button
to select Second or Third gear. The vehicle will start
from a stop position in Second or Third gear.
3. Once moving select the desired drive gear.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake,
push down the parking
brake pedal with your left
foot. If the ignition is
on, the brake system
warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System
Warning Light on
page 3-37.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot. Push down momentarily
on the parking brake pedal with your left foot until you
feel the pedal release. If the parking brake is not
released when you begin to drive, the brake system
warning light comes on and a chime sounds as a
warning that the parking brake is still on.
2-34

The PUSH PARK PEDAL message will also display in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) as a reminder
to release the parking brake. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-48.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-30.
Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not
move,even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-30.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-34for more information.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the shift lever
all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-35

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