2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU service indicator

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification
Number (VIN) on page 5-97.
If the vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine (VIN Code K),
you can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol
fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel on
page 5-5. In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described underGasoline Octane on page 5-6.
Only vehicles that have the 3.5L V6 engine
(VIN Code K) can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85).
We encourage the use of E85 in vehicles that are
designed to use it. The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable”
fuel, meaning it is made from renewable sources such
as corn and other crops.Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol fuel
(E85) pump available. The U. S. Department of Energy
has an alternative fuels website (www.eere.energy.gov/
afdc/infrastructure/locator.html) that can help you nd
E85 fuel. Those stations that do have E85 should have
a label indicating ethanol content. Do not use the fuel if
the ethanol content is greater than 85%.
At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM Specication
D 5798. By denition, this means that fuel labeled E85
will have an ethanol content between 70% and 85%.
Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures that do not meet
ASTM specications can affect driveability and could
cause the malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according
to ASTM specication D 5798. If you have trouble
starting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel
is not properly formulated for your climate. If this
happens, switching to gasoline or adding gasoline
to the fuel tank can improve starting.
5-8

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
You will nd an engine coolant temperature gage as
well as an engine coolant temperature warning light
on your vehicle’s instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-37andEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-36.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-36for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if
it overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 5-36for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
5-34

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard
all the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specications
inCapacities and Specifications on page 5-108.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-41

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power............................................2-23
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-18
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-72
Additional Required Services, Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-6
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-7
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................5-98
Adjustment
Chime Level...............................................3-92
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-26
Air Conditioning..............................................3-20
Airbag
Readiness Light..........................................3-31
Airbag System................................................1-58
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-72
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-64
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-71
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-64
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?........1-64
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-63
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-60
Airbags
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-32Antenna
Backglass...................................................3-92
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-92
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 4-5
Warning Light.............................................3-35
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-95
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-93
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-97
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Finish Damage............................................5-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-92
Interior Cleaning..........................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-96
Tires..........................................................5-96
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95
Assistance Program, Roadside........................... 7-7
Audio System.................................................3-56
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-89
Setting the Clock.........................................3-57
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-92
1

Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse Block.................5-102
Fuses........................................................5-99
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.........................5-99
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-98
Rear Compartment Fuse Block....................5-105
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-98
Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-20
Electronic Stability Control................................. 4-6
Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light...........3-35
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-26
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-38
Compartment Overview................................5-16
Coolant......................................................5-29
Coolant Heater............................................2-25
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-37
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-36
Cooling System...........................................5-28
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-35
Oil .............................................................5-21
Oil Life System...........................................5-24Engine (cont.)
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-36
Overheating................................................5-34
Starting......................................................2-24
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-16
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-18
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-26
Finish Damage...............................................5-96
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-85
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-28
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-15
Folding Rear Seat...........................................1-10
Front Storage Area.........................................2-50
5

Lights............................................................3-13
Airbag Readiness........................................3-31
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning............3-35
Brake System Warning.................................3-34
Charging System.........................................3-33
Cruise Control.............................................3-42
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning.............3-36
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
Highbeam On.............................................3-42
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-8
Oil Pressure...............................................3-41
On Reminder..............................................3-14
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator..................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders..................................3-30
Security.....................................................3-41
Tire Pressure..............................................3-37
Loading Your Vehicle.......................................4-20
Locks
Delayed Locking..........................................2-11
Door ..........................................................2-10
Lockout Protection.......................................2-12
Power Door ................................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Loss of Control...............................................4-12
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.............1-44
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4M
Maintenance
Footnotes..................................................... 6-7
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-8
At Least Once a Month.................................. 6-9
At Least Once a Year.................................... 6-9
Maintenance Record....................................6-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-13
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-12
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Lamp...............................3-38
Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-3
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-46
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview........................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror................................2-37
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror.................2-39
Outside Heated Mirrors................................2-40
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-39
MP3 .............................................................3-71
8

N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-19
Net
Convenience...............................................2-51
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-21
O
Odometer......................................................3-30
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-30
Off-Road
Recovery....................................................4-11
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System.................................5-24
Pressure Light.............................................3-41
Older Children, Restraints................................1-32
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-5
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-19
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-40
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-44
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-27
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-18
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-39
Heated Mirrors............................................2-40
Power Mirrors.............................................2-39Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..........................................5-36
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-8
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage...............................................5-96
Parade Dimming.............................................3-16
Park
Headlamps Off in Park.................................3-14
Shifting Into................................................2-33
Shifting Out of............................................2-34
Parking
Over Things That Burn.................................2-34
Parking Brake................................................2-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-32
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-66
Passing.........................................................4-12
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-20
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California..................................................... 5-4
Phone
Bluetooth
®..................................................3-78
9