2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU air conditioning

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
iv

To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a at, thin object
inserted into the notch on the side.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
It may also start the vehicle’s heating or air conditioning
systems and rear window defogger. When the remote
start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic
climate control system, it will automatically regulate
the inside temperature. Normal operation of these
systems will return after the ignition key is turned
to ON/RUN.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
2-7

If you try to connect equipment using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection
circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator light
turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item and plug it
back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power (RAP) off
and then back on. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-23. The power restarts when equipment that
operates within the limit is plugged into the outlet and a
system fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and may not work properly if these
items are plugged into the power outlet:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage such as:
compressor-driven refrigerators and electric
power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable
power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation
C. Temperature
Control
D. Outside AirE. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
3-20

Operation
Temperature Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside 0°F (−18°C) or lower, use the
engine coolant heater, if vehicle has one, to provide
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An engine coolant
heater warms the coolant the engine uses that provides
heat to warm the inside of the vehicle. For more
information, seeEngine Coolant Heater on page 2-25.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. The fan must
be on to run the air-conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the current airow mode.
Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel and oor outlets. Some air will be directed toward
the side windows.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the windshield and side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the windshield and oor
outlets, with some air directed to the side windows. When
this mode is selected, the system automatically turns off
recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The air-conditioning compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning indicator light
turns off when defog is selected. If the air-conditioning
button is pressed while in defog mode, the indicator light
will turn on. If the button is pressed again, the light will
turn off. The recirculation mode cannot be selected while
in the defog mode. Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):This mode quickly clears the windshield
of fog or frost. Air is directed to the windshield with some
air directed to the oor vents. In this mode, outside air is
pulled into the vehicle. The air-conditioning compressor
will not run unless the outside temperature is at or below
freezing. The air-conditioning compressor operates
although the indicator light is not on. The air-conditioning
indicator light turns off when defrost is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed while in defrost mode,
the indicator light turns on. If the button is pressed again,
the light turns off. Recirculation cannot be selected while
in the defrost mode.
3-21

To help clear the windshield quickly, do the following:
1. Select
0.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning):Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. An indicator light comes on to show
it is on.
The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip under the
vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned off
is normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to let hot inside air
escape; then close them. This helps reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
air conditioning system operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days, do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.Using these settings together for long periods of time can
cause the air inside of the vehicle to become too dry.
To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, turn the recirculation mode off.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show that it is on.
Air from outside the vehicle will circulate throughout
the vehicle. The outside air mode can be used with all
modes, but it cannot be used with the recirculation
mode. Press
:to cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light comes on to show that it is
on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to prevent
outside air and odors from entering the vehicle. The
recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you try to
use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot function.
Pressing this button cancels the outside air mode. When
switching to the defog or defrost modes the system
automatically moves from recirculation to outside air.
When the vehicle or fan is turned off and back on, the
system defaults to outside air automatically. Only use
recirculation mode when it is needed for comfort, since
window fogging can occur.
3-22

Automatic Climate Control System
For vehicles with this system, the heating, cooling,
and ventilation can be automatically controlled.
A. Fan Control
B. Air Conditioning
C. Recirculation
D. Outside Air
E. Rear Window
DefoggerF. Air Delivery Mode
Control
G. Display
H. Temperature
Control
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):Select AUTO on both the fan speed
control and the air delivery mode control knobs to activate
the automatic system. When automatic operation is
active the system controls the inside temperature and
air delivery.
To place the system in automatic mode do the following:
1. Turn the fan knob and the mode knob to the
AUTO position.
The current set temperature displays. When AUTO
is selected, the air conditioning operation and air
inlet is automatically controlled. The air conditioning
compressor runs while the outside temperature is
over about 40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be
set to outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down the vehicle.
2. Set the temperature.
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) is recommended.
Allow about 20 minutes for the system to regulate.
Press
worxto adjust the temperature setting as
necessary. If the temperature is set at 60°F (15°C)
the system remains at the maximum cooling setting.
If the temperature is set at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat setting. Choosing
either maximum setting does not cause the vehicle to
heat or cool any faster.
3-24

Do not to cover the sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on the intensity
of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends on
the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
overrides this delay and changes the fan to the
selected speed.
Manual Operation
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still enters
the vehicle. The airow direction and temperature can be
adjusted.
x/wTemperature Control:Press the arrows to
increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle.Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. The system automatically controls
the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode.
If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the
air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the
compressor is turned off while in this mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press turn the air conditioning
on and off. An indicator light turns on to show the
air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode,
the system runs the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
3-25

On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for the
vehicle to cool down. Then keep the windows closed for
the air conditioner to work its best.
On cool, but sunny days while using manual operation of
the automatic system, use bi-level to deliver warm air to
the oor and cooler air to the instrument panel outlets.
To warm or cool the air delivered, press the temperature
buttons to the desired setting.
In AUTO mode the system cools and dehumidies the air
inside the vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, the system
maximizes its performance by using recirculation as
necessary.
Heating:On cold days when using manual operation
of the automatic system, use oor mode to deliver air
to the oor outlets. To warm or cool the air delivered,
press
xorwto the desired temperature setting.
To use the automatic mode, turn the knob to AUTO and
press
xorwto adjust the temperature.
:(Outside Air):Press to turn the outside air mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show it is on. Air from
outside the vehicle will circulate throughout the vehicle.
The outside air mode can be used with all modes, but it
cannot be used with the recirculation mode. Pressing
this button cancels the recirculation mode.
h(Recirculation):Press to turn the recirculation
mode on. An indicator light above the button comes on to
show it is on. This mode recirculates and helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation indicator light blinks three times if you
try to use recirculation in a mode in which it cannot
function.
Pressing this button cancels the auto recirculation
feature. Each time the vehicle is started, the system
reverts to the auto recirculation function.
The recirculation mode cannot be used with the oor,
defrost, or defog modes. If recirculation is selected in
these modes, the indicator ashes three times and turns
off to indicate that this is not allowed. This is to prevent
window fogging.
When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system
in recirculation for extended periods of time can cause
fogging of the vehicle’s windows. To clear the fog, select
either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is
on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help
dehumidify the air.
3-26