2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU audio

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-58
Restraint System Check
............................1-73
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
...........2-21
Mirrors
....................................................2-37
OnStar
®System
......................................2-40
Universal Home Remote System
................2-43
Storage Areas
.........................................2-50
Sunroof
..................................................2-51
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-20
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-28
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-43
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-56Driving 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
...............5-14
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-47
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-47
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-50
Tires
......................................................5-51
Appearance Care
.....................................5-90
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
...........7-17
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM

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

R(ON/RUN):This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel warning lights. The switch will stay in this position
while the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to start the 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 driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened,
the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and
the key is in the ignition.
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 door is
opened.
All these features operate when the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
2-23

OnStar Services Available with the
Safe & Sound Plan
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Advanced Automatic Crash Notication (AACN)
(If equipped)
Link to Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
OnStar Vehicle Diagnostic Email
GM Goodwrench On Demand Diagnostics
OnStar Hands-Free Calling with 30 trial minutes
OnStar Virtual Advisor (U.S. Only)
OnStar Services Included with
Directions & Connections Plan
All Safe and Sound Plan Services
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (If equipped) or
Driving Directions - Advisor delivered
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows eligible OnStar
subscribers to make and receive calls using voice
commands. Hands-Free Calling is fully integrated into the
vehicle, and can be used with OnStar Pre-Paid Minute
Packages. Most vehicles include 30 trial minutes good
for 60 days. Hands-Free Calling can also be linked to
a Verizon Wireless service plan in the U.S. or a Bell
Mobility service plan in Canada, depending on eligibility.
To nd out more, refer to the OnStar Owner’s Guide in
the vehicle’s glove box, visit onstar.com or onstar.ca, or
speak with an OnStar advisor by pressing the OnStar
button or calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Vehicles with the OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation
system can provide voice-guided driving directions.
Press the OnStar button to have an OnStar advisor
locate a business or address and download driving
directions to the vehicle. Voice-guided directions to the
desired destination will play through the audio system
speakers. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
2-41

OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling that uses minutes to access
location-based weather, local traffic reports, and
stock quotes. Press the phone button and give a
few simple voice commands to browse through the
various topics. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for
more information. This feature is only available in
the continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can
be used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-89
for more information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works
The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle
was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where
the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas,
or at all times.
2-42

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-36
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-37
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-37
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-38
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-41
Security Light...............................................3-41
Cruise Control Light......................................3-42
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-44
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-46
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-50Audio System(s).............................................3-56
Setting the Clock..........................................3-57
Radio(s)......................................................3-59
Using an MP3..............................................3-71
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-77
Bluetooth
®...................................................3-78
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-89
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-89
Radio Reception...........................................3-91
Backglass Antenna.......................................3-92
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-92
Chime Level Adjustment................................3-92
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-27.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Driver Shift Control (If Equipped).Automatic
Transmission Operation (Four Speed Transmission)
on page 2-26orAutomatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Transmission) on page 2-28.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-29.
E.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-9.
F.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-50.
G.Audio System(s) on page 3-56.
H.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.
Fog Lamps on page 3-15.
I.Driver Storage Compartment on page 2-51.
J.Hood Release on page 5-14.
K.Cruise Control on page 3-10.Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-43.L.Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6.
M.Horn on page 3-6.
N.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-89
(If Equipped).
O.Ignition Positions on page 2-22.
P.Climate Control System on page 3-20orAutomatic
Climate Control System on page 3-24.
Q.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
R. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
(Four Speed Transmission) on page 2-26or
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed
Transmission) on page 2-28.
S.Front Storage Area on page 2-50.Accessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
T.Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-32.
U.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8.
V.Glove Box on page 2-50.
3-5

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio the vehicle has and read the
following pages to become familiar with its features.
{CAUTION:
Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods
could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to
you or others. Do not give extended attention to
entertainment tasks while driving.
This system provides access to many audio and non
audio listings.
To minimize taking your eyes off the road while driving,
do the following while the vehicle is parked:
Become familiar with the operation and controls of
the audio system.
Set up the tone, speaker adjustments, and preset
radio stations.
For more information, seeDefensive Driving on
page 4-2.Notice:Contact your dealer/retailer before adding
any equipment.
Adding audio or communication equipment could
interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and could damage them.
Follow federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not
work. Make sure that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with your vehicle before
installing it. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP). With
RAP, the audio system can be played even after the
ignition is turned off. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-23for more information.
3-56