2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU charging

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

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-8
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
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 ..................................................3-15
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-16
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-16
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-16
Parade Dimming...........................................3-16
Reading Lamps............................................3-16Electric Power Management...........................3-17
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-18
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current........3-19
Climate Controls............................................3-20
Climate Control System.................................3-20
Automatic Climate Control System...................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-27
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-28
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-29
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-30
Trip Odometer.............................................
.3-30
Tachometer.................................................3-30
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-30
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-31
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-32
Charging System Light..................................3-33
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-34
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-35
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light........................................................3-35
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-46.
3-17

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag are enabled (may inate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger
sensing system has turned off the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-31
for more information, including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46for
more information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on,
turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
3-33

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static can occur during
normal radio reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience accessories, and external
electronic devices are plugged into the accessory power
outlet. If there is interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause station
frequencies to interfere with each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations boost the power levels
during the day, and then reduce these levels during the
night. Static can also occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio reception. When this
happens, try reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Although the radio has a built-in electronic circuit that
automatically works to reduce interference, some static
can occur, especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the sound to
fade in and out. In addition, traveling or standing under
heavy foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with the
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when making
or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s battery,
or simply having the phone on. This interference causes
an increased level of static while listening to the radio.
If static is received while listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.
3-91

Chains, Tire...................................................5-74
Charging System Light....................................3-33
Check
Engine Lamp..............................................3-38
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-14
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-97
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children..................................................1-44
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-52
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-54
Systems.....................................................1-39
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Chime Level Adjustment..................................3-92
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels........................................5-95
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-91
Finish Care.................................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-92
Interior.......................................................5-90
Leather......................................................5-92
Tires..........................................................5-96Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-97
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-93
Weatherstrips..............................................5-93
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-95
Climate Control System...................................3-20
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-27
Climate Control Systems
Automatic...................................................3-24
Clock, Setting.................................................3-57
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-12
Compact Spare Tire........................................
5-89
Compass.......................................................2-38
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-18
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-4
Convenience Net............................................2-51
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-29
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-37
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-36
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-33
Cooling System..............................................5-28
Courtesy Transportation...................................7-10
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-42
Cupholders....................................................2-50
3

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