2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU heater

If the On Indicator is Lit for a Child
Restraint
If a child restraint has been installed and the on
indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as
blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions
provided by the child restraint manufacturer and
refer toSecuring a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position on page 1-54.5. If, after reinstalling the child restraint and restarting
the vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, turn the vehicle
off. Then slightly recline the vehicle seatback and
adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure
that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child
restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped
under the vehicle head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. SeeHead Restraints
on page 1-2.
6. Restart the vehicle.
If the on indicator is still lit with an infant present in
a child restraint, secure the child restraint in a
rear seat position in the vehicle and see your
dealer/retailer.
1-69

If the Off Indicator is Lit for an
Adult-Size Occupant
If a person of adult-size is sitting in the right front
passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting properly in the seat.If this happens, use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and enable the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side
impact airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such
as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or
seat massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on
the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.
5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in
this position for two to three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.
1-70

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in
the Index for additional information about the importance
of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,
seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We recommend
that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment except when approved by GM for your specic
vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-72for more information about
modications that can affect how the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-16.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualied to do so.
1-71

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts of
the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel,
roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, overhead console, front sensors, side
impact sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-66.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-72

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Door Ajar Reminder......................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-15
Power Windows............................................2-16
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-20Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-21
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-21
Ignition Positions..........................................2-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-23
Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-25
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Four Speed Transmission).........................2-26
Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Transmission)...........................2-28
Parking Brake..............................................2-32
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-33
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-34
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-34
Engine Exhaust............................................2-35
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-36
Mirrors...........................................................2-37
Manual Rearview Mirror.................................2-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-37
Compass.....................................................2-38
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-39
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-39
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-40
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the engine
operates. Before adding electrical equipment, check
with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the engine
might not perform properly. Any resulting damage
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at
least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will
prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
On the 2.4L engine, the engine coolant heater cord
is located near the air cleaner box on the passenger
side of the engine compartment. On the 3.5L and
3.6L V6 engines, the engine coolant heater cord is
located on the driver side around the battery box.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for more information on location.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC
outlet.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in the
area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best
advice on this.
2-25

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

For good starting and heater efficiency below 32°F (0°C),
the fuel mix in the fuel tank should contain no more
than 70% ethanol. It is best not to alternate repeatedly
between gasoline and E85. If you do switch fuels,
it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible — do not add less than three gallons (11 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately
after refueling for at least seven miles (11 km) to allow the
vehicle to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration.
E85 has less energy per gallon than gasoline, so you
will need to rell the fuel tank more often when using E85
than when you are using gasoline. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-10.Notice:Some additives are not compatible with
E85 fuel and can harm the vehicle’s fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85. Damage caused
by additives would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be covered under the vehicle
warranty.
5-9