
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 Identi cation
.................................5-97
Electrical System
......................................5-98
Capacities and Speci cations
...................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

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

Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature
If any object is in the path of the window when
the express-up is active, the window stops at the
obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory position.
Weather conditions such as severe icing may also
cause the window to auto-reverse. The window returns
to normal operation once the obstruction or condition
is removed.
Express Window Anti-Pinch Override
{CAUTION:
If express override is activated, the window will
not reverse automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be damaged. Before
you use express override, make sure that all people
and obstructions are clear of the window path.
In an emergency, the anti-pinch feature can be
overridden in a supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second position. The window
rises for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch
is released, the express mode is re-activated.
In this mode, the window can still close on an object in
its path. Use care when using the override mode.
Window Lockout
The driver power window controls also include a lockout
button.
o(Window Lockout):Press the lockout button to stop
the rear passengers from using their window switches.
The driver and front passenger can still operate all the
windows with the lock on. When the red part of the switch
is visible, you have returned to normal window operation.
Sun Visors
To block out glare, you can swing down the visors.
You can also remove them from the center mount and
swing them to the side, to block out glare from the side.
Your vehicle may have lighted visor vanity mirrors
located on the passenger and driver’s side visor.
When you lift the cover, the light will turn on.
2-17

Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Hold the inside rearview mirror in the center to move it
for a clearer view of behind your vehicle. Adjust the mirror
to avoid glare from the headlamps behind. Push the tab
forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use.
Vehicles with OnStar
®have three additional control
buttons located at the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer/retailer for more information on the system
and how to subscribe to OnStar
®. SeeOnStar®System
on page 2-40for more information about the services
OnStar
®provides.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside
rearview mirror with a compass display and OnStar®
controls. See your dealer/retailer for more information
on the system and how to subscribe to OnStar®.
SeeOnStar®System on page 2-40for more information
about the services OnStar®provides.
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on
or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror.
Use a soft towel dampened with water.
2-37

Outside Power Mirrors
You may have one of the following power mirror
controls:
If you have these controls,
they are located near the
driver side mirror.
1. Press the left or right side of the selector switch
located above the control pad, to select the driver
or passenger mirror.
2. Press one of the four buttons located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.If you have these controls,
they are located on the
driver door.
Use the selector switch located below the four-way
control panel to choose either the left or right outside
mirror. Then press the control pad to move the selected
mirror in the desired direction.
To maximize the viewing area, adjust each mirror so
you can see the side of your vehicle and the area beside
and behind your vehicle.
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has this feature, the driver side mirror
adjusts for the glare of headlamps behind your vehicle.
This feature is controlled by the on and off settings
on the automatic dimming inside rearview mirror.
2-39