2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU power steering fluid

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

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
If your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster comes on solid when ESC is
turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeElectronic
Stability Control (ESC) on page 4-6andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-35for more
information.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
This message displays if the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter battery is low. Replace the battery
in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2-5.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-42,Fuel on page 5-5, andFilling the Tank on
page 5-10for more information.
LOW TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS),
this message displays and the ESC/TCS light on the
instrument panel cluster ashes when the system is
actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may
exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message stays on for a few seconds
after the system stops limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8andElectronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on page 3-35for more
information.
LOW WASHER FLUID
This message displays when the vehicle’s windshield
washer uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid
reservoir to the proper level as soon as possible.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
POWER STEERING
On some vehicles, this message displays if a problem
has been detected with the electric power steering. Have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer immediately.
PUSH PARK PEDAL
This message displays if the parking brake is left
engaged. SeeParking Brake on page 2-32for more
information.
3-48

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................5-10
Filling the Tank............................................5-10
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-14
Hood Release..............................................5-14
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-16
Engine Oil...................................................5-21
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-24
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-26
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-28
Cooling System............................................5-28
Engine Coolant.............................................5-29
Pressure Cap...............................................5-33Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-33
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-47
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps............5-48
License Plate Lamp......................................5-49
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Tires..............................................................5-51
Winter Tires.................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
High-Speed Operation...................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
C. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.G. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 5-28.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 5-39.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap/Dipstick (Out of
View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-28.
J. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
K. SeeEngine Compartment Fuse Block on
page 5-102.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
5-19

A. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-26.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-36.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
SeeCooling System on page 5-28.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.
G. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 5-28.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 5-39.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-28.
J. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeEngine Compartment
Fuse Block on page 5-102.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-16
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down and check the level.
5-21

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode allows your vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency situation.
If an overheated engine condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates ring groups of
cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this mode,
you will notice a signicant loss in power and engine
performance. The temperature gage will indicate an
overheat condition exists. Driving extended miles (km)
and/or towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-21.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-16for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
Power steering uid is used in all vehicles with V6
engines. Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine have electric
power steering and do not use power steering uid.
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
uid unless a leak is suspected in the system, or
an unusual noise is heard. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-36

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
If your vehicle has the 3.5L V6 engine, the uid level
should be between the ADD and HOT marks when the
engine is cold, and at the HOT mark when the engine
is hot. If the uid is at the ADD mark when the engine
is cold or hot, power steering uid should be added.
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine, the uid
level should be between the MIN (Minimum) and
MAX (Maximum) marks when the engine is cold, andat the MAX mark when the engine is hot. If the uid is
at the MIN mark when the engine is cold or hot, power
steering uid should be added.
The uid level should be within the crosshatch area on
the dipstick.
If the uid is at or below the ADD or MIN mark on
the dipstick, add just enough uid to bring the level
within the crosshatch area.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12.
5-37

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilEngine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certied for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, seeEngine Oil on
page 5-21.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88862806,
in Canada 88862807).
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic
Power Steering
System
(if equipped)GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch
Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring
Anchor, and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293,
in Canada 992723) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 109435474).
Weatherstrip
ConditioningWeatherstrip Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 3634770,
in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579,
in Canada 992887).
6-12