2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU radio

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too far
from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or snowy
weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left or
right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly,
see your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician
for service.
2-4

How the System Alarm is Activated
To activate the system if it is armed:
Open the driver’s door or trunk. A ten second
pre-alarm chirp will sound followed by a
thirty second full alarm of horn and lights.
Open any other door. A full alarm of horn and lights
will immediately sound for thirty seconds.
Open the hood. If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, it will activate the full alarm.
When an alarm event has nished, the system will
re-arm itself automatically.
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
To turn off the system alarm:
Press the lock button on the RKE transmitter.
The system will then re-arm itself.
Press the unlock button on the RKE transmitter.
This will also disarm the system.
Insert the key in the ignition and turn it on.
This will also disarm the system.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If three chirps are heard when the unlock or lock button
is pressed on the RKE transmitter, it means that the
content theft security system alarm was previously
triggered.
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer
The PASS-Key III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
2-19

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal must be
applied.Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
9(LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition. It also
locks the transmission. The key can only be removed
in LOCK/OFF.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, the vehicle needs service.
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and windshield wipers while
the engine is not running.
2-22

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

Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the volume of the radio if the OnStar advisor
cannot be heard. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is
red, the system may not be functioning properly. Press
the OnStar button and request a vehicle diagnostic. If the
light appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all services have been
deactivated. Press the OnStar button to conrm that the
OnStar equipment is active.
Universal Home Remote
System
The Universal Home Remote System provides a way to
replace up to three hand-held Radio-Frequency (RF)
transmitters used to activate devices such as garage
door openers, security systems, and home lighting.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-43

Storage Areas
Glove Box
Pull the handle up to open.
Cupholders
Removable cupholders are located in front of the center
console. See “Center Console Storage Area” following
for how to access them. Press and hold the tab at
the rear of the cupholders and lift up and rearward to
remove the cupholders. This will disengage the two
forward tabs.
To reinstall them, place the two forward tabs into the
slots and push the rear of the cupholder down.
For vehicles with rear seat cupholders, pull down the
door on the back of the center console to access them.
Instrument Panel Storage
An instrument panel storage area, with a removable
liner, is located above the radio. Slide the latch toward
the back of the vehicle to open the storage area.
Front Storage Area
A storage area is located in front of the shift lever.
Push the bottom of the door and the storage will
automatically open.
Center Console Storage
The center console storage area has a storage tray
and a main storage. Pull up on the driver side latch to
access the storage tray. Pull up on the passenger side
latch to access the main storage. There is a removable
divider and may be a storage pocket located at the rear
of the center console.
The armrest on top of the center console can be
adjusted to a rearward, middle, and forward position.
Pull or push the front of the armrest to adjust to
the desired position.
Another storage area is located in front of the main
storage. Push down and then forward on the rear of the
cover to access. There is a storage tray and removable
cupholders.
2-50

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

Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automatic headlamp
system turns on the headlamps at the normal brightness
along with other lamps such as the taillamps, sidemarker,
parking lamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio
lights will also be dim.
The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the instrument
panel that controls the automatic headlamp system.
Do not cover the sensor or the automatic headlamp
system will turn on when it is not needed.
There is a delay in the transition between the daytime
and nighttime operation of the DRL and the automatic
headlamp systems so that driving under bridges or
bright overhead street lights does not affect the system.
The DRL and automatic headlamp systems will only be
affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting
lasting longer than this delay.
If vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once the
vehicle leaves the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness control is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-16.To idle the vehicle with the automatic headlamp system
off, turn the ignition on and set the exterior light switch to
the off/on position. For vehicles rst sold in Canada, the
transmission must stay in P (Park) for this function.
The regular headlamps should be used when needed.
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with fog lamps, the button for this feature is
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
#:Press to turn the fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The parking lamps automatically turn on and off when
the fog lamps are turned on and off.
The fog lamps turn off while the high-beam headlamps
are turned on.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-15