2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU sensor

When Should an Airbag Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the
potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or right
front passenger’s head and chest. However, they are only
designed to inate if the impact exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used
to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inate and help restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not
based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends
largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact, and
how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle goes straight into the object.Thresholds can also vary with specic vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to crash
severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal sensors, which
help the sensing system distinguish between a moderate
frontal impact and a more severe frontal impact. For
moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags inate at a
level less than full deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags. SeeAirbag System on page 1-58.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are
intended to inate in moderate to severe side crashes.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags will inate
if the crash severity is above the system’s designed
threshold level. The threshold level can vary with specic
vehicle design.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags are
not intended to inate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side
impact airbag is intended to deploy on the side of the
vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail airbag is intended
to deploy on the side of the vehicle that is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can say whether an airbag
should have inated simply because of the damage to
a vehicle or because of what the repair costs were.
1-63

Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The passenger airbag
status indicator will be visible on the instrument
panel when the vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, are
visible during the system check. If you are using remote
start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a distance, you
may not see the system check. When the system check is
complete, either the word ON or OFF, or the symbol for
on or off, will be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 3-32.The passenger sensing system turns off the right front
passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact
airbag under certain conditions. The driver airbags and
the roof-rail airbags are not affected by the passenger
sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger
frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag
should be enabled (may inate) or not.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when
properly secured in a rear seat in the correct child
restraint for their weight and size.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing
child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,
who are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on the sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys. United States
Canada
1-66

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

Headlamps on Reminder
If the driver’s door is opened and the ignition is turned
off while leaving the lamps on, a warning chime will
sound.
Headlamps Off in Park
This feature works when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and it is dark outside. To turn the headlamps
off when it is dark outside but keep other exterior lights
on, turn the exterior lamp control to the parking lamp
position.
To turn on the headlamps along with the other lamps
when it is dark outside, turn the exterior lamp control to
the AUTO or headlamp position.
This function does not work for vehicles rst sold in
Canada.
Delayed Headlamps
The delayed headlamps feature keeps the headlamps
on for 20 seconds after the key is turned to LOCK/OFF,
then the headlamps automatically turn off.
To override the 20 second delayed headlamp feature
while it is active turn the turn signal/multifunction
lever up one position and then back to AUTO.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional DRL are required on all vehicles rst sold
in Canada. The vehicle has a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel that controls the DRL. Do not cover this
sensor or the head lamps will be on when they are not
needed.
The DRL system makes the low-beam headlamps come
on at a reduced brightness when the following conditions
are met:
The ignition is on.
The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
The exterior lamps control is in the parking lamps
only position (This applies only to vehicles that are
rst sold in Canada).
The light sensor detects daytime light.
The parking brake is released or the vehicle is not in
P (Park).
When the DRL system is on, the taillamps, sidemarker
lamps, parking lamps, and instrument panel lights are
not on unless you turn the exterior lamps control to the
parking lamp position.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when they are needed.
3-14

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

If you try to connect equipment using more than
150 watts or a system fault is detected, a protection
circuit shuts off the power supply and the indicator light
turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug the item and plug it
back in or turn the Remote Accessory Power (RAP) off
and then back on. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 2-23. The power restarts when equipment that
operates within the limit is plugged into the outlet and a
system fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for the following
electrical equipment and may not work properly if these
items are plugged into the power outlet:
Equipment with high initial peak wattage such as:
compressor-driven refrigerators and electric
power tools.
Other equipment requiring an extremely stable
power supply such as: microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor lamps, etc.
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
The heating, cooling and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
A. Fan Control
B. Recirculation
C. Temperature
Control
D. Outside AirE. Air Delivery Mode
Control
F. Air Conditioning
G. Rear Window
Defogger
3-20

Do not to cover the sensor located on the top of the
instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on the intensity
of the sun.
Also do not cover the sensor grille on the lower
right side of the climate control faceplate, as
this regulates the inside temperature.
To avoid blowing cold air at engine start-up in cold
weather, the system delays turning on the fan until
warm air is available. The length of delay depends on
the engine coolant temperature. Turning the fan knob
overrides this delay and changes the fan to the
selected speed.
Manual Operation
9(Off):Select this position on the fan knob to turn off
the entire climate control system. Outside air still enters
the vehicle. The airow direction and temperature can be
adjusted.
x/wTemperature Control:Press the arrows to
increase or decrease the temperature inside the vehicle.
9(Fan Control):Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the direction of the airow
in the vehicle.Select from the following:
H(Vent):Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
)(Bi-Level):Air is divided between the instrument
panel outlets and the oor outlets.
6(Floor):Air is directed to the oor outlets with some
air directed to the side window outlets.
-(Defog):This mode clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the oor and windshield
outlets.
0(Defrost):This mode clears the windows of fog or
frost more quickly. The system automatically controls
the fan speed if defrost is selected from the AUTO mode.
If the outside temperature is 40°F (4°C) or warmer, the
air conditioning compressor automatically runs to help
dehumidify the air and dry the windshield. The air
conditioning indicator light blinks three times if the
compressor is turned off while in this mode.
#(Air Conditioning):Press turn the air conditioning
on and off. An indicator light turns on to show the
air conditioning is on.
When air conditioning is selected or is in AUTO mode,
the system runs the air conditioning automatically to
cool and dehumidify the air entering the vehicle.
3-25

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a
chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt. This only occurs
if the passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-66for more information.
The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument
panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and
then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime
may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or other
electronic device. To turn off the warning light and or
chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-58.
3-31