2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU washer 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

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full?
Windows clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel?
Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road
ahead and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle
instruments often.
4-15

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. Engine Cooling Fan. SeeCooling System on
page 5-28.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-21.
E. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-29.F. Pressure Cap. SeeCooling System on page 5-28.
G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 5-39.
H. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
J. SeeEngine Compartment Fuse Block on
page 5-102.
5-17

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

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
When the windshield washer uid reservoir is low,
a LOW WASHER FLUID message displays on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-46for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-16for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-38