2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU service indicator

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-15
as a system check. If you are using
remote start to start the vehicle from
a distance, if equipped, you may not
see the system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or either the on or off symbol to let
you know the status of the right front
passenger frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbags.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the right
front passenger frontal airbag and
seat-mounted side impact airbag
are enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the right front passenger
frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbag.If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness
Light
on page 5‑14for more
information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition key is turned to START, but
the engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
The light should go out once the
engine starts. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the
charging system. This light could
indicate that there are problems with
a generator drive belt, or that there
is an electrical problem. Have it
checked right away. If the vehicle
must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories,
such as the radio and air
conditioner.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-16 Instruments and Controls
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission
control systems. It ensures that
emissions are at acceptable levels
for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment.
This light should come on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
comes on and stays on while the
engine is running, this indicates that
there is an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:
If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well,
the vehicle fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine
might not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that
might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Notice:
Modifications made to
the engine, transmission,
exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement
of the original tires with other
than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this
light to come on. Modifications
to these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
on
page 10‑3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and
could damage the emission control
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-19
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light also comes on
when the parking brake is set. The
light stays on if the parking brake
does not fully release. If it stays
on after the parking brake is fully
released, it means there is a brake
problem.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
may display a BRAKE FLUID
message. SeeBrake System
Messages
on page 5‑27for more
information.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and carefully stop.
The brake pedal may be harder to
push or the pedal may go closer to
the floor. It may take longer to stop.
Try turning off and restarting the
vehicle one or two times, if the light
is still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. See Towing the Vehicle
on
page 10‑83
{WARNING
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the
ignition off. If the light comes on
while driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition
off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the ABS light
stays on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the vehicle still has
brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, the vehicle does not
have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
See
Brake System Warning Light
on page 5‑18.
For vehicles with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake
System Messages
on page 5‑27for all brake related DIC messages.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-20 Instruments and Controls
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system or the Traction
Control System (TCS) indicator/
warning light comes on briefly when
the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by the dealer.
If the system is working normally the
indicator light turns off.
If the light is on while certain DIC
messages display, this indicates
that the ESC and TCS are not
working or are disabled.If the light is on and not flashing,
the TCS and potentially the ESC
system have been disabled. Check
the DIC messaging to determine
which feature(s) is no longer
functioning and whether it is
because of the driver turning off
the feature(s), or because the
system is not working properly and
the vehicle requires service.
If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is
not limited. If the ESC system is
disabled, the system does not aid in
maintaining directional control of the
vehicle.
If the indicator/warning light is on
and flashing, the TCS or the ESC
system is actively working. Check
the DIC messaging for details to
determine which system is working.
If the LOW TRACTION message
appears, the system is limiting
wheel spin. If the ESC ACTIVE
message appears, the system is
aiding in maintaining directional
control of the vehicle.See
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)
on page 9‑32and Traction
Control System (TCS)on
page 9‑30for more information.
See Ride Control System Messages
on page 5‑28for more information
on the messages associated with
this light.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by the dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator
light goes off.

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-29
SeeElectronic Stability Control
(ESC)on page 9‑32and Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
Warning Light
on page 5‑20for
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
flashes 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. See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 9‑30and Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)/Traction Control
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
Light
on page 5‑20for more
information.
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC
STABILITY CONTROL)
If your vehicle has Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), this
message displays and a chime
sounds if there has been a problem
detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected
problem remains present. When this
message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
on page 9‑32and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
If this message turns on while you
are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the
ignition off and then back on. If this message still stays on or turns back
on again while you are driving, your
vehicle needs service. Have the
ESC inspected by your dealer as
soon as possible.
SERVICE TRACTION
If your vehicle has the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
message displays and a chime
sounds when the system is not
functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster. This light stays on
solid as long as the detected
problem remains present. When this
message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See
Traction Control
System (TCS)
on page 9‑30and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
Have the system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
5-30 Instruments and Controls
TRACTION OFF
If your vehicle has the Traction
Control System (TCS), this
message displays and the ESC/TCS
light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the system is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS)
on page 9‑30and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light
on
page 5‑20for more information.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there
is a problem with the airbag system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately.
Service Vehicle Messages
ENGINE DISABLED
This message displays if the starting
of the engine is disabled. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer
immediately.
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 immediately.
Tire Messages
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays if a part on the
TPMS is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light
on page 5‑21. Several conditions may cause this
message to appear. See
Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on
page 10‑48for more information.
If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the
TPMS. See your dealer.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the
vehicle's tires is low on air. The low
tire pressure warning light also
comes on. See Tire Pressure Light
on page 5‑21. If this message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures
checked and set to those shown on
the Tire Loading Information label.
See Tires
on page 10‑38,Vehicle
Load Limitson page 9‑12, and Tire
Pressureon page 10‑45. The DIC
also shows the tire pressure values.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑23.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
9-38 Driving and Operating
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code 1) or the 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code U), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating
is less than 87, an audible knocking
noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock, might be heard when
driving. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you
could choose to use middle grade
89 octane unleaded gasoline. If the
octane rating is less than 87, an
audible knocking noise, commonly
referred to as spark knock, might be
heard when driving. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane orhigher as soon as possible. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814 in
the United States or CAN/CGSB‐3.5
or 3.511 in Canada. Some
gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
We recommend against the use
of gasolines containing MMT. See
Fuel Additives
on page 9‑39for
additional information.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California emissions
standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog‐check test.
See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 5‑16. If this occurs, return to
your authorized dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition
is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If you plan on driving in another
country outside the United States or
Canada, the proper fuel might be
hard to find. Never use leaded
gasoline or any other fuel not
recommended in the previous text
on fuel. Costly repairs caused by
use of improper fuel would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-39
To check the fuel availability, ask an
auto club, or contact a major oil
company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
Fuel Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines
in the United States are now
required to contain additives that
help prevent engine and fuel system
deposits from forming, allowing the
emission control system to work
properly. In most cases, nothing
should have to be added to the fuel.
However, some gasolines contain
only the minimum amount of
additive required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
regulations. To help keep fuel
injectors and intake valves clean,
or if the vehicle experiences
problems due to dirty injectors or
valves, look for gasoline that is
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline. Look for the TOP TIER
label on the fuel pump to ensure
gasoline meets enhanced
detergency standards developed bythe auto companies. A list of
marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
one bottle of GM Fuel System
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel
tank at every engine oil change, can
help clean deposits from fuel
injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel
System Treatment PLUS is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, and
reformulated gasolines might be
available in your area. We
recommend that you use these
gasolines, if they comply with the
specifications described earlier.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
10% ethanol must not be used in
vehicles that were not designed for
those fuels.
Notice:
This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are
not reformulated for low
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you buy gasoline whether the
fuel contains MMT. We recommend
against the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce
the life of spark plugs and the
performance of the emission control
system could be affected. The
malfunction indicator lamp might
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
dealer for service.