2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU coolant level

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
8-2 Climate Controls
Operation
Temperature Control:Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the
temperature inside the vehicle.
When it is cold outside −18°C (0°F)
or lower, use the engine coolant
heater, if vehicle has one, to provide
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An
engine coolant heater warms the
coolant the engine uses that
provides heat to warm the inside of
the vehicle. For more information,
see Engine Heater on page 9‑21.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase
or decrease the fan speed. The
fan must be on to run the
air-conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode. Select from the following:
H(Vent):
Air is directed to
the instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air will be
directed toward the side windows.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets with some air directed
to the windshield and side window
outlets.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield and floor
outlets, with some air directed to the
side windows. When this mode is
selected, the system automatically
turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. The air-conditioning
compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The
air-conditioning indicator light turns
off when defog is selected. If the air-conditioning button is pressed
while in defog mode, the indicator
light will turn on. If the button is
pressed again, the light will turn off.
The recirculation mode cannot be
selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
1(Defrost):
This mode quickly
clears the windshield of fog or frost.
Air is directed to the windshield with
some air directed to the floor vents.
In this mode, outside air is pulled
into the vehicle. The air-conditioning
compressor will not run unless the
outside temperature is at or below
freezing. The air-conditioning
compressor operates although the
indicator light is not on. The
air-conditioning indicator light turns
off when defrost is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed
while in defrost mode, the indicator
light turns on. If the button is
pressed again, the light turns off.
Recirculation cannot be selected
while in the defrost mode.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
8-6 Climate Controls
2. Set the temperature.An initial setting of 73°F (23°C)
is recommended. Allow about
20 minutes for the system to
regulate. Press
worxto
adjust the temperature setting as
necessary. If the temperature is
set at 60°F (15°C) the system
remains at the maximum cooling
setting. If the temperature is set
at 90°F (32°C) the system
remains at the maximum heat
setting. Choosing either
maximum setting does not
cause the vehicle to heat or
cool any faster.
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 airflow
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 airflow
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 floor outlets.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor 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 floor 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 4°C (40°F) or
warmer, the air conditioning
compressor automatically runs to
help dehumidify the air and dry the

Black plate (45,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-45
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns
while trailering could cause the
trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. The vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very
sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑19.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑14.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑21.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System on page 10‑15.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑16. G. Pressure Cap. See
Cooling
System on page 10‑15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
under Brakes on page 10‑22.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
J. See Battery on page 10‑25.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑31.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluidon
page 10‑22.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do With
Used Oil.”

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this is
done. See Engine Overheating
on
page 10‑19for more information.
The coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark on the
coolant surge tank. If it is not, there
may be a leak at the pressure cap
or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling
system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant surge tank.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the surge tank
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator, but
be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise about
two or two and one-half turns.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressurecap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to the FULL
COLD mark. Wait about
five minutes, then check to see if
the level is below the mark. If the
level is below the FULL COLD
mark, add additional coolant to
bring the level up to the mark.
Repeat this procedure until the
level remains constant at the
FULL COLD mark for at least
five minutes.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-19
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
might be lower. If the level is
lower than the FULL COLD
mark, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL
COLD mark.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge as well as an
engine coolant temperature warning
light on the vehicle's instrument
panel cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge on page 5‑20
and
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light on page 5‑20.
If it is decided not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, but
instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Assistance Program
(United States and Canada)
on
page 13‑7or Roadside Assistance
Program (Mexico) on page 13‑9.
If it is decided to lift the hood, make
sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{WARNING
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when your
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-21
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. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment
Overviewon page 10‑6for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Power steering fluid is used in all
vehicles with the V6 engine.
Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine
have electric power steering and do
not use power steering fluid.
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak is suspected in the system,
or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
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 fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be between
the MIN (Minimum) and MAX
(Maximum) marks when the engine
is cold, and at the MAX mark when
the engine is hot. If the fluid is at the
MIN mark when the engine is cold
or hot, power steering fluid should
be added.
The fluid level should be within the
crosshatch area on the dipstick.
If the fluid is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark on the dipstick, add just
enough fluid to bring the level within
the crosshatch area.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 11‑6. Always
use the proper fluid.