
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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232 Vehicle Care
1. Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in)
above the mid-point on the coolant
surge tank. 4. With the coolant surge tank cap off,
start the engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose starts getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. By
this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in)
above the mid-point on the coolant
surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
6. Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling system has cooled down.
If the coolant is not at the proper level,
repeat Steps 1–6 and reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant still is not at
the proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster to warn of engine overheating. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 084.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
If the decision is made 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. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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240 Vehicle Care
3. For the passenger side bulb, remove theengine air cleaner housing by gripping
firmly and pulling straight up.
4. Remove the cover from the back of the headlamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Press the retaining tab on the electrical connector to disconnect.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by turning counterclockwise.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–6 to reinstall.
Headlamps (Premier)
See your dealer for replacement.
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
See your dealer for replacement.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turning counterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket. 6. Install the bulb socket by turning
clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn Signal Lamp
1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker Lamp
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.

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Vehicle Care 241
To replace any one of these bulbs:1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull the trunk trim away from the taillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts from each stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket from the taillamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise
one-quarter turn and pulling it
straight out.
7. Install a new bulb into the socket.
8. Install the bulb socket into the taillamp assembly by turning it clockwise.
9. Install the trunk trim, hex nuts, and push pins.Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LT and
Premier)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunk deck
inboard taillamp are LEDs. To replace, see
your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turningcounterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket.
6. Install the bulb socket by turning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.

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242 Vehicle Care
License Plate Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar
1. Push the release tab toward the lamp assembly.
2. Pull the lamp assembly down to remove.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it from the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the bulb socket.
5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the lamp
assembly.
6. Push the lamp assembly back into position until the release tab locks into
place.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can cause shock,
burns, and even death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can only be
serviced by technicians with special
training.
High voltage components are identified
by labels. Do not remove, open, take
apart, or modify these components. High
voltage cable or wiring has orange
covering or labels. Do not probe, tamper
with, cut, or modify high voltage cable or
wiring.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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270 Vehicle Care
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers 0104.
If your vehicle is loaded at or near
maximum cargo capacity, it may be difficult
to fit the jack under the vehicle due to the
environment (shoulder slope, road debris,
etc.). Removal of some weight may improve
the ability to fit the jack under the vehicle
at the correct jacking location.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn the vehicle off and do not restart the vehicle while it is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, onboth sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
1. Jack
2. Wrench
3. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
4. Extension Bolt
5. Insulator Pad
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the spare tire cover.
3. Turn the retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the spare tire. Place the
spare tire next to the tire being changed.

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4. The jack and tools are stored below thespare tire. Remove them from their
container and place them near the tire
being changed.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
Take off the wheel cover or center cap,
if the vehicle has one, to reach the wheel
bolts.
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat 0269.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove the wheel
nut caps. Do not try to remove plastic caps from
the cover or center cap.
3. Pull the cover or center cap away from the wheel. Store the wheel cover in the
cargo area until you have the flat tire
repaired or replaced.4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwiseto loosen all the wheel nuts, but do not
remove them yet.
5. Place the jack near the flat tire.
6. Put the compact spare tire near you.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is lifted
on a jack is dangerous. If the vehicle slips
off the jack, you could be badly injured
or killed. Never get under a vehicle when
it is supported only by a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can damage the
vehicle and even make the vehicle fall. To
help avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift head
into the proper location before raising
the vehicle.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be (Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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272 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
7. Attach the wrench to the jack by fitting the hex end of the wrench over the hex
head of the jack.
8. Place the jack under the vehicle.
Caution
Make sure that the jack lift head is in the
correct position or you may damage your
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty.9. Position the jack lift head at the jack location nearest the flat tire. The location
is indicated by a notch in the vertical
bottom edge of the body side sheet
metal.
The notches in the jack must align with
the notch in the rocker pinch weld. The
jack lift head lifts on the inward side of
the pinch weld flange.
The jack must not be used in any other
position.10. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack handle clockwise. Raise the vehicle far
enough off the ground so there is
enough room for the road tire to clear
the ground.

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11. Remove all of the wheel nuts.
12. Remove the flat tire.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
13. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare
wheel.
14. Place the compact spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface.
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts
because the nuts might come loose. The
vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a
crash.
15. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Tighten each nut by hand until the wheel is held
against the hub. 16. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause the
wheels to become loose or come off. The
wheel nuts should be tightened with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification after replacing. Follow the
torque specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when using
accessory locking wheel nuts. See
Capacities and Specifications 0298 for
original equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly
tighten the wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper torque
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications 0298 for the wheel nut
torque specification.