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2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 260

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Manual

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Checking Coolant CAUTION: Turning the surge tank pressure cap when the engine and radiator are hot can allow steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly. Never turn the surge tank pressure cap -- even a little -- when the engine and radiator are hot. The vehicle must be on a level surface. When your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the FULL COLD mark or slightly higher. If the low coolant light comes on and stays on, it means you're low on engine coolant. The engine coolant surge tank is located on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. 6-21

Section	Page
2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual	1
	24
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	24
Adults	24
Driver Position	24
Lap-Shoulder Belt	24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster	27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	32
Right Front Passenger Position	33
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)	33
How the Air Bag System Works	35
Where are the air bags?	35
When should an air bag inflate?	36
What makes an air bag inflate?	36
How does an air bag restrain?	37
What will you see after an air bag inflates?	37
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle	38
Rear Seat Passengers	39
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions	39
Lap-Shoulder Belt	39
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults	42
Center Passenger Position	44
Lap Belt	45
Children	46
Infants and Young Children	46
Restraint Systems for Children	50
Where to Put the Restraint	53
Top Strap	53
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position	55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position	57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	59
Older Children	62
Safety Belt Extender	65
Checking Your Restraint Systems	65
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	65
Section 2 Features and Controls	66
Windows	67
Manual Windows	68
Power Windows (If Equipped)	68
Auto- Down Switch	68
Lock Out Button	68
Keys	69
Door Locks	71
Power Door Locks	72
Door Ajar Reminder	72
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	72
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks	72
Delayed Locking	73
Rear Door Security Locks	74
Anti-Lockout Protection	75
Leaving Your Vehicle	75
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)	75
Operation	76
Programmable Horn Chirp	77
Radio Personalization	77
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle	78
Battery Replacement	78
Resynchronization	79
Trunk	79
Remote Trunk Release	80
Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped)	81
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)	81
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit	82
Theft	82
Key in the Ignition	82
Parking at Night	82
Parking Lots	82
Passlock	83
New Vehicle Break-In	83
Ignition Positions	84
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	85
Starting Your Engine	85
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)	86
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater	87
Automatic Transaxle Operation	87
Second-Gear Start	91
Parking Brake	91
Shifting Into PARK (P)	92
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running	93
Torque Lock	93
Shifting Out of PARK (P)	94
Parking Over Things That Burn	94
Engine Exhaust	95
Running Your Engine While You re Parked	95
Horn	96
Tilt Wheel	96
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	97
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicators	97
Headlamps	98
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	99
Lamps On Reminder	99
Flash-to-Pass	99
Windshield Wipers	99
Windshield Washer	100
Cruise Control (If Equipped)	101
Setting Cruise Control	102
Resuming a Set Speed	102
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control	103
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control	103
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control	103
Using Cruise Control on Hills	103
Canceling Cruise Control	103
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory	103
Exterior Lamps	104
Headlamps	104
Daytime Running Lamps	104
Automatic Light Control (ALC)	104
Headlamps Dim to Park (If Equipped)	105
Delayed Headlamps	105
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)	105
Interior Lamps	106
Instrument Panel Intensity Control	106
Illuminated Entry/Exit System	106
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)	106
Three-Position Dome Lamp	106
Trunk Lamp	107
Battery Saver	107
Mirrors	107
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror	107
Manual Remote Control Mirror	108
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)	108
Convex Outside Mirror	109
Storage Compartments	109
Glove Box	109
Instrument Panel Cupholder	109
Center Console Storage Area	109
Center Console Cupholder	109
Rear Seat Cupholders	109
Convenience Net (If Equipped)	110
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter	110
Sun Visors	110
Visor Vanity Mirror	110
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror (If Equipped)	110
Accessory Power Outlet	111
Garment Hook	111
Sunroof (Option)	112
The Instrument Panel Your Information System	113
Instrument Panel Cluster	115
Speedometer and Odometer	116
Trip Odometer	116
Tachometer	117
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators	117
Safety Belt Reminder Light	118
Air Bag Readiness Light	119
Charging System Indicator Light	120
Brake System Warning Light	121
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light	122
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	122
Low Coolant Warning Light	123
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)	123
If the Light Is Flashing	125
If the Light Is On Steady	125
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs	126
Oil Pressure Light	127
Check Oil Light	128
Passlock Warning Light	128
Cruise Light (If Equipped)	129
Low Washer Light	129
Service Vehicle Soon Light	130
Door Ajar Light	130
Fuel Gage	131
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems	132
Comfort Controls	133
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning	133
Fan Knob	133
Temperature Knob	133
Mode Knob	133
Mode Buttons	134
Air Conditioning	135
Heating	135
Defogging and Defrosting Windows	136
Rear Window Defogger	137
Ventilation System	137
Ventilation Tips	138
Audio Systems	138
Setting the Clock for Systems without Radio Data System (RDS)	138
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System (RDS)	139
AM- FM Stereo	139
Playing the Radio	139
Finding a Station	140
Setting the Tone	141
Adjusting the Speakers	141
Radio Calibration	142
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	142
Playing the Radio	142
Finding a Station	143
Setting the Tone	144
Adjusting the Speakers	144
Using RDS	145
Playing a Cassette Tape	147
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	150
CD Adapter Kits	150
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	151
Playing the Radio	151
Finding a Station	151
Setting the Tone	152
Adjusting the Speakers	153
Using RDS	153
Playing a Compact Disc	156
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)	158
Playing the Radio	158
Finding a Station	159
Setting the Tone	160
Adjusting the Speakers	161
Using RDS	161
Playing a Cassette Tape	164
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat	166
Playing a Compact Disc	167
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)	169
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non-RDS Radios	169
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios	169
Understanding Radio Reception	170
AM	170
FM Stereo	170
Tips About Your Audio System	170
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player	171
Care of Your Compact Discs	172
Care of Your Compact Disc Player	172
Fixed Mast Antenna	172
Chime Level Adjustment	172
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road	173
Defensive Driving	174
Drunken Driving	175
Control of a Vehicle	178
Braking	178
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)	179
Using Anti- Lock	180
Braking in Emergencies	180
Steering	181
Power Steering	181
Steering Tips	181
Driving on Curves	181
Steering in Emergencies	182
Off-Road Recovery	183
Passing	183
Loss of Control	185
Skidding	185
Driving at Night	186
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	187
Hydroplaning	189
Driving Through Deep Standing Water	189
Driving Through Flowing Water	190
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips	190
City Driving	190
Freeway Driving	191
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	192
Highway Hypnosis	193
Hill and Mountain Roads	194
Winter Driving	196
Driving on Snow or Ice	197
If You re Caught in a Blizzard	198
Recreational Vehicle Towing	199
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front	200
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear	201
Loading Your Vehicle	202
Towing a Trailer	204
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer	205
Weight of the Trailer	205
Weight of the Trailer Tongue	206
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires	206
Hitches	207
Safety Chains	207
Trailer Brakes	207
Driving with a Trailer	208
Following Distance	208
Passing	208
Backing Up	208
Making Turns	209
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer	209
Driving On Grades	210
Parking on Hills	210
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill	211
Maintenance When Trailer Towing	211
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing	211
Section 5 Problems on the Road	212
Hazard Warning Flashers	213
Other Warning Devices	213
Jump Starting	214
Towing Your Vehicle	219
Engine Overheating	220
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	220
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine	221
Cooling System	222
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank	224
If a Tire Goes Flat	228
Changing a Flat Tire	229
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	230
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	231
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools	236
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools	237
Compact Spare Tire	238
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow	239
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out	239
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care	240
Service	241
Doing Your Own Service Work	241
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle	242
Fuel	242
Fuels in Foreign Countries	244
Filling Your Tank	245
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	247
Checking Things Under the Hood	247
Hood Release	248
Engine Compartment Overview	250
Engine Oil	251
Checking Engine Oil	251
When to Add Engine Oil	252
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use	253
Engine Oil Additives	254
When to Change Engine Oil	254
What to Do with Used Oil	255
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	255
Automatic Transaxle Fluid	257
Engine Coolant	258
What to Use	259
Checking Coolant	260
Adding Coolant	261
Surge Tank Pressure Cap	261
Power Steering Fluid	261
When to Check Power Steering Fluid	261
How to Check Power Steering Fluid	262
What to Use	262
Windshield Washer Fluid	262
What to Use	262
Adding Washer Fluid	262
Brakes	263
Brake Fluid	263
What to Add	265
Brake Wear	266
Brake Pedal Travel	267
Brake Adjustment	267
Replacing Brake System Parts	267
Battery	268
Vehicle Storage	268
Bulb Replacement	269
Halogen Bulbs	269
Headlamps	269
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement	271
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Interior Mounted)	271
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal/Back-Up Lamps	272
Dome Lamp	274
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	275
Tires	276
Inflation -- Tire Pressure	277
When to Check	277
How to Check	277
Tire Inspection and Rotation	278
When It s Time for New Tires	279
Buying New Tires	280
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	281
Treadwear	281
Traction AA, A, B, C	281
Temperature A, B, C	282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	282
Wheel Replacement	283
Used Replacement Wheels	284
Tire Chains	284
Appearance Care	285
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle	285
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet	285
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric	286
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems	286
Cleaning Vinyl	287
Cleaning Leather	287
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel	287
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components	287
Care of Safety Belts	287
Cleaning Glass Surfaces	288
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades	288
Weatherstrips	288
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle	288
Washing Your Vehicle	289
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	289
Finish Care	289
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)	290
Cleaning Tires	290
Sheet Metal Damage	290
Finish Damage	291
Underbody Maintenance	291
Chemical Paint Spotting	291
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials	292
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	293
Engine Identification	293
Service Parts Identification Label	293
Electrical System	294
Add-On Electrical Equipment	294
Headlamp Wiring	294
Windshield Wipers	294
Power Windows and Other Power Options	294
Fuses and Circuit Breakers	295
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	295
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	298
Replacement Bulbs	300
Capacities and Specifications	301
Engine Specifications	301
Capacities	301
Wheel Nut Torque	301
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts	302
Vehicle Dimensions	302
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule	303
Introduction	304
Your Vehicle and the Environment	304
Maintenance Requirements	304
How This Section is Organized	305
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services	306
Using Your Maintenance Schedule	306
Selecting the Right Schedule	306
Short Trip/City Definition	307
Short Trip/City Intervals	307
Long Trip/Highway Definition	308
Long Trip/Highway Intervals	308
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance	309
Footnotes	309
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance	320
Footnotes	320
Part B: Owner Checks and Services	327
At Each Fuel Fill	327
Engine Oil Level Check	327
Engine Coolant Level Check	327
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check	327
At Least Once a Month	327
Tire Inflation Check	327
Cassette Deck Service	327
At Least Twice a Year	328
Restraint System Check	328
Wiper Blade Check	328
Weatherstrip Lubrication	328
Automatic Transaxle Inspection	328
At Least Once a Year	328
Key Lock Cylinders Service	328
Body Lubrication Service	328
Starter Switch Check	329
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check	329
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check	330
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check	330
Underbody Flushing Service	330
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections	331
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection	331
Exhaust System Inspection	331
Engine Cooling System Inspection	331
Throttle System Inspection	332
Brake System Inspection	332
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	333
Part E: Maintenance Record	335
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information	339
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	340
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	342
Customer Assistance Offices	342
United States	342
Canada	343
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)	343
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities	343
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program	344
Canadian Roadside Assistance	345
Courtesy Transportation	346
Plan Ahead When Possible	346
Transportation Options	346
Shuttle Service	346
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement	346
Courtesy Rental Vehicle	347
Additional Program Information	347
Warranty Information	347
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT	348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT	348