2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 108

INTERMEDIATE (I): This position is also used for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed without using your brakes for slight downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade. If constant upshifting or downshifting occurs while driving up steep hills, this position can be used to prevent repetitive types of shifts. You might choose INTERMEDIATE (I) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding roads and when towing a trailer, so that there is less shifting between gears. LOW (L): This position gives you access to FOURTH, THIRD, SECOND and FIRST gear ranges. This provides more engine braking but lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the electronic range select is put in LOW (L), the transmission will not shift into lower gears until the vehicle is going slow enough. Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission) Your automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. 2-30