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2009 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 229

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Manual

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When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF message is displayed, the system will not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started. To assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially in slippery road conditions, the system should always be left on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed. If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins to assist the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control system may be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 3-10. The ESC/TCS button is located on the instrument panel. When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION OFF and ESC OFF messages will appear, and the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver that both traction control and ESC are disabled. It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to "rock" the vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-19. ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and requires service. If the problem does not clear after restarting the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46 for more information. Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 5-3 for more information. The traction control system can be turned off or back on by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction control and ESC, press and hold the button briefly. 4-7

Section	Page
2009 Chevrolet Malibu BookTOC	1
Seats and Restraint System	5
Head Restraints	6
Front Seats	7
Manual Seats	7
Power Seats	8
Manual Lumbar	8
Heated Seats	9
Reclining Seatbacks	10
Seatback Latches	12
Power Lift Seat	13
Rear Seats	14
Split Folding Rear Seat	14
Safety Belts	16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	21
Lap-Shoulder Belt	30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	35
Safety Belt Extender	36
Child Restraints	36
Older Children	36
Infants and Young Children	39
Child Restraint Systems	43
Where to Put the Restraint	46
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	48
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	56
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	58
Airbag System	62
Where Are the Airbags?	64
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	67
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	68
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	68
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	68
Passenger Sensing System	70
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	75
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	76
Restraint System Check	77
Checking the Restraint Systems	77
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	78
Features and Controls	79
Keys	81
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	82
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	83
Remote Vehicle Start	85
Doors and Locks	88
Door Locks	88
Power Door Locks	88
Door Ajar Reminder	89
Delayed Locking	89
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	89
Rear Door Security Locks	90
Lockout Protection	90
Trunk	90
Windows	93
Power Windows	94
Sun Visors	95
Theft-Deterrent Systems	96
Content Theft-Deterrent	96
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	97
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	98
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	99
New Vehicle Break-In	99
Ignition Positions	100
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	101
Starting the Engine	102
Engine Coolant Heater	103
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed Transmission)	104
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission)	106
Parking Brake	110
Shifting Into Park	111
Shifting Out of Park	112
Parking Over Things That Burn	112
Engine Exhaust	113
Running the Vehicle While Parked	114
Mirrors	115
Manual Rearview Mirror	115
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	115
Compass	116
Outside Power Mirrors	117
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror	117
Outside Heated Mirrors	118
OnStar® System	118
Universal Home Remote System	121
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)	122
Storage Areas	128
Glove Box	128
Cupholders	128
Instrument Panel Storage	128
Front Storage Area	128
Center Console Storage	128
Driver Storage Compartment	129
Convenience Net	129
Sunroof	129
Instrument Panel	131
Instrument Panel Overview	134
Hazard Warning Flashers	136
Horn	136
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	136
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	137
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	137
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	138
Flash-to-Pass	138
Windshield Wipers	138
Windshield Washer	139
Cruise Control	140
Headlamps	143
Headlamps on Reminder	144
Headlamps Off in Park	144
Delayed Headlamps	144
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	144
Automatic Headlamp System	145
Fog Lamps	145
Instrument Panel Brightness	146
Dome Lamps	146
Entry/Exit Lighting	146
Parade Dimming	146
Reading Lamps	146
Electric Power Management	147
Battery Run-Down Protection	148
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	148
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current	149
Climate Controls	150
Climate Control System	150
Automatic Climate Control System	154
Outlet Adjustment	157
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	158
Instrument Panel Cluster	159
Speedometer and Odometer	160
Trip Odometer	160
Tachometer	160
Safety Belt Reminders	160
Airbag Readiness Light	161
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	162
Charging System Light	163
Brake System Warning Light	164
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	165
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	165
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	166
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	167
Tire Pressure Light	167
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	168
Oil Pressure Light	171
Security Light	171
Cruise Control Light	172
Highbeam On Light	172
Fuel Gage	172
Driver Information Center (DIC)	173
DIC Operation and Displays	174
DIC Warnings and Messages	176
DIC Vehicle Personalization	180
Audio System(s)	186
Setting the Clock	187
Radio(s)	189
Using an MP3	201
XM Radio Messages	207
Bluetooth®	208
Theft-Deterrent Feature	219
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	219
Radio Reception	221
Backglass Antenna	222
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	222
Chime Level Adjustment	222
Driving Your Vehicle	223
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	224
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	224
Defensive Driving	224
Drunk Driving	225
Control of a Vehicle	226
Braking	226
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	227
Braking in Emergencies	228
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	228
Traction Control System (TCS)	230
Steering	232
Off-Road Recovery	233
Passing	234
Loss of Control	234
Driving at Night	235
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	236
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	237
Highway Hypnosis	237
Hill and Mountain Roads	238
Winter Driving	239
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	241
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	242
Loading the Vehicle	242
Towing	248
Towing Your Vehicle	248
Recreational Vehicle Towing	248
Towing a Trailer	251
Service and Appearance Care	259
Service	261
Accessories and Modifications	261
California Proposition 65 Warning	262
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	262
Doing Your Own Service Work	262
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	263
Fuel	263
Gasoline Octane	264
Gasoline Specifications	264
California Fuel	264
Additives	265
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	266
Fuels in Foreign Countries	268
Filling the Tank	268
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	271
Checking Things Under the Hood	272
Hood Release	272
Engine Compartment Overview	274
Engine Oil	279
Engine Oil Life System	282
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	284
Automatic Transmission Fluid	286
Cooling System	286
Engine Coolant	287
Pressure Cap	291
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap	291
Engine Overheating	292
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	294
Power Steering Fluid	294
Windshield Washer Fluid	296
Brakes	297
Battery	300
Jump Starting	301
Headlamp Aiming	305
Bulb Replacement	305
Halogen Bulbs	305
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	306
License Plate Lamp	307
Replacement Bulbs	308
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	308
Tires	309
Winter Tires	310
Tire Sidewall Labeling	311
Tire Terminology and Definitions	314
Inflation - Tire Pressure	317
High-Speed Operation	318
Tire Pressure Monitor System	319
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	320
Tire Inspection and Rotation	324
When It Is Time for New Tires	325
Buying New Tires	326
Different Size Tires and Wheels	328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	328
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	330
Wheel Replacement	330
Tire Chains	332
If a Tire Goes Flat	333
Changing a Flat Tire	334
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	335
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	337
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	343
Compact Spare Tire	347
Appearance Care	348
Interior Cleaning	348
Fabric/Carpet	349
Leather	350
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	350
Care of Safety Belts	351
Weatherstrips	351
Washing Your Vehicle	351
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	352
Finish Care	352
Windshield and Wiper Blades	353
Aluminum Wheels	353
Tires	354
Sheet Metal Damage	354
Finish Damage	354
Underbody Maintenance	355
Chemical Paint Spotting	355
Vehicle Identification	355
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	355
Service Parts Identification Label	356
Electrical System	356
Add-On Electrical Equipment	356
Windshield Wiper Fuses	356
Power Windows and Other Power Options	356
Fuses	357
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	357
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	360
Rear Compartment Fuse Block	363
Capacities and Specifications	366
Maintenance Schedule	369
Maintenance Schedule	370
Introduction	370
Maintenance Requirements	370
Your Vehicle and the Environment	370
Using the Maintenance Schedule	370
Scheduled Maintenance	372
Additional Required Services	374
Maintenance Footnotes	375
Owner Checks and Services	376
At Each Fuel Fill	376
At Least Once a Month	377
At Least Once a Year	377
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	380
Maintenance Replacement Parts	381
Engine Drive Belt Routing	382
Maintenance Record	384
Customer Assistance Information	387
Customer Assistance and Information	388
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	388
Online Owner Center	391
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	392
Customer Assistance Offices	392
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	393
Roadside Assistance Program	393
Scheduling Service Appointments	396
Courtesy Transportation	396
Collision Damage Repair	398
Reporting Safety Defects	401
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	401
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	402
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	402
Service Publications Ordering Information	402
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	403
Event Data Recorders	404
OnStar®	405
Navigation System	405
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	405

Match case Limit results 1 per page

When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE ESC

or ESC OFF message is displayed, the system will

not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of

the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See

DIC

Warnings and Messages on page 3-46

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is

automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started.

To assist the driver with vehicle directional control,

especially in slippery road conditions, the system should

always be left on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed.

If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system begins

to assist the driver maintain directional control of the

vehicle, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise

control will automatically disengage. The cruise control

system may be re-engaged when road conditions

allow. See

Cruise Control on page 3-10

The ESC/TCS button is

located on the instrument

panel.

The traction control system can be turned off or back on

by pressing the ESC/TCS button. To disable both traction

control and ESC, press and hold the button briefly.

When the ESC system is turned off, the TRACTION

OFF and ESC OFF messages will appear, and

the ESC/TCS light will be on solid to warn the driver

that both traction control and ESC are disabled.

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal

driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn

the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or

snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to

free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system

when driving in extreme off-road conditions where

high wheel spin is required. See

If Your Vehicle is Stuck

in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-19

ESC may also turn off automatically if it determines that

a problem exists with the system. The ESC OFF and

SERVICE ESC messages and the ESC/TCS light will be

on solid to warn the driver that ESC is disabled and

requires service. If the problem does not clear after

restarting the vehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.

See

DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-46

for

more information.

Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect

the vehicle’s performance. See

Accessories and

Modifications on page 5-3

for more information.

4-7