Home » Chevrolet Manuals » 2010 Chevrolet Malibu » Manual Viewer

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 170

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Manual

Get 2010 Chevrolet Malibu PDF manuals and user guides

View all 2010 Chevrolet Malibu manuals

Page 170 highlights

Electric Power Management The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that estimates the battery's temperature and state of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and extended life of the battery. When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage is raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed. The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is needed for very high electrical loads. A high electrical load occurs when several of the following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets. EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery. It does this by balancing the generator's output and the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increase engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some accessories. Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-43. Battery Run-Down Protection The vehicle has a battery run-down protection feature designed to protect the vehicle's battery. When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, or visor vanity) is left on while the ignition is turned off, the battery run-down protection system will automatically shut the lamp(s) off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining the battery. To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following: • Turn on the ignition. • Turn the exterior lamp control off and then on. • Open a door. 4-14

Section	Page
2010 Chevrolet Malibu BookTOC	1
In Brief	7
Instrument Panel	8
Initial Drive Information	10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	10
Remote Vehicle Start	10
Door Locks	11
Trunk Release	11
Windows	12
Seat Adjustment	12
Second Row Seats	14
Heated Seats	15
Safety Belt	15
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag	16
Mirror Adjustment	16
Steering Wheel Adjustment	17
Interior Lighting	18
Exterior Lighting	19
Windshield Wiper/Washer	20
Climate Controls	21
Vehicle Features	22
Radio(s)	22
Satellite Radio	23
Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or USB Port)	24
Steering Wheel Controls	24
Bluetooth®	25
Driver Information Center (DIC)	25
Cruise Control	26
Power Outlets	27
Universal Remote System	27
Performance and Maintenance	27
Traction Control System (TCS)	27
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	28
Tire Pressure Monitor	28
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit	28
Engine Oil Life System	29
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	29
Driving for Better Fuel Economy	30
Roadside Assistance Program	30
OnStar®	31
Seats and Restraint System	33
Head Restraints	34
Front Seats	36
Manual Seats	36
Power Seats	37
Power Lumbar	37
Heated Seats	38
Reclining Seatbacks	38
Power Lift Seat	41
Rear Seats	42
Split Folding Rear Seat	42
Safety Belts	44
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone	44
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly	49
Lap-Shoulder Belt	58
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy	63
Safety Belt Extender	64
Child Restraints	64
Older Children	64
Infants and Young Children	68
Child Restraint Systems	71
Where to Put the Restraint	74
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)	76
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position	83
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position	86
Airbag System	90
Where Are the Airbags?	92
When Should an Airbag Inflate?	95
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?	97
How Does an Airbag Restrain?	97
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?	98
Passenger Sensing System	100
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	105
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle	106
Restraint System Check	107
Checking the Restraint Systems	107
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash	108
Features and Controls	109
Keys	111
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System	112
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation	112
Remote Vehicle Start	114
Doors and Locks	117
Door Locks	117
Power Door Locks	117
Door Ajar Reminder	118
Delayed Locking	118
Programmable Automatic Door Locks	118
Rear Door Security Locks	119
Lockout Protection	119
Trunk	120
Windows	122
Power Windows	123
Sun Visors	125
Theft-Deterrent Systems	126
Content Theft-Deterrent	126
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer	128
PASS-Key® III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation	128
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle	130
New Vehicle Break-In	130
Ignition Positions	130
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)	131
Starting the Engine	132
Engine Coolant Heater	133
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission)	134
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed Transmission)	137
Parking Brake	139
Shifting Into Park	140
Shifting Out of Park	141
Parking Over Things That Burn	142
Engine Exhaust	142
Running the Vehicle While Parked	143
Mirrors	144
Manual Rearview Mirror	144
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror	144
Compass	144
Outside Power Mirrors	146
Outside Heated Mirrors	146
Universal Home Remote System	146
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)	147
Storage Areas	153
Glove Box	153
Cupholders	153
Instrument Panel Storage	154
Front Storage Area	154
Center Console Storage	154
Driver Storage Compartment	154
Convenience Net	154
Sunroof	155
Instrument Panel	157
Instrument Panel Overview	159
Hazard Warning Flashers	159
Horn	159
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	159
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever	160
Turn and Lane-Change Signals	160
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer	161
Flash-to-Pass	161
Windshield Wipers	161
Windshield Washer	162
Cruise Control	163
Headlamps	166
Headlamps on Reminder	166
Headlamps Off in Park	167
Delayed Headlamps	167
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)	167
Automatic Headlamp System	168
Fog Lamps	168
Instrument Panel Brightness	169
Dome Lamps	169
Entry/Exit Lighting	169
Parade Dimming	169
Reading Lamps	169
Electric Power Management	170
Battery Run-Down Protection	170
Accessory Power Outlet(s)	171
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current	172
Climate Controls	173
Climate Control System	173
Automatic Climate Control System	176
Outlet Adjustment	180
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators	181
Instrument Panel Cluster	182
Speedometer and Odometer	183
Trip Odometer	183
Tachometer	183
Safety Belt Reminders	183
Airbag Readiness Light	184
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator	185
Charging System Light	186
Brake System Warning Light	187
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light	188
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light	188
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light	189
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage	190
Tire Pressure Light	190
Malfunction Indicator Lamp	191
Oil Pressure Light	194
Security Light	194
Cruise Control Light	195
Highbeam On Light	195
Fuel Gage	195
Driver Information Center (DIC)	196
DIC Operation and Displays	197
DIC Warnings and Messages	199
DIC Vehicle Personalization	203
Audio System(s)	208
Setting the Clock	209
Radio(s)	211
Using an MP3	221
XM Radio Messages	228
Bluetooth®	229
Theft-Deterrent Feature	239
Audio Steering Wheel Controls	240
Radio Reception	241
Backglass Antenna	242
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System	242
Chime Level Adjustment	242
Driving Your Vehicle	243
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle	244
Defensive Driving	244
Drunk Driving	244
Control of a Vehicle	245
Braking	245
Antilock Brake System (ABS)	246
Braking in Emergencies	247
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	247
Traction Control System (TCS)	249
Steering	251
Off-Road Recovery	253
Passing	253
Loss of Control	253
Driving at Night	255
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads	256
Before Leaving on a Long Trip	257
Highway Hypnosis	257
Hill and Mountain Roads	258
Winter Driving	259
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow	261
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out	262
Loading the Vehicle	262
Towing	268
Towing Your Vehicle	268
Recreational Vehicle Towing	268
Towing a Trailer	272
Service and Appearance Care	281
Service	283
Accessories and Modifications	283
California Proposition 65 Warning	284
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements	284
Doing Your Own Service Work	284
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle	285
Fuel	285
Gasoline Octane	286
Gasoline Specifications	286
California Fuel	286
Additives	287
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)	288
Fuels in Foreign Countries	289
Filling the Tank	290
Filling a Portable Fuel Container	292
Checking Things Under the Hood	292
Hood Release	293
Engine Compartment Overview	294
Engine Oil	299
Engine Oil Life System	302
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter	304
Automatic Transmission Fluid	306
Cooling System	306
Engine Coolant	307
Engine Overheating	311
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode	313
Power Steering Fluid	313
Windshield Washer Fluid	315
Brakes	316
Battery	319
Jump Starting	320
Headlamp Aiming	324
Bulb Replacement	325
Halogen Bulbs	325
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps	325
License Plate Lamp	327
Replacement Bulbs	327
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement	328
Tires	328
Winter Tires	330
Tire Sidewall Labeling	330
Tire Terminology and Definitions	333
Inflation - Tire Pressure	336
High-Speed Operation	338
Tire Pressure Monitor System	338
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation	339
Tire Inspection and Rotation	343
When It Is Time for New Tires	345
Buying New Tires	346
Different Size Tires and Wheels	348
Uniform Tire Quality Grading	348
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance	350
Wheel Replacement	350
Tire Chains	351
If a Tire Goes Flat	352
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit	353
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage	360
Changing a Flat Tire	360
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools	361
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire	363
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools	369
Compact Spare Tire	373
Appearance Care	374
Interior Cleaning	374
Fabric/Carpet	376
Leather	377
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces	377
Care of Safety Belts	378
Weatherstrips	378
Washing Your Vehicle	378
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses	379
Finish Care	379
Windshield and Wiper Blades	380
Aluminum Wheels	380
Tires	381
Sheet Metal Damage	381
Finish Damage	381
Underbody Maintenance	382
Chemical Paint Spotting	382
Vehicle Identification	382
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)	382
Service Parts Identification Label	383
Electrical System	383
Add-On Electrical Equipment	383
Windshield Wiper Fuses	384
Power Windows and Other Power Options	384
Fuses	384
Instrument Panel Fuse Block	385
Engine Compartment Fuse Block	388
Rear Compartment Fuse Block	391
Capacities and Specifications	394
Maintenance Schedule	397
Maintenance Schedule	398
Introduction	398
Scheduled Maintenance	399
Owner Checks and Services	404
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants	406
Maintenance Replacement Parts	407
Engine Drive Belt Routing	408
Maintenance Record	410
Customer Assistance Information	413
Customer Assistance and Information	414
Customer Satisfaction Procedure	414
Online Owner Center	417
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users	418
Customer Assistance Offices	418
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program	419
Roadside Assistance Program	419
Scheduling Service Appointments	423
Courtesy Transportation Program	423
Collision Damage Repair	425
Reporting Safety Defects	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government	428
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government	429
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors	429
Service Publications Ordering Information	429
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy	430
Event Data Recorders	431
OnStar®	432
Navigation System	432
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)	432
Radio Frequency Statement	432

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Electric Power Management

The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that

estimates the battery’s temperature and state of

charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance

and extended life of the battery.

When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is

raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.

When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered

slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a

voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver

Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move

up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an

alert will be displayed.

The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical

loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is

because the generator (alternator) may not be

spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power

that is needed for very high electrical loads.

A high electrical load occurs when several of the

following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog

lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at

high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer

loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.

EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the

battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output

and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase

engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever

needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of

some accessories.

Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without

being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels

of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the

driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)

message might be displayed, such as BATTERY

SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW

BATTERY. If this message is displayed, it is

recommended that the driver reduce the electrical loads

as much as possible. See

DIC Warnings and Messages

on page 4-43

Battery Run-Down Protection

The vehicle has a battery run-down protection feature

designed to protect the vehicle’s battery.

When any interior lamp (trunk, reading, or visor vanity)

is left on while the ignition is turned off, the battery

run-down protection system will automatically shut the

lamp(s) off after 20 minutes. This will avoid draining

the battery.

To reactivate the interior lamps, do one of the following:

•

Turn on the ignition.

•

Turn the exterior lamp control off and then on.

•

Open a door.

4-14