2009 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 109

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (RPM): • The transmission will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too low. • The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine RPM is too high. Second or Third Gear Start Feature When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift the gear select tap switch into Second or Third gear. A higher gear allows you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces. With the DSC feature, the vehicle can be set to pull away in Second or Third gear. 1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) into the M (Manual Mode). 2. With the vehicle stopped, press (+) end of the button to select Second or Third gear. The vehicle will start from a stop position in Second or Third gear. 3. Once moving select the desired drive gear. 2. Press the + (plus) paddle located on top of the steering wheel controls forward to upshift, or push the backside of the shift paddle rearward to downshift. The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter "M", For Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear range when moving the shift lever forward or rearward. While using the DSC feature the transmission will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking. 2-31