Main
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M
Canadian Owners
Propritaires Canadiens
Using this Manual
Index
Safety Warnings and Symbols
Vehicle Damage Warnings
Vehicle Symbols
Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems
Front Seats
Manual Seats
Power Seats
Manual Lumbar
Heated Seats
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
Page
Power Reclining Seatbacks
Page
Power Lift Seat
Rear Seats
Split Folding Rear Seat
Page
Safety Belts
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
Why Safety Belts Work
Page
Page
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
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Page
Page
Page
Page
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Lap-Shoulder Belt
Page
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
Safety Belt Pretensioners
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides
Page
Page
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
Safety Belt Extender
Child Restraints
Older Children
Q: A:
Page
Infants and Young Children
Page
Q:
A:
Child Restraint Systems
Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle
Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint
Where to Put the Restraint
Congurations for Use of Child Restraints
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Lower Anchors
Top Tether Anchor
Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations
i
j
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Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
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Page
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Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat Position
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Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
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Page
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Airbag System
Page
Where Are the Airbags?
Page
Page
When Should an Airbag Inate?
Page
What Makes an Airbag Inate?
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?
Passenger Sensing System
Page
Page
Page
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:
A:
Q:
A:
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Airbags
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
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Page
Section 2 Features and Controls
Keys
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
/
Q
K(Unlock): Press to unlock the drivers door. If Kis
Page
Remote Vehicle Start
/
Remote Start Ready
Doors and Locks
Door Locks
Power Door Locks
K Q
Door Ajar Reminder
Delayed Locking
Rear Door Security Locks
Lockout Protection
Trunk
Remote Trunk Release
Trunk Assist Handle
Emergency Trunk Release Handle
Windows
Power Windows
Express-Down Window
Express-Up Window
Programming the Power Windows
Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature
Express Window Anti-Pinch Override
Window Lockout
o
Sun Visors
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Content Theft-Deterrent
Arming the System
Disarming the System
How the System Alarm is Activated
How to Turn Off the System Alarm
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
PASS-Key
III+ Electronic Immobilizer
III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation
Page
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Ignition Positions
9
R
/
Key In the Ignition
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
Starting the Engine
Starting Procedure
Page
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
Engine Coolant Heater
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed Transmission)
Page
Automatic Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission)
Page
Page
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Second or Third Gear Start Feature
Parking Brake
Shifting Into Park
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
Torque Lock
Shifting Out of Park
Parking Over Things That Burn
Engine Exhaust
Running the Vehicle While Parked
Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror
Cleaning the Mirror
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar
and Compass
Compass Operation
Compass Calibration
Compass Variance
Outside Power Mirrors
Heated Outside Mirrors
OnStar
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
System
OnStar Services
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
OnStar Virtual Advisor
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
How OnStar Service Works
Your Responsibility
Universal Home Remote System
Universal Home Remote System Operation (With Three Round LED)
Programming Universal Home Remote Rolling Code
Programming Universal Home Remote Fixed Code
Page
Using Universal Home Remote
Reprogramming Universal Home Remote Buttons
Erasing Universal Home Remote Buttons
Storage Areas
Glove Box
Cupholders
Instrument Panel Storage
Front Storage Area
Sunroof
Page
Page
Section 3 Instrument Panel
Page
Page
Page
Hazard Warning Flashers
Other Warning Devices
Horn
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
G
53
O
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Flash-to-Pass
Windshield Wipers
9
&
x
6
Windshield Washer
Cruise Control
Setting Cruise Control
I
Page
Ending Cruise Control
Erasing Speed Memory
Headlamps
2
;
P
Headlamps on Reminder
Headlamps Off in Park
Delayed Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Automatic Headlamp System
Fog Lamps
Instrument Panel Brightness
Dome Lamp
9
1
+
Entry/Exit Lighting
Rear Reading Lamps
Trunk Lamp
Battery Run-Down Protection
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Power Outlet 115 Volt Alternating Current
Climate Controls
Climate Control System
Operation 9
H
)
#
Maximum Air Conditioning
Defogging and Defrosting
-
1
Rear Window Defogger
<
Automatic Climate Control System
Automatic Operation
Manual Operation
9
H
)
6
:
#
Defogging and Defrosting
-
0
Rear Window Defogger
<
Outlet Adjustment
Operation Tips
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
Page
Speedometer and Odometer
Trip Odometer
Tachometer
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Airbag Readiness Light
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Page
Charging System Light
Brake System Warning Light
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
Tire Pressure Light
When the Light is Solid
When the Light Flashes First and Then is Solid
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Oil Pressure Light
Security Light
Cruise Control Light
Highbeam On Light
Fuel Gage
Driver Information Center (DIC)
r
DIC Operation and Displays
Information Modes
Outside Air Temperature and Odometer
TRIP A or TRIP B
FUEL RANGE
MPG (L/100 KM) AVG (Average)
MPG (L/100 KM) INST (Instantaneous)
AV (Average) SPEED
DIC Warnings and Messages
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS OFF
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON
BRAKE FLUID
CHANGE OIL SOON
CHECK GAS CAP
CHECK TIRE PRESS (Pressure)
CRUISE ENGAGED
ENGINE DISABLED
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power) REDUCED
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ACTIVE
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) OFF
ICE POSSIBLE
KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW
LOW FUEL
LOW TRACTION
LOW WASHER FLUID
POWER STEERING
SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL)
SERVICE TRACTION
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
TRACTION OFF
TRUNK AJAR
DIC Vehicle Personalization
Entering Personalization Menu
Personalization Menu Modes
OIL LIFE RESET
UNITS
REMOTE START
LOCK HORN
UNLOCK HORN
LIGHT FLASH
DELAY LOCK
AUTO UNLK (Unlock)
UNLK (Unlock)
EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS
LANGUAGE
Exiting Personalization Menu
Audio System(s)
Setting the Clock
Page
Changing the Time and Date Default Settings
Radio(s)
Page
Radio Data System (RDS)
Playing the Radio O
H
Finding a Station
f SEEK
4
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Setting Preset Stations (AM-FM Radio)
Page
Finding a Category (CAT) Station (XM Satellite Radio Service Only)
Radio Messages
XM Satellite Radio Service
Radio Messages for XM Only
Playing a CD
Care of Your CDs
Care of Your CD Player
Z
f
SEEK
s
\
Playing an MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
CD Messages
Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
O
Using an MP3
MP3 CD-R or CD-RW Disc
Compressed Audio
MP3 Format
Root Directory
Empty Directory or Folder
No Folder
Order of Play
File System and Naming
f
SEEK
Sc(Previous Folder): Press the pushbutton
cT(Next Folder): Press the pushbutton positioned
s
h
XM Radio Messages
Theft-Deterrent Feature
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
xw
g
Radio Reception
AM
FM Stereo
XM Satellite Radio Service
Backglass Antenna
XM Satellite Radio Antenna System
Page
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Drunk Driving
Control of a Vehicle
Braking
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Using ABS
Braking in Emergencies
Traction Control System (TCS)
Traction Control Operation
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Page
Panic Brake Assist
Steering
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic Power Steering
Steering Tips
Steering in Emergencies
Off-Road Recovery
Passing
Loss of Control
Skidding
Driving at Night
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Hydroplaning
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Highway Hypnosis
Hill and Mountain Roads
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Loading the Vehicle
Tire and Loading Information Label
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
Page
Page
Certication Label
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Dinghy Towing
Page
Dolly Towing
Towing a Trailer
If You Do Decide to Pull a Trailer
Weight of the Trailer
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
Total Weight on Your Vehicles Tires
Hitches
Safety Chains
Trailer Brakes
Driving with a Trailer
Following Distance
Passing
Backing Up
Making Turns
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
Driving on Grades
Parking on Hills
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
Page
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
Service
Accessories and Modications
California Proposition 65 Warning
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
Doing Your Own Service Work
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle
Fuel
Gasoline Octane
Gasoline Specications
California Fuel
Additives
Fuels in Foreign Countries
Filling the Tank
Page
Page
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
Checking Things Under the Hood
Hood Release
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
When to Add Engine Oil
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Engine Oil Additives
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
What to Do with Used Oil
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Page
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Coolant
Page
Checking Coolant
Adding Coolant
Pressure Cap
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Engine Overheating
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
Cooling System
Page
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
Page
Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Adding Washer Fluid
Brakes
Brake Fluid
What to Add
Brake Wear
Brake Pedal Travel
Brake Adjustment
Replacing Brake System Parts
Battery
Vehicle Storage
Jump Starting
Page
Page
Page
Page
Headlamp Aiming
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps
Back-up Lamp
License Plate Lamp
Replacement Bulbs
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
Tires
Low-Prole Performance Tire
Winter Tires
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Page
Page
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Page
Page
Ination - Tire Pressure
When to Check
How to Check
High-Speed Operation
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry and Science Canada
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Page
When It Is Time for New Tires
Buying New Tires
Page
Different Size Tires and Wheels
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Traction AA, A, B, C
{
Temperature A, B, C
{
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
Wheel Replacement
Used Replacement Wheels
Tire Chains
If a Tire Goes Flat
Changing a Flat Tire
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
Tire Changing Tools
Page
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
Page
Page
Page
Page
Page
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
Storing a Flat Tire and Tools
Compact Spare Tire
Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
Fabric/Carpet
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces
Care of Safety Belts
Weatherstrips
Washing Your Vehicle
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Finish Care
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Aluminum Wheels
Tires
Sheet Metal Damage
Finish Damage
Underbody Maintenance
Chemical Paint Spotting
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
Engine Identication
Service Parts Identication Label
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Windshield Wiper Fuses
Power Windows and Other Power Options
Fuses
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
Page
Page
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
Page
Page
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
Page
Page
Capacities and Specications
Engine Specications
Page
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Maintenance Requirements
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Using the Maintenance Schedule
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance
Additional Required Services
Additional Required Services
Maintenance Footnotes
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Fill
Engine Oil Level Check
Engine Coolant Level Check
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Tire Wear Inspection
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission Park (P) Mechanism Check
Underbody Flushing Service
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Page
Page
Maintenance Record
Maintenance Record
Page
Page
Section 7 Customer Assistance Information
Customer Assistance and Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Page
Page
Online Owner Center
(United States only)
My GM Canada (Canada only)
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
Customer Assistance Offices
United States Customer Assistance
Canada Customer Assistance
Overseas Customer Assistance
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
Roadside Assistance Program
Who is Covered?
Services Provided
Calling for Assistance
Towing and Road Service Exclusions
Scheduling Service Appointments
Courtesy Transportation
Transportation Options
Shuttle Service
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Additional Program Information
Collision Damage Repair
Collision Parts
Repair Facility
Insuring Your Vehicle
If a Crash Occurs
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair Process
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
Service Publications Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Bulletins
Owner Information
Current and Past Model Order Forms
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
Event Data Recorders
OnStar
Navigation System
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID)
Page
A
B
C
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D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y