2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

Detroit, MI 48232-5170 In Canada, please call us at 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). Or, write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Communication Centre, 163-005 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1 H 8P7

Service Publications Ordering Information Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00 Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit Repair Manual This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments, and specifications for GM transmissions, transaxles, and transfer cases. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00 Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle. In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE (1 -800-463-7483).

7-1 0

Owner’s Information Owner publications are written specifically for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 Current and Past Model Order Forms Service Pub!ications are availab!e for current and past model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please specify year and model name of the vehicle.

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-Mastercard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. on the World Wide Web at: www.helminc.com Or you can write to: Helm, Incorporated P. 0. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make checks payable in U.S. funds.

7-1 1

7-1 2

A

Accessory Power Outlets ................................. Adding Washer Fluid ....................................... Additional Program Information ........................... Additives, Fuel ................................................. Add-on Electrical Equipment ............................ Adjusting the Speakers

3-17 5-33 7-9 5-6 5-81

(Balance/Fade) ............................

3-41 , 3-46, 3-53

Air Bag

Readiness Light

..........................................

3-27

Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint

System (SRS) ............................................. 1-53 Air CleanedFilter, Engine ................................. 5-1 7 All Overseas Locations ...................................... 7-4 Aluminum Wheels ........................................... 5-77 AM ............................................................... 3-61 Antenna, Fixed Mast ....................................... 3-63 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) 4-7 ............................ Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light .............. 3-29 Appearance Care ............................................ 5-72 5-75 Care of Safety Belts .................................... Chemics! Pslnt spntting ............................... 5-78 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle ................ 5-72 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle .............. 5-75 Finish Damage ............................................ 5-77 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials .......... 5-78

Appearance Care (cont.)

Sheet Metal Damage ................................... ............................... Underbody Maintenance Weatherstrips .............................................. Ashtrays ........................................................ Audio System(s) ............................................. Audio Systems

5-77 5-78 5-75 3-17 3-38

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-62 Care of Your CD Player ............................... 3-63 Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-63 Chime Level Adjustment ............................... 3-63 Fixed Mast Antenna ..................................... 3-63 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-51 Radio with CD .................................... 3-39, 3-43 Setting the Time for Radios with

Radio Data Systems (RDS) .......................

3-38

Setting the Time for Radios without

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

....................... Theft-Deterrent Feature ................................ Understanding Radio Reception ..................... Automatic Headlamp System ............................ Automatic Transaxle

F!LJic! .......................................................... Operation ................................................... Automatic Transaxle Inspection ......................... Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control

System Check .............................................

3-38 3-61 3-61 3-14

5-18 2-22 6-17

6-18

Backing Up .................................................... Battery .......................................................... Battery Replacement ......................................... Battery Run-Down Protection ............................ Before Leaving on a Long Trip ......................... Body Lubrication Service .................................. Brake

Parking ...................................................... 2-25 System Inspection ....................................... 6-21 System Warning Light .................................. 3-28 Brake Adjustment ............................................ 5-37 Brake Fluid .................................................... 5-34 Brake Pedal Travel ......................................... 5-37 ................................................... Brake Wear 5-36 Brakes .......................................................... 5-34 Braking ........................................................... 4-6 Braking in Emergencies ..................................... 4-9 Break-In, New Vehicle 2-18 ..................................... Bulb Replacement ........................................... 5-45 ........ 5-47 5-47 5-45 5-45

Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) Front Turn Signal Lamps .............................. ............................................ Halogen Bulbs Headlamps .................................................

Bulb Replacement (cont.)

Replacement Bulbs ...................................... Taillamps. Turn Signal. Stoplamps and

Back-up Lamps ........................................ Buying New Tires ...........................................

5-50

5-48 5-56

4-38 5-38 2-7 3-1 6 4-21 6-17

California Fuel .................................................. 5-6 Canada ........................................................... 7-4 Canadian Owners ................................................ ii 7-7 Canadian Roadside Assistance ........................... Capacities and Specifications ............................ 5-87 ................... 4-24, 4-34, 4-12, 4-28 Carbon Monoxide Care of

Safety Belts ................................................

5-75

Care of Your

Cassette Tape Player ................................... 3-62 CD Player .................................................. 3-63 CDS .......................................................... 3-63 Cassette Deck Service .................................... 6-16 Cassette Tape Messages ................................. 3-58 CD Adapter Kits ............................................. 3-58 ........................... 2-32 Center Console Storage Area Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ........... 5-47 Center Rear Passenger Position, Safety Belts ..... 1-47

Chains. Tires .................................................. Charging System Light .................................... Check

5-60 3-28

Engine Light

............................................... 3-31 Check Engine Light 3-31 ......................................... Checking Coolant ............................................ 5-21 Checking Engine Oil ........................................ 5-13 Checking Things Under the Hood ...................... 5-10 Checking Your Restraint Systems ...................... 1-60 Chemical Paint Spotting ................................... 5-78 Child Restraints

Child Restraint Systems ............................... Infants and Young Children ........................... Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System) .......................... Older Childreii ............................................. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System ...................................

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center

Rear Seat Position

...................................

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear

n:

Outside Seat Position ...............................

Sec;ulii-ly a w IIIU ~ ~ S L I ~ I

n l - :I -I n - - L . _ - :.-I

11 i1-1 the I-IIYI 11

Front Seat Position

................................... Top Strap ................................................... Top Strap Anchor Location ............................ Where to Put the Restraint ........................... Chime Level Adjustment .................................. Cigarette Lighter .............................................

~ 1-1

1-37 1-34

1-43 1-31

1-45

1-48

1-45

1-50 1-41 1-42 1-40 3-63 3-1 7

Cleaning

Inside of Your Vehicle .................................. Outside of Your Vehicle ................................ Underbody Maintenance ............................... Weatherstrips .............................................. Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses ....................... Climate Control System ................................... Outlet Adjustment ........................................

5-72 5-75 5-78 5-75 5-76 3-18 3-22 ................. 3-43, 3-50, 3-60 Compact Disc Messages Compact Spare Tire ........................................ 5-71 Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 4-6 Coolant

Engine Temperature Gage ............................ ............................................ Heater, Engine Low Warning Light ....................................... Surge Tmk Pressure Cap ............................. Cooling System .............................................. Cruise Control .................................................. Cupholder(s) .................................................. Current and Past Model Order Forms Customer Assistance Information

3-30 2-20 3-30 5-22 5-25 3-9 2-32 ................ 7-11

Courtesy Transportation .................................. .. r.--f-i I . _ _ _ 1- .. T- .. 2 n A bUSLUI 11e1 r\>>lSLQI Ibt: IUI lent

Telephone (TTY) Users

............................... Customer Assistance Off ices ........................... Customer Satisfaction Procedure ..................... GM Mobility Program for Persons with

Disabilities ................................................

7-7

7-3 7-4 7-2

7-5

Customer Assistance Information (cont.)

Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors ....... 7-1 0 Reporting Safety Defects to the

Canadian Government ..............................

7-1 0

Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government .......................... 7-9 Roadside Assistance Program ......................... 7-5 Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 7-1 0 .............. 2-10

Customizing the Automatic Door Locks

......................... Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Defensive Driving ............................................. Defogging and Defrosting ................................. Delayed Headlamps ........................................ Delayed Locking ............................................... Dinghy Towing ................................................ Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... Dolly Towing .................................................. Dome Lamp ................................................... Door

3-13 4-2 3-20 3-1 4 2-9 4-30 5-3 4-31 3-16

Ajar Light ................................................... 3-36 Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-9 Door Ajar Reminder ....................................... 2-9 Locks .......................................................... 2-8 Power Door Locks ......................................... 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-1 0 Rear Security Locks ..................................... 2-1 1

Driver

Driving

Position. Safety Belt ..................................... ...................................... Six-Way Power Seat

1-13 1-3

4-15 At Night ..................................................... City ........................................................... 4-19 Defensive ..................................................... 4-2 Drunken ....................................................... 4-3 Freeway ..................................................... 4-20 .............................. Hill and Mountain Roads 4-22 In Rain and on Wet Roads 4-16 ........................... Winter ........................................................ 4-24 4-39 4-25 ............... 4-18 4-18 4-38

Driving On Grades .......................................... Driving on Snow or Ice .................................... Driving Through Deep Standing Water Driving Through Flowing Water ......................... Driving with a Trailer .......................................

Electrical System

Add-on Equipment ...................................... Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... Headlamp Wiring ......................................... Power Windows and Other Power Options Windshield Wiper Fuses

............................... .....................

5-81 5-82 5-81 ...... 5-81 5-81 2-14

Emergency Trunk Release Handle Emissions Inspection and

Maintenance Programs .................................

3-33

Engine

Air Cleaner/Filter ......................................... Battery ....................................................... Check and Service Engine Soon Light Coolant ...................................................... Coolant Heater ............................................ Coolant Temperature Gage ........................... Cooling System Inspection ............................ Engine Compartment Overview ...................... Exhaust ..................................................... Oil ............................................................. Overheating ................................................ Starting ...................................................... ...................... .............................

5-17 5-38 ............ 3-31 5-1 9 2-20 3-30 6-21 5-1 2 2-28 5-13 5-23 2-1 9 Engine Compartment Fuse Block 5-85 Engine Coolant Level Check 6-16 Engine Cooling When Trailer T m h g .................. 4-41 Engine Oil Additives ........................................ 5-16 Engine Oil Level Check 6-16 ................................... Entry/Exit Lighting ........................................... 3-1 6 Express-Down Window .................................... 2-1 6 ....................................... Extender, Safety Belt 1-30 Exterior Lamps ............................................... 3-12

FabridCarpet ................................................. Filter

5-72

Engine Air Cleaner

Finding a Station ............................

= : : i : : : = :

i : i :

= :

= = = = = = = = 5-17 3-39, 3-44, 3-52

Finding PTY Stations ............................... Finish Care .................................................... Finish Damage ............................................... Fixed Mast Antenna ........................................ Flash-to-Pass Feature ....................................... Flat Tire ........................................................ Flat Tire. Changing ......................................... Fluid

3.47. 3-54 5-76 5-77 3-63 3-7 5-60 5-61

Automatic Transaxle ..................................... 5-18 Power Steering ........................................... 5-32 Windshield Washer ...................................... 5-33 FM ............................................................... 3-61 .................................................... Fog Lamps 3-15 ........................................ Folding the Seatback 1-6 Following Distance .......................................... 4-38 Footnotes ................................................ 6-6, 6-1 2 Fuel ............................................................... 5-5 5-6 Additives ...................................................... California Fuel .............................................. 5-6 Filling a Portable Fuel Container ..................... 5-9 ........................................... Filling Your Tank 5-7 Fuels in Foreign Countries .............................. 5-7 3-d1 uayt! Gasoline Octane ........................................... 5-5 Gasoline Specifications .................................. 5-5 System Inspection ....................................... 6-21

.........................................................

m~

n-

Fuses

Fuses and Circuit Breakers ........................... 5-82 .Windshield .w .iper ......................................... 5-81

G

Gage

Engine Coolant Temperature ......................... Fuel .......................................................... Speedometer .............................................. Tachometer ................................................. Garment Hooks .............................................. Gasoline

Octane ........................................................ Specifications ............................................... Glass Surfaces ............................................... Glove Box ..................................................... GM Mobility Program for Persons with

Disabilities ....................................................

3-30 3-37 3-25 3-26 2-32

5-5 5-5 5-74 2-32

7-5

Highway Hypnosis ........................................... Hill and Mountain Roads .................................. Hitches .......................................................... Hood

4-22 4-22 4-37

Checking Things Under ................................ 5-10 Release ..................................................... 5-10 3-5

Horn ............................................................... How to Add Coolant to

the Coolant

Surge Tank ................................................. ................................................

How to Check How to Check Power Steering Fluid How to Use This Manual ...................................... How to Wear Safety Belts Properly Hydroplaning ..................................................

5-27 5-53 .................. 5-32 ii ................... 1-12 4-18

Hazard Warning Flashers ................................... Head Restraints ............................................... Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer .................... Headlamp Wiring ............................................ Headlamps .................................................... ....................................... Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal Lamps .............................. Halogen Bulbs ............................................ Headlamps Off in Park (P) ............................... Headlamps On Reminder ...................................

3-4 1-5 3-7 5-81 5-45 5-45 5-47 5-45 3-14 3-7

If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine .......... 5-24 If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine ............... 5-23 If the Light Is Flashing ..................................... 3-32 If the Light Is On Steady ................................. 3-32 Ice or Snow ....... 4-28 If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, If You Do Decide To Pull a Trailer ..................... 4-35 ........................... 4-26 If You’re Caught in a Blizzard Ignition Positions ............................................. 2-18 .......................... Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 6-19 Indicators ....................................................... 3-23 ............... 1-34 Infants and Young Children, Restraints

5-53

6-21 6-21 6-20 6-21 6-20

6-20 6-21

3-24 3-2 3-1 5

Inflation . Tire Pressure ................................... Inspection

............................................. Brake System Engine Cooling System ................................ Exhaust System .......................................... Fuel System ............................................... Part C - Periodic Maintenance ....................... Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal

......................................... Throttle System ...........................................

Instrument Panel

Cluster ....................................................... Overview .....................................................

Instrument Panel Brightness ............................. Instrument Panel Fuse Block

(Passenger’s Side) .......................................

Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Driver’s Side) Interior Lamps ................................................ Interior Plastic Components ..............................

5-84 ....... 5-83 3-15 5-74

jump Siariiny .................................................

s-sy

Key Lock Cylinders Service .............................. ....................................... Keyless Entry System Keys ...............................................................

6-17 2-4 2-2

Lamps

Exterior ...................................................... 3-12 Interior ....................................................... 3-15 Lap Belt ........................................................ 1-26 Lap-Shoulder Belt ................................... 1-1 3, 1-23 LATCH System

Child Restraints ........................................... 1-43 Securing a Child Restraint Designed for

the LATCH System ................................... Leather ......................................................... Leaving Your Vehicle ....................................... Leaving Your Vehicle With the

Engine Running

..........................................

1-45 5-74 2-12

2-26

Light

.......................................

Air Bag Readiness Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Brake System Warning ................................. Charging System ......................................... Check Oil Level .......................................... Door Ajar ................................................... LE!!! Cm!2!-!! !n!.lrnI!?cJ ................................... Low Washer Fluid Warning ........................... Malfunction Indicator .................................... Oil Pressure ............................................... Passlock@ Warning ....................................... Safety Belt Reminder ................................... Se;;fice ‘4ehiclz Soon ...................................

3-27 ................... 3-29 3-28 3-28 3-35 3-36 3-3Q 3-36 3-31 3-34 3-35 3-26 3-3u rJ 13c

Loading Your Vehicle ....................................... 4-32 Lockout Protection .......................................... 2-1 2 Locks

Delayed Locking ........................................... 2-9 Door ........................................................... 2-8 Leaving Your Vehicle .................................... 2-12 Lockout Protection ....................................... 2-1 2 Power Door .................................................. 2-9 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-1 0 Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-1 1 Long Trip/Highway Definition .............................. 6-6 Long Trip/Highway Intervals ............................... 6-6 Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance ........ 6-1 2 Loss of Control ............................................... 4-14 Low Coolant Warning Light .............................. 3-30 Low Washer Fluid Warning Light ....................... 3-36

Maintenance. Normal Replacement Parts ............ 5-88 Maintenance Schedule

At Each Fuel Fill ......................................... 6-16 ................................ At Least Once a Month 6-16 At Least Once a Year .................................. 6-1 7 At Least Twice a Year .................................. 6-1 7 Brake System 6-21 Inspection .............................. Engine Cooling System Inspection ................. 6-21 Exhaust System Inspection ........................... 6-20

Maintenance Schedule (cont.)

Fuel System Inspection ................................ How This Section is Organized ....................... Introduction .................................................. Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Requirements Part A - Scheduled Maintenance Services Part B - Owner Checks and Services Part C Part D - Recommended Fluids and

6-21 6-3 6-2 ..... 6-12 6-2 ......... 6-4 ............. 6-16 ...... 6-20

Periodic Maintenance Inspections

.............................

Lubricants ............................................... 6-22 Part E - Maintenance Record ........................ 6-23 .......................... Selecting the Right Schedule 6-5 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance ............. 6-6 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal Inspection .......................... Throttle System Inspection ............................ Using Your ................................................... Your Vehicle and the Environment

..................... Maintenance When Trailer Towing Making Turns ................................................. Malfunction Indicator Light ................................ Manual Seats ................................................... Manual Windows ............................................ Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle Mexico, Central America and Caribbean

Islands/Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U S . Virgin Islands) .......................................

6-20 6-21 6-4 ................... 6-2 4-41 4-39 3-31 1-2 2-16 ............... 2-6

7-4

Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror ................................ Outside Convex Mirror ................................. Outside Power Mirrors .................................. Outside Remote Control Mirrors .....................

New Vehicle Break-In ...................................... Normal Maintenance Replacement

2-18 Parts ............ 5-88

Odometer ...................................................... Off-Road Recovery .......................................... Oil

Light

................................... Check Oil Level Engine ....................................................... Pressure Light ............................................. ................................ Older Operation ...................................................... ................................................ nnnra+inn Tps -r-*---** Other Outlet Outside

...................................... ............................................

Restraints

Convex Power Remote Coiitroll ?dirrors

............................................. ............................................. ................................

Children,

Warning

Owners. Canadian

...............................................

2-30 Owner’s Information ........................................ 2-31 2-31 2-30

ii 7-11

Park (P)

Parking

Shifting Out of

............................................

2-27

Mechanism

Check (P)

3-25 4-1 2

Brake ........................................................ 2-25 Over Things That Burn ................................. 2-28

Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle

Park

Shifting Into

........................... Parking on Hills .............................................. Park( P) 2-25 Part A - Scheduled Maintenance 6-4 Part B - Owner Checks and 6-16 Part C - Periodic Maintenance Inspections .......... 6-20 Part D - Recommended Fluids and

................................................

............ ................

Services

Services

6-19 4-40

Lubricants

.................................................. Part E - Maintenance Record ...........................

.................................................

.....................................................

Passlockw Plan Ahead When Possible Playing a Cassette Tape Playing a Compact Disc Playing the Radio

...........................

................................ .................................. ..................

6-22 6-23 4-1 2, 4-38 2-17 7-7 3-56 3-41, 3-49, 3-59 3-39, 3-43, 3-51

3-35 5-1 3 3-34 1-31 3-1 8 1_33 Passing ” LL 3-5 3-22

2-31 2-31 o on L-3u

Power ............................................................. 1-3 Accessory Outlets ........................................ 3-1 7 .................................................. Door Locks 2-9 Electrical System ......................................... 5-81 Steering Fluid ............................................. 5-32 Windows .................................................... 2-1 6 Power Steering ............................................... 4-10 Programmable Automatic Door Locks ................. 2-1 0

Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ......... 1-1 1

Radio Messages ............................. 3.41. 3.48. Radios ..........................................................

3-56 3-38 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player ................ 3-62 3-63 Care of Your CD Player ............................... Care of Your CDs ........................................ 3-63 Radio with Cassette and CD ......................... 3-51 Radio with CD 3-39, 3-43 Setting the Time for Radios with

....................................

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

.......................

Setting the Time for Radios without

Radio Data Systems (RDS)

....................... Theft-Deterrent ............................................ Understanding Reception ..............................

3-38

3-38 3-61 3-61

10

RDS Messages ...................................... 3.47. 3-55 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides ...................... 1-28 Rear Seat Operation ......................................... 1-6 Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions ............. 1-22 Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts .................. 1-22 Rear Window Defogger .................................... 3-21 Rearview Mirrors ............................................. 2-30 Reclining Seatbacks .......................................... 1-4 Recreational Vehicle Towing ............................. 4-29 Remote Keyless Entry System ............................ 2-4 Remote Keyless Entry System, Operation ............ 2-5 Remote Trunk Release 2-13 Remote Trunk Release Lockout 2-13 Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the

.................................... ........................

Spare Tire ..................................................

5-63 Removing the Spare Tire and Tools ................... 5-62 Replacement Bulbs ......................................... 5-50 Replacing Brake System Parts 5-37 .......................... Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash

..............................................

1-60

Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government .................................. General Motors ........................................... United States Government .............................. Restraint System Check ...................................

7-10 7-10 7-9 6-17 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ..........................................

1-60

Restraint Systems

Checking .................................................... Replacing Parts ...........................................

1-60 1-60 Restraints, Head ............................................... 1-5 Retained Accessory Power (RAP) ...................... 2-1 9 Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts ...... 1-22 Roadside

Assistance Program .......................................

7-5 ................... 4-28 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out Running Your Engine While You Are Parked ....... 2-29

Safety Belt

Safety Belts

Reminder Light ............................................

3-26

...................................................... 5-75 Care of 1-26 Center Rear Passenger Position .................... Driver Position ............................................ 1-1 3 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................ 1-12 Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ..... 1-1 1 Rear Safetv Belt Comfort Guides for

Children and Small Adults ......................... 1-28 1-22 Rear Seat Passengers ................................. Right Front Passenger Position ...................... 1-22 Safety Belt Extender .................................... 1-30 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy ................. 1-21 Safety Belts Are for Everyone ......................... 1-7

Safety Chains ................................................. Safety Warnings and Symbols .............................. Seats

Head Restraints ............................................ Manual ........................................................ Rear Seat Operation ...................................... Reclining Seatbacks ...................................... Six-Way Power Driver .................................... Second-Gear Start .......................................... Securing a Child Restraint

4-37 ... III

1-5 1-2 1-6 1-4 1-3 2-24

Center Rear Seat Position ............................ Designed for the LATCH System Rear Outside Seat Position ........................... Right Front Seat Position ..............................

1-48 ................... 1-45 1-45 1-50 Selecting the Right Schedule, Maintenance .......... 6-5 Service ........................................................... 5=3

Adding Equipment to the Outside of

n - ._ . .- - n . .II-L.--

Your Vehicle .............................................. ...................................

5-4 Doing Your Own Work 5-3 Engine Soon Light ....................................... 3-31 Publications Ordering Information ................... 7-10 Vehicle Soon Light ....................................... 3-36 ............................................. 1 - I W d C i V l L C D U i I G t I I l a Service Manuals ............................................. 7-10 Setting Preset Stations .................... 3-40, 3-45, 3-52 Setting the Time

7 4 n

Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS) ............ 3-38 Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS) ........ 3-38

11

Setting the Tone (BassTTreble) .......... 3-40, 3-45, 3-53 Sheet Metal Damage ....................................... 5-77 Shifting Into Park (P) ....................................... 2-25 Shifting Out of Park (P) ................................... 2-27 Short Trip/City Definition .................................... 6-5 Short Trip/City Intervals ..................................... 6-5 Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance ................ 6-6 Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster ........................... 1-16 Skidding ........................................................ 4-1 4 Some Other Rainy Weather Tips 4-18 ....................... Special Fabric Cleaning Problems ..................... 5-73 Specifications, Capacities ................................. 5-87 Speedometer .................................................. 3-25 Starter Switch Check ....................................... 6-18 Starting Your Engine ....................................... 2-19 Steering ........................................................ 4-1 0 Steering in Emergencies .................................. 4-1 1 Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle

Boot and Seal Inspection .............................. Steering Tips .................................................. Storage

Garment Hooks ...........................................

6-20 4-10

2-32

Storage Areas

Center Console Storage Area ........................ 2-32 Cupholder(s) ............................................... 2-32 Glove Box .................................................. 2-32 Storing the Flat Tire and Tools .......................... 5-69 Storing the Spare Tire and Tools ....................... 5-70

...................

Stuck in Sand. Mud. Ice or Snow Sun Visors .................................................. Sunroof ...................................................... Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) ............ ................. How Does an Air Bag Restrain? Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ...... What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ................. What Will You See After an Air Bag

Inflates? ...............................................

When Should an Air Bag Inflate? ................ Where Are the Air Bags?

...........................

. 4-28 . 2-16 . 2-33 . 1-53 . 1-57 . 1-59 . 1-57

. 1-58 . 1-57 . 1-55

Tachometer .................................................... Taillamps

..................................... Passlock@ .................................................. ............................... Throttle System Inspection Tilt Wheel ........................................................ Tire Inflation Check ......................................... Tires .....................................................

3-26 Turn Signal. Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps ...... 5-48 Theft.Deterrent. Radio 3-61 Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................... 2-17 2-17 6-21 3-5 6-16 5-52, 5-77 5-56 5-60 5-61 5-71

Buying New Tires ........................................ Chains ....................................................... Changing a Flat Tire .................................... Compact Spare Tire .....................................

12

Tires (cont.)

If a Tire Goes Flat ....................................... 5-60 Inflation . Tire Pressure ............................... 5-53 Inspection and Rotation ................................ 5-54 Uniform Tire Quality Grading ......................... 5-57 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance ................. 5-58 Wheel Replacement ..................................... 5-58 When It Is Time for New Tires ...................... 5-55 To Use the Engine Coolant Heater .................... 2-21 5-74 Top of the Instrument Panel ............................. Top Strap ...................................................... 1-41 Top Strap Anchor Location ............................... 1-42 Torque Lock ................................................... 2-27 .................. 4-36 Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires Towing

Recreational Vehicle ..................................... .......................................... Towing a Trailer ............................................... Your Vehicle Trailer Brakes ................................................. Transaxle

Fluid, Automatic ........................................... Transaxle Operation, Automatic ......................... Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit

Repair Manual

............................................ Transportation Options ...................................... Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit ................................... Trip Odometer ................................................

4-29 4-34 4-29 4-37

5-1 8 2-22

7-10 7-8 2-14 3-25

Trunk ............................................................ ................................................... Trunk Lamp Turn and Lane-Change Signals .......................... ........................... Turn SignaVMultifunction Lever Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer

2-12 3-16 3-6 3-6 .................. 4-39

Underbody Flushing Service ............................. Understanding Radio Reception ........................ ............................ Uniform Tire Quality Grading United States ................................................... Used Replacement Wheels .............................. .................................. Using Cleaner on Fabric Using RDS ............................................

6-19 3-61 5-57 7-4 5-59 5-73 3-46, 3-54

Vehicle

Control ........................................................ Damage Warnings ........................................... Loading ...................................................... Service Soon Light ...................................... Symbols .........................................................

4-6 iv 4-32 3-36 iv

Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN) ............................................. 5-80 Service Parts Identification Label ................... 5-80

13

.............................................. Vehicle Storage Ventilation Adjustment ...................................... Vinyl ............................................................. Visors ...........................................................

5-38 When to Change Engine Oil ............................. 5-16 3-22 When to Check .............................................. 5-53 5-74 When to Check Power Steering Fluid ................ 5-32 2-16 When

You Are Ready to Leave After

Warning Lights. Gages and Warnings

Indicators ................ 3-23

Hazard Warning Flashers Other Warning Devices Safety and Symbols ......................................... Vehicle Damage ..............................................

............................... ..................................

...................... Washer Fluid, Low Warning Light Washing Your Vehicle ...................................... ?'Veatheistrip Liibrication ................................... Weight of the Trailer ........................................ Weight of the Trailer Tongue ............................. What Kind of Engine Oil to Use ........................ What to Do with Used Oil ................................ What to Use .................................. Wheels

.......................... Aiiy~-lt-l-l~i-~i h1-d Tilt: i;dihl-IC;e Replacement ............................................... When to Add Engine Oil ..................................

3-4 3-5 iii iv 3-36 5-75 6-1 7 4-35 4-36 5-15 5-17 5-20, 5-32, 5-33

Parking on a Hill ......................................... 4-40 Where to Put the Restraint ............................... 1-40 Why Safety Belts Work ..................................... 1-8 Window Lockout ............................................. 2-1 6 Windows ....................................................... 2-15 Manual ...................................................... 2-16 Power ........................................................ 2-16 Windshield and Wiper Blades ........................... 5-76 Windshield Washer ........................................... 3-8 Fluid .......................................................... 5-33 Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check ................ 6-16 Windshield Wiper

Blade Replacement ...................................... Fuses ........................................................ Windshield Wipers ............................................ Winter Driving ................................................ Wiper Blade Check .........................................

5-51 5-81 3-7 4-24 6-17

r m

5 - a ~ 5-58 5-14

Your Vehicle and the Environment .......................

6-2

14

The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems ........................... ............................................... ............................................... .............................................. .......................................

Front Seats Rear Seats Safety Belts Child Restraints Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Restraint System Check

............................ Features and Controls ..................................... ........................................................ ....................................... ................................................. ............................ Vehicle

Keys Doors and Locks Windows Theft-Deterrent Systems Starting and Operating Your Mirrors Storage Areas S!Jr?rnef

.................................................... ......................................... .................................................. Instrument Pane[ ............................................. .......................... ......................................

1-1 I -2 1-6 I -7 1-31 ......... 1-53 1-60 2-1 2-2 2-8 2-1 5 2-1 7 ........... 2-18 2-30 2-32

Instrument Panel Overview Climate Controls Warning Lights, Gages and A t Idin Cttctnm/c-\ n u I W U Y = G I I I \ J ~

L r ) vu 99 3-1 3-2 3-1 8 ......... 3-23 3-38

.......................................

Indicators

Driving Your Vehicle .......................................

Your Driving. the Road. and Your Vehicle Towing

...................................................

the Hood

....................................

Service and Appearance Care .......................... ..................................................... .........................................................

Sewice Fuel Checking Things Under Bulb Replacement Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement Tires Appearance Care Vehicle Identification Ekctrical System Capacities and Specifications Normal Maintenance Replacement

...................................................... ..................................... ................................. ...................................... .....................

Parts

4-1 ..... 4-2 4-29 5-1 5-3 5-5 ............... 5-10 5-45 ......... 5-51 5-52 5-72 5-80 5-81 5-87 ...... 5-88 6-1 6-2 7-1 .................. 7-2

Maintenance Schedule ..................................... ................................ Customer Assistance Information ....................

bhintenance Schedule

Customer Assistance Information

index ................................................................. i

Canadian Owners You can obtain a French copy of this manual from your dealer or from: Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207 How to Use This Manual Many people read their owner’s manual from beginning to end when they first receive their new vehicle. If you do this, it will help you learn about the features and controls for your vehicle. In this manual, you’ll find that pictures and words work together to explain things. Index A good place to look for what you need is the Index in back of the manual. It’s an alphabetical list of what’s in the manual, and the page number where you’ll find it.

‘

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem, CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem and the name MALIBU are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. This manual includes the latest information at the time it was printed. We reserve the right to make changes after that time without further notice. For vehicles first sold in Canada, substitute the name “General Motors of Canada Limited” for Chevrolet Motor Division whenever it appears in this manual. Please keep this manual in your vehicle, so it will be there if you ever need it when you’re on the road. If you sell the vehicle, please leave this manual in it so the new owner can use it.

Litho in U S A . Part No. 22691530 A First Edition

General

‘Copyright

ii

Motors Corporation A11 Rights

06/03/02 Reserved

Safety Warnings and Symbols You will find a number of safety cautions in this book. We use a box and the word CAUTION to tell you about things that could hurt you if you were to ignore the warning.

I you or other people. These mean there is something that could hurt

In the caution area, we tell you what the hazard is. Then we tell you what to do to help avoid or reduce the hazard. Please read these cautions. If you don’t, you or others could be hurt.

You will also find a circle with a slash through it in this book. This safety symbol means “Don’t,’’ “Don’t do this” or “Don’t let this happen.”

iii

Vehicle Damage Warnings Also, in this book you will find these notices: Notice: These mean there is something that could damage your vehicle. A notice will tell you about something that can damage your vehicle. Many times, this damage would not be covered by your warranty, and it could be costly. But the notice will tell you what to do to help avoid the damage. When you read other manuals, you might see CAUTION and NOTICE warnings in different colors or in different words. You’ll also see warning labels on your vehicle. They use the same words, CAUTION or NOTICE.

Vehicle Symbols Your vehicle may be equipped with components and labels that use symbols instead of text. Symbols, used on your vehicle, are shown along with the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific component, control, message, gage or indicator. If you need help figuring out a specific name of a component, gage or indicator reference the following topics in the Index: 0 “Engine Compartment Overview” 0 “Instrument Panel Overview” 0 “Climate Controls” 0 “Audio Systems” Also see Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators on page 3-23.

iv

u-

MASTER SWITCH

LIGHTING -

/ , \ @G LAMPS Pf

TURN SIGNALS

ENGINE COOLANT TEMP

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM

These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle:

CAUTION POSSIBLE INJURY

PROTECT

SHIELDING

CAUSTIC

4CID COULD CAUSE BURNS

AVOID SPARKS OR FLAMES

SPARK OR FLAME COULD EXPLODE BAlTERY

LATCH BOTH LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS TO PROTECT OCCUPANT DO NOT TWIST SAFETY BELT WHEN A-TTACHING

FASTEN SEAT BELTS

MOVE SEAT

FULLY \$!%

/z

DO NOT INSTALL A REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

REARWARD+

SECURE CHILD SEAT

PULL BELT

COMPLETELY THEN SECURE CHILD SEAT

'lib

DO NOT INSTALL A FORWARD-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT IN THIS SEATING POSITION

DOOR LOCK UNLOCK

ENGINE COOLANT FAN

BRAKE (@) COOLANT d

FUEL

OWNER'S MANUAL

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE W

SERVICE

ANTI-LOCK fmj

BRAKES t ! J

SERVICE MANUAL

Section 1

Seats and Restraint Systems

Front Seats ...................................................... 1-2 Manual Seats ................................................ 1.2 Six-Way Power Driver Seat .............................. 1-3 Reclining Seatbacks ........................................ 1-4 Head Restraints ............................................. 1-5 Rear Seats ....................................................... 1.6 Rear Seat Operation ....................................... 1-6 Safety Belts ..................................................... 1-7 ................. 1-7 Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone Questions and Answers About Safety Belts ...... 1-1 1 How to Wear Safety Belts Properly ................. 1-12 Driver Position .............................................. 1-1 3 Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy .................. 1-21 Right Front Passenger Position ....................... 1-22 .................................. 1-22 Rear Seat Passengers Center Rear Passenger Position ..................... 1-26 Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for

P - L - A . , 3 C l l C L Y Del1 L A l W IUCl

n - l r r . . r - - ~ - ..

..................................... Child Restraints .............................................

Children and Small Adults .......................... 1-28 4 qn I -Ju 1-31 Older Children .............................................. 1-31 Infants and Young Children ............................ 1-34 Child Restraint Systems ................................. 1-37 Where to Put the Restraint ............................. 1-40 Top Strap .................................................... 1-41

Top Strap Anchor Location ............................. 1-42 Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for

Children (LATCH System) ........................... 1-43

Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the

LATCH System ......................................... 1-45

Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside

Seat Position ............................................ 1-45

Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear

Seat Position ............................................ 1-48

Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front

Seat Position ............................................ 1-50

Supplemental Restraint

System (SRS) ............................................. 1-53 Where Are the Air Bags? ............................... 1-55 When Should an Air Bag Inflate? .................... 1-57 What Makes an Air Bag Inflate? ..................... 1-57 How Does an Air Bag Restrain? ..................... 1-57 What Will You See After an

Air Bag Inflates? ....................................... 1-58 Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle ......... 1-59 Restraint System Check .................................. 1-60 Checking Your Restraint Systems ................... 1-60 Replacing Restraint System Parts

After a Crash ............................................ 1-60

1-1

Front Seats

Manual Seats

You can lose contrc If the vehicle if you try to adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving. The sudden movement could startle and confuse you, or make you push a pedal when you don’t want to. Adjust the driver’s seat only when the vehicle is not moving.

1 -2

Lift the bar located under the front of the seat to unlock it. Slide the seat to where you want it and release the bar. Try to move the seat with your body to be sure the seat is locked in place.

Six-Way Power Driver Seat

To adjust the power seat, do the following: 0 Move the seat forward or rearward by pushing the

control toward the front or back of the vehicle. Raise or lower the entire seat cushion by holding the control up or down. Raise or lower the front of the seat cushion by holding the front of the control up or down.

0 Raise or lower the rear of the seat cushion by

holding the rear of the control up or down.

If your vehicle has this feature, the power seat control is located on the outboard side of the driver’s seat.

1-3

Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust the seatback, lift the lever located on the outboard side of the seat and move the seatback to where you want it. Release the lever to lock the seatback. Pull up on the lever without pushing on the seatback, and the seatback will go to an upright position.

But don’t have a seatback reclined if your vehicle is moving.

1 -4

Head Restraints

Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can’t do their job when you’re reclined like this. The shoulder belt can’t do its job because it won’t be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can’t do it’s job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit ..., II :“. *L- - r r L - - A ...e e” ..e..” --4rfih, h r l + wets LJaCin Ill &lit atac QliU uvltias y w u l a a r c r y W G O L properly.

1-5

Rear Seats

Rear Seat Operation Folding the Seatback Your vehicle may have a split folding rear seatback. To fold down the rear seatback, do the following:

2. Once a tether is pulled, the seatback can be

pushed open through the trunk, or pulled open from inside the vehicle.

To close the split folding rear seatback, push the seatback up until you hear a click. Then pull on the seatback to make sure it is secure.

1. Open the trunk and pull one or both of the tethers

located on the driver’s side of the trunk. The left tether will open the larger side of the seatback. The right tether will open the smaller side of the seatback.

1 -6

Safety Belts

Safety Belts: They This part of the manual tells you how to use safety belts properly. It also tells you some things you should not do with safety belts.

re for Everyone

let ,.iyone

ride where he or she can’t

,,n’t wear a safety belt properly. If you are in a crash and you’re not wearing a safety belt, your injuries can be much worse. You can hit things inside the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, you might not be, if you are buckled up. Always fasten your safety belt, 9 I--#&- -.._ a i ~ u c;rlec;n trral y u u ~ passtaryt=ra I J C S L ~ Q I G fastened properly too.

-1 -I- - - 1- 1L-1

.-- -

,us to ride in a cargo

It is extremely c,.lge. area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

Your vehicle has a light that comes on as a reminder to buckle up. See Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-26.

1 -7

Why Safety Belts Work When you ride in or on anything, you go as fast as it goes.

In most states and in all Canadian provinces, the law says to wear safety belts. Here’s why: They work. You never kvow if you’ll be in a crash. If you do have a crash, you don’t know if it will be a bad one. A few crashes are mild, and some crashes can be so serious that even buckled up, a person wouldn’t survive, But most crashes are in between. In many of them, people who buckle up can survive and som’etimes walk away. Without belts they could have been badly hurt or killed. After more than 30 years of safety belts in vehicles, the facts are clear. In most crashes buckling up does matter ... a lot!

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose it’s just a seat on wheels.

1 -8

Put someone on it.

Get it up to speed. Then stop the vehicle. The rider