2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual

2001 Chevrolet Malibu owners manual
Year:
2001
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Malibu
Rating:
(4)

Online manual

Size:
2.53 MB

Table of Contents

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual
1
24-hour Roadside Assistance
2
Copyright General Motors Corp. 2000
3
Table of Contents:
4
1. Seats and Restraint Systems
4
2. Features and Controls
4
3. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
5
4. Your Driving and the Road
5
5. Problems on the Road
5
6. Service and Appearance Care
6
7. Maintenance Schedule
6
8. Customer Assistance Information
7
For Canadian Owners Who Prefer a French Language Manual:
8
How to Use this Manual
9
Safety Warnings and Symbols
9
Vehicle Damage Warnings
10
Vehicle Symbols
11
Service Station Guide
12
Section 1 Seats and Seat Restraints
13
Seats and Seat Controls
14
Manual Front Seats
14
6-Way Power Seat (If Equipped)
15
Reclining Front Seatbacks
16
Head Restraints
18
Rear Seats
18
Folding Rear Seat
18
Safety Belts: They re for Everyone
19
Why Safety Belts Work
20
Here Are Questions Many People Ask About Safety Belts and the Answers
23
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
24
Adults
24
Driver Position
24
Lap-Shoulder Belt
24
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
27
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
32
Right Front Passenger Position
33
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
33
How the Air Bag System Works
35
Where are the air bags?
35
When should an air bag inflate?
36
What makes an air bag inflate?
36
How does an air bag restrain?
37
What will you see after an air bag inflates?
37
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
38
Rear Seat Passengers
39
Rear Seat Outside Passenger Positions
39
Lap-Shoulder Belt
39
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
42
Center Passenger Position
44
Lap Belt
45
Children
46
Infants and Young Children
46
Restraint Systems for Children
50
Where to Put the Restraint
53
Top Strap
53
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Center Rear Seat Position
57
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
59
Older Children
62
Safety Belt Extender
65
Checking Your Restraint Systems
65
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
65
Section 2 Features and Controls
66
Windows
67
Manual Windows
68
Power Windows (If Equipped)
68
Auto- Down Switch
68
Lock Out Button
68
Keys
69
Door Locks
71
Power Door Locks
72
Door Ajar Reminder
72
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
72
Customizing the Automatic Door Locks
72
Delayed Locking
73
Rear Door Security Locks
74
Anti-Lockout Protection
75
Leaving Your Vehicle
75
Remote Keyless Entry System (If Equipped)
75
Operation
76
Programmable Horn Chirp
77
Radio Personalization
77
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle
78
Battery Replacement
78
Resynchronization
79
Trunk
79
Remote Trunk Release
80
Remote Trunk Release Lockout (If Equipped)
81
Trunk Release Handle (If Equipped)
81
Trap-Resistant Trunk Kit
82
Theft
82
Key in the Ignition
82
Parking at Night
82
Parking Lots
82
Passlock
83
New Vehicle Break-In
83
Ignition Positions
84
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
85
Starting Your Engine
85
Engine Coolant Heater (Option)
86
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
87
Automatic Transaxle Operation
87
Second-Gear Start
91
Parking Brake
91
Shifting Into PARK (P)
92
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running
93
Torque Lock
93
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
94
Parking Over Things That Burn
94
Engine Exhaust
95
Running Your Engine While You re Parked
95
Horn
96
Tilt Wheel
96
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
97
Turn Signal and Lane Change Indicators
97
Headlamps
98
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
99
Lamps On Reminder
99
Flash-to-Pass
99
Windshield Wipers
99
Windshield Washer
100
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
101
Setting Cruise Control
102
Resuming a Set Speed
102
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
103
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
103
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control
103
Using Cruise Control on Hills
103
Canceling Cruise Control
103
Erasing the Cruise Speed Memory
103
Exterior Lamps
104
Headlamps
104
Daytime Running Lamps
104
Automatic Light Control (ALC)
104
Headlamps Dim to Park (If Equipped)
105
Delayed Headlamps
105
Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
105
Interior Lamps
106
Instrument Panel Intensity Control
106
Illuminated Entry/Exit System
106
Mirror Reading Lamps (If Equipped)
106
Three-Position Dome Lamp
106
Trunk Lamp
107
Battery Saver
107
Mirrors
107
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror
107
Manual Remote Control Mirror
108
Power Remote Control Mirrors (If Equipped)
108
Convex Outside Mirror
109
Storage Compartments
109
Glove Box
109
Instrument Panel Cupholder
109
Center Console Storage Area
109
Center Console Cupholder
109
Rear Seat Cupholders
109
Convenience Net (If Equipped)
110
Ashtray and Cigarette Lighter
110
Sun Visors
110
Visor Vanity Mirror
110
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror (If Equipped)
110
Accessory Power Outlet
111
Garment Hook
111
Sunroof (Option)
112
The Instrument Panel Your Information System
113
Instrument Panel Cluster
115
Speedometer and Odometer
116
Trip Odometer
116
Tachometer
117
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
117
Safety Belt Reminder Light
118
Air Bag Readiness Light
119
Charging System Indicator Light
120
Brake System Warning Light
121
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
122
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
122
Low Coolant Warning Light
123
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
123
If the Light Is Flashing
125
If the Light Is On Steady
125
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
126
Oil Pressure Light
127
Check Oil Light
128
Passlock Warning Light
128
Cruise Light (If Equipped)
129
Low Washer Light
129
Service Vehicle Soon Light
130
Door Ajar Light
130
Fuel Gage
131
Section 3 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems
132
Comfort Controls
133
Climate Control System with Air Conditioning
133
Fan Knob
133
Temperature Knob
133
Mode Knob
133
Mode Buttons
134
Air Conditioning
135
Heating
135
Defogging and Defrosting Windows
136
Ventilation Tips
138
Audio Systems
138
Setting the Clock for Systems without Radio Data System (RDS)
138
Setting the Clock for Systems with Radio Data System (RDS)
139
AM- FM Stereo
139
Playing the Radio
139
Finding a Station
140
Setting the Tone
141
Adjusting the Speakers
141
Radio Calibration
142
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
142
Playing the Radio
142
Finding a Station
143
Setting the Tone
144
Adjusting the Speakers
144
Using RDS
145
Playing a Cassette Tape
147
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat
150
CD Adapter Kits
150
AM-FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
151
Playing the Radio
151
Finding a Station
151
Setting the Tone
152
Adjusting the Speakers
153
Using RDS
153
Playing a Compact Disc
156
AM-FM Stereo with Cassette Tape and Compact Disc Player with Radio Data System (RDS) and Automatic Tone Control (If Equipped)
158
Playing the Radio
158
Finding a Station
159
Setting the Tone
160
Adjusting the Speakers
161
Using RDS
161
Playing a Cassette Tape
164
Tight/Loose Tape Sensor Defeat
166
Playing a Compact Disc
167
Personal Choice Radio Controls (If Equipped)
169
Theft-Deterrent Feature Non-RDS Radios
169
Theft-Deterrent Feature RDS Radios
169
Understanding Radio Reception
170
AM
170
FM Stereo
170
Tips About Your Audio System
170
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
171
Care of Your Compact Discs
172
Care of Your Compact Disc Player
172
Fixed Mast Antenna
172
Chime Level Adjustment
172
Section 4 Your Driving and the Road
173
Defensive Driving
174
Drunken Driving
175
Control of a Vehicle
178
Braking
178
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
179
Using Anti- Lock
180
Braking in Emergencies
180
Steering
181
Power Steering
181
Steering Tips
181
Driving on Curves
181
Steering in Emergencies
182
Off-Road Recovery
183
Passing
183
Loss of Control
185
Skidding
185
Driving at Night
186
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
187
Hydroplaning
189
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
189
Driving Through Flowing Water
190
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
190
City Driving
190
Freeway Driving
191
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
192
Highway Hypnosis
193
Hill and Mountain Roads
194
Winter Driving
196
Driving on Snow or Ice
197
If You re Caught in a Blizzard
198
Recreational Vehicle Towing
199
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
200
Towing Your Vehicle from the Rear
201
Loading Your Vehicle
202
Towing a Trailer
204
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
205
Weight of the Trailer
205
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
206
Total Weight on Your Vehicle s Tires
206
Hitches
207
Safety Chains
207
Trailer Brakes
207
Driving with a Trailer
208
Following Distance
208
Passing
208
Backing Up
208
Making Turns
209
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
209
Driving On Grades
210
Parking on Hills
210
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking on a Hill
211
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
211
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
211
Section 5 Problems on the Road
212
Hazard Warning Flashers
213
Other Warning Devices
213
Jump Starting
214
Towing Your Vehicle
219
Engine Overheating
220
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
220
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
221
Cooling System
222
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
224
If a Tire Goes Flat
228
Changing a Flat Tire
229
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
230
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
231
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
236
Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
237
Compact Spare Tire
238
If You re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
239
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
239
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
240
Service
241
Doing Your Own Service Work
241
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
242
Fuel
242
Fuels in Foreign Countries
244
Filling Your Tank
245
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
247
Checking Things Under the Hood
247
Hood Release
248
Engine Compartment Overview
250
Engine Oil
251
Checking Engine Oil
251
When to Add Engine Oil
252
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
253
Engine Oil Additives
254
When to Change Engine Oil
254
What to Do with Used Oil
255
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
255
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
257
Engine Coolant
258
What to Use
259
Checking Coolant
260
Adding Coolant
261
Surge Tank Pressure Cap
261
Power Steering Fluid
261
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
261
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
262
What to Use
262
Windshield Washer Fluid
262
What to Use
262
Adding Washer Fluid
262
Brakes
263
Brake Fluid
263
What to Add
265
Brake Wear
266
Brake Pedal Travel
267
Brake Adjustment
267
Replacing Brake System Parts
267
Battery
268
Vehicle Storage
268
Bulb Replacement
269
Halogen Bulbs
269
Headlamps
269
Front Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement
271
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Interior Mounted)
271
Tail/Stop/Turn Signal/Back-Up Lamps
272
Dome Lamp
274
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
275
Tires
276
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
277
When to Check
277
How to Check
277
Tire Inspection and Rotation
278
When It s Time for New Tires
279
Buying New Tires
280
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
281
Treadwear
281
Traction AA, A, B, C
281
Temperature A, B, C
282
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
282
Wheel Replacement
283
Used Replacement Wheels
284
Tire Chains
284
Appearance Care
285
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
285
Cleaning of Fabric/Carpet
285
Using Multi-Purpose Interior Cleaner on Fabric
286
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems
286
Cleaning Vinyl
287
Cleaning Leather
287
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
287
Cleaning Interior Plastic Components
287
Care of Safety Belts
287
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
288
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield and Wiper Blades
288
Weatherstrips
288
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
288
Washing Your Vehicle
289
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
289
Finish Care
289
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
290
Cleaning Tires
290
Sheet Metal Damage
290
Finish Damage
291
Underbody Maintenance
291
Chemical Paint Spotting
291
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
292
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
293
Engine Identification
293
Service Parts Identification Label
293
Electrical System
294
Add-On Electrical Equipment
294
Headlamp Wiring
294
Windshield Wipers
294
Power Windows and Other Power Options
294
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
295
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
295
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
298
Replacement Bulbs
300
Capacities and Specifications
301
Engine Specifications
301
Capacities
301
Wheel Nut Torque
301
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
302
Vehicle Dimensions
302
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
303
Introduction
304
Your Vehicle and the Environment
304
Maintenance Requirements
304
How This Section is Organized
305
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
306
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
306
Selecting the Right Schedule
306
Short Trip/City Definition
307
Short Trip/City Intervals
307
Long Trip/Highway Definition
308
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
308
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
309
Footnotes
309
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
320
Footnotes
320
Engine Oil Level Check
327
Engine Coolant Level Check
327
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
327
At Least Once a Month
327
Tire Inflation Check
327
Cassette Deck Service
327
At Least Twice a Year
328
Restraint System Check
328
Wiper Blade Check
328
Weatherstrip Lubrication
328
Automatic Transaxle Inspection
328
At Least Once a Year
328
Key Lock Cylinders Service
328
Body Lubrication Service
328
Starter Switch Check
329
Automatic Transaxle Shift Lock Control System Check
329
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check
330
Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check
330
Underbody Flushing Service
330
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
331
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
331
Exhaust System Inspection
331
Engine Cooling System Inspection
331
Throttle System Inspection
332
Brake System Inspection
332
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
333
Part E: Maintenance Record
335
Section 8 Customer Assistance Information
339
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
340
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
342
Customer Assistance Offices
342
United States
342
Canada
343
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Islands/ Countries (Except Puerto Rico and U. S. Virgin Islands)
343
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
343
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance Program
344
Canadian Roadside Assistance
345
Courtesy Transportation
346
Plan Ahead When Possible
346
Transportation Options
346
Shuttle Service
346
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
346
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
347
Additional Program Information
347
Warranty Information
347
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT
348
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO GENERAL MOTORS
349

2001 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

Introduction

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu stands as a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to mixing practicality with style. As a mid-sized sedan, the Malibu appeals to a broad range of drivers looking for a reliable, comfortable, and reasonably priced vehicle. With polished exterior lines and a spacious interior, it guarantees a commendable driving experience while delivering solid performance attributes suited for daily commuting and family outings alike.

Powertrains

The 2001 Malibu comes equipped with two impressive powertrains. The base model features a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that generates a respectable 145 horsepower, delivering good fuel efficiency for the budget-conscious. For those who crave a bit more excitement behind the wheel, there is an optional 3.1-liter V6 engine, producing 175 horsepower, providing a smoother acceleration and enhanced responsiveness. Both engines are paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a seamless drive whether in city traffic or highway cruising.

Trims

This model is available in three trims: the Standard, LS, and LT. The Standard trim provides excellent value with essential features such as air conditioning and a CD player. The LS has added amenities, including upgraded audio and power windows, while the LT showcases a more premium experience with leather upholstery, alloy wheels, and an enhanced sound system, catering to those seeking a touch of luxury in their everyday drive.

Features

The 2001 Malibu is equipped with a variety of features designed to enhance comfort and safety. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and child safety locks. The spacious cabin hosts comfortable seating for five, with ample legroom and trunk space, making it an ideal family car. Among its modern touches, optional features include a sunroof, remote keyless entry, and a premium sound system, appealing to diverse customer needs.

Owners Manual

The owners manual for the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu is an essential tool, providing detailed information on vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting tips. It serves as a comprehensive guide to help owners understand their vehicle better, ensuring a long-lasting, satisfying ownership experience.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Malibu owner manual for the 2001 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2001 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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