2003 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual
Year:
2003
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Malibu
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Seats and Restraint Systems
8
Front Seats
9
Manual Seats
9
Six-Way Power Driver Seat
10
Reclining Seatbacks
11
Head Restraints
12
Rear Seats
13
Rear Seat Operation
13
Safety Belts
14
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
14
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
18
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
19
Driver Position
20
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
28
Right Front Passenger Position
29
Rear Seat Passengers
29
Center Rear Passenger Position
33
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
35
Safety Belt Extender
37
Child Restraints
38
Older Children
38
Infants and Young Children
41
Child Restraint Systems
44
Where to Put the Restraint
47
Top Strap
48
Top Strap Anchor Location
49
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
50
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System
52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear Seat Position
55
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
57
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
60
Where Are the Air Bags?
62
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
64
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
64
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
64
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
65
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
66
Restraint System Check
67
Checking Your Restraint Systems
67
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
67
Features and Controls
70
Keys
71
Remote Keyless Entry System
73
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
74
Doors and Locks
77
Door Locks
77
Power Door Locks
78
Door Ajar Reminder
78
Delayed Locking
78
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
79
Rear Door Security Locks
80
Lockout Protection
81
Leaving Your Vehicle
81
Trunk
81
Windows
84
Manual Windows
85
Power Windows
85
Passlock
86
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
87
New Vehicle Break-In
87
Ignition Positions
87
Starting Your Engine
88
Engine Coolant Heater
89
Automatic Transaxle Operation
91
Parking Brake
94
Shifting Into Park (P)
94
Shifting Out of Park (P)
96
Parking Over Things That Burn
97
Engine Exhaust
97
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
98
Mirrors
99
Manual Rearview Mirror
99
Outside Remote Control Mirrors
99
Outside Power Mirrors
100
Outside Convex Mirror
100
Storage Areas
101
Glove Box
101
Cupholder(s)
101
Center Console Storage Area
101
Garment Hooks
101
Sunroof
102
Instrument Panel
104
Instrument Panel Overview
105
Hazard Warning Flashers
107
Other Warning Devices
108
Horn
108
Tilt Wheel
108
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
109
Exterior Lamps
115
Interior Lamps
118
Accessory Power Outlets
120
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
120
Climate Controls
121
Climate Control System
121
Outlet Adjustment
125
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators
126
Instrument Panel Cluster
127
Speedometer and Odometer
128
Tachometer
129
Safety Belt Reminder Light
129
Air Bag Readiness Light
130
Charging System Light
131
Brake System Warning Light
131
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
132
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
133
Low Coolant Warning Light
133
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
134
Oil Pressure Light
137
Check Oil Level Light
138
Passlock Warning Light
138
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
139
Door Ajar Light
139
Service Vehicle Soon Light
139
Fuel Gage
140
Audio System(s)
141
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
141
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
141
Radio with CD (Base Level)
142
Radio with CD (Up Level)
146
Radio with Cassette and CD
154
Theft-Deterrent Feature (Non-RDS Radios)
164
Theft-Deterrent Feature (RDS Radios)
164
Understanding Radio Reception
164
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
165
Care of Your CDs
166
Care of Your CD Player
166
Fixed Mast Antenna
166
Chime Level Adjustment
166
Driving Your Vehicle
168
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
169
Defensive Driving
169
Drunken Driving
170
Control of a Vehicle
173
Braking
173
Steering
177
Off-Road Recovery
179
Passing
179
Loss of Control
181
Driving at Night
182
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
183
City Driving
186
Freeway Driving
187
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
188
Highway Hypnosis
189
Hill and Mountain Roads
189
Winter Driving
191
Towing Your Vehicle
196
Recreational Vehicle Towing
196
Loading Your Vehicle
199
Towing a Trailer
201
Service and Appearance Care
210
Service
212
Doing Your Own Service Work
212
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
213
Fuel
214
Gasoline Octane
214
Gasoline Specifications
214
California Fuel
215
Additives
215
Fuels in Foreign Countries
216
Filling Your Tank
216
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
218
Checking Things Under the Hood
219
Hood Release
219
Engine Compartment Overview
221
Engine Oil
222
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
226
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
227
Engine Coolant
228
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
231
Engine Overheating
232
Cooling System
234
Power Steering Fluid
241
Windshield Washer Fluid
242
Brakes
243
Battery
247
Jump Starting
248
Bulb Replacement
254
Halogen Bulbs
254
Headlamps
254
Front Turn Signal Lamps
256
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
256
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
257
Replacement Bulbs
259
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
260
Tires
261
Inflation - Tire Pressure
262
Tire Inspection and Rotation
263
When It Is Time for New Tires
264
Buying New Tires
265
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
266
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
267
Wheel Replacement
267
Tire Chains
269
If a Tire Goes Flat
269
Changing a Flat Tire
270
Compact Spare Tire
280
Appearance Care
281
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
281
Care of Safety Belts
284
Weatherstrips
284
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
284
Sheet Metal Damage
286
Finish Damage
286
Underbody Maintenance
287
Chemical Paint Spotting
287
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
287
Vehicle Identification
289
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
289
Service Parts Identification Label
289
Electrical System
290
Add-on Electrical Equipment
290
Headlamp Wiring
290
Windshield Wiper Fuses
290
Power Windows and Other Power Options
290
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
291
Capacities and Specifications
296
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
297
Maintenance Schedule
298
Maintenance Schedule
299
Introduction
299
Your Vehicle and the Environment
299
Maintenance Requirements
299
How This Section is Organized
300
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services
301
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
301
Selecting the Right Schedule
302
Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
303
Long Trip/Highway Scheduled Maintenance
309
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
313
At Each Fuel Fill
313
At Least Once a Month
313
At Least Twice a Year
314
At Least Once a Year
314
Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
317
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
317
Exhaust System Inspection
317
Fuel System Inspection
318
Engine Cooling System Inspection
318
Throttle System Inspection
318
Brake System Inspection
318
Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
319
Part E: Maintenance Record
320
Customer Assistance Information
322
Customer Assistance Information
323
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
323
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
324
Customer Assistance Offices
325
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
326
Roadside Assistance Program
326
Courtesy Transportation
328
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
330
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
331
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
331
Service Publications Ordering Information
331
Index
334
2003 Chevrolet Malibu Overview
Introduction
The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu stands out as a midsize sedan designed for both comfort and efficiency. It offers a blend of style and functionality, making it a popular choice among families and commuters alike. This model year showcases a sleek exterior coupled with a spacious interior, catering to the needs of everyday drivers. With its commitment to reliability and performance, the 2003 Malibu captures the essence of modern motoring without sacrificing practicality.
Powertrains
The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu comes equipped with two capable powertrains. The standard engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that generates a respectable 145 horsepower, delivering efficient fuel economy for daily use. For those seeking a bit more power, an upgraded 3.1-liter V6 engine is available, producing 20 more horsepower and ensuring a spirited driving experience. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, providing a delightful balance of performance and efficiency, making it a versatile choice for a variety of driving conditions.
Trims
Features
The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is packed with user-friendly features designed to enhance both driver and passenger satisfaction. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, antilock brakes, and child safety locks. Optional features such as a sunroof, premium audio system, and enhanced safety packages allow for a custom feel, aligning with the preferences of various drivers.
Owner's Manual
User manual download
The Chevrolet Malibu owner manual for the 2003 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2003 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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