2004 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual

2004 Chevrolet Malibu owners manual
Year:
2004
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Malibu
Rating:
(5)

Online manual

Size:
4.08 MB

Table of Contents

2004 Malibu Book TOC
1
Seats and Restraint Systems
7
Front Seats
8
Manual Seats
8
Six-Way Power Driver Seat
9
Manual Lumbar
9
Heated Seats
10
Reclining Seatbacks
10
Head Restraints
12
Passenger Folding Seatback
12
Rear Seats
13
Rear Seat Operation
13
Safety Belts
16
Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone
16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
20
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
21
Driver Position
22
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
29
Right Front Passenger Position
30
Rear Seat Passengers
30
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides for Children and Small Adults
34
Safety Belt Pretensioners
36
Safety Belt Extender
36
Child Restraints
37
Older Children
37
Infants and Young Children
40
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 Seat Position
52
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front Seat Position
55
Air Bag Systems
58
Where Are the Air Bags?
60
When Should an Air Bag Inflate?
63
What Makes an Air Bag Inflate?
64
How Does an Air Bag Restrain?
64
What Will You See After an Air Bag Inflates?
64
Servicing Your Air Bag-Equipped Vehicle
66
Restraint System Check
66
Checking Your Restraint Systems
66
Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash
67
Features and Controls
69
Keys
71
Remote Keyless Entry System
73
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation
74
Doors and Locks
78
Door Locks
78
Power Door Locks
79
Door Ajar Reminder
80
Delayed Locking
80
Programmable Automatic Door Locks
80
Lockout Protection
81
Leaving Your Vehicle
81
Trunk
81
Liftgate
83
Windows
84
Power Windows
85
Sun Visors
85
Theft-Deterrent Systems
86
Content Theft-Deterrent
86
88
Operation
88
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
90
New Vehicle Break-In
90
Ignition Positions
90
Starting Your Engine
91
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
92
Engine Coolant Heater
93
Automatic Transaxle Operation
95
Parking Brake
97
Shifting Into Park (P)
98
Shifting Out of Park (P)
100
Parking Over Things That Burn
100
Engine Exhaust
101
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked
102
Mirrors
103
Manual Rearview Mirror
103
Manual Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
103
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
103
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with OnStar®
104
Outside Power Mirrors
105
Outside Power Heated Mirrors
105
Outside Convex Mirror
105
OnStar® System
106
HomeLink® Transmitter
108
Programming the HomeLink® Transmitter
109
Storage Areas
112
Glove Box
112
Cupholder(s)
112
Center Console Storage Area
113
Map Pocket
113
Rear Compartment Storage Panel/Cover
113
Table
115
Convenience Net
115
Sunroof
116
Instrument Panel
117
Instrument Panel Overview
120
Hazard Warning Flashers
122
Other Warning Devices
123
Horn
123
Tilt Wheel
123
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
124
Exterior Lamps
130
Interior Lamps
135
Accessory Power Outlets
136
Climate Controls
137
Climate Control System
137
Automatic Climate Control System
141
Outlet Adjustment
146
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
147
Instrument Panel Cluster
148
Speedometer and Odometer
149
Tachometer
149
Safety Belt Reminder Light
150
Air Bag Readiness Light
150
Charging System Light
151
Brake System Warning Light
152
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
153
Enhanced Traction System Warning Light
153
Enhanced Traction System Active Light
154
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
154
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
155
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
155
Oil Pressure Light
158
Security Light
159
Cruise Control Light
159
Service Vehicle Soon Light
160
Fuel Gage
160
Driver Information Center (DIC)
161
DIC Operation and Displays
162
DIC Warnings and Messages
166
Audio System(s)
168
Setting the Time for Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS)
168
Setting the Time for Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS)
169
Radio with CD (Base Level)
169
Radio with CD (Up Level)
174
Radio with Cassette and CD
185
Radio with Six-Disc CD
198
Rear Seat Entertainment System
212
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) (Without Entertainment System)
227
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) (With Entertainment System)
229
Theft-Deterrent Feature
231
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
231
DVD Distortion
232
Radio Reception
232
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player
233
Care of Your CDs and DVDs
234
Care of Your CD and DVD Player
234
Cleaning Your DVD Player
234
Cleaning the Video Screen
234
Fixed Mast Antenna (MAXX Only)
234
Backglass Antenna (Sedan Only)
235
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System
235
Driving Your Vehicle
237
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
238
Defensive Driving
238
Drunken Driving
238
Control of a Vehicle
241
Braking
242
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
245
Steering
247
Off-Road Recovery
249
Passing
249
Loss of Control
251
Driving at Night
252
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
254
City Driving
257
Freeway Driving
258
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
259
Highway Hypnosis
260
Hill and Mountain Roads
260
Winter Driving
262
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
266
Towing
267
Towing Your Vehicle
267
Recreational Vehicle Towing
267
Loading Your Vehicle
270
Towing a Trailer
276
Service and Appearance Care
283
Service
285
Doing Your Own Service Work
286
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle
287
Fuel
287
Gasoline Octane
287
Gasoline Specifications
288
California Fuel
288
Additives
289
Fuels in Foreign Countries
290
Filling Your Tank
290
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
293
Checking Things Under the Hood
294
Hood Release
294
Engine Compartment Overview
296
Engine Oil
299
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
304
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
305
Engine Coolant
306
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
308
Engine Overheating
309
Cooling System
311
Windshield Washer Fluid
316
Brakes
317
Battery
320
Jump Starting
321
Bulb Replacement
327
Halogen Bulbs
327
Headlamps
327
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
329
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
329
Replacement Bulbs
331
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
331
Tires
332
Inflation - Tire Pressure
339
Tire Inspection and Rotation
340
When It Is Time for New Tires
341
Buying New Tires
342
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
343
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
344
Wheel Replacement
344
Tire Chains
346
If a Tire Goes Flat
347
Changing a Flat Tire
348
Compact Spare Tire
359
Appearance Care
360
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
360
Care of Safety Belts
363
Weatherstrips
363
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
363
Sheet Metal Damage
365
Finish Damage
365
Underbody Maintenance
366
Chemical Paint Spotting
366
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
366
Vehicle Identification
368
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
368
Service Parts Identification Label
368
Electrical System
369
Add-On Electrical Equipment
369
Headlamp Wiring
369
Windshield Wiper Fuses
369
Power Windows and Other Power Options
369
Fuses
370
Capacities and Specifications
378
Maintenance Schedule
379
Maintenance Schedule
380
Introduction
380
Maintenance Requirements
380
Your Vehicle and the Environment
380
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
381
Scheduled Maintenance
382
Additional Required Services
384
Maintenance Footnotes
385
Owner Checks and Services
387
At Each Fuel Fill
387
At Least Once a Month
387
At Least Once a Year
388
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
390
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts
391
Engine Drive Belt Routing
392
Maintenance Record
393
Customer Assistance and Information
397
Customer Assistance and Information
398
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
398
Online Owner Center
400
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
400
Customer Assistance Offices
400
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities
402
Roadside Assistance Program
402
Courtesy Transportation
404
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data Recorders
406
Reporting Safety Defects
407
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
407
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
408
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
408
Service Publications Ordering Information
408
Index
411

2004 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

Introduction

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu stands as a testament to practical family sedans, marrying comfort with functionality. This model year comes with an invigorating design and offers a blend of performance and fuel efficiency, making it an optimal choice for those seeking reliability without sacrificing style. With its spacious interior and array of features, the Malibu is perfect for daily commutes and long journeys alike.

Powertrains

This versatile sedan offers two commendable powertrain options. The standard power source is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a solid 145 horsepower, designed for efficiency and smooth city driving. For those desiring a bit more power, Chevrolet offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 200 horsepower, providing a more dynamic driving experience without compromising fuel economy. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission, allowing seamless transitions through gears.

Trims

The 2004 Malibu is available in several trims, namely the base, LS, and LT. The base trim comes well-equipped with essential features, while the LS enhances the experience with additional comfort and convenience elements. For those who seek premium features, the LT trim is outfitted with leather seating, a premium audio system, and numerous other luxury touches, ensuring every drive feels special.

Features

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual of the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu serves as an invaluable resource for owners, detailing essential information such as maintenance schedules, emergency procedures, and troubleshooting tips. Clear instructions and insights ensure that drivers can maximize their Malibu's capabilities, ensuring that this dependable vehicle continues to perform at its best for years to come.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Malibu owner manual for the 2004 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2004 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

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A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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