Locating the DLC (diagnostic link connector) in your Chevy Malibu may be harder than actually clearing the DTC (diagnostic trouble code) the computer that has tripped the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light on the dashboard. Any OBD II (on board diagnostics) vehicle dated from 1996 and newer will have DLCs. Code readers and code erasers are more popular now and more affordable than ever to read, track, and erase the codes or "reset" the computer in any vehicle.
Turn the key in the ignition to the "Key on/Engine off" position.
Locate the diagnostic link connector in you Chevy Malibu. It will be under the driver's side dashboard on the left side of the steering column.
Insert the plug of the OBD II code reader/eraser into the DLC. It is trapezoid in shape and will only plug in correctly in one position.
Scroll the arrows to the "Read codes" option on the OBD II code reader when prompted to.
Read and write the codes down on a piece of paper. Some codes may be what are coined as "hard codes" meaning that repairs or more diagnostics will be required in order to correct the problem. Some "soft" codes may clear but may return after the IM monitors in the computer system have run through certain timed cycles. Save the codes on the paper for future reference.
Choose "Clear codes" option on the OBD II code reader/eraser.
Start the Chevy Malibu to make sure the codes did clear. If they did not or they come back on immediately, it is most likely due to a hard code that will need immediate repairs in order to be rectified. If they stay out for a day or a few days but come back on, repeat the procedure to see if the same code is tripping the computer. If so, that repair will need to be investigated or performed in order to be rectified.
