To find it, you'll likely need to:
* Consult a repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual specific to your 2001 Chevy Malibu will have diagrams showing the exact location.
* Look near the transmission shifter linkage: This is the most likely area. You'll be looking for a small switch, often with wires connected to it.
* Search online: Try searching for "2001 Chevy Malibu neutral safety switch location [transmission type]" (replace "[transmission type]" with your transmission type, e.g., "4T65E"). Images from others who've worked on the same car might help.
Caution: Working on your car's electrical system can be dangerous. If you're not comfortable working on cars, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic.