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2k15_chev_malibu_22941526A.

ai
(Modern Bridge - Level 2 / #23321109)
Spine = Printer Adjust
Color = Black
Date = 03/19/14

2015 Malibu
2015

Malibu

22941526 A chevrolet.com (U.S.)


chevrolet.gm.ca (Canada)
chevrolet.com.mx (Mexico)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5


Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4 Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Performance and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1 Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2 Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Keys, Doors, and Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 Warning Lights, Gauges, and Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-21 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-31 Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Universal Remote System . . . . 5-38
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-14
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-25
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-29
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

2015 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 Additional Maintenance


Driver Assistance Systems . . . 9-34 and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43 Recommended Fluids,
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48 Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-11
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-53 Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-13
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33 Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-12
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76 Vehicle Data Recording and
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 10-79 Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82 OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1 OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-2 OnStar Additional
Special Application Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Introduction iii

This manual describes features that Canadian Vehicle Owners


may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that Propriétaires Canadiens
was not purchased on the vehicle, A French language manual can be
model variants, country obtained from your dealer, at
specifications, features/applications www.helminc.com, or from:
that may not be available in your
The names, logos, emblems, region, or changes subsequent to On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
slogans, vehicle model names, and the printing of this owner manual. ce guide en français auprès du
vehicle body designs appearing in concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
this manual including, but not limited Refer to the purchase savant:
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET, documentation relating to your
the CHEVROLET Emblem, specific vehicle to confirm the Helm, Incorporated
MALIBU, and the MALIBU Emblem features. Attention: Customer Service
are trademarks and/or service 47911 Halyard Drive
Keep this manual in the vehicle for Plymouth, MI 48170
marks of General Motors LLC, its quick reference.
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
Using this Manual
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General To quickly locate information about
Motors of Canada Limited” for the vehicle, use the Index in the
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it back of the manual. It is an
appears in this manual. alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.

Litho in U.S.A.
©
Part No. 22941526 A First Printing 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

iv Introduction

Danger, Warnings, and M : This symbol is shown when


Cautions
{ Caution you need to see your owner manual
Caution indicates a hazard that for additional instructions or
Warning messages found on vehicle information.
labels and in this manual describe could result in property or vehicle
hazards and what to do to avoid or damage. * : This symbol is shown when
reduce them. you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
{ Danger
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Danger indicates a hazard with a
Here are some additional symbols
high level of risk which will result that may be found on the vehicle
in serious injury or death. and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
A circle with a slash through it is a
the Index.
safety symbol which means “Do
{ Warning Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let 9 : Airbag Readiness Light
this happen.” # : Air Conditioning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death. Symbols ! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The vehicle has components and % : Audio® Steering Wheel Controls
labels that use symbols instead of or OnStar (if equipped)
text. Symbols are shown along with $ : Brake System Warning Light
the text describing the operation or " : Charging System
information relating to a specific
component, control, message, I : Cruise Control
gauge, or indicator. B : Engine Coolant Temperature
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Introduction v

O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
O : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

vi Introduction

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-1

In Brief Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Lane Departure


Steering Wheel Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Rear Vision
Instrument Panel Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . 1-2 Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12 Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Initial Drive Information Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 Universal Remote System . . . 1-18
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4 Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Vehicle Features Performance and Maintenance
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Traction Control/Electronic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-20
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-15 Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-20
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Bluetooth® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16 Driving for Better Fuel
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16 Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9 Driver Information Roadside Assistance
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Passenger Sensing Forward Collision Alert (FCA) OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-3

1. Air Vents on page 8-8. 9. Exterior Lamp Controls on 17. Ignition Positions (Keyless
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and page 6-1. Access) on page 9-14 or
Lane-Change Signals on Fog Lamps on page 6-4 (If Ignition Positions (Key Access)
page 6-4. Equipped). on page 9-16.

Driver Information Center Instrument Panel Illumination 18. Heated Front Seats on
Buttons. See Driver Information Control on page 6-5. page 3-7 (If Equipped).
Center (DIC) on page 5-21. 10. Storage Compartment. See 19. Hazard Warning Flashers on
3. Instrument Cluster on page 5-8. Instrument Panel Storage on page 6-3.

Driver Information Center (DIC) page 4-1. 20. Shift Lever. See Automatic
on page 5-21. 11. Data Link Connector (Out of Transmission on page 9-25.

4. Windshield Wiper/Washer on View). See Malfunction 21. Parking Brake on page 9-28.
page 5-3. Indicator Lamp on page 5-13. 22. Power Outlets on page 5-5.
5. Storage Area (If Equipped). See 12. Hood Release. See Hood on 23. Traction Control/Electronic
Instrument Panel Storage on page 10-4. Stability Control on page 9-29.
page 4-1. 13. Cruise Control on page 9-31. Lane Departure Warning
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic Forward Collision Alert (FCA) (LDW) on page 9-42 (If
Headlamp System on page 6-3. System on page 9-34 (If Equipped).
7. Infotainment on page 7-1. Equipped). 24. Climate Control Systems on
8. CD Player on page 7-13. 14. Steering Wheel Adjustment on page 8-1.
page 5-2. Dual Automatic Climate Control
15. Horn on page 5-3. System on page 8-4.
16. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-2.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive 7 : Press and release one time to


initiate vehicle locator. Press and
Information hold for at least three seconds to
This section provides a brief sound the panic alarm. Press again
overview about some of the to cancel the panic alarm.
important features that may or may See Keys on page 2-1 and Remote
not be on your specific vehicle. Keyless Entry (RKE) System
For more detailed information, refer Operation on page 2-3.
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual. Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
Remote Keyless Entry With Remote Start Shown started from outside of the vehicle.
(RKE) System Press the button to extend the key. Starting the Vehicle
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) The key can be used for all locks.
This key is also used for the 1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
transmitter may work up to 60 m
ignition, if the vehicle does not have vehicle.
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
pushbutton start. 2. Press and release Q.
K: Press to unlock the driver door
3. Immediately, press and hold /
or all doors.
for at least four seconds or until
Q: Press to lock all doors. the turn signal lamps flash.
Lock and unlock feedback can be When the vehicle starts, the parking
personalized. lamps will turn on and remain on as
Y : Press and hold to open the long as the engine is running. The
trunk. doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-5

The engine will continue to run for


. Use the key in the driver door. See Door Locks on page 2-11 or
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a To lock or unlock the doors from the Power Door Locks on page 2-12.
10-minute time extension. Remote inside:
start can be extended only once. Windows
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold /
until the parking lamps turn off.
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2-9.
. Press Q or K on the door lock
switch. Press the switch down to open the
Door Locks . Push the lock knob on the driver window. Pull the front of the switch
door to lock all doors. Push the up to close it.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
lock knob on a passenger door The power windows only operate
outside:
to lock only that door. with the ignition in ACC/
. Press Q or K on the Remote . Pull the door handle once to ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. unlock the door. Pulling the or when Retained Accessory
See Remote Keyless Entry handle again unlatches the door. Power (RAP) is active. See
(RKE) System Operation on Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
page 2-3. on page 9-21.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-6 In Brief

Express Window Operation Seat Adjustment Seat Height Adjuster


Windows with an express-down Manual Front Seats
feature allow the window to be
lowered without holding the switch.
If equipped, windows may also have
an express-up feature. Pull a
window switch up or press it down
all the way, release it, and the
window goes up or down
automatically. Stop the window by
pulling or pressing the switch in the
same direction a second time, or by
briefly operating the switch to the
first detent in either direction.
See Power Windows on page 2-20. Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch to raise or lower the seat.
To adjust a manual seat: Release the switch when the
1. Pull the handle at the front of desired height is reached.
the seat. See Seat Adjustment on page 3-3.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-7

Power Seats Lumbar Adjustment Reclining Seatbacks


Manual Reclining Seatbacks

To adjust a power seat, if equipped: If equipped, press and hold the front
. Move the seat forward or or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support. To recline a manual seatback:
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward. See Lumbar Adjustment on 1. Lift the lever.
. Raise or lower the front part of page 3-4. 2. Move the seatback to the
the seat cushion by moving the desired position, and then
front of the control up or down. release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
. Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up 3. Push and pull on the seatback to
or down. make sure it is locked.

See Power Seat Adjustment on


page 3-4.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-8 In Brief

To return the seatback to the upright


. Tilt the top of the control forward The vehicle will also automatically
position: to raise. save driver seat and outside mirror
1. Lift the lever fully without See Reclining Seatbacks on positions to the current driver
applying pressure to the page 3-4. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
seatback, and the seatback will transmitter when the ignition is
return to the upright position. Memory Features placed in OFF. These automatically
stored positions are referred to as
2. Push and pull on the seatback to RKE Memory positions.
make sure it is locked.
See Memory Seats on page 3-6 and
Power Reclining Seatbacks Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-31.

Second Row Seats


The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats on page 3-9.

On vehicles with the memory


feature, the “1” and “2” buttons on
the outboard side of the driver seat
are used to manually save and
To adjust a power seatback, recall the positions of the driver seat
if available: and outside mirrors. These manually
. Tilt the top of the control stored positions are referred to as
rearward to recline. Button Memory positions.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-9

Heated Seats and then to the off setting. The Safety Belts
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
See Heated Front Seats on
page 3-7.

Head Restraint
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
If available, the buttons are on the recline angle as little as necessary Refer to the following sections for
climate control panel. To operate, while keeping the seat and the head important information on how to use
the engine must be running. restraint height in the proper safety belts properly:
position.
Press M or L to heat the driver or Safety Belts on page 3-11.
.

passenger seat cushion and See Head Restraints on page 3-2 . How to Wear Safety Belts
seatback. Indicator lights on the and Seat Adjustment on page 3-3.
Properly on page 3-12.
button show the current setting. . Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3-13.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
. Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
the button, the heated seat will
page 3-39.
change to the next lower setting,
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-10 In Brief

Passenger Sensing The passenger airbag status Exterior Mirrors


indicator will light on the overhead
System console when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator on page 5-11.

Mirror Adjustment
Interior Mirror
United States Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for 1. Turn the selector switch to L
daytime use and pull it rearward for (Left) or R (Right) to choose the
nighttime use to avoid glare of the driver or passenger mirror.
Canada and Mexico headlamps from behind.
2. Move the control to adjust the
The passenger sensing system Automatic Dimming Rearview mirror.
turns off the front outboard Mirror
passenger frontal airbag and knee 3. Turn the selector switch to ( to
airbag under certain conditions. No If equipped, the mirror will deselect the mirror.
other airbag is affected by the automatically reduce the glare of the
passenger sensing system. See headlamps from behind. The
Passenger Sensing System on dimming feature comes on when the
page 3-24. vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2-20.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-11

Steering Wheel Interior Lighting Reading Lamps


Adjustment Dome Lamps There are front and rear reading
lamps in the overhead console and
the headliner.

To adjust the steering wheel: The interior lamps control in the


overhead console controls both the Front Reading Lamps
1. Pull the lever down.
front and rear interior lamps.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down. To operate, press the buttons:
3. Pull or push the steering wheel E: Turns the lamps off.
closer or away from you. 1: Turns the lamps on when any
4. Push the lever up to lock the door is opened.
steering wheel in place. +: Keeps the lamps on all
Do not adjust the steering wheel the time.
while driving.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-12 In Brief

The exterior lamp control is on the


. Fog Lamps on page 6-4.
instrument panel on the left side of
the steering wheel. Windshield Wiper/Washer
O : Turns off the exterior lamps.
The knob returns to the AUTO
position after it is released. Turn to
O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
Rear Reading Lamps In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate once the
# or $ : Press the button near vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). The windshield wiper/washer lever
each lamp to turn it on or off. is on the right side of the steering
AUTO: Automatically turns the column.
For more information, see
exterior lamps on and off,
Instrument Panel Illumination With the ignition in ACC/
depending on outside lighting.
Control on page 6-5. ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
; : Turns on the parking lamps move the lever to select the wiper
Exterior Lighting including all lamps, except the speed.
headlamps.
HI: Use for fast wipes.
2: Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and LO: Use for slow wipes.
instrument panel lights.
See:
. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6-1.
. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6-2.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-13

INT: Move the lever up to INT for Climate Controls


intermittent wipes, then turn the x
INT band up for more frequent The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
wipes or down for less frequent this system.
wipes.
OFF: Use to turn the wipers off.
1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever down. For several wipes,
hold the lever down.
nL: Pull the lever toward you to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5-3.

Climate Control System

1. Fan Control 5. Temperature Control


2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/Eco 6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
Air Conditioning 7. Recirculation
3. Air Delivery Modes 8. Rear Window Defogger
4. Defrost
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-14 In Brief

Transmission
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to change gears
similar to a manual transmission. To
use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual).
2. Press the + (plus) end of the
button on the top of the shift
Dual Automatic Climate Control System lever to upshift, or push the −
(minus) end of the button to
1. Driver and Passenger 7. Recirculation downshift.
Temperature Controls 8. Fan Control See Manual Mode on page 9-26.
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/Eco 9. Rear Window Defogger
Air Conditioning
10. SYNC
3. Air Delivery Modes
See Climate Control Systems on
4. Defrost page 8-1 or Dual Automatic Climate
5. AUTO (Automatic Operation) Control System on page 8-4 (If
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped) Equipped).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-15

Vehicle Features See Overview on page 7-2. Portable Audio Devices


Satellite Radio This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm
Infotainment System (1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
If equipped, vehicles with a port in the center console. External
See the infotainment manual for
SiriusXM® satellite radio tuner and a devices such as iPods®, laptop
information on the radio, audio
valid SiriusXM satellite radio computers, MP3 players, and USB
players, phone, navigation system,
subscription can receive SiriusXM storage devices may be connected.
and voice or speech recognition.
programming.
It also includes information on See Auxiliary Devices on page 7-14.
settings. SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service Bluetooth®
Radio(s) SiriusXM is a satellite radio service The Bluetooth® system allows users
VOL/ O : Press to turn the system based in the 48 contiguous United with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile
on and off. Turn to increase or States and 10 Canadian provinces. phone to make and receive
decrease the volume. SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide hands-free calls using the vehicle
variety of programming and audio system and controls.
RADIO/BAND: Press to choose commercial-free music, coast to
between FM, AM, or SiriusXM®, The Bluetooth-enabled mobile
coast, and in digital-quality sound. phone must be paired with the
if equipped. A fee is required to receive the in-vehicle Bluetooth system before it
TUNE/MENU: Turn to select radio SiriusXM service. can be used in the vehicle. Not all
stations. Press to select a menu. Refer to: phones will support all functions.
© SEEK ¨ : Press to seek the . www.siriusxm.com or call See Bluetooth (Infotainment
previous or next station or track. 1-866-635-2349 (U.S.). Controls) on page 7-21 or Bluetooth
INFO: Press to show available (Voice Recognition) on page 7-24 or
. www.xmradio.ca or call
information about the current station Bluetooth (Overview) on page 7-19.
1-877-209-0079 (Canada).
or track.
See Satellite Radio on page 7-10.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-16 In Brief

Steering Wheel Controls Use _ or ^ to select the next or Cruise Control


previous favorite radio station, CD
track, or MP3 track.
Press SRC to change between
radio and CD.
Press and hold SRC to interact with
the navigation system, if equipped.
+ x −: Press + to increase or − to
decrease the volume.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-2.

b / g : Press to interact with 1 : Press to turn the cruise control


OnStar, Bluetooth, or navigation, on or off. A white indicator comes
if equipped. on in the instrument cluster.
$ / i : Press to mute. Press *: Press to disengage cruise
again to turn the sound on. Press to control without erasing the set
reject an incoming call, or to end a speed from memory.
current call. RES/+: If there is a set speed in
_ SRC ^ : Use to select a radio memory, press the control up briefly
band or audio source. to resume to that speed or hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-17

SET/−: Press the control down 3. MENU: Press to display the DIC Lane Departure
briefly to set the speed and activate menus. This button is also used
cruise control. If cruise control is to return to or exit the last
Warning (LDW)
already active, use to decrease screen displayed on the DIC. If equipped, LDW may help avoid
speed. See Driver Information Center (DIC) unintentional lane departures at
See Cruise Control on page 9-31. on page 5-21. speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. LDW uses a camera sensor
to detect the lane markings. The
Driver Information Forward Collision Alert
LDW light, @, is green if a lane
Center (DIC) (FCA) System marking is detected. If the vehicle
The DIC display is in the center of If equipped, FCA may help avoid or departs the lane, the light will
the instrument cluster. It shows the reduce the harm caused by change to amber and flash. In
status of many vehicle systems. The front-end crashes. FCA provides a addition, beeps will sound.
controls for the DIC are on the turn green indicator, V, when a vehicle See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
signal lever. is detected ahead. This indicator on page 9-42.
displays amber if you follow a
vehicle much too closely. When Rear Vision
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
Camera (RVC)
alert on the windshield and rapidly If equipped, RVC displays a view of
beeps. the area behind the vehicle, on the
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) center stack display, when the
1. SET/CLR: Press to set, or press System on page 9-34. vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
and hold to clear, the menu item See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
displayed. page 9-39.
2. w / x : Use the band to scroll
through the items in each menu.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-18 In Brief

Parking Assist Open the protective cover to use the See Universal Remote System on
accessory power outlet. page 5-38.
If equipped, this system uses
sensors on the rear bumper to See Power Outlets on page 5-5.
assist with parking and avoiding
Sunroof
objects while in R (Reverse). Universal Remote System On vehicles with a sunroof, the
It operates at speeds less than switches used to operate it are on
8 km/h (5 mph). Rear Parking Assist the headliner above the rearview
(RPA) uses audible beeps to mirror. The ignition must be in ON/
provide distance and system RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
information. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to
operate the sunroof. See Ignition
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
Positions (Keyless Access) on
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
page 9-14 or Ignition Positions (Key
operation. If equipped, this system provides a Access) on page 9-16 and Retained
See Parking Assist on page 9-36. way to replace up to three remote Accessory Power (RAP) on
control transmitters used to activate page 9-21.
Power Outlets devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
The accessory power outlets can be home automation devices.
used to plug in electrical equipment,
Read the instructions completely
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
before attempting to program the
There are two accessory power Universal Remote system. Because
outlets: one on the center stack of the steps involved, it may be
below the climate control and one helpful to have another person
under the armrest inside the center available to assist with programming
console storage. the Universal Remote system.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-19

The sunroof cannot be opened or Performance and


closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure. Maintenance
Anti-Pinch Feature
Traction Control/
If an object is in the path of the Electronic Stability
sunroof when it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature detects the object Control
and stops the sunroof from closing The traction control system limits
at the point of the obstruction. The wheel spin. The system turns on
sunroof then returns to the full-open automatically every time the vehicle
position. is started.
See Sunroof on page 2-22. The StabiliTrak system assists with
Open/Close: Press and hold the
directional control of the vehicle in
front or rear of the switch (1) to open difficult driving conditions. The
or close the sunroof. The sunshade
system turns on automatically every
automatically opens with the
time the vehicle is started.
sunroof, but must be closed
. To turn off traction control, press
manually.
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
Express Open/Close: Press and
release the front or rear of the button g on the center stack. i
switch (1) to express-open or illuminates in the instrument
express-close the sunroof. cluster.
Vent/Close: Press and hold the
. Press and release the TCS/
rear of the switch (2) to vent the StabiliTrak button again to turn
sunroof. Press and hold the front of on traction control.
the switch to close.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (20,1)
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1-20 In Brief
. To turn off both traction control stop as soon as possible and inflate The oil life system should be reset
and StabiliTrak, press and hold the tires to the recommended to 100% only following an oil
the TCS/StabiliTrak button g on pressure shown on the Tire and change.
the center stack, until i and g Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-9. Resetting the Oil Life System
illuminate in the instrument
cluster. The warning light will remain on until 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
the tire pressure is corrected. the engine off.
. Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn The low tire pressure warning light 2. Press the DIC MENU button on
on both systems. may come on in cool weather when the turn signal lever to enter the
the vehicle is first started, and then Vehicle Information Menu. Use
See Traction Control/Electronic turn off as the vehicle is driven. This the thumbwheel to scroll through
Stability Control on page 9-29. may be an early indicator that the the menu items until you reach
tire pressures are getting low and REMAINING OIL LIFE.
Tire Pressure Monitor the tires need to be inflated to the 3. Press the SET/CLR button to
This vehicle may have a Tire proper pressure. reset the oil life at 100%.
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS does not replace normal 4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures. See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10-10.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10-50.

Engine Oil Life System


The low tire pressure warning light The engine oil life system calculates
alerts to a significant loss in engine oil life based on vehicle use
pressure of one of the vehicle's and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
tires. If the warning light comes on, OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

In Brief 1-21
. Always follow posted speed
E85 or FlexFuel limits or drive more slowly when
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13-5.
Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can conditions require.
use either unleaded gasoline or
ethanol fuel containing up to 85%
. Keep vehicle tires properly OnStar®
inflated.
ethanol (E85). See E85 or FlexFuel This vehicle may be equipped with a
on page 9-45. For all other vehicles, . Combine several trips into a comprehensive, in-vehicle system
use only the unleaded gasoline single trip. that can connect to a live OnStar
described under Fuel on page 9-43. . Replace the vehicle's tires with Advisor for Emergency, Security,
the same TPC Spec number Navigation, Connection, and
Driving for Better Fuel molded into the tire's sidewall Diagnostic Services. OnStar
services may require a paid
Economy near the size.
subscription. See OnStar Overview
Driving habits can affect fuel
. Follow recommended scheduled on page 14-1.
mileage. Here are some driving tips maintenance.
to get the best fuel economy
possible. Roadside Assistance
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate Program
smoothly. U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
. Brake gradually and avoid TTY Users (U.S. Only):
abrupt stops. 1-888-889-2438
. Avoid idling the engine for long Canada: 1-800-268-6800
periods of time.
New Chevrolet owners are
. When road and weather automatically enrolled in the
conditions are appropriate, use Roadside Assistance Program.
cruise control.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (22,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

1-22 In Brief

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors, and Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17


Immobilizer Operation (Key
Keys and Locks
Windows Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Immobilizer Operation Keys
(Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Keys and Locks Exterior Mirrors
{ Warning
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Leaving children in a vehicle with
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 an ignition key or Remote
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 dangerous and children or others
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Interior Mirrors could be seriously injured or
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . 2-19 killed. They could operate the
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-19 power window or other controls or
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 Automatic Dimming Rearview make the vehicle move. The
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 2-12 Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20 windows will function with the key
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 in the ignition or with the RKE
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 Windows transmitter in the vehicle, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Doors children or others could be caught
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 in the path of a closing window.
Do not leave children in a vehicle
Vehicle Security Roof with the ignition key or an RKE
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 transmitter.
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . 2-15
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows

With an active OnStar subscription,


an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14-1.

Remote Keyless Entry


(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13-12.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
The key that is part of the Remote Press the button on the RKE . Check the distance. The
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can transmitter to extend the key. Press transmitter may be too far from
be used for the ignition and all locks the button and the key blade to the vehicle.
if the vehicle is a key access retract the key.
vehicle. If the vehicle has the
. Check the location. Other
If the vehicle has an ignition and it vehicles or objects may be
keyless ignition, the key can be becomes difficult to turn the key,
used for the locks. blocking the signal.
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
. Check the transmitter's battery.
or pick. See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
If locked out of the vehicle, see dealer or a qualified technician
Roadside Assistance Program on for service.
page 13-5.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry If the passenger door is open when


(RKE) System Operation Q is pressed, all doors lock.
The Keyless Access system allows Pressing Q may also arm the alarm
for vehicle entry when the system. See Vehicle Alarm System
transmitter is within range. See on page 2-15.
“Keyless Access Operation” K (Unlock): Press to unlock the
following. driver door or all doors. See Vehicle
The transmitter functions may work Personalization on page 5-31.
up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the The turn signal indicators may flash
vehicle. to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Other conditions, such as those Personalization on page 5-31.
With Remote Start Shown
previously stated, can impact the Pressing K will disarm the alarm
performance of the transmitter. Q (Lock): Press to lock all doors.
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
The turn signal indicators may flash on page 2-15.
and/or the horn may sound on the
Memory seat positions may be
second press to indicate locking.
recalled when unlocking the vehicle.
See Vehicle Personalization on
See Memory Seats on page 3-6 and
page 5-31.
“Memory Remote Recall” under
If the driver door is open when Q is Vehicle Personalization on
pressed, all doors lock except the page 5-31.
driver door, if enabled through Y (Remote Trunk Release):
vehicle personalization. See Vehicle Press and hold to open the trunk.
Personalization on page 5-31.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows

7 (Vehicle Locator/Panic Keyless Access Operation


Alarm): Press and release one If equipped, the Keyless Access
time to initiate vehicle locator. The system allows the door and trunk to
exterior lamps flash and the horn be locked and unlocked without
chirps three times. pressing the RKE transmitter button.
Press and hold 7 for at least The RKE transmitter must be within
three seconds to sound the panic 1 m (3 ft) of the door being opened.
alarm. The horn sounds and the If the vehicle has this feature, there
turn signals flash for about will be a button on the outside front
door handles.
30 seconds until 7 is pressed again
or the vehicle is started. The Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on Driver Side Shown, Passenger
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For the first unlock/lock button press
Similar
vehicles with this feature, press Q from the driver door. See Vehicle
and release and then press and Personalization on page 5-31. Pressing the lock/unlock button will
hold / for at least four seconds to cause all doors to lock if any of the
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from following occur:
start the engine from outside the the Driver Door
vehicle using the RKE transmitter. . It has been more than
See Remote Vehicle Start on When the doors are locked and the five seconds since the first lock/
page 2-9. RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) unlock button press.
of the driver door handle, pressing
The RKE transmitter buttons will not the lock/unlock button on the driver . Two lock/unlock button presses
operate when the key is in the door handle will unlock the driver were used to unlock all doors.
ignition. door. If the lock/unlock button is . Any vehicle door has opened
pressed again within five seconds, and all doors are now closed.
all passenger doors will unlock. Pull
the door handle to unlatch the door.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from If equipped with Keyless Access, Keyless Trunk Opening
Passenger Doors this feature will lock the vehicle
Press the touch pad on the trunk
When the doors are locked and the several seconds after all doors are
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) closed, if the vehicle is off and at
(CHMSL) to open the trunk if the
of the door handle, pressing the least one RKE transmitter has been
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
lock/unlock button on that door removed from the interior or none
of the trunk.
handle will unlock all doors. remain in the interior.
Temporary Disable Passive Programming Transmitters to
Pressing the lock/unlock button will the Vehicle
cause all doors to lock if any of the Locking Feature
following occur: Temporarily disable the passive Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
. The lock/unlock button was used locking by pressing and holding K
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
to unlock all doors. on the interior door switch with a replacement can be purchased and
. Any vehicle door has opened door open for at least four seconds, programmed through your dealer.
and all doors are now closed. or until three chimes are heard. The vehicle can be reprogrammed
Passive locking will then remain so that lost or stolen transmitters no
Passive Locking disabled until Q on the interior door longer work. Any remaining
If other electronic devices interfere is pressed, or until the vehicle is transmitters will need to be
with the RKE transmitter signal, the turned on. reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
vehicle may not detect the RKE To customize the doors to have up to eight transmitters
transmitter inside the vehicle. automatically lock when exiting the matched to it.
If passive locking is enabled, the vehicle, see Vehicle Personalization
doors may lock with the RKE on page 5-31.
transmitter inside the vehicle. Do
not leave the RKE transmitter in an
unattended vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

2-6 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Programming with a Recognized Programming without a 4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.


Transmitter (Key Vehicles Only) Recognized Transmitter (Key 5. Repeat Steps 2–4 two more
To program a new key: Vehicles Only) times. After the third time, turn to
1. Insert the original, already U.S. owners are permitted to ON/RUN; the key is learned and
programmed key in the ignition program a new key to their vehicle all previously known keys will no
and turn to the key to the ON/ when a recognized key is not longer work with the vehicle.
RUN position. available. Canadian regulations Remaining keys can be learned by
require that Canadian owners see following the procedure in
2. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and their dealer for programming new
remove the key. “Programming with a Recognized
keys when a recognized key is not Transmitter (Key Vehicles Only).”
3. Insert the new key to be available.
programmed and turn it to the If there are no currently recognized Programming with a Recognized
ON/RUN position within keys available, follow this procedure Transmitter (Keyless Access
five seconds. to program the first key. Vehicles Only)
The security light will turn off This procedure will take A new transmitter can be
once the key has been approximately 30 minutes to programmed to the vehicle when
programmed. complete for the first key. The there is one recognized transmitter.
vehicle must be off and all of the To program, the vehicle must be off
4. Repeat Steps 1–3 if additional and all of the transmitters, both
keys are to be programmed. keys you wish to program must be
with you. currently recognized and new, must
If a key is lost or damaged, see your be with you.
dealer to have a new key made. 1. Insert the new vehicle key into
the ignition. 1. Place the recognized
transmitter(s) in the transmitter
2. Turn to ON/RUN. The security pocket. The transmitter pocket is
light will come on. inside the center console
3. Wait 10 minutes until the storage area.
security light turns off.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7

2. Insert the vehicle key of the new 4. Press the ENGINE START/ 1. Insert the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock STOP button. When the transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the transmitter is learned, the DIC cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key to will show that it is ready to driver door and turn the key to
the unlock position five times program the next transmitter. the unlock position five times
within 10 seconds. 5. Remove the transmitter from the within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center transmitter pocket and press K. The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR (DIC) displays REMOTE LEARN
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5. To program additional PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
transmitters, repeat Steps 3–5.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC
When all additional transmitters displays PRESS ENGINE
are programmed, press and hold START BUTTON TO LEARN
the ENGINE START/STOP and then press the ENGINE
button for 12 seconds to exit START/STOP button.
programming mode.
The DIC displays will again
Programming without a show REMOTE LEARN
Recognized Transmitter (Keyless PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Access Vehicles Only)
If there are no currently recognized
transmitters available, follow this
procedure to program up to eight
transmitters. This feature is not
3. Place the new transmitter into
available in Canada. This procedure
the transmitter pocket.
will take approximately 30 minutes
to complete. The vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters to be
programmed must be with you.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
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2-8 Keys, Doors, and Windows

3. Repeat Step 2 two additional 5. Press the ENGINE START/ To start the vehicle:
times. After the third time, all STOP button. When the 1. Open the center console and
previously known transmitters transmitter is learned the DIC place the transmitter in the
will no longer work with the will show that it is ready to transmitter pocket with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters program the next transmitter. buttons facing the front of the
can be relearned during the next 6. Remove the transmitter from the vehicle.
steps.
transmitter pocket and press K. 2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or
The DIC display should now N (Neutral), press the brake
show READY FOR REMOTE To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6. pedal and press the ENGINE
# 1. START/STOP button. See
When all additional transmitters Starting the Engine on
are programmed, press and hold page 9-18.
the for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode. Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery Battery Replacement
While trying to start the vehicle, Replace the battery if the DIC
if the transmitter battery is weak or if indicates that battery replacement is
there is interference with the signal, necessary. See Key and Lock
the DIC may display NO REMOTE Messages on page 5-27.
DETECTED or USE
TRANSMITTER POCKET TO
4. Place the new transmitter into START. The REPLACE BATTERY
the transmitter pocket, which is IN REMOTE KEY message may
inside the center console also be displayed at this time.
storage area.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-9

2. Remove the battery cover by conditions. The rear defog indicator


{ Caution prying it with a finger. light does not come on during a
3. Remove the battery by pushing remote start.
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on on the battery and sliding it If the vehicle has heated seats, they
the transmitter. Static from your toward the key blade. may come on during a remote start.
body could damage the 4. Insert the new battery, positive See Heated Front Seats on
transmitter. side facing up. Push the battery page 3-7.
down until it is held in place. Laws in some local communities
Replace with a CR2032 or may restrict the use of remote
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery: equivalent battery. starters. For example, some laws
5. Snap the battery cover back on require a person using remote start
1. Press the button on the to have the vehicle in view. Check
transmitter to extend the key to the transmitter.
local regulations for any
blade. requirements.
Remote Vehicle Start
Other conditions can affect the
The vehicle may have this feature performance of the transmitter. See
that allows the engine to be started Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
from outside the vehicle. System on page 2-2.
/ (Remote Vehicle Start): This
Starting the Engine Using Remote
button will be on the RKE
Start
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start. To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a 1. Press and release Q.
remote start. The rear window
defogger may come on during a
remote start based on cold ambient
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
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2-10 Keys, Doors, and Windows

2. Immediately after completing second 10 minute period is added Conditions in Which Remote Start
Step 1, press and hold / for at on to the first 10 minutes for a total Will Not Work
least four seconds or until the of 20 minutes. The remote vehicle start feature will
turn signal lamps flash. The turn The remote start can only be not operate if:
signal lamps flashing confirms extended once. . The key is in the ignition (Key
the request to remote start the
A maximum of two remote starts, Access) or if the key is in the
vehicle has been received.
or a single start with an extension, vehicle (Keyless Access).
When the engine starts, the parking is allowed between ignition cycles. . The hood is not closed.
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The The vehicle's ignition must be . The hazard warning flashers
doors will be locked and the climate turned on and then back off before are on.
control system may come on. the remote start procedure can be
used again. . The malfunction indicator lamp
The engine will continue to run for is on.
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a Canceling a Remote Start
. The engine coolant temperature
10-minute time extension. Remote To cancel a remote start, do one of is too high.
start can be extended only once. the following:
. The oil pressure is low.
Start the vehicle before driving. . Aim the RKE transmitter at the
. Two remote vehicle starts, or a
Extending Engine Run Time vehicle and press and hold /
single remote start with an
until the parking lamps turn off. extension, have already
The engine run time can be
extended by another 10 minutes, . Turn on the hazard warning been used.
if during the first 10 minutes flashers. . The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Steps 1–2 are repeated while the . Turn the vehicle on and then off.
engine is still running. When the
remote start is extended, the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11

Door Locks Warning (Continued)


To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
{ Warning injuries or even death from . Push down the manual lock
knob on the driver door to lock
heat stroke. Always lock the
Unlocked doors can be vehicle whenever leaving it. all doors. Push down the manual
dangerous. lock knob on a passenger door
. Outsiders can easily enter to lock that door only.
. Passengers, especially through an unlocked door
children, can easily open the when you slow down or stop . Pull the door handle once to
doors and fall out of a moving the vehicle. Locking the doors unlock the door. Pull the handle
vehicle. When a door is can help prevent this from again to unlatch it.
locked, the handle will not happening.
open it. The chance of being
. Press Q or K on the power door
thrown out of the vehicle in a lock switch.
crash is increased if the To lock or unlock the doors from the
doors are not locked. So, all outside:
passengers should wear . Press Q or K on the Remote
safety belts properly and the Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
doors should be locked See Remote Keyless Entry
whenever the vehicle is (RKE) System Operation on
driven. page 2-3.
. Young children who get into . Use the key in the driver door.
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
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2-12 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Power Door Locks Delayed Locking Delayed locking can be


programmed through the Driver
This feature delays the actual Information Center (DIC). See
locking of the doors until Vehicle Personalization on
five seconds after all doors are page 5-31.
closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned Automatic Door Locks
on when the Unlocked Door Anti
The vehicle is programmed to lock
Lockout feature has been turned off.
all doors automatically when the
When Q is pressed on the power following are met:
door lock switch with the door open, . All doors are closed.
a chime will sound three times
indicating that delayed locking is
. The ignition is on.
active. . The vehicle is shifted out of
The doors will then lock P (Park).
Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.
automatically five seconds after all This feature cannot be disabled.
K (Unlock): Press to unlock the doors are closed. If a door is
doors. All doors will unlock when the
reopened before five seconds have
vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
Locking or unlocking the doors will elapsed, the five-second timer will
also lock or unlock the trunk. See reset once all the doors are closed The automatic door unlock function
Trunk on page 2-14. again. can be programmed through
prompts displayed on the Driver
Press Q on the door lock switch Information Center (DIC). See
again, or press Q on the RKE Vehicle Personalization on
transmitter, to override this feature page 5-31.
and lock the doors immediately.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13

Lockout Protection off using the vehicle personalization If equipped, the safety lock is
menus. See Vehicle Personalization located on the inside edge of the
If equipped with pushbutton start on page 5-31. rear doors. To use the safety lock:
and the vehicle is in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START, 1. Insert the key into the safety lock
and locking is requested with the
Safety Locks slot and turn it so the slot is in
driver door open, all doors will lock The rear door safety locks prevent the horizontal position.
and only the driver door will unlock. passengers from opening the rear 2. Close the door.
doors from inside the vehicle.
If equipped with a keyed ignition, 3. Do the same for the other
and the key is in the ignition when Manual Safety Locks rear door.
locking is requested with the driver
To open a rear door when the safety
door open, all doors will lock and
lock is on:
then the driver door will unlock.
1. Unlock the door by activating the
Lockout Protection with the key in
inside handle, using the power
the ignition can be manually
door lock switch, or the Remote
overridden with the driver door open
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
by pressing and holding Q on the
power door lock switch. 2. Open the door from the outside.
If Open or Unlocked Door Anti To cancel the safety lock:
Lockout is turned on and the vehicle 1. Unlock the door and open it from
is off, and locking is requested with the outside.
the driver door open, all doors will
2. Insert the key into the safety lock
lock and only the driver door will
slot and turn it so the slot is in
unlock. The Unlocked Door Anti
the vertical position. Do the
Lockout feature can be turned on or
same for the other door.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
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2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Doors Warning (Continued)


Trunk . Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
{ Warning brings in only outside air and
set the fan speed to the
Exhaust gases can enter the highest setting. See “Climate
vehicle if it is driven with the Control Systems” in the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with Index.
any objects that pass through the . If the vehicle is equipped with
seal between the body and the a power liftgate, disable the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine power liftgate function. . Press the touch pad on the rear
exhaust contains carbon For more information about of the trunk after unlocking all
monoxide (CO) which cannot be carbon monoxide, see Engine doors.
seen or smelled. It can cause Exhaust on page 9-24.
unconsciousness and even death. If equipped with Keyless Access,
the trunk may be opened while the
If the vehicle must be driven with Trunk Release vehicle is locked by pressing the
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open: touch pad on the rear of the trunk
To open the trunk the vehicle must while the RKE transmitter is within
. Close all of the windows. be off or with the shift lever in 1 m (3 ft) of the rear of the vehicle.
. Fully open the air outlets on P (Park).
or under the instrument See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
panel.
. Press Y on the RKE System Operation on page 2-3.
transmitter when removed from
(Continued) the ignition.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-15

{ Caution Vehicle Security


This vehicle has theft-deterrent
Do not use the emergency trunk features; however, they do not make
release handle as a tie-down or the vehicle impossible to steal.
anchor point when securing items
in the trunk as it could damage Vehicle Alarm System
the handle.
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
Close the trunk by pulling on the There is a glow-in-the-dark
handle. emergency trunk release handle on
the trunk lid. This handle glows
Emergency Trunk Release following exposure to light. Pull the
Handle release handle to open the trunk
from the inside.
After use, return to the stored
position.

The indicator light, on the


instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system:
Off: Alarm system is disarmed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

2-16 Keys, Doors, and Windows

On Solid: Vehicle is secured will bypass the 30-second delay Disarming the Alarm System
during the delay to arm the system. and immediately arm the alarm
Do one of the following to disarm
Fast Flash: Vehicle is unsecured. system.
the alarm system or turn off the
A door, the hood, or the trunk The vehicle alarm system will not alarm if it has been activated:
is open. arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
. Press K on the RKE transmitter.
Slow Flash: Alarm system is
. Unlock the vehicle using the
armed. If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE Keyless Access system,
Arming the Alarm System transmitter, the horn will chirp and if equipped.
1. Close the trunk and the hood. the lights will flash to indicate . Start the vehicle.
Turn off the vehicle. pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked To avoid setting off the alarm by
2. Lock the vehicle in one of accident:
three ways: by pressing K on the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second . Lock the vehicle after all
. Use the RKE transmitter. pre-alarm, the alarm will be occupants have left the vehicle
. Use the Keyless Access activated. and all doors are closed.
system, if equipped. If a door, the hood, or the trunk is . Always unlock a door with the
. With a door open, press on opened without first disarming the RKE transmitter or use the
system, the turn signals will flash Keyless Access system,
the inside Q.
and the horn will sound for about if equipped.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm 30 seconds. The alarm system will Unlocking the driver door with the
system will arm, and the then re-arm to monitor for the next key will not disarm the system or
indicator light will begin to slowly unauthorized event. turn off the alarm.
flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing Q on the
RKE transmitter a second time
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-17

How to Detect a Tamper The system is automatically If the engine still does not start, and
Condition disarmed when the vehicle is the key appears to be undamaged
started with the correct key. The key or the light continues to stay on, try
If K is pressed on the RKE uses a transponder that matches an another ignition key.
transmitter and the horn chirps and immobilizer control unit in the If the engine still does not start with
the lights flash three times, an alarm vehicle and automatically disarms the other key, the vehicle needs
occurred previously while the alarm the system. Only the correct key service. If the vehicle does start, the
system was armed. starts the vehicle. The vehicle may first key may be damaged. See your
If the alarm has been activated, a not start if the key is damaged. dealer who can service the
message will appear on the DIC. theft-deterrent system and have a
See Security Messages on new key made.
page 5-29.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
Immobilizer theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13-12. The security light in the instrument Immobilizer Operation
cluster comes on if there is a (Keyless Access)
Immobilizer Operation problem with arming or disarming
This vehicle has a passive
(Key Access) the theft-deterrent system.
theft-deterrent system.
This vehicle has a passive When trying to start the vehicle, the
The system does not have to be
theft-deterrent system. security light comes on briefly when
manually armed or disarmed.
the ignition is turned on.
The system does not have to be The vehicle is automatically
manually armed or disarmed. If the engine does not start and the
immobilized when the transmitter
security light stays on, there is a
The vehicle is automatically leaves the vehicle.
problem with the system. Turn the
immobilized when the key is ignition off and try again.
removed from the ignition.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
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2-18 Keys, Doors, and Windows

The immobilization system is If the vehicle does not start and the Exterior Mirrors
disarmed when the ignition button is security light stays on, there is a
pushed in and a valid transmitter is problem with the system. Turn the
found in the vehicle. vehicle off and try again. Convex Mirrors
If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter, { Warning
or place the transmitter in the A convex mirror can make things,
transmitter pocket. See “Starting the like other vehicles, look farther
Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
away than they really are. If you
Battery” under Remote Keyless
cut too sharply into the right lane,
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
The security light on the instrument page 2-3. you could hit a vehicle on the
cluster comes on when there is a right. Check the inside mirror or
If the vehicle does not start with the glance over your shoulder before
problem with arming or disarming
other transmitter or when the changing lanes.
the theft-deterrent system.
transmitter is in the transmitter
The system has one or more pocket, your vehicle needs service.
transmitters matched to an See your dealer who can service The passenger side mirror is convex
immobilizer control unit in the the theft-deterrent system and have shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
vehicle. Only a correctly matched a new transmitter programmed to curved so more can be seen from
transmitter will start the vehicle. the vehicle. the driver seat.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
Do not leave the transmitter or
you may not be able to start your
device that disarms or deactivates
vehicle.
the theft-deterrent system in the
When trying to start the vehicle, the vehicle.
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-19

Power Mirrors Heated Mirrors Interior Mirrors


For vehicles with heated mirrors:
1 (Rear Window Defogger): Interior Rearview Mirrors
Press to heat the mirrors. Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
See “Rear Window Defogger” under view of the area behind your
Dual Automatic Climate Control vehicle.
System on page 8-4. If equipped with OnStar, the vehicle
may have three control buttons at
Reverse Tilt Mirrors the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
If equipped with the memory OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
package, the outside mirrors have a See OnStar Overview on page 14-1.
reverse tilt feature. This feature tilts
the outside mirrors to a preselected Do not spray glass cleaner directly
To adjust the mirrors: position when the vehicle is in on the mirror. Use a soft towel
1. Turn the selector switch to L R (Reverse). This allows the driver dampened with water.
(Left) or R (Right) to choose the to view the curb for parallel parking.
driver or passenger mirror. The passenger and/or driver mirror
Manual Rearview Mirror
2. Move the control to adjust the returns to its original position when If equipped, push the tab forward for
mirror. the vehicle is shifted out of daytime use and pull it rearward for
R (Reverse), or the ignition is turned nighttime use to avoid glare of the
3. Turn the selector switch to 9 to off or to OFF/LOCK. headlamps from behind.
deselect the mirror.
This feature can be turned on or off
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5-31.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (20,1)
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2-20 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Automatic Dimming Windows The vehicle aerodynamics are


designed to improve fuel economy
Rearview Mirror performance. This may result in a
If equipped, automatic dimming { Warning pulsing sound when either rear
reduces the glare of headlamps window is down and the front
from behind. The dimming feature Never leave a child, a helpless windows are up. To reduce the
comes on when the vehicle is adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, sound, open either a front window
started. especially with the windows or the sunroof, if equipped.
closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the Power Windows
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. { Warning
Children could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Never
leave keys in a vehicle with
children. When there are children
in the rear seat, use the window
lockout button to prevent
operation of the windows. See
Keys on page 2-1.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-21

If equipped, the driver window may Safety Function Override


also have an express-up feature.
This is for vehicles with the
Pull a window switch up or press it
express-up feature. If the battery on
down all the way, release it, and the
the vehicle has been recharged or
window goes up or down
disconnected, or is not working, the
automatically. Stop the window by
windows will need to be
pressing or pulling the switch in the
reprogrammed for the express-up
same direction a second time, or by
feature to work. Before
briefly operating the switch to the
reprogramming, replace or recharge
first detent in either direction.
the vehicle's battery.
Safety Function To program the driver window:
This is for vehicles with the 1. Close all doors, with the ignition
Press the switch down to open the
express-up feature. If any object is in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
window. Pull the front of the switch
in the path of the window when the RUN, or with RAP active.
up to close it.
express-up feature is active, the
The power windows only operate window will stop and auto-reverse to 2. Press and hold the power
with the ignition in ACC/ a preset position. Weather window switch until the window
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START, conditions may cause the window to is fully open.
or when Retained Accessory auto-reverse. The window switch 3. Pull the power window switch up
Power (RAP) is active. See may be held up to the second until the window is fully closed.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) position to close the window. The
on page 9-21. window will return to normal 4. Continue holding the switch up
operation once the obstruction or for approximately two seconds
Express Window Operation condition is removed. after the window is completely
closed.
Windows with an express-down
feature allow the window to be The window is now reprogrammed.
lowered without holding the switch.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (22,1)
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2-22 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Window Lockout Sun Visors Roof


Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches used to operate it are on
the headliner above the rearview
mirror. The ignition must be in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to
operate the sunroof. See Ignition
Pull the sun visor down to block Positions (Keyless Access) on
glare. Detach the sun visor from the page 9-14 or Ignition Positions (Key
center mount to pivot to the side Access) on page 9-16 and Retained
window, or to extend along the rod, Accessory Power (RAP) on
This feature prevents the rear page 9-21.
passenger windows from operating, if available.
except from the driver position. The vehicle may have mirror lamps.
Press v on the driver door to The lamps turn on and off when the
cover is opened and closed.
activate the window lockout. The
indicator light in the switch will
illuminate.
Press v again to deactivate the
window lockout.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (23,1)
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-23

The sunroof cannot be opened or remove any obstacles or loose


closed if the vehicle has an debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
electrical failure. roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
Anti-Pinch Feature remove grease from the sunroof.
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof when it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature detects the object
and stops the sunroof from closing
at the point of the obstruction. The
sunroof then returns to the full-open
position.

Open/Close: Press and hold the


front or rear of the switch (1) to open
or close the sunroof. The sunshade
automatically opens with the
sunroof, but must be closed
manually.
Express Open/Close: Press and
release the front or rear of the
switch (1) to express-open or
express-close the sunroof. Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
Vent/Close: Press and hold the could cause an issue with sunroof
rear of the switch (2) to vent the operation or noise. It could also plug
sunroof. Press and hold the front of the water drainage system.
the switch to close. Periodically open the sunroof and
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (24,1)
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2-24 Keys, Doors, and Windows

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 Servicing the Airbag-Equipped


Safety Belt Use During Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Restraints Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Adding Equipment to the
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-29
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-16 Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-30
Head Restraints Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 Replacing Airbag System
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Front Seats Child Restraints
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Airbag System Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4 Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 Infants and Young
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-20 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 When Should an Airbag Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-36
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-37
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 What Makes an Airbag Lower Anchors and Tethers
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22 for Children (LATCH
Rear Seats
How Does an Airbag System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22 Replacing LATCH System
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
What Will You See after an Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Safety Belts Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23 Securing Child Restraints
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Passenger Sensing (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
How to Wear Safety Belts System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24 Securing Child Restraints
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 (Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-49
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints Adjust the head restraint so that the


top of the restraint is at the same
Pull and push on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
height as the top of the occupant's sure that it is locked in place.
{ Warning head. This position reduces the The front seat outboard head
chance of a neck injury in a crash. restraints are not removable.
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly, Front Seat Rear Seat
there is a greater chance that The vehicle's front seats have
occupants will suffer a neck/ The vehicle's rear seats have
adjustable head restraints in the adjustable head restraints in the
spinal injury in a crash. Do not outboard seating positions.
drive until the head restraints for outboard seating positions.
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To raise or lower the head restraint,


press the button located on the side
of the head restraint and pull up or
push the head restraint down and
release the button.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Seats and Restraints 3-3

The height of the head restraint can Front Seats To adjust a manual seat:
be adjusted. Pull the head restraint 1. Pull the handle at the front of
up to raise it. Try to move the head
restraint to make sure that it is Seat Adjustment the seat.
locked in place. 2. Slide the seat to the desired
To lower the head restraint, press { Warning position and release the handle.
the button, located on the top of the 3. Try to move the seat back and
You can lose control of the
seatback, and push the head forth to be sure it is locked in
vehicle if you try to adjust a driver place.
restraint down. Try to move the
seat while the vehicle is moving.
head restraint after the button is
Adjust the driver seat only when Seat Height Adjuster
released to make sure that it is
locked in place. the vehicle is not moving.

If you are installing a child restraint


in the rear seat, see "Securing a
Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System" under Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3-39.

Press and hold the top or bottom of


the switch to raise or lower the seat.
Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.
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3-4 Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment Lumbar Adjustment Reclining Seatbacks

{ Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job.
The shoulder belt will not be
against your body. Instead, it will
be in front of you. In a crash, you
could go into it, receiving neck or
other injuries.
To adjust a power seat, if equipped: If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or The lap belt could go up over
. Move the seat forward or
decrease lumbar support. your abdomen. The belt forces
rearward by sliding the control
would be there, not at your pelvic
forward or rearward.
bones. This could cause serious
. Raise or lower the front part of internal injuries.
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down. For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
. Raise or lower the entire seat by seatback upright. Then sit well
moving the entire control up back in the seat and wear the
or down. safety belt properly.
To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3-4.
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Seats and Restraints 3-5

2. Push and pull on the seatback to


make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks

Do not have a seatback reclined if To recline a manual seatback:


the vehicle is moving. 1. Lift the lever.
Manual Reclining Seatbacks 2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
{ Warning release the lever to lock the To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
seatback in place.
If either seatback is not locked, it . Tilt the top of the control
3. Push and pull on the seatback to
could move forward in a sudden rearward to recline.
make sure it is locked.
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there. To return the seatback to the upright . Tilt the top of the control forward
Always push and pull on the position: to raise.
seatbacks to be sure they are 1. Lift the lever fully without
locked. applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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3-6 Seats and Restraints

Memory Seats stored positions are referred to as If something has blocked the driver
RKE Memory positions. See seat while recalling a memory
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) position, the recall may stop.
System Operation on page 2-3. Remove the obstruction; then press
and hold the power driver seat
Storing Button Memory Positions control for two seconds. Try
To save positions into Button recalling the memory position again
Memory: by pressing the appropriate memory
1. Adjust the driver seat, seatback button. If the memory position is still
recliner, and both outside mirrors not recalling, see your dealer for
to the desired driving positions. service.

2. Press and hold MEM (Memory) Recalling RKE Memory Positions


and “1” at the same time until a The RKE Memory feature can recall
beep sounds. the driver seat and outside mirrors
If available, the “1” and “2” buttons 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for a to previously stored RKE Memory
on the outboard side of the driver second driver using “2.” positions when entering the vehicle.
seat are used to manually save and
Recalling Button Memory Every time the ignition is placed in
recall the positions of the driver seat
Positions OFF, the positions of the driver seat
and outside mirrors. These manually
and outside mirrors are
stored positions are referred to as To recall the Button Memory automatically stored to the RKE
Button Memory positions. positions, press and hold “1” or “2.” transmitter that was used to start
The vehicle will also automatically The driver seat and outside mirrors the vehicle. These positions are
save driver seat and outside mirror move to the positions stored to called RKE Memory positions and
positions to the current driver those buttons when pressed. may be different than the previously
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Releasing “1” or “2” before the mentioned Button Memory positions
transmitter when the ignition is stored positions are reached stops saved to the “1” or “2” buttons.
placed in OFF. These automatically the recall.
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Seats and Restraints 3-7

To recall RKE Memory positions: If something has blocked the driver To stop recall movement, press one
seat while recalling a memory of the memory or power seat
. On vehicles with RKE, press K position, the recall may stop. controls.
on the RKE transmitter and open Remove the obstruction; then press
the driver door. If something has blocked the driver
and hold the appropriate manual seat while recalling the exit position,
. On vehicles with Keyless control for the memory item that is the recall may stop. Remove the
Access, press the lock/unlock not recalling for two seconds. Try obstruction; then press and hold the
button on the outside driver door recalling the memory position again power seat control rearward for
handle and open the door. The by opening the driver door and two seconds. Try recalling the exit
RKE transmitter must be present pressing the RKE transmitter K position again. If the exit position is
for the recall to activate. button. If the memory position is still still not recalling, see your dealer for
. If the driver door is already not recalling, see your dealer for service.
service.
open, press K on the RKE
transmitter to activate the recall. Easy Exit Driver Seat Heated Front Seats
The driver seat and outside mirrors This feature moves the seat
will move to the previously saved rearward allowing the driver more { Warning
RKE Memory positions. room to exit the vehicle.
If you cannot feel temperature
This feature is turned on or off using To activate, place the ignition in change or pain to the skin, the
the vehicle personalization menu. OFF and open the driver door. If the seat heater may cause burns. To
See Vehicle Personalization on driver door is already open, placing reduce the risk of burns, people
page 5-31. the ignition in OFF will activate the with such a condition should use
To stop recall movement, press one recall. care when using the seat heater,
of the memory, power mirror, This feature is turned on or off using especially for long periods of
or power seat controls. the vehicle personalization menu. time. Do not place anything on
See Vehicle Personalization on the seat that insulates against
page 5-31. (Continued)
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3-8 Seats and Restraints

Press M or L to heat the driver or The temperature performance of an


Warning (Continued) unoccupied seat may be reduced.
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the This is normal.
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This may button show the current setting. The heated seats will not turn on
cause the seat heater to Press the button once for the during a remote start unless the
overheat. An overheated seat highest setting. With each press of heated seat feature is enabled in
heater may cause a burn or may the button, the heated seat will the vehicle personalization menu.
damage the seat. change to the next lower setting, See Remote Vehicle Start on
and then to the off setting. The page 2-9 and Vehicle
lights indicate three for the highest Personalization on page 5-31.
setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.
Remote Start Heated Seats
When it is cold outside, the heated
seats can be turned on
automatically during a remote
vehicle start. The heated seats will
be canceled when the ignition is
turned on. Press the button to use
the heated seats after the vehicle is
If available, the buttons are on the started.
climate control panel. To operate, The heated seat indicator lights on
the engine must be running. the button do not turn on during a
remote start.
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Seats and Restraints 3-9

Rear Seats 4. Pull on the lever on the top of


the seatback to unlock it.
Folding the Seatback A tab near the seatback lever
Either side of the seatback can be raises when the seatback is
folded down for more cargo space. unlocked.
Fold a seatback only when the 5. Fold the seatback down.
vehicle is not moving.
Repeat the steps for the other
seatback, if desired.
{ Caution
Raising the Seatback
Folding a rear seat with the safety
belts still fastened may cause
damage to the seat or the safety 3. Make sure the outboard safety { Warning
belts. Always unbuckle the safety belt is in the belt guide. If either seatback is not locked, it
belts and return them to their could move forward in a sudden
normal stowed position before stop or crash. That could cause
folding a rear seat. injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
To fold the seatback down: seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.
1. Lower the rear seat head
restraints completely. See Head
Restraints on page 3-2.
2. Lift the rear seat armrest and
place it in the folded position,
if necessary. See Rear Seat
Armrest on page 3-10.
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3-10 Seats and Restraints

To raise a seatback: Rear Seat Armrest


{ Warning 1. Lift the seatback up and push it
A safety belt that is improperly rearward to lock it in place.
routed, not properly attached, Make sure the safety belt is in
or twisted will not provide the the belt guide and is not twisted
protection needed in a crash. The or caught in the seatback.
person wearing the belt could be A tab near the seatback lever
seriously injured. After raising the retracts when the seatback is
rear seatback, always check to be locked in place.
sure that the safety belts are The center rear safety belt may
properly routed and attached, and lock when you raise the
are not twisted. seatback. If this happens, let the
belt go back all the way and
start again.
The rear seat has an armrest in the
2. Push and pull the top of the center of the seatback. Lower the
seatback to be sure it is locked armrest to access the two
into position. cupholders and the storage area.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the To fold, lift the armrest up and push
other seatback, if necessary. it rearward until it is flush with the
When the seat is not in use, it seatback.
should be kept in the upright, locked
position.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
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Seats and Restraints 3-11

Safety Belts Why Safety Belts Work


Warning (Continued)
This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts are more likely to be seriously
properly. It also describes some injured or killed. Do not allow
things not to do with safety belts. passengers to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped
{ Warning with seats and safety belts.
Always wear a safety belt, and
Do not let anyone ride where a check that all passenger(s) are
safety belt cannot be worn restrained properly too.
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, injuries can be much This vehicle has indicators as a
worse than if you are wearing reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on When riding in a vehicle, you travel
safety belts. You can be seriously as fast as the vehicle does. If the
page 5-10.
injured or killed by hitting things vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
inside the vehicle harder or by going until something stops you.
being ejected from the vehicle. In It could be the windshield, the
addition, anyone who is not instrument panel, or the safety belts!
buckled up can strike other
When you wear a safety belt, you
passengers in the vehicle.
and the vehicle slow down together.
It is extremely dangerous to ride There is more time to stop because
in a cargo area, inside or outside you stop over a longer distance and,
of a vehicle. In a collision, when worn properly, your strongest
passengers riding in these areas bones take the forces from the
(Continued)
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3-12 Seats and Restraints

safety belts. That is why wearing Also, in nearly all states and in
safety belts makes such good all Canadian provinces, the law
sense. requires wearing safety belts.
Questions and Answers About How to Wear Safety Belts
Safety Belts
Properly
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a This section is only for people of
safety belt? adult size.
A: You could be — whether you are There are special things to know
wearing a safety belt or not. about safety belts and children. And
Your chance of being conscious there are different rules for smaller
during and after a crash, so you children and infants. If a child will be . Sit up straight and always keep
can unbuckle and get out, is riding in the vehicle, see Older your feet on the floor in front
much greater if you are belted. Children on page 3-31 or Infants of you.
and Young Children on page 3-33. . Always use the correct buckle
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why Follow those rules for everyone's
should I have to wear safety for your seating position.
protection.
belts? . Wear the lap part of the belt low
It is very important for all occupants and snug on the hips, just
A: Airbags are supplemental to buckle up. Statistics show that
systems only; so they work with touching the thighs. In a crash,
unbelted people are hurt more often this applies force to the strong
safety belts — not instead of in crashes than those who are
them. Whether or not an airbag pelvic bones and you would be
wearing safety belts. less likely to slide under the lap
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the There are important things to know belt. If you slid under it, the belt
most protection. about wearing a safety belt properly. would apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
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Seats and Restraints 3-13


. Wear the shoulder belt over the
shoulder and across the chest.
Lap-Shoulder Belt 2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let it
These parts of the body are best All seating positions in the vehicle get twisted.
able to take belt restraining have a lap-shoulder belt.
forces. The shoulder belt locks if The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
The following instructions explain you pull the belt across you very
there is a sudden stop or crash. how to wear a lap-shoulder belt quickly. If this happens, let the
properly. belt go back slightly to unlock it.
{ Warning 1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is Then pull the belt across you
You can be seriously injured, adjustable, so you can sit up more slowly.
or even killed, by not wearing straight. To see how, see “Seats” If the shoulder portion of a
your safety belt properly. in the Index. passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
. Never allow the lap or locking feature may be engaged.
shoulder belt to become If this happens, let the belt go
loose or twisted.
back all the way and start again.
. Never wear the shoulder belt
under both arms or behind
your back.
. Never route the lap or
shoulder belt over an
armrest.
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3-14 Seats and Restraints

To unlatch the belt, push the button


on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
3. Push the latch plate into the 4. To make the lap part tight, pull right front passenger seating
buckle until it clicks. up on the shoulder belt. positions.
Pull up on the latch plate to Adjust the height so the shoulder
make sure it is secure. portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
Position the release button on
should be close to, but not
the buckle so that the safety belt
contacting, the neck. Improper
could be quickly unbuckled if
shoulder belt height adjustment
necessary.
could reduce the effectiveness of
If equipped with a shoulder belt the safety belt in a crash. See How
height adjuster, move it to the to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
height that is right for you. See page 3-12.
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
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Seats and Restraints 3-15

They can help tighten the safety


belts during the early stages of a Warning (Continued)
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold seriously injured. The shoulder
conditions for pretensioner belt should go over the shoulder
activation are met. Safety belt and across the chest. These parts
pretensioners can also help tighten of the body are best able to take
the safety belts in a side crash or a belt restraining forces.
rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
the pretensioners and probably
Press the release button and move other parts of the vehicle's safety
the height adjuster to the desired belt system will need to be replaced.
position. The adjuster can be moved See Replacing Safety Belt System
up by pushing the slide/trim up. Parts after a Crash on page 3-17.
After the adjuster is set to the
Rear Safety Belt Comfort
desired position, try to move it down
without pushing the release button Guides
to make sure it has locked into
position. { Warning
Safety Belt Pretensioners A safety belt that is not properly Rear safety belt comfort guides may
This vehicle has safety belt worn may not provide the provide added safety belt comfort
pretensioners for front outboard protection needed in a crash. The for older children who have
occupants. Although the safety belt person wearing the belt could be outgrown booster seats and for
pretensioners cannot be seen, they (Continued) some adults. When installed on a
are part of the safety belt assembly.
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3-16 Seats and Restraints

shoulder belt, the comfort guide Safety Belt Extender


positions the shoulder belt away
from the neck and head. If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.
Adjustable comfort guides are
available through your dealer for the But if a safety belt is not long
rear outboard seating positions. enough, your dealer will order you
Instructions are included with the an extender. When you go in to
guide. order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
Safety Belt Use During long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
Pregnancy else use it, and use it only for the
Safety belts work for everyone, A pregnant woman should wear a seat it is made to fit. The extender
including pregnant women. Like all lap-shoulder belt, and the lap has been designed for adults. Never
occupants, they are more likely to portion should be worn as low as use it for securing child seats. To
be seriously injured if they do not possible, below the rounding, wear it, attach it to the regular safety
wear safety belts. throughout the pregnancy. belt. See the instruction sheet that
comes with the extender.
The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety Safety System Check
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a Now and then, check that the safety
crash. For pregnant women, as for belt reminder light, safety belts,
anyone, the key to making safety buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
belts effective is wearing them anchorages are all working properly.
properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
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Seats and Restraints 3-17

to have it repaired. Torn or frayed Replacing Safety Belt See your dealer to have the safety
safety belts may not protect you in a belt assemblies inspected or
crash. They can rip apart under
System Parts after a replaced.
impact forces. If a belt is torn or Crash New parts and repairs may be
frayed, get a new one right away. necessary even if the safety belt
Make sure the safety belt reminder { Warning system was not being used at the
light is working. See Safety Belt time of the crash.
Reminders on page 5-10. A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle. Have the safety belt pretensioners
Keep safety belts clean and dry. A damaged safety belt system checked if the vehicle has been in a
See Safety Belt Care on page 3-17. may not properly protect the crash, or if the airbag readiness light
person using it, resulting in stays on after you start the vehicle
Safety Belt Care serious injury or even death in a or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5-11.
Keep belts clean and dry. crash. To help make sure the
safety belt systems are working
{ Warning properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. replacements made as soon as
It may severely weaken them. In possible.
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection. After a minor crash, replacement of
Clean safety belts only with mild safety belts may not be necessary.
soap and lukewarm water. But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
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3-18 Seats and Restraints


. A roof-rail airbag for the front the risk of injury from the force of an
Airbag System outboard passenger and the inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
The vehicle has the following passenger seated directly very quickly to do their job.
airbags: behind the front outboard
passenger. Here are the most important things
. A frontal airbag for the driver. to know about the airbag system:
All vehicle airbags have the word
. A frontal airbag for the front AIRBAG on the trim or on a label
outboard passenger. near the deployment opening. { Warning
. A knee airbag for the driver. For frontal airbags, the word You can be severely injured or
. A knee airbag for the front AIRBAG is on the center of the killed in a crash if you are not
outboard passenger. steering wheel for the driver and on wearing your safety belt, even
the instrument panel for the front with airbags. Airbags are
. A seat-mounted side impact
outboard passenger. designed to work with safety
airbag for the driver.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG belts, not replace them. Also,
. A seat-mounted side impact airbags are not designed to inflate
is on the lower part of the
airbag for the front outboard in every crash. In some crashes
instrument panel.
passenger. safety belts are the only restraint.
For seat-mounted side impact
. Seat-mounted side impact See When Should an Airbag
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
airbags for the second row Inflate? on page 3-21.
side of the seatback closest to
outboard passengers.
the door. Wearing your safety belt during a
. A roof-rail airbag for the driver crash helps reduce the chance of
For roof-rail airbags, the word
and the passenger seated hitting things inside the vehicle or
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
directly behind the driver. being ejected from it. Airbags are
Airbags are designed to supplement “supplemental restraints” to the
the protection provided by safety safety belts. Everyone in the
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce (Continued)
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Seats and Restraints 3-19

Warning (Continued) Warning (Continued)


vehicle should wear a safety belt Occupants should not lean on or
properly, whether or not there is sleep against the door or side
an airbag for that person. windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
There is an airbag readiness light
and/or roof-rail airbags.
on the instrument cluster, which
{ Warning shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical
Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink of
{ Warning system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
an eye, anyone who is up Children who are up against, problem. See Airbag Readiness
against, or very close to any or very close to, any airbag when Light on page 5-11 for more
airbag when it inflates can be it inflates can be seriously injured information.
seriously injured or killed. Do not or killed. Always secure children
sit unnecessarily close to any properly in the vehicle. To read
airbag, as you would be if sitting how, see Older Children on
on the edge of the seat or leaning page 3-31 or Infants and Young
forward. Safety belts help keep Children on page 3-33.
you in position before and during
a crash. Always wear a safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
(Continued)
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3-20 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver knee airbag is below the Driver Side Shown, Passenger
steering column. The front outboard Side Similar
The driver frontal airbag is in the passenger knee airbag is below the The seat-mounted side impact
center of the steering wheel. glove box. airbags for the driver and front
outboard passenger are in the side
The front outboard passenger
of the seatbacks closest to the door.
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel. The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.
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Seats and Restraints 3-21

Warning (Continued)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
or even death. The path of an This vehicle is equipped with
inflating airbag must be kept airbags. See Airbag System on
clear. Do not put anything page 3-18. Airbags are designed to
between an occupant and an inflate if the impact exceeds the
airbag, and do not attach or put specific airbag system's deployment
anything on the steering wheel threshold. Deployment thresholds
hub or on or near any other are used to predict how severe a
airbag covering. crash is likely to be in time for the
Do not use seat accessories that airbags to inflate and help restrain
Rear Seat Driver Side Shown, block the inflation path of a the occupants. The vehicle has
Passenger Side Similar electronic sensors that help the
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
airbag system determine the
On vehicles with second row Never secure anything to the roof severity of the impact. Deployment
seat-mounted side impact airbags, of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags thresholds can vary with specific
they are in the sides of the rear by routing a rope or tie‐down vehicle design.
seatback closest to the door. through any door or window Frontal airbags are designed to
opening. If you do, the path of an inflate in moderate to severe frontal
{ Warning inflating roof-rail airbag will be or near frontal crashes to help
blocked. reduce the potential for severe
If something is between an
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
occupant and an airbag, the front outboard passenger's head
airbag might not inflate properly and chest.
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
(Continued) on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
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3-22 Seats and Restraints

It depends on what is hit, the Seat-mounted side impact airbags In any particular crash, no one can
direction of the impact, and how are designed to inflate in moderate say whether an airbag should have
quickly the vehicle slows down. to severe side crashes depending inflated simply because of the
Frontal airbags may inflate at on the location of the impact. vehicle damage or repair costs.
different crash speeds depending on Seat-mounted side impact airbags
whether the vehicle hits an object are not designed to inflate in frontal What Makes an Airbag
impacts, near frontal impacts,
straight on or at an angle, and
rollovers, or rear impacts.
Inflate?
whether the object is fixed or
A seat-mounted side impact airbag In a deployment event, the sensing
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
is designed to inflate on the side of system sends an electrical signal
or wide.
the vehicle that is struck. triggering a release of gas from the
Frontal airbags are not intended to inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
inflate during vehicle rollovers, in Roof-rail airbags are designed to
airbag causing the bag to break out
rear impacts, or in many side inflate in moderate to severe side
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
impacts. crashes depending on the location
and related hardware are all part of
of the impact. In addition, these
In addition, the vehicle has the airbag module.
roof-rail airbags are designed to
advanced technology frontal inflate during a rollover or in a For airbag locations, see Where Are
airbags. Advanced technology severe frontal impact. Roof-rail the Airbags? on page 3-20.
frontal airbags adjust the restraint airbags are not designed to inflate in
according to crash severity. rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags How Does an Airbag
Knee airbags are designed to inflate will inflate when either side of the Restrain?
in moderate to severe frontal or vehicle is struck, if the sensing
near frontal impacts. Knee airbags system predicts that the vehicle is In moderate to severe frontal or
are not designed to inflate during about to roll over on its side, or in a near frontal collisions, even belted
vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts, severe frontal impact. occupants can contact the steering
or in many side impacts. wheel or the instrument panel. In
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Seats and Restraints 3-23

moderate to severe side collisions, What Will You See after


even belted occupants can contact
an Airbag Inflates?
{ Warning
the inside of the vehicle.
After the frontal, knee, and When an airbag inflates, there
Airbags supplement the protection may be dust in the air. This dust
provided by safety belts by seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so could cause breathing problems
distributing the force of the impact for people with a history of
more evenly over the quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated. asthma or other breathing trouble.
occupant's body. To avoid this, everyone in the
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags partially inflated for some time after vehicle should get out as soon as
are designed to help contain the they inflate. Some components of it is safe to do so. If you have
head and chest of occupants in the the airbag module may be hot for breathing problems but cannot
outboard seating positions in the several minutes. For location of the get out of the vehicle after an
first and second rows. The rollover airbags, see Where Are the airbag inflates, then get fresh air
capable roof-rail airbags are Airbags? on page 3-20. by opening a window or a door.
designed to help reduce the risk of If you experience breathing
full or partial ejection in rollover The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm, problems following an airbag
events, although no system can deployment, you should seek
prevent all such ejections. but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming medical attention.
But airbags would not help in many from the vents in the deflated
types of collisions, primarily airbags. Airbag inflation does not
because the occupant's motion is The vehicle has a feature that may
prevent the driver from seeing out of automatically unlock the doors, turn
not toward those airbags. See When the windshield or being able to steer
Should an Airbag Inflate? on on the interior lamps and hazard
the vehicle, nor does it prevent warning flashers, and shut off the
page 3-21. people from leaving the vehicle. fuel system after the airbags inflate.
Airbags should never be regarded The feature may also activate,
as anything more than a supplement without airbag inflation, after an
to safety belts. event that exceeds a predetermined
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3-24 Seats and Restraints

threshold. You can lock the doors, Additional windshield breakage may an airbag system will not work
and turn off the interior lamps and also occur from the front outboard properly. See your dealer for
hazard warning flashers by using passenger airbag. service.
the controls for those features. . Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag Passenger Sensing
{ Warning inflates, you will need some new System
parts for the airbag system.
A crash severe enough to inflate The vehicle has a passenger
If you do not get them, the
the airbags may have also sensing system for the front
airbag system will not be there
damaged important functions in outboard passenger position. The
to help protect you in another
the vehicle, such as the fuel passenger airbag status indicator
crash. A new system will include
system, brake and steering will light on the overhead console
airbag modules and possibly
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle when the vehicle is started.
other parts. The service manual
appears to be drivable after a for the vehicle covers the need
moderate crash, there may be to replace other parts.
concealed damage that could . The vehicle has a crash sensing
make it difficult to safely operate and diagnostic module which
the vehicle. records information after a
Use caution if you should attempt crash. See Vehicle Data
to restart the engine after a crash Recording and Privacy on
has occurred. page 13-14 and Event Data
Recorders on page 13-14.

In many crashes severe enough to


. Let only qualified technicians
inflate the airbag, windshields are work on the airbag systems.
broken by vehicle deformation. Improper service can mean that
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Seats and Restraints 3-25

airbag under certain conditions. No


other airbag is affected by the { Warning
passenger sensing system.
A child in a rear-facing child
The passenger sensing system restraint can be seriously injured
works with sensors that are part of or killed if the front outboard
the front outboard passenger seat. passenger frontal airbag inflates.
United States The sensors are designed to detect This is because the back of the
the presence of a properly seated rear-facing child restraint would
occupant and determine if the front
be very close to the inflating
outboard passenger frontal airbag
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
and knee airbag should be allowed
to inflate or not. child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the front
According to accident statistics, outboard passenger frontal airbag
Canada and Mexico children are safer when properly inflates and the passenger seat is
secured in a rear seat in the correct in a forward position.
The words ON and OFF, or the child restraint for their weight
symbol for on and off, will be visible and size. Even if the passenger sensing
during the system check. When the system has turned off the front
system check is complete, either the Whenever possible, children age
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
word ON or OFF, or the symbol for 12 and under should be secured in
system is fail-safe. No one can
on or off, will be visible. See a rear seating position.
guarantee that an airbag will not
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator Never put a rear-facing child seat in inflate under some unusual
on page 5-11. the front. This is because the risk to circumstance, even though the
The passenger sensing system the rear-facing child is so great, airbag(s) are off.
turns off the front outboard if the airbag inflates.
(Continued)
passenger frontal airbag and knee
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3-26 Seats and Restraints


. There is a critical problem with frontal airbag and knee airbag,
Warning (Continued) the airbag system or the depending upon the person's
passenger sensing system. seating posture and body build.
Secure rear-facing child restraints Everyone in the vehicle who has
When the passenger sensing
in a rear seat, even if the outgrown child restraints should
system has turned off the front
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a wear a safety belt properly —
outboard passenger frontal airbag
forward-facing child restraint in and knee airbag, the off indicator whether or not there is an airbag for
the front outboard passenger will light and stay lit as a reminder that person.
seat, always move the seat as far that the airbags are off. See
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator { Warning
on page 5-11.
rear seat. If the airbag readiness light ever
The passenger sensing system is
comes on and stays on, it means
designed to turn on the front
The passenger sensing system is outboard passenger frontal airbag that something may be wrong
designed to turn off the front and knee airbag anytime the system with the airbag system. To help
outboard passenger frontal airbag senses that a person of adult size is avoid injury to yourself or others,
and knee airbag if: sitting properly in the front outboard have the vehicle serviced right
passenger seat. When the away. See Airbag Readiness
. The front outboard passenger
passenger sensing system has Light on page 5-11 for more
seat is unoccupied.
allowed the airbags to be enabled, information, including important
. The system determines that an the on indicator will light and stay lit safety information.
infant is present in a child as a reminder that the airbags are
restraint. active.
. A front outboard passenger For some children, including
takes his/her weight off of the children in child restraints and for
seat for a period of time. very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the front outboard passenger
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Seats and Restraints 3-27

If the On Indicator Is Lit for a 5. If, after reinstalling the child If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an
Child Restraint restraint and restarting the Adult-Sized Occupant
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit,
The passenger sensing system is turn the vehicle off. Then slightly
designed to turn off the front recline the vehicle seatback and
outboard passenger frontal airbag adjust the seat cushion,
and knee airbag if the system if adjustable, to make sure that
determines that an infant is present the vehicle seatback is not
in a child restraint. If a child restraint pushing the child restraint into
has been installed and the on the seat cushion.
indicator is lit:
Also make sure the child
1. Turn the vehicle off. restraint is not trapped under the
2. Remove the child restraint from vehicle head restraint. If this
the vehicle. happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraints
3. Remove any additional items
on page 3-2. If a person of adult size is sitting in
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat 6. Restart the vehicle. the front outboard passenger seat,
heaters, or seat massagers. but the off indicator is lit, it could be
The passenger sensing system may
because that person is not sitting
4. Reinstall the child restraint or may not turn off the airbag(s) for
properly in the seat. Use the
following the directions provided a child in a child restraint depending
following steps to allow the system
by the child restraint upon the child's size. It is better to
to detect that person and enable the
manufacturer and refer to secure the child restraint in a
front outboard passenger frontal
Securing Child Restraints (Front rear seat.
airbag and knee airbag:
Passenger Seat) on page 3-49
or Securing Child Restraints 1. Turn the vehicle off.
(Rear Seat) on page 3-46.
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3-28 Seats and Restraints

2. Remove any additional material operates. We recommend that you


from the seat, such as blankets, Warning (Continued) not use seat covers or other
cushions, seat covers, seat aftermarket equipment except when
heaters, or seat massagers. serious injury or even death. An approved by GM for your specific
Also, remove laptops, or other adult-sized occupant should not vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
electronic devices. ride in the front outboard the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
passenger seat, if the passenger page 3-29 for more information
3. Place the seatback in the fully airbag off indicator is lit.
upright position. about modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
Additional Factors Affecting A wet seat can affect the
cushion, with legs comfortably System Operation performance of the passenger
extended. sensing system. Here is how:
Safety belts help keep the
5. Restart the vehicle and have the passenger in position on the seat . The passenger sensing system
person remain in this position for during vehicle maneuvers and may turn off the passenger
two to three minutes after the on braking, which helps the passenger airbag(s) when liquid is soaked
indicator is lit. sensing system maintain the into the seat. If this happens, the
passenger airbag status. See off indicator will be lit, and the
“Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” airbag readiness light on the
{ Warning in the Index for additional instrument panel will also be lit.
If the front outboard passenger information about the importance of . Liquid pooled on the seat that
proper restraint use. has not soaked in may make it
airbag is turned off for an
adult-sized occupant, the airbag A thick layer of additional material, more likely that the passenger
will not be able to inflate and help such as a blanket or cushion, sensing system will turn on the
protect that person in a crash, or aftermarket equipment such as passenger airbag(s) while a
resulting in an increased risk of seat covers, seat heaters, and seat child restraint or child occupant
massagers can affect how well the
(Continued) passenger sensing system
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Seats and Restraints 3-29

is on the seat. If the passenger Servicing the Warning (Continued)


airbag(s) are turned on, the on
indicator will be lit.
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle proper service procedures, and
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry make sure the person performing
the seat immediately. If the airbag should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several work for you is qualified to do so.
readiness light is lit, do not install a
child restraint or allow anyone to places around the vehicle. Your
occupy the seat. See Airbag dealer and the service manual have Adding Equipment to the
Readiness Light on page 5-11 for information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
important safety information.
purchase a service manual, see Adding accessories that change the
The on indicator may be lit if an Service Publications Ordering vehicle's frame, bumper system,
object, such as a briefcase, Information on page 13-11. height, front end, or side sheet
handbag, grocery bag, laptop, metal, may keep the airbag system
or other electronic device is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not
{ Warning from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
desired remove the object from For up to 10 seconds after the also be affected by changing any
the seat. vehicle is turned off and the parts of the front seats, safety belts,
battery is disconnected, an airbag the airbag sensing and diagnostic
{ Warning can still inflate during improper module, steering wheel, instrument
service. You can be injured if you panel, any of the airbag modules,
Stowing of articles under the are close to an airbag when it ceiling or pillar garnish trim, front
passenger seat or between the inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. sensors, side impact sensors,
passenger seat cushion and They are probably part of the or airbag wiring.
seatback may interfere with the airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system. (Continued)
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3-30 Seats and Restraints

Your dealer and the service manual turning off the passenger airbag(s).
have information about the location See Passenger Sensing System on { Caution
of the airbag sensors, sensing and page 3-24.
diagnostic module, and airbag If an airbag covering is damaged,
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail opened, or broken, the airbag
wiring. airbags, see Different Size Tires may not work properly. Do not
In addition, the vehicle has a and Wheels on page 10-58 for open or break the airbag
passenger sensing system for the additional important information. coverings. If there are any
front outboard passenger position, If you have to modify your vehicle opened or broken airbag
which includes sensors that are part because you have a disability and coverings, have the airbag
of the passenger seat. The you have questions about whether covering and/or airbag module
passenger sensing system may not the modifications will affect the
operate properly if the original seat replaced. For the location of the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you airbags, see Where Are the
trim is replaced with non-GM have questions about whether the
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with Airbags? on page 3-20. See your
airbag system will be affected if the dealer for service.
GM covers, upholstery, or trim vehicle is modified for any other
designed for a different vehicle. Any reason, call Customer Assistance.
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
See Customer Assistance Offices Replacing Airbag System
on page 13-3. Parts after a Crash
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
Airbag System Check
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
{ Warning
The airbag system does not need
could either prevent proper regularly scheduled maintenance or A crash can damage the airbag
deployment of the passenger replacement. Make sure the airbag systems in the vehicle.
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger readiness light is working. See A damaged airbag system may
sensing system from properly Airbag Readiness Light on not work properly and may not
page 5-11. (Continued)
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Seats and Restraints 3-31

Warning (Continued) Child Restraints The manufacturer instructions that


come with the booster seat state the
weight and height limitations for that
protect you and your Older Children booster. Use a booster seat with a
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting lap-shoulder belt until the child
in serious injury or even death. To passes the fit test below:
help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
. Sit all the way back on the seat.
after a crash, have them Do the knees bend at the seat
edge? If yes, continue. If no,
inspected and any necessary
return to the booster seat.
replacements made as soon as
possible. . Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
Does the shoulder belt rest on
the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to If no, try using the rear safety
replace airbag system parts. See belt comfort guide, if available.
your dealer for service. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort
If the airbag readiness light stays on Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt
Older children who have outgrown
after the vehicle is started or comes on page 3-13. If a comfort guide
booster seats should wear the
on when you are driving, the airbag is not available, or if the
vehicle safety belts.
system may not work properly. Have shoulder belt still does not rest
the vehicle serviced right away. See on the shoulder, then return to
Airbag Readiness Light on the booster seat.
page 5-11. . Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
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3-32 Seats and Restraints


. Can proper safety belt fit be In a crash, children who are not
maintained for the length of the buckled up can strike other people
trip? If yes, continue. If no, who are buckled up, or can be
return to the booster seat. thrown out of the vehicle. Older
Q: What is the proper way to children need to use safety belts
wear safety belts? properly.
A: An older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the { Warning
additional restraint a shoulder
Never allow more than one child
belt can provide. The shoulder
to wear the same safety belt. The
belt should not cross the face or
neck. The lap belt should fit safety belt cannot properly spread
snugly below the hips, just the impact forces. In a crash, they
touching the top of the thighs. can be crushed together and { Warning
This applies belt force to the seriously injured. A safety belt
must be used by only one person Never allow a child to wear the
child's pelvic bones in a crash. safety belt with the shoulder belt
It should never be worn over the at a time.
behind their back. A child can be
abdomen, which could cause
seriously injured by not wearing
severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash. the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a
crash, the child would not be
Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort restrained by the shoulder belt.
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on The child could move too far
page 3-13. forward increasing the chance of
According to accident statistics, head and neck injury. The child
children are safer when properly might also slide under the lap
restrained in a rear seating position. (Continued)
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Seats and Restraints 3-33

Warning (Continued)
Infants and Young Warning (Continued)
Children
belt. The belt force would then be Everyone in a vehicle needs the way back into the retractor,
applied right on the abdomen. protection! This includes infants and but it cannot do this if it is
That could cause serious or fatal all other children. Neither the wrapped around a child’s neck.
injuries. The shoulder belt should distance traveled nor the age and If the shoulder belt is locked and
go over the shoulder and across size of the traveler changes the tightened around a child’s neck,
the chest. need, for everyone, to use safety the only way to loosen the belt is
restraints. In fact, the law in every to cut it.
state in the United States and in Never leave children unattended
every Canadian province says in a vehicle and never allow
children up to some age must be children to play with the safety
restrained while in a vehicle.
belts.

{ Warning Every time infants and young


Children can be seriously injured children ride in vehicles, they should
or strangled if a shoulder belt is have the protection provided by
wrapped around their neck. The appropriate child restraints. Neither
shoulder belt can tighten but the vehicle's safety belt system nor
cannot be loosened if it is locked. its airbag system is designed
The shoulder belt locks when it is for them.
pulled all the way out of the Children who are not restrained
retractor. It unlocks when the properly can strike other people,
shoulder belt is allowed to go all or can be thrown out of the vehicle.
(Continued)
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3-34 Seats and Restraints

{ Warning Warning (Continued)


Never hold an infant or a child the front outboard seat, always
while riding in a vehicle. Due to move the front passenger seat as
crash forces, an infant or a child far back as it will go.
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's
arms. An infant should be
secured in an appropriate { Warning
restraint.
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the front
outboard seat. Secure a Q: What are the different types of
rear-facing child restraint in a rear add-on child restraints?
seat. It is also better to secure a A: Add-on child restraints, which
forward-facing child restraint in a are purchased by the vehicle
rear seat. If you must secure a owner, are available in four basic
forward-facing child restraint in types. Selection of a particular
(Continued) restraint should take into
consideration not only the child's
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Seats and Restraints 3-35

weight, height, and age but also


whether or not the restraint will { Warning Warning (Continued)
be compatible with the motor
vehicle in which it will be used. To reduce the risk of neck and any bony structure. This alone
head injury during a crash, infants could cause serious or fatal
For most basic types of child need complete support. In a injuries. To reduce the risk of
restraints, there are many
crash, if an infant is in a serious or fatal injuries during a
different models available. When
rear-facing child restraint, the crash, young children should
purchasing a child restraint, be
sure it is designed to be used in crash forces can be distributed always be secured in appropriate
a motor vehicle. If it is, the across the strongest part of an child restraints.
restraint will have a label saying infant's body, the back and
that it meets federal motor shoulders. Infants should always
vehicle safety standards. be secured in rear-facing child
restraints.
The restraint manufacturer
instructions that come with the
restraint state the weight and
height limitations for a particular
child restraint. In addition, there
{ Warning
are many kinds of restraints A young child's hip bones are still
available for children with so small that the vehicle's regular
special needs. safety belt may not remain low on
the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a
body area that is unprotected by
(Continued)
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3-36 Seats and Restraints

Child Restraint Systems

Forward-Facing Child Seat Booster Seats


Rear-Facing Infant Seat A forward-facing child seat provides A booster seat is a child restraint
restraint for the child's body with the designed to improve the fit of the
A rear-facing infant seat provides harness. vehicle's safety belt system.
restraint with the seating surface A booster seat can also help a child
against the back of the infant. to see out the window.
The harness system holds the infant
in place and, in a crash, acts to
keep the infant positioned in the
restraint.
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Seats and Restraints 3-37

Securing an Add-On Child Children can be endangered in a Administration (NHTSA) website to


Restraint in the Vehicle crash if the child restraint is not locate the nearest child safety seat
properly secured in the vehicle. inspection station. For CPST
availability in Canada, check with
{ Warning When securing an add-on child
Transport Canada or the Provincial
restraint, refer to the instructions
A child can be seriously injured or that come with the restraint which Ministry of Transportation office.
killed in a crash if the child may be on the restraint itself or in a Securing the Child Within the
restraint is not properly secured in booklet, or both, and to this manual. Child Restraint
the vehicle. Secure the child The child restraint instructions are
restraint properly in the vehicle important, so if they are not
using the vehicle safety belt or available, obtain a replacement { Warning
LATCH system, following the copy from the manufacturer. A child can be seriously injured or
instructions that came with that Keep in mind that an unsecured killed in a crash if the child is not
child restraint and the instructions child restraint can move around in a properly secured in the child
in this manual. collision or sudden stop and injure restraint. Secure the child
people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly following the instructions
To help reduce the chance of injury, properly secure any child restraint in that came with that child restraint.
the child restraint must be secured the vehicle — even when no child is
in the vehicle. Child restraint in it.
systems must be secured in vehicle In some areas of the United States Where to Put the
seats by lap belts or the lap belt and Canada, Certified Child Restraint
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by Passenger Safety Technicians According to accident statistics,
the LATCH system. See Lower (CPSTs) are available to inspect children and infants are safer when
Anchors and Tethers for Children and demonstrate how to correctly properly restrained in a child
(LATCH System) on page 3-39. use and install child restraints. In restraint system or infant restraint
the U.S., refer to the National system secured in a rear seating
Highway Traffic Safety position.
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3-38 Seats and Restraints

Whenever possible, children aged Child restraints and booster seats


12 and under should be secured in Warning (Continued) vary considerably in size, and some
a rear seating position. may fit in certain seating positions
system is fail-safe. No one can better than others. Always make
Never put a rear-facing child seat in guarantee that an airbag will not
the front. This is because the risk to sure the child restraint is properly
deploy under some unusual secured.
the rear-facing child is so great if the circumstance, even though it is
airbag deploys. turned off. Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
{ Warning Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent safety belt
A child in a rear-facing child is off. If you secure a assemblies or LATCH anchors for
restraint can be seriously injured forward-facing child restraint in additional passengers or child
or killed if the front passenger the front seat, always move the restraints. Adjacent seating
airbag inflates. This is because front passenger seat as far back positions should not be used if the
the back of the rear-facing child as it will go. It is better to secure child restraint prevents access to or
restraint would be very close to the child restraint in a rear seat. interferes with the routing of the
the inflating airbag. A child in a safety belt.
See Passenger Sensing System
forward-facing child restraint can on page 3-24 for additional Wherever a child restraint is
be seriously injured or killed if the information. installed, be sure to secure the child
front passenger airbag inflates restraint properly.
and the passenger seat is in a Keep in mind that an unsecured
forward position. When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the child restraint can move around in a
Even if the passenger sensing instructions that came with the child collision or sudden stop and injure
system has turned off the front restraint to make sure it is people in the vehicle. Be sure to
passenger frontal airbag, no compatible with this vehicle. properly secure any child restraint in
the vehicle — even when no child is
(Continued) in it.
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Lower Anchors and recommends that the booster seat The following explains how to attach
be secured with the LATCH system, a child restraint with these
Tethers for Children this can be done as long as the attachments in the vehicle.
(LATCH System) booster seat can be positioned Not all vehicle seating positions or
The LATCH system secures a child properly and there is no interference child restraints have lower anchors
restraint during driving or in a crash. with the proper positioning of the and attachments or top tether
LATCH attachments on the child lap-shoulder belt on the child. anchors and attachments.
restraint are used to attach the child Make sure to follow the instructions
restraint to the anchors in the that came with the child restraint, Lower Anchors
vehicle. The LATCH system is and also the instructions in this
designed to make installation of a manual.
child restraint easier.
When installing a child restraint with
In order to use the LATCH system in a top tether, you must also use
your vehicle, you need a child either the lower anchors or the
restraint that has LATCH safety belts to properly secure the
attachments. LATCH-compatible child restraint. A child restraint must
rear-facing and forward-facing child never be installed using only the top
seats can be properly installed tether and anchor.
using either the LATCH anchors or
The LATCH anchorage system can
the vehicle’s safety belts. Do not
be used until the combined weight
use both the safety belts and the
of the child plus the child restraint is
LATCH anchorage system to secure
29.5 kg (65 lbs). Use the safety belt Lower anchors (1) are metal bars
a rear-facing or forward-facing
alone instead of the LATCH built into the vehicle. There are two
child seat.
anchorage system once the lower anchors for each LATCH
Booster seats use the vehicle’s combined weight is more than seating position that will
safety belts to secure the child in 29.5 kg (65 lbs). accommodate a child restraint with
the booster seat. If the manufacturer
lower attachments (2).
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3-40 Seats and Restraints

Top Tether Anchor The child restraint may have a Lower Anchor and Top Tether
single tether (3) or a dual tether (4). Anchor Locations
Either will have a single
attachment (2) to secure the top
tether to the anchor.
Some child restraints that have a
top tether are designed for use with
or without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached. Be sure to read and follow
A top tether (3, 4) anchors the top of the instructions for the child
Rear Seat
the child restraint to the vehicle. restraint.
A top tether anchor is built into the I (Top Tether Anchor): Seating
vehicle. The top tether positions with top tether anchors.
attachment (2) on the child restraint H (Lower Anchor): Seating
connects to the top tether anchor in positions with two lower anchors.
the vehicle in order to reduce the
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving or in
a crash.
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Seats and Restraints 3-41

To assist in locating the lower The top tether anchors are under Securing a Child Restraint
anchors, each rear anchor position the covers, behind the rear seat, on Designed for the LATCH
has a label, near the crease the filler panel. Be sure to use an System
between the seatback and the seat anchor on the same side of the
cushion. vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be { Warning
placed. If a LATCH-type child restraint is
Do not secure a child restraint in a not attached to anchors or with
position without a top tether anchor the safety belt, the child restraint
if a national or local law requires will not be able to protect the child
that the top tether be attached, or if correctly. In a crash, the child
the instructions that come with the could be seriously injured or
To assist in locating the top tether child restraint say that the top tether killed. Install a LATCH-type child
anchors, the top tether anchor must be attached. restraint properly using the
symbol is on the cover. anchors, or use the vehicle safety
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when belts to secure the restraint,
properly restrained in a child following the instructions that
restraint system or infant restraint came with the child restraint and
system secured in a rear seating the instructions in this manual.
position. See Where to Put the
Restraint on page 3-37 for
additional information.
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3-42 Seats and Restraints

{ Warning Warning (Continued) { Caution


Do not attach more than one child shoulder belt is allowed to go all Do not let the LATCH
restraint to a single anchor. the way back into the retractor, attachments rub against the
Attaching more than one child but it cannot do this if it is vehicle’s safety belts. This may
restraint to a single anchor could wrapped around a child’s neck. damage these parts. If necessary,
cause the anchor or attachment If the shoulder belt is locked and move buckled safety belts to
to come loose or even break tightened around a child’s neck, avoid rubbing the LATCH
during a crash. A child or others the only way to loosen the belt is attachments.
could be injured. To reduce the to cut it. Do not fold the empty rear seat
risk of serious or fatal injuries Buckle any unused safety belts with a safety belt buckled. This
during a crash, attach only one behind the child restraint so could damage the safety belt or
child restraint per anchor. children cannot reach them. Pull the seat. Unbuckle and return the
the shoulder belt all the way out safety belt to its stowed position,
of the retractor to set the lock, before folding the seat.
{ Warning and tighten the belt behind the
child restraint after the child If you need to secure more than one
Children can be seriously injured restraint has been installed. child restraint in the rear seat, see
or strangled if a shoulder belt is Where to Put the Restraint on
wrapped around their neck. The page 3-37.
shoulder belt can tighten but
cannot be loosened if it is locked. You cannot secure three child
The shoulder belt locks when it is restraints using the LATCH anchors
pulled all the way out of the in the rear seat at the same time,
but you can install two of them.
retractor. It unlocks when the
If you want to do this, install one
(Continued) LATCH child restraint in the right
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Seats and Restraints 3-43

rear seating position, and install the There are five lower LATCH anchors and child restraint attachments to
other one either in the left rear in the rear seat. secure the restraints. Some
seating position or in the center . Use anchors 1 and 2 when restraints also use another vehicle
seating position. If you need to installing a child restraint using anchor to secure a top tether.
install child restraints in both the LATCH in the right rear seating 1. Attach and tighten the lower
center and left rear seating position. attachments to the lower
positions, the one in the center anchors. If the child restraint
seating position will need to be . Use anchors 3 and 4 when
installing a child restraint using does not have lower
secured using the vehicle safety attachments or the desired
belts instead of the LATCH anchors. LATCH in the center rear seating
position. seating position does not have
Refer to the following illustration to lower anchors, secure the child
learn which anchors to use. . Use anchors 4 and 5 when restraint with the top tether and
installing a child restraint using the safety belts. Refer to the
LATCH in left rear seating child restraint manufacturer
position. instructions and the instructions
Installing child restraints using in this manual.
LATCH in the center and left rear 1.1. Find the lower anchors for
seating positions at the same time is the desired seating
prohibited. position.
Make sure to attach the child 1.2. Put the child restraint on
restraint at the proper anchor the seat.
location.
If the head restraint
This system is designed to make interferes with the proper
installation of child restraints easier. installation of the child
When using lower anchors, do not restraint, the head restraint
use the vehicle's safety belts. may be removed. See
Instead use the vehicle's anchors
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3-44 Seats and Restraints

“Head Restraint Removal 2.2. Route, attach, and tighten


and Reinstallation” at the the top tether according to
end of this section. the child restraint
1.3. Attach and tighten the lower instructions and the
attachments on the child following instructions:
restraint to the lower
anchors.
2. If the child restraint manufacturer
recommends that the top tether If the position you are using
be attached, attach and tighten does not have a headrest
the top tether to the top tether or head restraint and you
anchor, if equipped. Refer to the are using a dual tether,
child restraint instructions and route the tether over the
the following steps: seatback.
2.1. Find the top tether anchor. If the position you are using
does not have a headrest
Open the cover to expose
or head restraint and you
the anchor.
are using a single tether,
route the tether over the
seatback.
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Seats and Restraints 3-45

If the position you are using grasp the child restraint at the
has an adjustable headrest LATCH path and attempt to
or head restraint and you move it side to side and back
are using a single tether, and forth. There should be no
route the tether under the more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of
headrest or head restraint movement for proper installation.
and in between the
headrest or head restraint Head Restraint Removal and
posts. Reinstallation
The rear outboard head restraints
can be removed if they interfere with
the proper installation of the child
restraint. 2. Press both buttons on the head
To remove the head restraint: restraint posts at the same time,
and pull up on the head
1. Partially fold the seatback
restraint.
forward. See Rear Seats on
page 3-9 for additional 3. Store the head restraint in the
information. trunk of the vehicle.
If the position you are using 4. When the child restraint is
has an adjustable headrest removed, reinstall the head
or head restraint and you restraint before the seating
are using a dual tether position is used.
route the tether around the
headrest or head restraint.
3. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To check,
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3-46 Seats and Restraints

1. Insert the head restraint posts


{ Warning into the holes in the top of the Warning (Continued)
seatback. The notches on the
With head restraints that are not posts must face the driver side death in a crash. To help make
installed and adjusted properly, of the vehicle. sure the LATCH system is
there is a greater chance that working properly after a crash,
occupants will suffer a neck/ 2. Push the head restraint down. see your dealer to have the
spinal injury in a crash. Do not If necessary, press the height system inspected and any
drive until the head restraints for adjustment release button to necessary replacements made as
all occupants are installed and further lower the head restraint. soon as possible.
adjusted properly. See Head Restraints on
page 3-2.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system
To reinstall the head restraint: 3. Try to move the head restraint to and it was being used during a
make sure that it is locked in crash, new LATCH system parts
place. may be needed.
New parts and repairs may be
Replacing LATCH System necessary even if the LATCH
Parts After a Crash system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
{ Warning
Securing Child Restraints
A crash can damage the LATCH (Rear Seat)
system in the vehicle. A damaged
LATCH system may not properly When securing a child restraint in a
secure the child restraint, rear seating position, study the
resulting in serious injury or even instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is
(Continued) compatible with this vehicle.
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Seats and Restraints 3-47

If the child restraint has the LATCH this position. Be sure to follow the
system, see Lower Anchors and instructions that came with the child
Tethers for Children (LATCH restraint. Secure the child in the
System) on page 3-39 for how and child restraint when and as the
where to install the child restraint instructions say.
using LATCH. If a child restraint is If more than one child restraint
secured in the vehicle using a needs to be installed in the rear
safety belt and it uses a top tether, seat, be sure to read Where to Put
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for the Restraint on page 3-37.
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3-39 for top tether anchor 1. Put the child restraint on
locations. the seat.
Do not secure a child seat in a If the head restraint interferes 3. Push the latch plate into the
position without a top tether anchor with the proper installation of the buckle until it clicks. If the latch
if a national or local law requires child restraint, the head restraint plate will not go fully into the
that the top tether be anchored, or if may be removed. See “Head buckle, check if the correct
the instructions that come with the Restraint Removal and buckle is being used.
child restraint say that the top strap Reinstallation” under Lower
must be anchored. Anchors and Tethers for Position the release button on
Children (LATCH System) on the buckle so that the safety belt
In Canada, the law requires that page 3-39. could be quickly unbuckled if
forward-facing child restraints have necessary.
a top tether, and that the tether be 2. Pick up the latch plate, and run
attached. the lap and shoulder portions of
the vehicle's safety belt through
If the child restraint or vehicle seat or around the restraint. The child
position does not have the LATCH restraint instructions will show
system, you will be using the safety you how.
belt to secure the child restraint in
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3-48 Seats and Restraints

Try to pull the belt out of the


retractor to make sure the
retractor is locked. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 4 and 5.
6. If the child restraint has a top
tether, follow the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions
regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3-39.
4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way 5. To tighten the belt, push down 7. Before placing a child in the
out of the retractor to set the on the child restraint, pull the child restraint, make sure it is
lock. When the retractor lock is shoulder portion of the belt to securely held in place. To check,
set, the belt can be tightened but tighten the lap portion of the belt, grasp the child restraint at the
not pulled out of the retractor. and feed the shoulder belt back safety belt path and attempt to
into the retractor. When installing move it side to side and back
a forward-facing child restraint, it and forth. When the child
may be helpful to use your knee restraint is properly installed,
to push down on the child there should be no more than
restraint as you tighten the belt. 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.
If the top tether is attached to a top
tether anchor, disconnect it. If the
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Seats and Restraints 3-49

head restraint was removed, Never put a rear-facing child seat in


reinstall it before the seating the front. This is because the risk to Warning (Continued)
position is used. See “Head the rear-facing child is so great,
Restraint Removal and if the airbag deploys. will not deploy under some
Reinstallation” under Lower Anchors unusual circumstance, even
though it is turned off.
and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3-39.
{ Warning
Secure rear-facing child restraints
A child in a rear-facing child in a rear seat, even if the airbag
Securing Child Restraints restraint can be seriously injured is off. If you secure a
(Front Passenger Seat) or killed if the front outboard forward-facing child restraint in
passenger frontal airbag inflates. the front seat, always move the
This vehicle has airbags. A rear This is because the back of the front passenger seat as far back
seat is a safer place to secure a rear-facing child restraint would as it will go. It is better to secure
forward-facing child restraint. See be very close to the inflating
Where to Put the Restraint on the child restraint in a rear seat.
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
page 3-37. See Passenger Sensing System
child restraint can be seriously
In addition, the vehicle has a on page 3-24 for additional
injured or killed if the front
passenger sensing system which is information.
outboard passenger frontal airbag
designed to turn off the front inflates and the passenger seat is
outboard passenger frontal airbag in a forward position. If the child restraint uses a top
and knee airbag under certain tether, see Lower Anchors and
conditions. See Passenger Sensing Even if the passenger sensing Tethers for Children (LATCH
System on page 3-24 and system has turned off the front System) on page 3-39 for top tether
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator outboard passenger frontal anchor locations.
on page 5-11 for more information, airbag, no system is fail-safe. No
including important safety one can guarantee that an airbag Do not secure a child seat in a
information. position without a top tether anchor
(Continued) if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
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3-50 Seats and Restraints

the instructions that come with the 2. Put the child restraint on
child restraint say that the top strap the seat.
must be anchored. 3. Pick up the latch plate, and run
In Canada, the law requires that the lap and shoulder portions of
forward-facing child restraints have the vehicle's safety belt through
a top tether, and that the tether be or around the restraint. The child
attached. restraint instructions will show
When using the lap-shoulder belt to you how.
secure the child restraint in this
position, follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint and the
following instructions:
5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way
1. Move the seat as far back as it out of the retractor to set the
will go before securing the lock. When the retractor lock is
forward-facing child restraint. set, the belt can be tightened but
When the passenger sensing not pulled out of the retractor.
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag, the off
indicator on the passenger
airbag status indicator should 4. Push the latch plate into the
light and stay lit when you start buckle until it clicks.
the vehicle. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on Position the release button on
page 5-11. the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
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Seats and Restraints 3-51

7. Before placing a child in the


child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To check,
grasp the child restraint at the
safety belt path and attempt to
move it side to side and back
and forth. When the child
restraint is properly installed,
there should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
If the airbags are off, the off
indicator in the passenger airbag
6. To tighten the belt, push down status indicator will come on and
on the child restraint, pull the stay on when the vehicle is started.
shoulder portion of the belt to If a child restraint has been installed
tighten the lap portion of the belt, and the on indicator is lit, see “If the
and feed the shoulder belt back On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
into the retractor. When installing Restraint” under Passenger Sensing
a forward-facing child restraint, it System on page 3-24.
may be helpful to use your knee
to push down on the child To remove the child restraint,
restraint as you tighten the belt. unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and
let it return to the stowed position.
Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the
retractor is locked. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 5 and 6.
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3-52 Seats and Restraints

2 NOTES
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Storage 4-1

Storage Storage
Compartments
Storage Compartments
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . 4-1 { Warning
Instrument Panel Storage . . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Do not store heavy or sharp
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 objects in storage compartments.
Center Console Storage . . . . . . 4-2 In a crash, these objects may
cause the cover to open and
Additional Storage Features could result in injury.
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Uplevel
Instrument Panel Storage
The vehicle may have a storage
area behind the radio display. Slide
the button to the right and release;
the door automatically opens.
Keep the storage area closed when
not in use.
Push the door down to close.

Glove Box
Pull the handle up to open.

Pull the door down to access.


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4-2 Storage

Cupholders Center Console Storage Additional Storage


Rear Seat Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
There are cargo tie‐downs in the
trunk. The cargo tie‐downs can be
used to secure small loads or the
convenience net. See Convenience
Net on page 4-2.

Convenience Net
For vehicles with a convenience net,
it is in the trunk and used to store
The center console has storage small loads. The net should not be
under the armrest. Pull up the latch used to store heavy loads. Attach
Lower the armrest to access the and lift to open.
cupholders. There is also storage in the loops on each side of the net to
the armrest; lift the lid to access. If equipped, there is an auxiliary the cargo tie-downs in the trunk.
input jack, USB port, and power See Cargo Tie-Downs on page 4-2.
outlet. There is an opening under
the armrest on the passenger side
for cord access.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 7-14
and Power Outlets on page 5-5.
See the infotainment manual.
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Instruments and Controls 5-1

Instruments and Passenger Airbag Status


Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Information Displays
Center Stack Display . . . . . . . . 5-21
Controls Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Brake System Warning Vehicle Messages
Controls Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Battery Voltage and Charging
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Lane Departure Warning Brake System Messages . . . . 5-25
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-3 Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 5-17 Cruise Control Messages . . . . 5-25
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
StabiliTrak® OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-17 Engine Cooling System
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Traction Control System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Indicators (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light . . . . 5-18 Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-26
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-18 Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-27
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-18 Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-27
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-19 Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-27
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Object Detection System
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-20 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Ride Control System
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Engine Coolant Temperature Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20 Security Messages . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Service Vehicle Messages . . . 5-29
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-10 Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-11 Transmission Messages . . . . . 5-30
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

5-2 Instruments and Controls

Vehicle Reminder Controls Do not adjust the steering wheel


Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30 while driving.
Washer Fluid Messages . . . . . 5-30
Window Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Controls
Adjustment
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-31
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . 5-38
Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Universal Remote System
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40

For vehicles with audio steering


To adjust the steering wheel: wheel controls, some audio controls
1. Pull the lever down. can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Push the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-3

b / g (Press to Talk): For vehicles + x − (Volume): Press + to


with an OnStar, Bluetooth, increase the volume; press − to
or navigation system, press to decrease the volume.
interact with those systems. See
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls) on Horn
page 7-21 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) on page 7-24 or Press a on the steering wheel pad
Bluetooth (Overview) on page 7-19 to sound the horn. INT (Intermittent Wipes): Move
and OnStar Overview on page 14-1. the lever up to INT for intermittent
$ / i (Mute/End Call): Press to Windshield Wiper/Washer wipes, then turn the x INT band
silence the vehicle speakers only. up for more frequent wipes or down
Press again to turn the sound on. for less frequent wipes.
For vehicles with OnStar or OFF: Use to turn the wipers off.
Bluetooth systems, press to reject
an incoming call, or to end a 1X (Mist): For a single wipe, briefly
current call. move the wiper lever down. For
several wipes, hold the wiper
_ SRC ^ (Thumbwheel Control): lever down.
Use this control to select a radio The windshield wiper/washer lever
band or audio source. is on the right side of the steering Clear snow and ice from the wiper
column. blades and windshield before using
Use _ or ^ to select the next or them. If frozen to the windshield,
previous favorite radio station, CD With the ignition in ACC/ carefully loosen or thaw them.
track or MP3 track. ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START, Damaged blades should be
move the windshield wiper lever to replaced. See Wiper Blade
Press SRC to change between select the wiper speed.
radio and CD. Replacement on page 10-24.
HI: Use for fast wipes. Heavy snow or ice can overload the
Press and hold SRC to interact with
the navigation system, if equipped. LO: Use for slow wipes. wiper motor.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

5-4 Instruments and Controls

Wiper Parking See Washer Fluid on page 10-18 for open area where it can receive a
If the ignition is put in OFF while the information on filling the windshield GPS signal. The compass system
wipers are on LO, HI, or INT, they washer fluid reservoir. will automatically determine when a
will immediately stop. GPS signal is restored and provide

If the windshield wiper lever is then


{ Warning a heading again. See Compass
Messages on page 5-25 for the
moved to OFF before the driver In freezing weather, do not use messages that may be displayed for
door is opened or within 10 minutes, the washer until the windshield is the compass.
the wipers will restart and move to warmed. Otherwise the washer
the base of the windshield. fluid can form ice on the Clock
If the ignition is put in OFF while the windshield, blocking your vision. The infotainment system controls
wipers are performing wipes due to are used to access the time and
windshield washing, the wipers date settings through the menu
continue to run until they reach the Compass
system. The clock menu can only
base of the windshield. The vehicle may have a compass be used with the radio on while in
n L (Windshield Washer): Pull display on the center stack. The ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY.
the windshield wiper lever toward compass receives its heading and See Overview on page 7-2 for
you to spray washer fluid and other information from the Global information about how to use the
activate the wipers. The wipers will Positioning System (GPS) antenna, menu system. For vehicles with a
continue until the lever is released StabiliTrak®, and vehicle speed navigation system, see the
or the maximum wash time is information. navigation manual.
reached. When the lever is The compass system is designed to
released, additional wipes may Setting the Clock (Radio
operate for a certain number of with CD)
occur depending on how long the miles or degrees of turn before
windshield washer had been needing a signal from the GPS To set the time:
activated. satellites. When the compass 1. Press the CONFIG button and
display shows CAL, drive the select Time Settings.
vehicle for a short distance in an
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-5

2. Select Set Time. features. Press the TUNE/MENU Power Outlets


3. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to knob or press the Time screen
button to display other options The accessory power outlets can be
adjust the highlighted number. used to plug in electrical equipment,
within that feature.
4. Press the TUNE/MENU knob to such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
select the next number. 2. Press + or − to increase or
decrease the Hours and Minutes There are two accessory power
5. To save the time and return to displayed on the clock. outlets: one on the center stack
the Time Settings menu, press below the climate control system,
To turn Auto Set on and off, press and one under the armrest inside
the BACK / button at any time the Auto Set button.
or press the TUNE/MENU knob the center console storage.
after adjusting the minutes. If auto timing is set, the time The outlet is powered when the
displayed on the clock may not ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
Setting the 12/24 Hour Format update immediately when driving ACCESSORY, or until the driver
1. Press the CONFIG button and into a new time zone. door is opened within 10 minutes of
select Time Settings. 12/24 HR Format: Press the 12 HR turning off the vehicle. See Retained
2. Highlight 12/24 Hour Format. screen button for standard time; Accessory Power (RAP) on
press the 24 HR screen button for page 9-21.
3. Press the TUNE/MENU knob to military time.
select the 12 hour or 24 hour Open the protective cover to use the
display format. Day + or Day −: Press the Day + accessory power outlet.
or Day − display buttons to increase Certain electrical accessories may
Setting the Clock (Radio with or decrease the day. not be compatible with the
Touchscreen) Display: Press Display to turn the accessory power outlets and could
To set the time: display of the time on the screen on overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
or off. If there is a problem, see your
1. Press the CONFIG button to dealer.
enter the menu options. Turn the
TUNE/MENU knob to scroll
through the available setup
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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5-6 Instruments and Controls

When adding electrical equipment, The indicator light does not come on
be sure to follow the installation if the ignition is in LOCK/OFF, no
instructions included with the equipment is plugged into the outlet,
equipment. See Add-On Electrical or if the equipment is plugged, but
Equipment on page 9-53. not fully seated in the outlet.
If equipment is connected using
{ Caution more than 150 watts or a system
fault is detected, the equipment may
Hanging heavy equipment from operate briefly then turn off.
the power outlet can cause A protection circuit shuts off the
damage not covered by the power supply and the indicator light
vehicle warranty. The power turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug
outlets are designed for The power outlet is on the rear of the item and plug it back in or turn
accessory power plugs only, such the center console. the Retained Accessory Power
as cell phone charge cords. (RAP) off and then back on. See
An indicator light on the outlet turns Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on to show it is in use. The light on page 9-21. The power restarts
Power Outlet 120 Volt comes on when the ignition is in when equipment using 150 watts or
Alternating Current ON/RUN and equipment requiring less is plugged into the outlet and a
less than 150 watts is plugged into system fault is not detected.
If equipped with this power outlet it
the outlet, and no system fault is
can be used to plug in electrical
detected.
equipment that uses a maximum
limit of 150 watts.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-7

The power outlet is not designed for Warning Lights, Gauges can indicate when there
the following, and may not work could be a problem with a vehicle
properly if they are plugged in: Gauges, and function. Often gauges and warning
lights work together to indicate a
. Equipment with high initial peak Indicators problem with the vehicle.
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators Warning lights and gauges can When one of the warning lights
and electric power tools. signal that something is wrong comes on and stays on while
before it becomes serious enough driving, or when one of the gauges
. Other equipment requiring an to cause an expensive repair or
extremely stable power supply, shows there may be a problem,
replacement. Paying attention to the check the section that explains what
such as warning lights and gauges could
microcomputer-controlled to do. Waiting to do repairs can be
prevent injury. costly and even dangerous.
electric blankets and touch
sensor lamps. Warning lights come on when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
See High Voltage Devices and function. Some warning lights come
Wiring on page 10-33. on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
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5-8 Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster

English Shown, Metric and Auto Stop/Start Versions Similar


Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Instruments and Controls 5-9

Speedometer For vehicles with the Stop/Start


Caution (Continued)
system, when the ignition is in ON/
The speedometer shows the RUN, the tachometer indicates the
vehicle's speed in either kilometers vehicle status. When pointing to the damage would not be covered
per hour (km/h) or miles per AUTO STOP, the engine is off but by the vehicle warranty. Do not
hour (mph). the vehicle is on and can move. The operate the engine with the rpm’s
engine could auto start at any time. in the warning area.
Odometer When the indicator points to OFF,
the vehicle is off.
The odometer shows how far the Fuel Gauge
vehicle has been driven, in either When the engine is on, the
kilometers or miles. tachometer will indicate the engine’s
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
Trip Odometer tachometer may vary by several
hundred rpm’s, during auto stop
The trip odometer shows how far mode, when the engine is shutting
the vehicle has been driven since off and restarting.
the trip odometer was last reset.
A slight bump may be felt when the
The trip odometer is accessed and transmission is determining the
reset through the Driver Information most fuel efficient operating range.
Center (DIC). See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-21. { Caution
If the engine is operated with the When the ignition is on, the fuel
Tachometer rpm’s in the warning area at the gauge shows how much fuel is left
The tachometer displays the engine high end of the tachometer, the in the fuel tank. When the indicator
speed in revolutions per vehicle could be damaged, and nears empty, a message in the
minute (rpm). Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Continued)
displays.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
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5-10 Instruments and Controls

See Fuel System Messages on Engine Coolant Safety Belt Reminders


page 5-27. The vehicle still has a
little fuel left, but the vehicle should
Temperature Gauge Driver Safety Belt Reminder
be fueled soon. An arrow on the fuel Light
gauge indicates the side of the
There is a driver safety belt
vehicle the fuel door is on.
reminder light on the instrument
Here are four things that some cluster.
owners ask about. These are
normal and do not indicate a
problem with the fuel gauge:
. At the service station, the gas
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
. It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge When the vehicle is started, this
indicated. For example, the This gauge shows the engine light flashes and a chime may come
gauge may have indicated the coolant temperature. on to remind the driver to fasten
fuel tank was half full, but it their safety belt. Then the light stays
If the indicator needle moves to the on solid until the belt is buckled.
actually took a little more or less hot side of the gauge, the engine is
than half the fuel tank's capacity This cycle may continue several
too hot. times if the driver remains or
to fill it.
If the vehicle has been operated becomes unbuckled while the
. The indicator moves a little while under normal driving conditions, pull vehicle is moving.
turning a corner or speeding up. off the road, stop the vehicle, and If the driver safety belt is buckled,
. The gauge goes back to empty turn off the engine as soon as neither the light nor the chime
when the ignition is turned off. possible. comes on.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-11

Passenger Safety Belt The front passenger safety belt The airbag readiness light comes on
Reminder Light reminder light and chime may turn for several seconds when the
on if an object is put on the seat vehicle is started. If the light does
There is a passenger safety belt such as a briefcase, handbag, not come on then, have it fixed
reminder light near the passenger grocery bag, laptop, or other immediately.
airbag status indicator. See electronic device. To turn off the
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3-24.
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
{ Warning
the safety belt. If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
Airbag Readiness Light comes on while driving, it means
This light shows if there is an the airbag system might not be
electrical problem with the airbag working properly. The airbags in
system. The system check includes the vehicle might not inflate in a
the airbag sensor(s), passenger crash, or they could even inflate
When the vehicle is started, this
sensing system, the pretensioners, without a crash. To help avoid
light flashes and a chime may come
the airbag modules, the wiring, and injury, have the vehicle serviced
on to remind passengers to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays the crash sensing and diagnostic right away.
on solid until the belt is buckled. module. For more information on the
This cycle continues several times if airbag system, see Airbag System
on page 3-18. Passenger Airbag Status
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is Indicator
moving. The vehicle has a passenger
If the passenger safety belt is sensing system. See Passenger
buckled, neither the chime nor the Sensing System on page 3-24. The
light comes on. overhead console has a passenger
airbag status indicator.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
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5-12 Instruments and Controls

If the word ON or the on symbol is


lit on the passenger airbag status Warning (Continued)
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag have the vehicle serviced right
and knee airbag are allowed to away. See Airbag Readiness
inflate. Light on page 5-11 for more
information, including important
United States If the word OFF or the off symbol is safety information.
lit on the airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front Charging System Light
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
Canada and Mexico indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
When the vehicle is started, the problem with the lights or the
passenger airbag status indicator passenger sensing system. See
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol your dealer for service. This light comes on briefly when the
for on and off, for several seconds ignition key is turned to START, but
as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status { Warning the engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
indicator will light either ON or OFF, If the airbag readiness light ever
or either the on or off symbol, to let If it does not, have the vehicle
comes on and stays on, it means serviced by your dealer.
you know the status of the front
that something may be wrong
outboard passenger frontal airbag The light should go out once the
with the airbag system. To help
and knee airbag. engine starts. If it stays on,
avoid injury to yourself or others,
or comes on while driving, there
(Continued) could be a problem with the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-13

charging system. This light could by your dealer. See Ignition


indicate that there are problems with Positions (Keyless Access) on { Caution
a generator drive belt, or that there page 9-14 or Ignition Positions (Key
is an electrical problem. Have it Access) on page 9-16 for more If the vehicle is continually driven
checked right away. If the vehicle information. with this light on, the emission
must be driven a short distance with controls might not work as well,
the light on, turn off accessories, the vehicle fuel economy might
such as the radio and air not be as good, and the engine
conditioner. might not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that
Malfunction might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Indicator Lamp
If the malfunction indicator lamp
A computer system called OBD II comes on while the engine is
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
running, this indicates that the OBD
II system has detected a problem
{ Caution
of the vehicle to ensure emissions and diagnosis and service might be
are at acceptable levels, helping to Modifications made to the engine,
required. transmission, exhaust, intake,
maintain a clean environment. The
malfunction indicator lamp comes Malfunctions often are indicated by or fuel system of the vehicle or
on when the vehicle is placed in the system before any problem is the replacement of the original
ON/RUN for Key Access or Service apparent. Being aware of the light tires with other than those of the
Only Mode for Keyless Access, as a can prevent more serious damage same Tire Performance Criteria
check to show it is working. If it to the vehicle. This system also (TPC) can affect the vehicle's
does not, have the vehicle serviced assists the dealer technician in emission controls and can cause
correctly diagnosing any this light to come on.
malfunction. Modifications to these systems
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
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5-14 Instruments and Controls

If the light continues to flash, find a


. Check that good quality fuel is
Caution (Continued) safe place to stop and park the used. Poor fuel quality causes
vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at the engine not to run as
could lead to costly repairs not least 10 seconds, and restart the efficiently as designed and may
covered by the vehicle warranty. engine. If the light is still flashing, cause stalling after start-up,
This could also result in a failure follow the previous steps and see stalling when the vehicle is
to pass a required Emission your dealer for service as soon as changed into gear, misfiring,
Inspection/Maintenance test. See possible. hesitation on acceleration,
Accessories and Modifications on or stumbling on acceleration.
Light On Steady: An emission These conditions might go away
page 10-3.
control system malfunction has once the engine is warmed up.
been detected on the vehicle.
This light comes on during a Diagnosis and service might be If one or more of these conditions
malfunction in one of two ways: required. occurs, change the fuel brand used.
It may require at least one full tank
Light Flashing: A misfire condition The following may correct an of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
has been detected. A misfire emission control system
increases vehicle emissions and malfunction: See Fuel on page 9-43.
could damage the emission control . Check that the fuel cap is fully If none of the above have made the
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis installed. See Filling the Tank on light turn off, your dealer can check
and service might be required. page 9-46. The diagnostic the vehicle. The dealer has the
To prevent more serious damage to system can determine if the fuel proper test equipment and
the vehicle: cap has been left off or diagnostic tools to fix any
improperly installed. A loose or mechanical or electrical problems
. Reduce vehicle speed. that might have developed.
missing fuel cap allows fuel to
. Avoid hard accelerations. evaporate into the atmosphere.
. Avoid steep uphill grades. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the
light off.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-15

Emissions Inspection and is not on while the vehicle is in Brake System Warning
Maintenance Programs ON/RUN or Service Only Mode.
See your dealer for assistance in
Light
Depending on where you live, your verifying proper operation of the The vehicle brake system consists
vehicle may be required to malfunction indicator lamp. of two hydraulic circuits. If one
participate in an emission control circuit is not working, the remaining
system inspection and maintenance . The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines circuit can still work to stop the
program. For the inspection, the vehicle. For normal braking
emission system test equipment will that critical emission control
systems have not been performance, both circuits need to
likely connect to the vehicle's Data be working.
Link Connector (DLC). completely diagnosed by the
system. If this were to occur, the If the warning light comes on, there
vehicle would be considered not is a brake problem. Have the brake
ready for inspection. This can system inspected right away.
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or
run down.
The diagnostic system is
The DLC is under the instrument designed to evaluate critical
panel next to the steering wheel. emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take Metric English
See your dealer if assistance is
needed. several days of driving. If this
This light comes on briefly when the
has been done and the vehicle
The vehicle may not pass vehicle is turned on. If it does not
still does not pass the inspection
inspection if: come on then, have it fixed so it will
for lack of OBD II system
be ready to warn if there is a
. The malfunction indicator lamp is readiness, your dealer can
problem.
on while the engine is running, prepare the vehicle for
or the malfunction indicator lamp inspection.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
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5-16 Instruments and Controls

When the ignition is on, the brake Antilock Brake System If the regular brake system warning
system warning light also comes on light is also on, the vehicle does not
when the parking brake is set. The
(ABS) Warning Light have antilock brakes and there is a
light stays on if the parking brake problem with the regular brakes.
does not fully release. If it stays on See Brake System Warning Light on
after the parking brake is fully page 5-15.
released, it means the vehicle has a For vehicles with a Driver
brake problem. Information Center (DIC), see Brake
System Messages on page 5-25 for
{ Warning For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
all brake-related DIC messages.
The brake system might not be System (ABS), this light comes on
working properly if the brake briefly when the engine is started. Lane Departure Warning
system warning light is on. If it does not, have the vehicle
(LDW) Light
Driving with the brake system serviced by your dealer. If the
warning light on can lead to a system is working normally, the
crash. If the light is still on after indicator light then goes off.
the vehicle has been pulled off If the ABS light stays on, turn the
the road and carefully stopped, ignition off. If the light comes on
have the vehicle towed for while driving, stop as soon as it is
service. safely possible and turn the ignition
If equipped, this light comes on
off. Then start the engine again to
briefly while starting the vehicle.
reset the system. If the ABS light
stays on, or comes on again while If it does not come on, have the
driving, the vehicle needs service. vehicle serviced.
If the regular brake system warning This light is green if LDW is on and
light is not on, the vehicle still has ready to operate.
brakes, but not antilock brakes.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-17

This light changes to amber and Traction Off Light StabiliTrak® OFF Light
flashes to indicate that the lane
marking has been crossed without
using a turn signal in that direction.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
on page 9-42.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator


This light comes on briefly while This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not, starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working dealer.
normally, the indicator light then This light comes on when the
turns off. StabiliTrak system is turned off.
The traction off light comes on when If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
If equipped, this indicator will the Traction Control System (TCS) Control System (TCS) is also off.
display green when a vehicle is has been turned off by pressing and If the StabiliTrak and TCS are off,
detected ahead and amber when releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak the system does not assist in
you are following a vehicle ahead button. controlling the vehicle. Turn on the
much too closely.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF TCS and the StabiliTrak systems
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) light come on when StabiliTrak is and the warning light turns off.
System on page 9-34. turned off. See Traction Control/Electronic
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not Stability Control on page 9-29.
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-29.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
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5-18 Instruments and Controls

Traction Control System If the indicator/warning light is on A Driver Information Center (DIC)
and flashing, the TCS and/or the tire pressure message may also
(TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light StabiliTrak system is actively display. See Tire Messages on
working. page 5-29. Stop as soon as
See Traction Control/Electronic possible, and inflate the tires to the
Stability Control on page 9-29. pressure value shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Tire Pressure on page 10-48.
Tire Pressure Light
When the Light Flashes First and
This light comes on briefly when the Then Is On Steady
engine is started. If the light flashes for about a minute
If the light does not come on, have and then stays on, there may be a
the vehicle serviced by your dealer. problem with the TPMS. If the
If the system is working normally, problem is not corrected, the light
the indicator light turns off. will come on at every ignition cycle.
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure See Tire Pressure Monitor
If the light is on and not flashing, the Monitor System (TPMS), this light Operation on page 10-51.
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak comes on briefly when the engine is
system have been disabled. A DIC started. It provides information Engine Oil Pressure Light
message may display. Check the about tire pressures and the TPMS.
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning When the Light Is On Steady { Caution
and whether the vehicle requires This indicates that one or more of Lack of proper engine oil
service. the tires are significantly maintenance can damage the
underinflated. engine. Driving with the engine
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-19

Caution (Continued)
could be low on oil and might have Security Light
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
oil low can also damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Low Fuel Warning Light
Check the oil level as soon as
possible. Add oil if required, but if
the oil level is within the operating
range and the oil pressure is still The security light should come on
low, have the vehicle serviced. briefly as the engine is started. If it
Always follow the maintenance does not come on, have the vehicle
schedule for changing engine oil. serviced by your dealer. If the
This light is near the fuel gauge and system is working normally, the
comes on briefly when the ignition is indicator light turns off.
turned on as a check to show it is
If the light stays on and the engine
working.
does not start, there could be a
It also comes on when the fuel tank problem with the theft-deterrent
is low on fuel. The light turns off system. See Immobilizer Operation
when fuel is added. If it does not, (Key Access) on page 2-17 or
have the vehicle serviced. Immobilizer Operation (Keyless
This light should come on briefly as Access) on page 2-17.
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
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5-20 Instruments and Controls

High-Beam On Light Lamps On Reminder Door Ajar Light

This light comes on when the This light comes on when the This light comes on in the Driver
high-beam headlamps are in use. exterior lamps are in use. See Information Center (DIC) when a
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6-1. door is open or not securely latched.
Changer on page 6-2. Before driving, check that all doors
Cruise Control Light are properly closed.
Front Fog Lamp Light

The cruise control light is white


The fog lamp light comes on when when the cruise control is on and
the fog lamps are in use. ready, and turns green when the
cruise control is set and active.
The light goes out when the fog
lamps are turned off. See Fog The light goes out when the cruise
Lamps on page 6-4. control is turned off. See Cruise
Control on page 9-31.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-21

Information Displays detected. See Vehicle Messages on


page 5-24. All messages appear in
1. SET/CLR: Press to set or clear
the menu item displayed.
the DIC display in the center of the
Center Stack Display instrument cluster. 2. w / x (Band): Use the band to
Infotainment and vehicle scroll through the items in
The vehicle may also have features each menu.
personalization information displays that can be customized through the
in the center stack screen. See: controls on the radio. See Vehicle 3. MENU: Press to display the Trip/
. The navigation system manual Personalization on page 5-31. Fuel menu and the Vehicle
and Infotainment on page 7-1. Information menu. This button is
DIC Operation and Displays also used to return to or exit the
. Vehicle Personalization on last screen displayed on
The DIC has different displays,
page 5-31. the DIC.
which can be accessed by using the
The center stack controls only need DIC buttons on the turn signal lever Trip/Fuel Menu Items
a light touch to operate and work to the left of the steering wheel. The
best with bare hands. The controls DIC displays trip, fuel, vehicle Press MENU on the turn signal
will work with most gloves although system information, and warning lever until Trip/Fuel Menu is
they may take longer to respond. messages if a system problem is displayed. Use w / x to scroll
Use the finger pad rather than the detected. through the menu items. The
finger tip to minimize response time. following is the list of all possible
If the controls are not responding, DIC Buttons
trip/fuel displays. Some of the items
remove the gloves. may not be available for your
particular vehicle.
Driver Information . Digital Speedometer
Center (DIC) . Trip 1
The DIC displays information about . Trip 2
the vehicle. It also displays warning
messages if a system problem is . Fuel Range
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5-22 Instruments and Controls


. Average Fuel Economy and recent driving history and the Average Vehicle Speed
Instantaneous Fuel Economy amount of fuel remaining in the fuel This display shows the average
. Average Vehicle Speed tank. Fuel range cannot be reset. speed of the vehicle in kilometers
. Timer Average Fuel Economy and per hour (km/h) or miles per
Instantaneous Fuel Economy hour (mph). This average is
. Navigation calculated based on the various
This display shows the approximate vehicle speeds recorded since the
Digital Speedometer average liters per 100 kilometers last reset of this value. The average
The speedometer shows how fast (L/100 km) or miles per speed can be reset by pressing
the vehicle is moving in either gallon (mpg). This number is SET/CLR while the Average Vehicle
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles calculated based on the number of Speed display is showing.
per hour (mph). The speedometer L/100 km (mpg) recorded since the
cannot be reset. last time this menu item was reset. Timer
This number reflects only the This display can be used as a timer.
Trip 1 and Trip 2 approximate average fuel economy To start the timer, press SET/CLR
This display shows the current that the vehicle has right now, and while Timer is displayed. The
distance traveled, in either will change as driving conditions display will show the amount of time
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since change. The fuel economy can be that has passed since the timer was
the last reset for the trip odometer. reset by pressing SET/CLR while last reset, not including time the
The trip odometer can be reset to the Average Fuel Economy display ignition is off. Time will continue to
zero by pressing SET/CLR while the is showing. be counted as long as the ignition is
trip odometer display is showing. The instantaneous fuel economy on, even if another display is being
Fuel Range display shows the current shown on the DIC. The timer will
approximate fuel economy in liters record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes,
This display shows the approximate per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
distance the vehicle can be driven miles per gallon (mpg). Unlike which the display will return to zero.
without refueling. The fuel range average economy, this display To stop the timer, press SET/CLR
estimate is based on an average of cannot be reset.
the vehicle's fuel economy over
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Instruments and Controls 5-23

briefly while Timer is displayed. To Display Units When the remaining oil life is low,
reset the timer to zero, press and the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
hold SET/CLR. Move w / x to switch between message will appear on the display.
metric or US when the Unit display See Engine Oil Messages on
Navigation is active. Press SET/CLR to confirm page 5-26. The oil should changed
This display is used for the the setting. This will change the as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
Turn-by-Turn Navigation, displays on the cluster and DIC to on page 10-8. In addition to the
if equipped. either metric or English (US) engine oil life system monitoring the
measurements. oil life, additional maintenance is
Vehicle Information Menu recommended. See Maintenance
Items Tire Pressure
Schedule on page 11-2.
The display will show a vehicle with
Press MENU on the turn signal Remember, the Oil Life display must
the approximate pressures of all
lever until Vehicle Information menu be reset after each oil change. It will
four tires. Tire pressure is displayed
is displayed. Use w / x to scroll in either kilopascal (kPa) or pounds not reset itself. Also, be careful not
through the menu items. The per square inch (psi). See Tire to reset the Oil Life display
following is the list of all possible Pressure Monitor System on accidentally at any time other than
vehicle information displays. Some page 10-50 and Tire Pressure when the oil has just been changed.
of the items may not be available for Monitor Operation on page 10-51. It cannot be reset accurately until
your particular vehicle. the next oil change. To reset the
Remaining Oil Life engine oil life system, press SET/
. Display Units
This display shows an estimate of CLR while the Oil Life display is
. Tire Pressure the oil's remaining useful life. active. See Engine Oil Life System
. Remaining Oil Life If Remaining Oil Life 99% is on page 10-10.
displayed, that means 99% of the
. Battery
current oil life remains.
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5-24 Instruments and Controls

Battery Vehicle Messages Battery Voltage and


This display, available on some
Messages displayed on the DIC Charging Messages
vehicles, shows the current battery
indicate the status of the vehicle or BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
voltage. If the voltage is in the
some action that may be needed to
normal range, the value will display. This message displays when the
correct a condition. Multiple
For example, the display may read vehicle has detected that the battery
messages may display one after the
Battery Voltage 15.0 Volts. The voltage is dropping beyond a
other.
vehicle's charging system regulates reasonable point. The battery saver
voltage based on the state of the The messages that do not require system starts reducing features of
battery. The battery voltage can immediate action can be the vehicle that may be noticed. At
fluctuate while viewing this acknowledged and cleared by the point that features are disabled,
information on the DIC. This is pressing SET/CLR. The messages this message displays. Turn off
normal. See Charging System Light that require immediate action cannot unnecessary accessories to allow
on page 5-12. If there is a problem be cleared until that action is the battery to recharge.
with the battery charging system, performed. All messages should be
the DIC will display a message. taken seriously and clearing the LOW BATTERY
messages does not correct the
This message is displayed when the
problem.
battery voltage is low. See Battery
The following are some of the on page 10-21.
vehicle messages that may be
displayed depending on your SERVICE BATTERY
vehicle content. CHARGING SYSTEM
This message is displayed when
there is a fault in the battery
charging system. Take the vehicle to
your dealer for service.
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Instruments and Controls 5-25

Brake System Messages –– LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN


BRAKE FLUID LOW Dashes will be displayed if the This message will display when the
compass needs service. See your driver side rear door is open. Close
This message is displayed when the dealer for service. the door completely.
brake fluid level is low. See Brake
Fluid on page 10-20. Cruise Control Messages PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST This message will display when the
CRUISE SET TO XXX front passenger door is open. Close
This message may be displayed This message displays when the the door completely.
when there is a problem with the cruise control is set and shows the
brake boost assist system. When RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
speed it was set to. See Cruise
this message is displayed, the brake Control on page 9-31. This message will display when the
boost assist motor might be heard passenger side rear door is open.
operating and you might notice Close the door completely.
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
Door Ajar Messages
normal under these conditions. Take DRIVER DOOR OPEN TRUNK OPEN
the vehicle to your dealer for This message will display when the
service. This message will display when the
driver door is open. Close the door trunk is open. Close the trunk
completely. completely.
Compass Messages
HOOD OPEN
CAL
This message will display when the
This message is displayed when the hood is open. Close the hood
compass needs to be calibrated. completely.
See Compass on page 5-4.
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5-26 Instruments and Controls

Engine Cooling System ENGINE OVERHEATED — See Engine Oil Life System on
IDLE ENGINE page 10-10, Driver Information
Messages Center (DIC) on page 5-21, Engine
This message displays when the Oil on page 10-8, and Maintenance
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH engine coolant temperature is too
ENGINE TEMP Schedule on page 11-2.
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
This message displays when the idle until it cools down. ENGINE OIL HOT, IDLE
engine coolant becomes hotter than ENGINE
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
the normal operating temperature. This message displays when the
To avoid added strain on a hot STOP ENGINE
engine oil temperature is too hot.
engine, the air conditioning This message displays and a Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
compressor automatically turns off. continuous chime sounds if the until it cools down.
When the coolant temperature engine cooling system reaches
returns to normal, the air unsafe temperatures for operation. OIL PRESSURE LOW— STOP
conditioning compressor turns back Stop and turn off the vehicle as ENGINE
on. You can continue to drive the soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
vehicle. severe damage. This message This message displays if low oil
clears when the engine has cooled pressure levels occur. Stop the
If this message continues to appear, vehicle as soon as safely possible
have the system repaired by your to a safe operating temperature.
and do not operate it until the cause
dealer as soon as possible to avoid of the low oil pressure has been
damage to the engine. Engine Oil Messages corrected. Check the oil as soon as
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON possible and have the vehicle
COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD serviced by your dealer.
COOLANT This message displays when the
This message will display if the engine oil needs to be changed.
coolant is low. See Engine Coolant When the engine oil is changed, be
on page 10-14. sure to reset the Oil Life System.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (27,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-27

Engine Power Messages TIGHTEN GAS CAP USE TRANSMITTER POCKET


This message displays when the TO START
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the This message displays when trying
This message displays when the fuel cap. to start the vehicle if an RKE
vehicle's engine power is reduced. transmitter is not detected. The
Reduced engine power can affect Key and Lock Messages transmitter battery may be weak.
the vehicle's ability to accelerate. See “Starting the Vehicle with a Low
If this message is on, but there is no NO REMOTE DETECTED Transmitter Battery” under Remote
reduction in performance, proceed This message displays when the Keyless Entry (RKE) System
to your destination. The transmitter battery is weak on Operation on page 2-3.
performance may be reduced the vehicles with Keyless Access. See
next time the vehicle is driven. The “Starting the Vehicle with a Low Lamp Messages
vehicle may be driven at a reduced Transmitter Battery” under Remote
speed while this message is on, but Keyless Entry (RKE) System AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL
maximum acceleration and speed Operation on page 2-3. ON/OFF
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle REPLACE BATTERY IN This message is displayed when the
should be taken to your dealer for automatic light control has been
REMOTE KEY turned on or off. See Automatic
service as soon as possible.
This message displays when the Headlamp System on page 6-3.
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
Fuel System Messages (RKE) transmitter needs to be CHECK XXX TURN
FUEL LEVEL LOW replaced. See “Battery SIGNAL LAMP
Replacement” under Remote When one of the turn signals is out,
This message displays when the Keyless Entry (RKE) System this message displays to show
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as Operation on page 2-3. which bulb needs to be replaced.
soon as possible.
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5-28 Instruments and Controls

See Bulb Replacement on camera view is blocked and cannot SERVICE PARK ASSIST
page 10-25 and Replacement Bulbs operate properly. It may also
This message displays if there is a
on page 10-32. activate during heavy rain or due to
problem with the Rear Parking
road spray. To clean the system,
TURN SIGNAL ON Assist (RPA) system. Do not use
clean the outside of the windshield
this system to help you park. See
This message is displayed if the area in front of the LDW/FCA
Parking Assist on page 9-36. See
turn signal has been left on. Turn off camera sensor.
your dealer for service.
the turn signal.
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION
Object Detection System UNAVAILABLE
SYSTEM
Messages This message may appear if LDW
If this message appears, the system
does not activate due to a
needs service. Take the vehicle to
FORWARD COLLISION temporary condition.
your dealer.
ALERT OFF PARK ASSIST OFF
If your vehicle has the Forward
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT OFF
This message displays when the
Collision Alert (FCA) system, this This message indicates that the
parking assist system has been
message may display if the FCA driver has turned the system off.
turned off or when there is a
system cannot activate due to a
temporary condition causing the SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM
temporary condition. See Forward
system to be disabled. See Parking UNAVAILABLE
Collision Alert (FCA) System on
Assist on page 9-36.
page 9-34. This message indicates that the
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA SBZA system is disabled because
FRONT CAMERA BLOCKED,
This message displays when the the sensor is blocked and cannot
CLEAN WINDSHIELD detect vehicles in the blind zone.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and
This message displays when the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) The sensor may be blocked by mud,
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and systems are disabled and need dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) service. See your dealer.
systems are disabled because the
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Instruments and Controls 5-29

message may also activate during however, you do not have the Tire Messages
heavy rain or due to road spray. The benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
vehicle does not need service. your speed and drive accordingly. SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
Ride Control System Security Messages This message displays if there is a
Messages THEFT ATTEMPTED problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). See Tire
SERVICE TRACTION This message displays if the vehicle Pressure Monitor Operation on
CONTROL detects a tamper condition. page 10-51.
This message displays when there TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
is a problem with the Traction Service Vehicle Messages
Control System (TCS). When this This message displays when the
SERVICE AC SYSTEM system is learning new tires. See
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your This message displays if there is a Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on
driving accordingly. See your dealer problem with the air conditioning page 10-51.
for service. system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service. TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
SERVICE STABILITRAK AIR TO TIRE
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays if there is a On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
problem with the StabiliTrak system. This message displays if there is a Monitor System (TPMS), this
If this message appears, try to reset problem with the power steering message displays when the
the system. Stop; turn off the engine system. Take the vehicle to your pressure in one or more of the
for at least 15 seconds; then start dealer for service. vehicle's tires is low.
the engine again. If this message The low tire pressure warning light
still comes on, it means there is a
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
will also come on. See Tire
problem. See your dealer for This message displays if there is a Pressure Light on page 5-18.
service. The vehicle is safe to drive; problem with the vehicle. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
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5-30 Instruments and Controls

If a tire pressure message displays, SHIFT TO PARK Washer Fluid Messages


inflate the tires until the tire pressure
This message displays when the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
is equal to the values shown on the
transmission needs to be shifted to
Tire and Loading Information label.
P (Park). This may appear when
FLUID
See Tires on page 10-40, Vehicle
turning the ignition off or removing This message displays when the
Load Limits on page 9-9, and Tire
the key from the vehicle if the windshield washer fluid is low. Fill
Pressure on page 10-48.
vehicle is not in P (Park). the windshield washer reservoir as
More than one tire pressure soon as possible. See Engine
message can be received at a time. TRANSMISSION HOT — IDLE Compartment Overview on
The DIC also shows the tire ENGINE page 10-5 for the location of the
pressure values. See Driver This message displays and a chime windshield washer reservoir. Also,
Information Center (DIC) on sounds if the transmission fluid in see Washer Fluid on page 10-18 for
page 5-21. the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the more information.
transmission fluid temperature high
Transmission Messages can cause damage to the vehicle. Window Messages
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
SERVICE TRANSMISSION allow the transmission to cool. This OPEN, THEN CLOSE DRIVER/
This message displays if there is a message clears when the fluid PASSENGER WINDOW
problem with the transmission. See temperature reaches a safe level. This message is displayed when the
your dealer. window needs to be reprogrammed.
SHIFT DENIED
Vehicle Reminder If the vehicle's battery has been
Messages recharged or disconnected, you will
This message displays when need to program each front window
attempting to use the automatic ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE for the express-up feature to work.
transmission manual mode to shift WITH CARE See Power Windows on page 2-20.
to too low or too high of a gear. See
Manual Mode on page 9-26. This message displays when ice
conditions are possible.
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Instruments and Controls 5-31


. Time and Date
Vehicle Using the Touch Screen
Press a screen feature to:
. Radio Settings
Personalization .
. View more feature options. Phone Settings
Use the audio system controls to
access the personalization menus . Enable or disable the feature.
. Navigation Settings
for customizing vehicle features. w: Press to scroll up.
. Display Settings
The following are all possible x: Press to scroll down.
. Vehicle Settings
personalization features. Depending Each menu is detailed in the
on the vehicle, some may not be Back: Press to return to the
previous menu. following information.
available.
Infotainment System Audio
To access the Languages
personalization menu: Select Languages, then select from
System Controls
1. Press Config on the Home page the available language(s).
Using the Faceplate on the infotainment system
TUNE/MENU Knob display or CONFIG on the Time and Date
. Press to enter, select, or activate faceplate. Manually set the time and date. See
a highlighted menu option. 2. Select the desired feature to Clock on page 5-4.
display a list of available Radio Settings
. Turn to highlight a menu option.
options.
. Press to enable or disable a Select and the following may
system setting. 3. Select the desired feature display:
setting.
} BACK . Auto Volume
Personalization Menus
. Press to exit a menu. . Gracenote Options
The following list of menu items may
. Press to return to a previous be available:
. XM Channel Art
screen. . Max Startup Volume
. Languages
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5-32 Instruments and Controls


. Number of Favorites Pages Select to enable or disable. Software Versions Menu
. XM Categories XM Channel Art Press to display information about
. Software Versions Menu the system and update software if
This feature turns the XM Audio available.
Auto Volume page background on the XM
Channel display on and off. Phone Settings
This feature adjusts the volume to
minimize the effects of unwanted Select to enable or disable. Select and the following may
background noise that can result display:
Max Startup Volume
from changing road surfaces, driving . Bluetooth
speeds, or open windows. This This feature sets the maximum
feature works best at lower volume startup volume. If the vehicle is Bluetooth
settings where background noise is started and the volume is greater
Select and the following may
typically louder than the sound than this level, the volume is
display:
system volume. adjusted to this level.
. Device List
Select Off, Low, Medium, or High. Press + or − to increase or
decrease the volume. . Pair Device
Gracenote Options
Number of Favorites Pages Device List
Select and the following may
display: Press to set the number of favorites Select to connect to a different
to display. phone source, disconnect a phone,
. Normalization or delete a phone.
Select the desired number.
Normalization Pair Device
XM Categories
This feature improves voice Select to pair a new device. See
recognition and media groupings. This allows which available XM
“Pairing a Phone/Device” in
See “CD Player,” “USB,” “Auxiliary Categories are used and displayed.
“Bluetooth” in the infotainment
Devices,” and “Bluetooth Audio” in Press to enable or disable available manual.
the infotainment manual. categories.
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Instruments and Controls 5-33

Navigation Settings Select and follow the screen Display Off


prompts. Press to turn the display off. The
See “Navigation Settings” in
“Configure Menu” in the Sort display will return when any radio
infotainment manual. buttons are pressed or the screen is
This feature allows the icons on the touched (if equipped).
Display Settings Home Page to be moved.
Select and follow the screen Map Settings
Press and the following may
display: prompts. See “Map Settings” in “Configure
Menu” in the infotainment manual.
. Home Page Menu Restore Home Page Defaults
. Rear Camera Options This feature will restore the Home Vehicle Settings
Page to the factory settings. Select and the following may
. Display Off
Select and follow the screen display:
. Map Settings
prompts. . Climate and Air Quality
Home Page Menu
Rear Camera Options . Comfort and Convenience
Select and the following may
Select and the following may . Collision/Detection Systems
display:
display: .
. Customize Lighting
. Symbols
. Sort
. Power Door Locks
Symbols . Remote Lock/Unlock/Start
. Restore Home Page Defaults
Select to turn the rear camera . Return to Factory Settings?
Customize symbols on or off. See Rear Vision
This feature allows the selection of Camera (RVC) on page 9-39.
what icons will be on the first
Home Page.
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5-34 Instruments and Controls

Climate and Air Quality Select On or Off. Select On or Off.


Select and the following may Auto Rear Defog See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
display: on page 9-37.
This will allow for turning the auto
. Auto Fan Speed rear defog on or off. This feature will Rear Cross Traffic Alert
. Remote Start Heated Seats automatically turn on the rear This allows the feature to be turned
window defogger when it is cold on or off.
. Auto Defog outside.
. Auto Rear Defog Select Off or On.
Select On or Off.
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
Auto Fan Speed Collision Detection Systems page 9-39.
This allows for selecting the Select and the following may
automatic fan speed. It can be Comfort and Convenience
display:
adjusted to run lower or higher than Select and the following may
normal.
. Park Assist display:
Select High, Medium, or Low.
. Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . Easy Exit Driver Seat
Remote Start Heated Seats
. Rear Cross Traffic Alert . Chime Volume
When turned on, this feature will Park Assist . Reverse Tilt Mirror
turn the heated seats on when using This allows the Park Assist feature
remote start on cold days. Easy Exit Driver Seat
to be turned on or off.
Select On or Off. This feature moves the seat
Select On or Off. rearward allowing the driver more
Auto Defog See Parking Assist on page 9-36. room to exit the vehicle.
Only vehicles with dual automatic Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) See “Easy Exit Driver Seat” under
climate control will have this option. Memory Seats on page 3-6.
This allows for turning the auto This allows the SBZA feature to be
turned on or off. Select On or Off.
defog on or off.
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Instruments and Controls 5-35

Chime Volume Vehicle Locator Lights Open Door Anti Lock Out or
This allows selection of the chime This allows the vehicle locator lights Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
volume level. to be turned on or off. The vehicle When on, this feature will keep the
Select Normal or High. locator lights come on when driver door from locking when the
unlocking the vehicle with the RKE door is open. If Off is selected, the
Reverse Tilt Mirror transmitter. Delayed Door Lock menu will be
When on, both the driver and Select On or Off. available and the door will lock as
passenger mirrors will tilt downward programmed through this menu.
when the vehicle is shifted to Exit Lighting Select to turn On or Off.
R (Reverse) to improve visibility of This allows for selecting how long
the ground near the rear wheels. the exterior lamps stay on when Auto Door Unlock
They will return to their previous leaving the vehicle and it is dark This allows selection of which of the
driving position when the vehicle is outside. doors will automatically unlock when
shifted out of R (Reverse), the Select Off, 30 Seconds, 1 Minute, the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
ignition is turned to OFF, or the or 2 Minutes. Select All Doors, Driver Door, or Off.
vehicle is left in R (Reverse). See
Reverse Tilt Mirrors on page 2-19. Power Door Locks Delayed Door Lock
Select On or Off. Select and depending on the radio When on, this feature will delay the
the following may display: locking of the doors until
Lighting five seconds after the last door is
. Open Door Anti Lock Out
Select and the following may closed. Three chimes will signal
display: . Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out delayed locking is in use. Press
. Vehicle Locator Lights . Auto Door Unlock either the power lock button or Q on
. the RKE transmitter twice to
. Exit Lighting Delayed Door Lock
override the delayed locking feature
. Auto Door Lock and immediately lock all of the
doors.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (36,1)
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5-36 Instruments and Controls

Select to turn On or Off. Remote Unlock Feedback or Press TUNE/MENU when Door
Unlock Feedback (Lights) Unlock Options is highlighted. Turn
Auto Door Lock the TUNE/MENU knob to select All
When on, the exterior lamps will
This allows selection of which of the flash when unlocking the vehicle Doors or Driver Door Only. When
doors will automatically lock when with the RKE transmitter. set to Driver Door Only, the driver
the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). door will unlock the first time K is
Select On or Off. Press TUNE/
Select All Doors, Driver Door, or Off. pressed and all doors will unlock
MENU to confirm and go back to the
last menu. when K is pressed a second time.
Remote Lock/Unlock/Start
When set to All Doors, all of the
Select and depending on the radio Remote Lock Feedback or doors will unlock at the first press of
the following may display: Locking Feedback K. Press TUNE/MENU to confirm
. Remote Unlock Feedback This allows selection of what type of and go back to the last menu.
feedback is given when locking the Memory Remote Recall
. Unlock Feedback (Lights)
vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
. Remote Lock Feedback This allows the Memory Remote
Press TUNE/MENU when Locking Recall feature to be turned on or off.
. Locking Feedback Feedback is highlighted. Turn the
TUNE/MENU knob to select Lights When on, this feature will recall the
. Remote Door Unlock current driver's last seat and outside
and Horn, Lights Only, Horn Only,
. Door Unlock Options or Off. Press TUNE/MENU to mirror positions upon unlocking the
confirm and go back to the driver door with the RKE transmitter,
. Memory Remote Recall
last menu. and opening that door. The current
. Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder driver is identified when the RKE
Remote Door Unlock or Door transmitter is used to unlock the
. Relock Remote Door Unlock Options driver door. If equipped with Keyless
. Passive Door Unlock This allows selection of which doors Access, the recall will occur upon
. Passive Door Lock will unlock when pressing K on the opening the driver door. See
“Recalling RKE Memory Positions”
RKE transmitter.
under Memory Seats on page 3-6.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (37,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-37

Press TUNE/MENU when Memory or Off. Press TUNE/MENU to Return to Factory Settings?
Remote Recall is highlighted. Turn confirm and go back to the
Select Return to Factory Settings?
the TUNE/MENU knob to select On last menu.
for the option to return all vehicle
or Off. Press TUNE/MENU to
Passive Door Unlock personalization to the default
confirm and go back to the
settings. Turn the TUNE/MENU
last menu. This allows selection of which doors
knob to select Yes or No. Press
are unlocked by pressing the button
Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder TUNE/MENU to confirm and go
on the outside door handle.
back to the last menu.
This allows the Remote Left in Press TUNE/MENU when Passive
Vehicle Reminder feature to be Door Unlock is highlighted. Turn the
turned on or off. If on, the horn will TUNE/MENU knob to select All
chirp if a remote is left in the Doors or Driver Door. Press TUNE/
vehicle. MENU to confirm and go back to the
Press TUNE/MENU when Remote last menu.
Left in Vehicle Reminder is
highlighted. Turn the TUNE/MENU Passive Door Lock
knob to select On or Off. Press This allows for turning Passive
TUNE/MENU to confirm and go Locking off, on, or on with feedback.
back to the last menu. Press TUNE/MENU when Passive
Relock Remote Door Door Lock is highlighted. Turn the
TUNE/MENU knob to select Off, On,
When on, the doors will or On with Active Horn Chirp. Press
automatically lock after a period of TUNE/MENU to confirm and go
time if the vehicle is not entered or back to the last menu.
exited.
Press TUNE/MENU when Relock
Remote Door is highlighted. Turn
the TUNE/MENU knob to select On
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (38,1)
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5-38 Instruments and Controls

Universal Remote Do not use the Universal Remote Make sure the hand-held transmitter
system with any garage door opener has a new battery for quick and
System that does not have the stop and accurate transmission of the
reverse feature. This includes any radio-frequency signal.
See Radio Frequency Statement on
garage door opener model
page 13-12. Programming the Universal
manufactured before April 1, 1982.
Remote System
Universal Remote System Read these instructions completely
For questions or help programming
before programming the Universal
Programming Remote system. It may help to have the Universal Remote system, call
another person assist with the 1-800-355-3515 or see
programming process. www.homelink.com.
Keep the original hand-held Programming involves
transmitter for use in other vehicles time-sensitive actions, and may time
as well as for future programming. out causing the procedure to be
Erase the programming when repeated.
vehicle ownership is terminated. To program up to three devices:
If equipped, these buttons are in the See “Erasing Universal Remote
overhead console. System Buttons” later in this 1. Hold the end of the hand-held
section. transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1 to
This system can replace up to three 3 in) away from the Universal
remote control transmitters used to To program a garage door opener, Remote system buttons with the
activate devices such as garage park outside directly in line with and indicator light in view. The
door openers, security systems, and facing the garage door opener hand-held transmitter was
home automation devices. These receiver. Clear all people and supplied by the manufacturer of
instructions refer to a garage door objects near the garage door. the garage door opener receiver.
opener, but can be used for other
devices.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (39,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-39

2. At the same time, press and programming is complete.


hold both the hand-held There is no need to
transmitter button and one of the complete Steps 4–6.
three Universal Remote system . If the indicator light does
buttons to be used to operate not come on or the garage
the garage door. Do not release door does not move, a
either button until the indicator second button press may
light changes from a slow to a be required. For a second
rapid flash. Then release both time, press and hold the
buttons. Learn or Smart Button
newly programmed button
Some garage door openers may for five seconds. If the light 4. After completing Steps 1–3,
require substitution of Step 2 stays on or the garage door locate the Learn or Smart button
with the procedure under “Radio moves, programming is inside garage on the garage
Signals for Canada and Some complete. door opener receiver. The name
Gate Operators” later in this and color of the button may vary
. If the indicator light blinks
section. by manufacturer.
rapidly for two seconds,
3. Press and hold the newly then changes to a solid light 5. Press and release the Learn or
programmed Universal Remote and the garage door does Smart button. Step 6 must be
system button for five seconds not move, continue with completed within 30 seconds of
while watching the indicator light programming Steps 4–6. pressing this button.
and garage door activation. 6. Inside the vehicle, press and
. If the indicator light stays on hold the newly programmed
continuously or the garage Universal Remote system button
door moves when the for two seconds and then
button is pressed, then release it. If the garage door
does not move or the lamp on
the garage door opener receiver
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (40,1)
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5-40 Instruments and Controls

does not flash, press and hold enough for the Universal Remote Universal Remote System
the same button a second time system to pick up the signal during
for two seconds, then release it. programming.
Operation
Again, if the door does not move If the programming did not work, Using the Universal Remote
or the garage door lamp does replace Step 2 under “Programming System
not flash, press and hold the the Universal Remote System” with
same button a third time for Press and hold the appropriate
the following: Universal Remote system button for
two seconds, then release it.
Press and hold the Universal at least one-half second. The
The Universal Remote system Remote system button while indicator light will come on while the
should now activate the pressing and releasing the signal is being transmitted.
garage door. hand-held transmitter button every
Repeat the process for two seconds until the signal has Erasing Universal Remote
programming the two remaining been successfully accepted by the System Buttons
buttons. Universal Remote system. The Erase all programmed buttons when
Universal Remote system indicator vehicle ownership is terminated.
Radio Signals for Canada and light will flash slowly at first and then
Some Gate Operators rapidly. Proceed with Step 3 under To erase:
For questions or programming help “Programming the Universal Remote 1. Press and hold the two outside
call 1-800-355-3515 or see System” to complete. buttons until the indicator light
www.homelink.com. begins to flash. This should take
about 10 seconds.
Canadian radio-frequency laws and
some U.S. gate operators require 2. Release both buttons.
transmitter signals to time out or quit
after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (41,1)
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Instruments and Controls 5-41

Reprogramming a Single
Universal Remote System
Button
To reprogram any of the system
buttons:
1. Press and hold any one of the
buttons. Do not release the
button.
2. The indicator light will begin to
flash after 20 seconds. Without
releasing the button, proceed
with Step 1 under “Programming
the Universal Remote System.”
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (42,1)
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5-42 Instruments and Controls

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Lighting 6-1

Lighting Interior Lighting


Instrument Panel Illumination
Exterior Lighting
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Exterior Lamp Controls
Exterior Lighting
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . 6-1
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Lighting Features
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Battery Load Management . . . . 6-7
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Automatic Headlamp
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
The exterior lamp control is on the
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 6-3
instrument panel on the left side of
Turn and Lane-Change
the steering wheel.
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Turn the control to the following
positions:
O (Off): Turns off the exterior
lamps. The knob returns to the
AUTO position after it is released.
Turn to O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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6-2 Lighting

AUTO (Automatic): Automatically The DRL system turns on the


turns the exterior lamps on and off, low-beam headlamps at a reduced
depending on outside lighting. brightness. For vehicles with High
; (Parking Lamps): Turns on the Intensity Discharge (HID)
parking lamps including all lamps, headlamps, there is a dedicated
except the headlamps. DRL. The DRL will come on when
This indicator light turns on in the all of the following conditions
2 (Headlamps): Turns on the
instrument cluster when the are met:
headlamps together with the parking
high-beam headlamps are on. . The ignition is on.
lamps and instrument panel lights.
. The exterior lamp control is
Exterior Lamps Off Flash-to-Pass in AUTO.
Reminder To flash the high beams, pull the . The light sensor determines it is
turn signal lever toward you, and daytime.
A warning chime sounds if the driver release.
door is opened while the ignition is . The vehicle is not in P (Park).
off and the exterior lamps are on. Daytime Running When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
Lamps (DRL) sidemarker lamps, instrument panel
Headlamp High/ lights, and other lamps will not
Low-Beam Changer DRL can make it easier for others to be on.
see the front of your vehicle during
2 3 (Headlamp High/Low-Beam the day. Fully functional DRL are The DRL turn off when the
Changer): Push the turn signal required on all vehicles first sold in headlamps are turned to O or the
lever away from you and release, to Canada. ignition is off.
turn the high beams on. To return to
low beams, push the lever again or
pull it toward you and release.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Lighting 6-3

This vehicle may have a DRL There is a light sensor on top of the not operating, these lamps turn off.
disabling function. When the DRL instrument panel. Do not cover the Move the exterior lamp control to P
are on and a turn signal is activated, sensor, otherwise the headlamps
or ; to disable this feature.
the DRL on that side will be off until will come on when they are not
the turn signal goes off. needed.
Hazard Warning Flashers
The system may also turn on the
Automatic Headlamp headlamps when driving through a
System parking garage or tunnel.
When the exterior lamp control is When it is bright enough outside,
set to AUTO and it is dark enough the headlamps will turn off or may
outside, the headlamps come on change to Daytime Running
automatically. Lamps (DRL).
The automatic headlamp system
turns off when the exterior lamp
control is turned to O or the ignition
is off.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are
activated in daylight with the engine
| (Hazard Warning Flashers):
Press this button to make the front
on, and the exterior lamp control is
and rear turn signal lamps flash on
in AUTO, the headlamps, parking
and off. Press again to turn the
lamps, and other exterior lamps
flashers off.
come on. The transition time for the
lamps coming on varies based on The hazard warning flashers turn on
wiper speed. When the wipers are automatically if the airbags deploy.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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6-4 Lighting

Turn and Lane-Change If after signaling a turn or lane If the fog lamps are turned on while
change, the arrow flashes rapidly or the exterior lamp control is in the
Signals does not come on, a signal bulb AUTO position, the headlamps
may be burned out. come on automatically.
Have any burned out bulbs # (Fog Lamps, If Equipped):
replaced. If a bulb is not burned out, Press to turn on or off. An indicator
check the fuse. See Fuses on light on the instrument cluster
page 10-34. comes on when the fog lamps
are on.
Fog Lamps Some localities have laws that
require the headlamps to be on
along with the fog lamps.
Move the turn signal lever all the
way up or down to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster
flashes in the direction of the turn or
lane change.
Raise or lower the lever until the
arrow starts to flash to signal a lane
change. Hold it there until the lane To turn on the fog lamps,
change is completed. If the lever is if equipped, the ignition and the
briefly pressed and released, the headlamps or parking lamps must
turn signal flashes three times. be on.
The turn signal can be turned off
manually by moving the lever back
to its original position.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
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Lighting 6-5

Interior Lighting Courtesy Lamps 1 (Door): Turns the lamps on


when any door is opened.
The courtesy lamps come on
Instrument Panel automatically when any door is + (On): Keeps the lamps on all
Illumination Control opened and the dome lamp is in the the time.
door position.
Reading Lamps
Dome Lamps There are front and rear reading
lamps in the overhead console and
the headliner.

The brightness of the instrument


panel lighting and steering wheel
controls can be adjusted.
D (Instrument Panel
Illumination): Move and hold the
thumbwheel up or down to brighten
or dim the lights. The interior lamps control in the
overhead console controls both the Front Reading Lamps
front and rear interior lamps.
To operate, press the buttons:
E (Off): Turns the lamps off.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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6-6 Lighting

Lighting Features Exit Lighting


The headlamps, taillamps, parking
Entry Lighting lamps, back-up lamps, and license
The headlamps, taillamps, license plate lamps come on at night, or in
plate lamps, back-up lamps, dome areas with limited lighting, when the
lamps, and most of the interior lights key is removed from the ignition.
turn on briefly when the Remote The dome lamps also come on
when the key is removed from the
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter K ignition. The exterior lights and
Rear Reading Lamps
button is pressed. See Ignition dome lamps remain on after the
# or $ (Reading Lamps): Press Positions (Keyless Access) on door is closed for a set amount of
the button near each lamp to turn it page 9-14 or Ignition Positions (Key time, then automatically turn off.
on or off. Access) on page 9-16. After about
30 seconds the exterior lamps turn For vehicles with Keyless Access,
off, then the dome lamps and the exterior lamps automatically turn
remaining interior lights dim to off. on when a door is opened after the
Entry lighting can be disabled ignition is turned off. The dome
manually by changing the ignition lamps come on after the ignition is
out of the OFF position, or by changed to the OFF position. See
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)
pressing the RKE transmitter Q
on page 9-14 or Ignition Positions
button. (Key Access) on page 9-16.
This feature can be changed. See The exterior lamps turn off
Vehicle Personalization on immediately by turning the exterior
page 5-31. lamps control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-31.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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Lighting 6-7

Battery Load A high electrical load occurs when Normally, these actions occur in
several of the following are on, such steps or levels, without being
Management as: headlamps, high beams, fog noticeable. In rare cases at the
The vehicle has Electric Power lamps, rear window defogger, highest levels of corrective action,
Management (EPM), which climate control fan at high speed, this action may be noticeable to the
estimates the battery's temperature heated seats, engine cooling fans, driver. If so, a DIC message might
and state of charge. It then adjusts trailer loads, and loads plugged into be displayed and it is recommended
the voltage for best performance accessory power outlets. that the driver reduce the electrical
and extended life of the battery. EPM works to prevent excessive loads as much as possible. See
discharge of the battery. It does this Battery Voltage and Charging
When the battery's state of charge
by balancing the generator's output Messages on page 5-24.
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up. and the vehicle's electrical needs.
When the state of charge is high, It can increase engine idle speed to
the voltage is lowered slightly to generate more power, whenever
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle needed. It can temporarily reduce
has a voltage display on the Driver the power demands of some
Information Center (DIC), you may accessories.
see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
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6-8 Lighting

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Infotainment System 7-1

Infotainment Introduction The infotainment system has built-in


features intended to help avoid
System Infotainment
distraction by disabling some
functions when driving. These
Base radio information is included in functions may gray out when they
Introduction this manual. See the infotainment are unavailable. Many infotainment
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 manual for information on other features are also available through
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 7-2 available infotainment systems. the instrument cluster and steering
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 wheel controls.
Read the following pages to
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 become familiar with these features. Before driving:
Radio . Become familiar with the
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 { Warning operation, faceplate buttons, and
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10 screen buttons.
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Taking your eyes off the road for
too long or too often while using
. Set up the audio by presetting
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 favorite stations, setting the
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 any infotainment feature can
tone, and adjusting the
cause a crash. You or others speakers.
Audio Players could be injured or killed. Do not
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13 give extended attention to
. Set up phone numbers in
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 advance so they can be called
infotainment tasks while driving.
Phone Limit your glances at the vehicle easily by pressing a single
displays and focus your attention button or by using a single voice
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . 7-19
on driving. Use voice commands command if equipped with
Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21 Bluetooth phone capability.
whenever possible.
Bluetooth (Voice See Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
Recognition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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7-2 Infotainment System

To play the infotainment system with


the ignition off, see Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9-21.

Theft-Deterrent Feature
The theft-deterrent feature works by
learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) to the
infotainment system. The
infotainment system does not
operate if it is stolen or moved to a
different vehicle.

Overview
Infotainment System Overview
Radio faceplate examples are Radio with CD
provided to help identify buttons and
to help understand the functions of 1. VOL/ O (Volume/Power) 3. CD/AUX
the radio. Find the faceplate that . Selects the CD player or
. Turns the system on or off
best matches the vehicle for a external audio source.
and adjusts the volume.
description.
2. FAV (Favorites)
. Selects a connected
external audio source.
. Opens the favorites list.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Infotainment System 7-3

4. Buttons 1 to 6 9. v / > (Phone/Mute) to return to playing speed.


. Saves and selects favorite See CD Player on
. Opens the Phone menu. page 7-13.
stations.
. Mutes the audio system.
5. RADIO/BAND . For AM or FM, press © to
. Changes the band while
10. w j (Play/Pause) seek to the previous
strong station.
listening to the radio. . Press to start, pause, and
. Selects the radio when resume playback. See CD . Press ¨ to seek the next
listening to a different audio Player on page 7-13. track.
source. 11. CD Slot . Press and hold ¨ to fast
6. BACK / . Insert a CD. forward through a track.
. Menu: Moves one 12. © SEEK ¨ . Release ¨ to return to
level back. playing speed. See CD
. Press © to seek to the Player on page 7-13.
. Character Input: Deletes beginning of the current or
the last character. previous track. If the track . For AM or FM, press ¨ to
7. TUNE/MENU has been playing for less seek to the next strong
than five seconds, it seeks station.
. Radio: Manually selects
the previous track.
radio stations. 13. CONFIG (Configuration)
If longer than
. CD: Selects tracks. five seconds, the current . Opens the
track starts from the Configuration menu.
8. Z (CD Eject) beginning.
. Removes a disc from the . Press and hold © to
CD slot.
quickly reverse through a
track. Release the button
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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7-4 Infotainment System

14. TONE press the desired feature on the Automatic Switch-Off


. Press to access the Tone screen, to display more options If the infotainment system has been
Settings menu to adjust within that feature. turned on after the ignition is turned
bass, midrange, and Languages off, the system will turn off
treble. See Operation on automatically after 10 minutes.
page 7-4. To change the display language,
see Vehicle Personalization on Volume Control
15. INFO page 5-31.
VOL/ O (Volume/Power): Turn to
. Radio: Shows available The vehicle supports English, adjust the volume.
information about the French, and Spanish. The default
current station. language is English. v / > (Phone): For vehicles with
. CD: Shows available OnStar, press and hold v / > to
information about the Operation mute the infotainment system. Press
current track. and hold v / > again, or turn the
Controls
Configuration Setup Menu VOL/ O knob to cancel mute.
The infotainment system is operated
Press the CONFIG button to display by using the pushbuttons, For vehicles without OnStar®, press
the Configuration menu. The multifunction knobs, menus shown v / > to mute the infotainment
Configuration menu is used for on the display, and steering wheel system. Press v / > again, or turn
changing the settings for the audio, controls, if equipped. the VOL/ O knob to cancel mute.
phone, vehicle configuration, and
time features. Turning the System On or Off Menu System
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to scroll VOL/ O (Volume/Power): Press to Controls
through the available setup features. turn the system on and off.
Once the desired feature displays, The TUNE/MENU knob and the
press the TUNE/MENU knob or BACK / button are used to
navigate the menu system.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
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Infotainment System 7-5

TUNE/MENU: Press to: Activating a Setting


. Select or activate the highlighted
menu option.
. Confirm a set value.
. Turn a system setting on or off.
Turn to: 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
move the highlighted bar.
. Enter the menu system. 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
2. Press TUNE/MENU to select the
. Highlight a menu option. highlighted option. highlight the setting.
. Select a value. 2. Press TUNE/MENU to activate
Submenus
the setting.
BACK /: Press to:
Setting a Value
. Exit a menu.
. Return from a submenu screen
to the previous menu screen.
. Delete the last character in a
sequence.
An arrow on the right-hand edge of
Selecting a Menu Option the menu indicates that it has a
The base radio displays one line of submenu with other options. 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
text at a time. change the current value of the
setting.
2. Press TUNE/MENU to confirm
the setting.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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7-6 Infotainment System

Turning a Function On or Off Press the BACK / button to delete Adjusting the Treble, Midrange,
the last character in the sequence and Bass
or press and hold to delete the
entire character sequence.
Audio Settings
The audio settings can be set for
each radio band and each audio
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to player source.
highlight the function. 1. Press the TONE button.
To quickly reset an audio setting
2. Press TUNE/MENU to turn the value to 0: 2. Select Treble, Midrange,
function on or off. or Bass.
1. Press the TONE button.
Entering a Character Sequence 3. Select the value.
2. Select the audio setting.
3. Press and hold TUNE/MENU Press the BACK / button to go
until the value changes to 0. back to the Tone Settings menu.

Press the BACK / button to go Adjusting the Fader and Balance


back to the Tone Settings menu.

1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to


highlight the character.
2. Press TUNE/MENU to select the
character.
1. Press the TONE button.
2. Select Fader or Balance.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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Infotainment System 7-7

3. Select the value. road and wind noise as the vehicle To configure the number of available
speeds up or slows down, so that favorite pages:
Press the BACK / button to go the volume level is consistent.
back to the Tone Settings menu. 1. Press the CONFIG button.
The level of volume compensation 2. Select Radio Settings.
Adjusting the EQ (Equalizer) can be selected, or the auto volume
For vehicles that have an equalizer: feature can be turned off. 3. Select Radio Favorites.

1. Press the TONE button. 1. Press the CONFIG button. 4. Select the number of available
favorite pages.
2. Select EQ. 2. Select Radio Settings.
3. Select Speed compensated 5. Press the BACK / button to go
3. Select the setting. back to the System
volume.
Press the BACK / button to go Configuration menu.
4. Select the setting.
back to the Tone Settings menu. Auto Volume
5. Press BACK / button to go back
System Settings to the System The auto volume feature
Configuration menu. automatically adjusts the radio
Speed Compensated Volume
volume to compensate for road and
Configuring the Number of wind noise as the vehicle speeds up
Favorite Pages or slows down, so that the volume
level is consistent.
The level of volume compensation
can be selected, or the auto volume
feature can be turned off.
The Speed Compensated Volume
feature automatically adjusts the
radio volume to compensate for
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
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7-8 Infotainment System

2. Select Radio Settings. Radio


3. Select Maximum Startup
Volume. AM-FM Radio
4. Select the setting.
Control Buttons
5. Press the BACK / button to go The buttons used to control the
1. Press the CONFIG button. back to the System radio are:
2. Select Radio Settings. Configuration menu.
RADIO/BAND: Press to turn the
3. Select Auto Volume. Regionalization radio on and choose between AM,
4. Select the setting. RDS stations will broadcast different FM, or SiriusXM if equipped.
programs on different frequencies. TUNE/MENU: Press and turn to
5. Press the BACK / button to go To set the Regional (REG) feature navigate the available menus. Turn
back to the System on or off: to manually change stations.
Configuration menu.
1. Press the CONFIG button. INFO: Press to display additional
Maximum Startup Volume information that may be available for
2. Select Regional (REG).
The maximum volume played when the current song.
3. Select On or Off.
the radio is first turned on can © SEEK ¨ : Press to search for
be set. 4. Press BACK / to go back to the stations.
previous menu. FAV: Press to open the
favorites list.
1 to 6: Press to select preset
stations.

1. Press the CONFIG button.


Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
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Infotainment System 7-9

RDS (Radio Data System) Selecting a Band Favorites List


The radio may have RDS. The RDS Press the RADIO/BAND button to 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob.
feature is available for use only on choose AM, FM, or SiriusXM if 2. Select Favorites List.
FM stations that broadcast RDS equipped. The last station that was
information. This feature only works playing starts playing again. 3. Select the station.
when the information from the radio Station Lists
station is available. In rare cases, a Selecting a Station
radio station could broadcast 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob.
Seek Tuning
incorrect information that causes the 2. Select AM or FM Station List. All
radio features to work improperly. If the radio station is not known:
receivable stations in the current
If this happens, contact the radio Briefly press © or ¨ to automatically reception area are displayed. If a
station. search for the next available station. station list has not been created,
While the radio is tuned to an If a station is not found, the radio an automatic station search
FM-RDS station, the station name switches to a more sensitive search is done.
or call letters display. level. If a station still is not found, 3. Select the station.
the frequency that was last active
Radio Menus begins to play. Category Lists
Radio menus are available for AM, If the radio station is known: Most stations that broadcast an
FM, or SiriusXM if equipped. RDS program type code specify the
Press and hold © or ¨ until the type of programming transmitted.
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to open
the main radio menu for that station on the display is reached, Some stations change the program
frequency. then release the button. type code depending on the
content. The system stores the RDS
Manual Tuning
stations sorted by program type in
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to the FM category list.
select the frequency on the display.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
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7-10 Infotainment System

To search for a programming type To cancel the station search, press Satellite Radio
determined by station: TUNE/MENU.
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob.
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
Storing a Station as a Favorite Service
2. Select FM category list. A list of Stations from all bands can be
all programming types available If equipped, vehicles with a
stored in any order in the favorite SiriusXM satellite radio tuner and a
displays. pages. SiriusXM satellite radio subscription
3. Select the programming type. Up to six stations can be stored in can receive SiriusXM programming.
A list of stations that transmit each favorite page and the number
programming of the selected SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
of available favorite pages can based in the 48 contiguous United
type displays. be set. States and 10 Canadian provinces.
4. Select the station. Storing Stations SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
The category lists are updated variety of programming and
To store the station to a position in commercial-free music, coast to
when the station lists are the list, press the corresponding
updated. coast, and in digital-quality sound.
button 1 to 6 until a beep is heard. A service fee is required to receive
Updating Station & Category Lists Retrieving Stations the SiriusXM service. For more
If stations stored in the station list information, see www.siriusxm.com
Press the FAV button to open a or 1-866-635-2349 (U.S.), and
can no longer be received: favorite page or to switch to another www.xmradio.ca or 1-877-209-0079
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. favorite page. Briefly press one of (Canada).
the 1 to 6 buttons to retrieve the
2. Select Update AM or FM Station When SiriusXM is active, the
station.
List, if the stations stored in the channel name and number,
station list are no longer category name, song title, and artist
received. A station search will be display on the screen.
completed and the first station in
the updated list will play.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
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Infotainment System 7-11

SiriusXM Categories Turning SiriusXM Channel especially around tall buildings or


Graphic On or Off hills, causing the sound to fade in
SiriusXM channels are organized in
and out.
categories. 1. Press the CONFIG button on the
To customize which SiriusXM faceplate. AM
categories are used and displayed 2. Select Radio Settings. The range for most AM stations is
in the system, see “Adding or greater than for FM, especially at
3. Select XM Channel Graphic to
Removing SiriusXM Categories” night. The longer range can cause
turn on or off.
following. station frequencies to interfere with
each other. Static can occur when
Adding or Removing SiriusXM Radio Reception things like storms and power lines
Categories Frequency interference and static interfere with radio reception. When
1. Press the CONFIG button on the can occur during normal radio this happens, try reducing the treble
faceplate. reception if items such as cell phone on the radio.
2. Select Radio Settings. chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic SiriusXM Satellite Radio
3. Select Add/Remove XM devices are plugged into the Service
Categories. accessory power outlet. If there is If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite
4. From the Add/Remove XM interference or static, unplug the Radio Service provides digital radio
Categories screen, select or item from the accessory power reception. Tall buildings or hills can
deselect any category to be outlet. interfere with satellite radio signals,
used in XM mode. A checkmark causing the sound to fade in and
FM
will indicate that the category is out. In addition, traveling or standing
selected. FM signals only reach about 16 to under heavy foliage, bridges,
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the garages, or tunnels may cause loss
radio has a built-in electronic circuit of the SiriusXM signal for a period
that automatically works to reduce of time.
interference, some static can occur,
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
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7-12 Infotainment System

Cell Phone Usage Multi-Band Antenna


Cell phone usage, such as making
{ Caution
The multi-band antenna is on the
or receiving phone calls, charging, Using a razor blade or sharp roof of the vehicle. The antenna is
or just having the phone on may object to clear the inside rear used for OnStar, the SiriusXM
cause static interference with the window can damage the rear Satellite Radio Service System, and
radio. Unplug the phone or turn it off window antenna and/or the rear GPS (Global Positioning System),
if this happens. window defogger. Repairs would if the vehicle has these features.
not be covered by the vehicle Keep the antenna clear of
Backglass Antenna warranty. Do not clear the inside obstructions for clear reception.
The AM-FM antenna is integrated rear window with sharp objects. If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it is
with the rear window defogger in the open, reception can also be
rear window. Do not scratch the affected.
inside surface or damage the lines
in the glass. If the inside surface is { Caution
damaged, it could interfere with Do not apply aftermarket glass
radio reception. For proper radio tinting with metallic film. The
reception, the antenna connector
metallic film in some tinting
needs to be properly attached to the
materials will interfere with or
post on the glass.
distort the incoming radio
If attaching a cell phone antenna to reception. Any damage caused to
the glass, attach it between the grid the backglass antenna due to
lines. metallic tinting materials will not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
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Infotainment System 7-13

Audio Players To avoid damage to the CD player: Press Z to eject a disc from the
. Do not use scratched or CD player.
CD Player damaged discs.
Playing an Audio CD
The player can be used for CDs
. Do not apply labels to discs. The
CD/AUX: Press to use the CD
and MP3s. labels could get caught in the
player.
player.
With the ignition on, insert a CD into w j (Play/Pause): Use to start,
the slot, label side up. The player
. Insert only one disc at a time.
pause, or resume play.
pulls it in and begins playing. . Keep the loading slot free of
foreign materials, liquids, and
© SEEK ¨:
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for
video to display. debris. . Press © to seek to the beginning
If a description label is needed, try of the current or previous track.
The system is capable of playing:
labeling the top of the disc using a If the track has been playing for
. Most audio CDs marking pen. less than five seconds, it seeks
. CD-R the previous track. If longer than
Loading and Ejecting Discs five seconds, the current track
. CD-RW starts from the beginning.
To load a disc:
. MP3 or unprotected WMA
1. Turn the ignition on. . Press and hold © to quickly
formats
2. Insert a disc into the slot. The reverse through a track. Release
When playing any compatible the button to return to playing
player pulls it in the rest of the
recordable disc, the sound quality speed.
way. If the disc is damaged or
can be reduced due to disc quality,
improperly loaded, there is an . For AM or FM, press © to seek
the method of recording, the quality
error and the disc ejects. to the previous strong station.
of the music or video that has been
recorded, or the way the disc has The disc automatically plays once
been handled. loaded.
. Press ¨ to seek the next track.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
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7-14 Infotainment System

. Press and hold ¨ to fast forward


. The disc is dirty, scratched, wet, Auxiliary Input Jack
through a track. or upside down.
.
Possible auxiliary audio sources
The air is very humid. Try the
. Release ¨ to return to playing disc again later.
include:
speed. . Laptop computer
. There was a problem while
TUNE/MENU: Turn to the right or burning the disc.
. MP3 player
left to select the next or previous
track. Press this knob to select the . The label is caught in the CD
. Tape player
menu. If a track is selected from the player. This jack is not an audio output. Do
list, the system plays the track and If the CD is not playing correctly, for not plug headphones into the
returns to the CD screen. any other reason, try a known auxiliary input jack. Auxiliary
good CD. devices should be set up while the
Error Messages vehicle is in P (Park).
If Disc Read Error displays and/or If any error continues, contact your
dealer. Connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable
the disc comes out, it could be for from the auxiliary device to the
one of the following reasons: auxiliary input jack. When a device
Auxiliary Devices
. The disc has an invalid or is connected, the system
unknown format. This vehicle may have an auxiliary automatically begins playing audio
input jack and USB port in the from the device over the vehicle
. The disc is not from a correct center console. See Center Console speakers.
region. Storage on page 4-2.
If an auxiliary device has already
. The disc is very hot. Try the disc Portable devices are controlled by been connected, but a different
again when the temperature using the menu system described in source is currently active, press the
returns to normal. Overview on page 7-2. CD/AUX button on the radio
. The road is very rough. Try the Keep the storage area closed when faceplate, then press SOURCE
disc again when the road is not in use.
smoother.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
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Infotainment System 7-15

repeatedly to cycle through all of the Searching for a Track Shuffle


available audio source screens, until Tracks can be searched for by: Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set
the AUX source screen is selected. Shuffle Songs (Random) to On or
. Playlists
USB Port Off, then press the BACK / button
. Artists to return to the main screen.
The following devices may be
connected and controlled by the
. Albums On: Plays tracks in the current
infotainment system. . Song Titles folder in random order.
. iPods® . Podcasts Off: Plays tracks in the current
. PlaysForSure Devices (PFD) . Genres folder in sequential order.
. USB Drives . Audiobooks Repeat
. Zunes ® . Composers Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set
Repeat to On or Off, then press the
Not all iPods, PFDs, USB Drives, To search for tracks:
and Zunes are compatible with the BACK / button to return to the main
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. screen.
infotainment system.
2. Select Search. On: Repeats the current track.
Connecting and Controlling
an iPod 3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums, Off: Playback starts from the
Song Titles, Podcasts, Genres, beginning of the current track after
Not all iPods can be controlled by Audiobooks, or Composers. the last track finishes.
the infotainment system.
4. Select the track.
Connecting an iPod
Connect the iPod to the USB port in
the center console.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
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7-16 Infotainment System

Connecting and Controlling a Shuffle Functionality When a device is not supported, the
PlaysForSure Device (PFD) Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set message “No supported data found.
or Zune Shuffle Songs (Random) to On You can safely disconnect the
or Off. device” appears.
Connecting a PFD or Zune
On: Plays current tracks in random Connecting a USB Drive
Connect the PFD or Zune to the
USB port in the center console. order. Connect the USB drive to the USB
Off: Plays current tracks in port in the center console.
Searching for a Track sequential order. Searching for a Track
Tracks can be searched for by:
Repeat Functionality It is normal for the search feature to
. Playlists take some time to display the
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set
. Artists Repeat to On or Off. information after reading the device
due to the amount of information
. Albums Repeat On: Repeats the current stored.
. Song Titles track.
Files that do not have any meta
. Podcasts Repeat Off: Playback starts from data stored in the ID3 tag display as
the beginning of the current track Unknown.
. Genres after the last track finishes.
To search for tracks: Tracks can be searched for by:
Connecting and Controlling a . Playlists*
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. USB Drive
2. Select Search.
. Artists
The infotainment system can only
3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums, play back .mp3 and .wma files from . Albums
Song Titles, Podcasts, a USB drive. . Song Titles
or Genres. Only the first 10,000 songs are . Genres
4. Select the track. recognized on the device. . Folder View
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
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Infotainment System 7-17

*This only displays if a playlist is Repeat Off: Playback starts from


. The pairing process is disabled
found on the device. the beginning of the current track when the vehicle is moving.
To search for tracks: after the last track finishes. . The infotainment system
® automatically links with the first
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. Connecting a Bluetooth
available paired device in the
Device order the device was paired.
2. Select Search.
Before a Bluetooth device can be . Only one paired device can be
3. Select: Playlists, Artists, Albums,
connected to the infotainment connected to the infotainment
Song Titles, Genres,
system, it must first be paired to the system at a time.
or Folder View.
system. Bluetooth pairing to the
4. Select the track. infotainment system may not be . Pairing should only need to be
supported in all vehicles and not all completed once, unless changes
Shuffle Functionality to the pairing information have
Bluetooth devices can be paired to
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set the infotainment system. Before been made or the device is
Shuffle Songs (Random) to On pairing the Bluetooth device, deleted.
or Off. become familiar with its user guide Bluetooth Setup Menu
On: Plays current tracks in random for Bluetooth functions. The system
only connects to Bluetooth devices The Bluetooth Setup menu can be
order.
that support A2DP (Advanced Audio accessed with or without a device
Off: Plays current tracks in Distribution Profile) version 1.2. attached to the USB port.
sequential order.
A Bluetooth phone with MP3 To select the Bluetooth Setup menu
Repeat Functionality capability cannot be paired to the when a device is attached to the
vehicle as a phone and an MP3 USB port and active:
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob and set
Repeat to On or Off. player at the same time. 1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob
Pairing Information: while in the iPod, Zune, PFD,
Repeat On: Repeats the current
or USB device main menu.
track. . Up to five devices can be paired
to the system. 2. Select Bluetooth Music Setup.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
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7-18 Infotainment System

To select the Bluetooth Music Setup 3. After the system determines 2. Select the new device.
menu when a device is not attached what type of Bluetooth device is To connect a paired device when
to the USB port, or when a device is being paired, the Bluetooth another device is connected to the
attached to the USB port but not device will need to be put into infotainment system:
active: discovery mode.
1. Select the Select Device option
1. Press the CD/AUX button until 4. Some devices may require a from the Bluetooth Music
AUX is the active source. Personal Identification Number Setup menu.
2. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. (PIN) in order to complete the
pairing process. Locate the 2. Select the new device.
3. Select Bluetooth Music Setup. device named “GMusicConnect” 3. The active device is
To select the Bluetooth Music Setup in the list on the Bluetooth disconnected from the system
menu when a Bluetooth device is device and follow the and the new device is
connected and active: instructions on the device to connected.
enter the four-digit PIN provided
1. Turn the TUNE/MENU knob. by the infotainment system. Removing a Device
2. Select Bluetooth Music Setup. Connecting to a Device 1. Select Remove Device from the
Pairing a Device Bluetooth Music Setup menu.
Once a device is paired to the
1. Select Connect To New Device infotainment system, it can be 2. Select the device.
from the Bluetooth Music connected to the infotainment 3. The device is removed from the
Setup menu. system. system.
2. The system asks a series of To connect a paired device when no Before connecting to the removed
Yes/No questions to determine other device is connected to the device again, it will need to paired
what type of device is being infotainment system: to the infotainment system.
paired. 1. Select the Select Device option
from the Bluetooth Music
Setup menu.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
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Infotainment System 7-19

Changing the Default PIN Controlling a Bluetooth Device Phone


To change the default PIN: Bluetooth devices that support
1. Select Change Default PIN from AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Bluetooth (Overview)
the Bluetooth Music Control Profile) version 1.0 may be
able to be controlled by the For vehicles equipped with
Setup menu. Bluetooth capability, the system can
infotainment system. Control of a
2. Select one of the pre-defined Bluetooth device by the infotainment interact with many cell phones,
PINs, or select Other to create system may not be supported in all allowing:
a PIN. vehicles. . Placement and receipt of calls in
To create a PIN: a hands-free mode.
Press and release © or ¨ to skip
1. Select the length of the PIN. tracks.
. Sharing of the cell phone’s
address book or contact list with
2. Enter the character sequence. Other Information the vehicle.
Messages The Bluetooth® word mark and To minimize driver distraction,
The following messages may logos are owned by the Bluetooth® before driving, and with the vehicle
appear on the infotainment screen. SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks parked:
by General Motors is under license.
Poor Bluetooth Signal Quality: . Become familiar with the
Other trademarks and trade names
This message displays when the features of the cell phone.
are those of their respective owners.
Bluetooth signal strength is low. Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete
This Feature is Unavailable While
duplicate or rarely used entries.
Vehicle is Moving: This message
If possible, program speed dial
displays when an action is not
or other shortcuts.
allowed while the vehicle is moving.
. Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (20,1)
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7-20 Infotainment System


. Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle. make and receive phone calls. The Infotainment System Controls
The system may not work with infotainment system and voice
all cell phones. See “Pairing” in To navigate the menu system using
recognition are used to control the the infotainment controls, see
this section. system. The system can be used Overview on page 7-2.
. If the cell phone has voice while in ON/RUN or ACC/
dialing capability, learn to use ACCESSORY. The range of the v / > (Phone/Mute): Press to
that feature to access the Bluetooth system can be up to 9.1 m enter the Phone main menu.
address book or contact list. See (30 ft). Not all phones support all
Voice Recognition
“Voice Pass-Thru” in this functions and not all phones work
section. with the Bluetooth system. See The voice recognition system uses
www.gm.com/bluetooth for more commands to control the system
. See “Storing and Deleting Phone information about compatible and dial phone numbers.
Numbers” in this section. phones. Noise: The system may not
recognize voice commands if there
{ Warning Bluetooth Controls
is too much background noise.
Use the buttons on the infotainment
When using a cell phone, it can system and the steering wheel to When to Speak: A tone sounds to
be distracting to look too long or operate the Bluetooth system. indicate that the system is ready for
too often at the screen of the a voice command. Wait for the tone
phone or the infotainment system. Steering Wheel Controls and then speak.
Taking your eyes off the road too b / g (Push to Talk): Press to How to Speak: Speak clearly in a
long or too often could cause a answer incoming calls, confirm calm and natural voice.
crash resulting in injury or death. system information, and start voice
Focus your attention on driving. recognition. Audio System
$ / i (Mute/End Call): Press to When using the Bluetooth system,
Vehicles with a Bluetooth system end a call, reject a call, or cancel an sound comes through the vehicle's
can use a Bluetooth-capable cell operation. front audio system speakers and
phone with a Hands-Free Profile to overrides the audio system. Use the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
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Infotainment System 7-21


. Only one paired cell phone can
VOL/ O knob during a call to can be used. See your cell phone
manufacturer's user guide for be connected to the Bluetooth
change the volume level. The
Bluetooth functions before pairing system at a time.
adjusted volume level remains in
memory for later calls. The system the cell phone. If a Bluetooth phone . If multiple paired cell phones are
maintains a minimum volume level. is not connected, calls will be made within range of the system, the
using OnStar Hands-Free Calling, system connects to the first
Other Information if available. See OnStar Overview available paired cell phone in the
The Bluetooth® word mark and on page 14-1. order that they were first paired
logos are owned by the Bluetooth® Pairing Information to the system. To connect to a
SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks different paired phone, see
by General Motors is under license.
. A Bluetooth phone with MP3 “Connecting to a Different
Other trademarks and trade names capability cannot be paired to Phone” later in this section.
are those of their respective owners. the vehicle as a phone and an
MP3 player at the same time. Pairing a Phone
See Radio Frequency Statement on Pairing as a MP3 player may not 1. Press the CONFIG button.
page 13-12. be available on all vehicles.
2. Select Phone Settings or
. Up to five cell phones can be Bluetooth Settings.
Bluetooth (Infotainment paired to the Bluetooth system.
Controls) 3. Select Bluetooth.
. The pairing process is disabled
To navigate the menu system using when the vehicle is moving. 4. Select Pair Device (Phone).
the infotainment controls, see A four-digit Personal
. Pairing only needs to be Identification Number (PIN)
Overview on page 7-2.
completed once, unless the appears on the display. The PIN
Pairing pairing information on the cell is used in Step 6.
phone changes or the cell phone
If equipped, a Bluetooth-enabled is deleted from the system.
cell phone must be paired to the
Bluetooth system and then
connected to the vehicle before it
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (22,1)
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7-22 Infotainment System

5. Start the pairing process on the 2. Select Phone Settings or 4. Select Device List.
cell phone to be paired to the Bluetooth Settings. 5. Select the new phone to connect
vehicle. See the cell phone 3. Select Bluetooth. to and follow the on screen
manufacturer's user guide for prompts.
information on this process. 4. Select Device List.
If delete is selected, the
6. Locate the device named “Your Deleting a Paired Phone highlighted phone will be
Vehicle” in the list on the cell 1. Press the CONFIG button. deleted.
phone. Follow the instructions
on the cell phone to enter the 2. Select Phone Settings or Making a Call Using the
PIN provided in Step 4. After the Bluetooth Settings. Phone Book
PIN is successfully entered, the 3. Select Bluetooth.
system prompts you to provide a For cell phones that support the
name for the paired cell phone. 4. Select Device List. phone book feature, the Bluetooth
This name will be used to system can use the contacts stored
5. Select the phone to delete and
indicate which phones are on your cell phone to make calls.
follow the on screen prompts.
paired and connected to the See your cell phone manufacturer's
vehicle. The system responds Connecting to a Different Phone user guide or contact your wireless
with “<Phone name> has been provider to find out if this feature is
To connect to a different phone, the
successfully paired” after the supported by your phone.
new phone must be in the vehicle
pairing process is complete. and available to be connected to the When a cell phone supports the
7. Repeat Steps 1-6 to pair Bluetooth system before the phone book feature, the Phone
additional phones. process is started. Book and Call Lists menus are
automatically available.
1. Press the CONFIG button.
Listing All Paired and Connected
The Phone Book menu allows you
Phones 2. Select Phone Settings or
to access the phone book stored in
1. Press the CONFIG button. Bluetooth Settings.
the cell phone to make a call.
3. Select Bluetooth.
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Infotainment System 7-23

The Call Lists menu allows you to 3. Select the Incoming Calls, Declining a Call
access the phone numbers from the Outgoing Calls, or Missed Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
Incoming Calls, Outgoing Calls, and Calls list. “Decline” and press the TUNE/
Missed Calls menus on your cell 4. Select the name or number you MENU knob to decline the call.
phone to make a call. want to call.
To make a call using the Phone Call Waiting
Book menu: Making a Call If equipped, call waiting must be
To make a call: supported on the Bluetooth phone
1. Press v / > once or twice and enabled by the wireless service
(depending on the radio). 1. Press v / > once or twice carrier to work.
2. Select Phone Book. (depending on the radio).
Accepting a Call
3. Search through the list by 2. Enter the character sequence.
Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
selecting the letter group the 3. Select Call to start dialing the “Answer” and press the TUNE/
phone book entry begins with, number. MENU knob to accept the call.
or press the TUNE/MENU button
to scroll through the entire list of Accepting or Declining a Call Declining a Call
names/numbers in the When an incoming call is received, Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to
phone book. the infotainment system mutes and “Decline” and press the TUNE/
4. Select the name or number you a ring tone is heard in the vehicle. MENU knob to decline the call.
want to call. Accepting a Call Switching Between Calls (Call
To make a call using the Call Turn the TUNE/MENU knob to Waiting Calls Only)
Lists menu: “Answer” and press the TUNE/ To switch between calls:
1. Press v / > once or twice MENU knob to accept the call.
1. Turn or press the TUNE/
(depending on the radio). MENU knob.
2. Select Call Lists.
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7-24 Infotainment System

2. Select Switch Call from Ending a Call Bluetooth (Voice


the menu.
Turn or press the TUNE/MENU Recognition)
Conference Calling knob and select Hang Up.
Using Voice Recognition
If equipped, conference calling and Muting a Call
three-way calling must be supported To use voice recognition if
on the Bluetooth phone and enabled To Mute a Call equipped, press the b / g button on
by the wireless service carrier Turn or press the TUNE/MENU the steering wheel. Use the
to work. knob and select Mute Call. commands below for the various
voice features. For additional
To start a conference while in a To Cancel Mute information, say "Help" while you
current call:
Turn or press the TUNE/MENU are in a voice recognition menu.
1. Turn or press the TUNE/ knob and select Mute Call.
MENU knob. Pairing
Dual Tone Multi-Frequency A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
2. Select Enter Number.
(DTMF) Tones must be paired to the Bluetooth
3. Enter the character sequence system and then connected to the
then select Call. The in-vehicle Bluetooth system can
send numbers during a call. This is vehicle before it can be used. See
4. After the call has been placed, used when calling a menu-driven your cell phone manufacturer's user
turn or press the TUNE/MENU phone system. guide for Bluetooth functions before
knob and choose Merge Calls. pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth
1. Turn or press the TUNE/MENU phone is not connected, calls will be
5. To add more callers to the knob and select Enter Number. made using OnStar Hands-Free
conference call, repeat Steps 1
2. Enter the character sequence. Calling, if available. See OnStar
−4. The number of callers that
Overview on page 14-1.
can be added is limited by your
wireless service carrier.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (25,1)
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Infotainment System 7-25

Pairing Information different paired phone, see This name will be used to
. A Bluetooth phone with MP3 “Connecting to a Different indicate which phones are
capability cannot be paired to Phone” later in this section. paired and connected to the
the vehicle as a phone and an vehicle. The system responds
Pairing a Phone with “<Phone name> has been
MP3 player at the same time.
Pairing as a MP3 player may not 1. Press b / g. The system successfully paired” after the
be available on all vehicles. responds “Ready,” followed by pairing process is complete.
a tone. 6. Repeat Steps 1−5 to pair
. Up to five cell phones can be
paired to the Bluetooth system. 2. Say “Bluetooth.” This command additional phones.
can be skipped. Listing All Paired and Connected
. The pairing process is disabled
when the vehicle is moving. 3. Say “Pair.” The system responds Phones
with instructions and a four-digit The system can list all cell phones
. Pairing only needs to be Personal Identification Number
completed once, unless the paired to it. If a paired cell phone is
(PIN). The PIN is used in Step 5. also connected to the vehicle, the
pairing information on the cell
phone changes or the cell phone 4. Start the pairing process on the system responds with “is connected”
is deleted from the system. cell phone that you want to pair. after that phone name.
For help with this process, see
. Only one paired cell phone can 1. Press b / g. The system
your cell phone manufacturer's
be connected to the Bluetooth user guide. responds “Ready,” followed by
system at a time. a tone.
5. Locate the device named “Your
. If multiple paired cell phones are Vehicle” in the list on the cell 2. Say “Bluetooth.”
within range of the system, the phone. Follow the instructions 3. Say “List.”
system connects to the first on the cell phone to enter the
available paired cell phone in the PIN provided in Step 3. After the
order that they were first paired PIN is successfully entered, the
to the system. To connect to a system prompts you to provide a
name for the paired cell phone.
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7-26 Infotainment System

Deleting a Paired Phone 2. Say “Bluetooth.” Delete: This command is used to


If the phone name you want to 3. Say “Change phone.” delete individual name tags.
delete is unknown, see “Listing All . If another cell phone is Delete All Name Tags: This
Paired and Connected Phones.” found, the response will be command deletes all stored name
tags in the Hands-Free Calling
1. Press b / g. The system “<Phone name> is now
Directory and the Destinations
responds “Ready,” followed by connected.”
Directory.
a tone. . If another cell phone is not
found, the original phone Using the “Store” Command
2. Say “Bluetooth.”
remains connected. 1. Press b / g. The system
3. Say “Delete.” The system asks
for which phone to delete. Storing and Deleting Phone responds “Ready,” followed by
Numbers a tone.
4. Say the name of the phone you
want to delete. The system can store up to 30 2. Say “Store.”
phone numbers as name tags in the 3. Say the phone number or group
Connecting to a Different Phone
Hands-Free Directory that is shared of numbers you want to store all
To connect to a different cell phone, between the Bluetooth and OnStar at once with no pauses, then
the Bluetooth system looks for the systems. follow the directions given by the
next available cell phone in the system to save a name tag for
The following commands are used
order in which all the available cell this number.
to delete and store phone numbers.
phones were paired. Depending on
which cell phone you want to Store: This command will store a Using the “Digit Store” Command
connect to, you may have to use phone number, or a group of If an unwanted number is
this command several times. numbers as a name tag. recognized by the system, say
Digit Store: This command allows “Clear” at any time to clear the last
1. Press b / g. The system
a phone number to be stored as a number.
responds “Ready,” followed by
a tone. name tag by entering the digits one
at a time.
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Infotainment System 7-27

To hear all of the numbers Using the “Delete All Name Tags” Making a Call
recognized by the system, say Command
Calls can be made using the
“Verify” at any time. This command deletes all stored following commands.
1. Press b / g. The system name tags in the Hands-Free
Dial or Call: The call command
responds “Ready,” followed by Calling Directory and the
can be used to call a phone number
a tone. Destinations Directory.
or a stored name tag
2. Say “Digit Store.” To delete all name tags:
Digit Dial: This command allows a
3. Say each digit, one at a time, 1. Press b / g. The system phone number to be dialed by
that you want to store. After responds “Ready,” followed by entering the digits one at a time.
each digit is entered, the system a tone. Re-dial: This command is used to
repeats back the digit it heard 2. Say “Delete all name tags.” dial the last number used on the cell
followed by a tone. After the last phone.
digit has been entered, say Listing Stored Numbers
“Store,” and then follow the Using the “Dial” or “Call”
The list command will list all stored Command
directions given by the system to
numbers and name tags.
save a name tag for this number. 1. Press b / g. The system
Using the “List” Command responds “Ready,” followed by
Using the “Delete” Command
1. Press b / g. The system a tone.
1. Press b / g. The system
responds “Ready,” followed by 2. Say “Dial” or “Call.”
responds “Ready,” followed by
a tone.
a tone. 3. Say the entire number without
2. Say “Directory.” pausing or say the name tag.
2. Say “Delete.”
3. Say “Hands-Free Calling.” Once connected, the person called
3. Say the name tag you want to
delete. 4. Say “List.” will be heard through the audio
speakers.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (28,1)
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7-28 Infotainment System

Calling 911 Emergency To hear all of the numbers Once connected, the person called
recognized by the system, say will be heard through the audio
1. Press b / g. The system “Verify” at any time. speakers.
responds “Ready,” followed by
a tone. 1. Press b / g. The system Receiving a Call
2. Say “Dial” or “Call.” responds “Ready,” followed by When an incoming call is received,
a tone. the audio system mutes and a ring
3. Say “911” without pausing. Say
2. Say “Digit Dial.” tone is heard in the vehicle.
“Dial” or “Call.”
Once connected, the person called 3. Say each digit, one at a time, . Press b / g to answer the call.
will be heard through the audio that you want to dial. After each
digit is entered, the system . Press $ / i to ignore a call.
speakers.
repeats back the digit it heard
Using the “Digit Dial” Command followed by a tone. After the last Call Waiting
The digit dial command allows a digit has been entered, If equipped, call waiting must be
phone number to be dialed by say “Dial.” supported on the cell phone and
entering the digits one at a time. Once connected, the person called enabled by the wireless service
After each digit is entered, the will be heard through the audio carrier.
system repeats back the digit it speakers. . Press b / g to answer an
heard followed by a tone. incoming call when another call
Using the “Re-dial” Command
If an unwanted number is is active. The original call is
recognized by the system, say 1. Press b / g. The system placed on hold.
“Clear” at any time to clear the last responds “Ready,” followed by
number. a tone.
. Press b / g again to return to
the original call.
2. After the tone, say “Re-dial.” The
system dials the last number . To ignore the incoming call, no
called from the connected cell action is required.
phone.
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Infotainment System 7-29

. Press $ / i to disconnect the To mute a call, press b / g , and To Transfer Audio to the Bluetooth
current call and switch to the call then say “Mute Call.” System from a Cell Phone
on hold. During a call with the audio on the
To cancel mute, press b / g , and
Three-Way Calling then say “Un-mute Call.” cell phone, press b / g. The audio
If equipped, three-way calling must transfers to the vehicle. If the audio
be supported on the cell phone and
Transferring a Call does not transfer to the vehicle, use
enabled by the wireless service Audio can be transferred between the audio transfer feature on the cell
the Bluetooth system and the cell phone. See your cell phone
carrier.
phone. manufacturer's user guide.
1. While on a call, press b / g. Voice Pass-Thru
The cell phone must be paired and
2. Say “Three-way call.” connected with the Bluetooth Voice pass-thru allows access to the
3. Use the dial or call command to system before a call can be voice recognition commands on the
dial the number of the third party transferred. The connection process cell phone. See your cell phone
to be called. can take up to two minutes after the manufacturer's user guide to see if
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. the cell phone supports this feature.
4. Once the call is connected,
press b / g to connect all To Transfer Audio from the To access contacts stored in the cell
callers together. Bluetooth System to a Cell Phone phone:
During a call with the audio in the 1. Press b / g. The system
Ending a Call vehicle: responds “Ready,” followed by
Press $ / i to end a call. 1. Press b / g. a tone.
Muting a Call 2. Say “Transfer Call.” 2. Say “Bluetooth.” This command
can be skipped.
During a call, all sounds from inside
the vehicle can be muted so that the 3. Say “Voice.” The system
person on the other end of the call responds “OK, accessing
cannot hear them. <phone name>.”
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (30,1)
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7-30 Infotainment System

The cell phone's normal prompt Clearing the System


messages will go through their cycle
Unless information is deleted out of
according to the phone's operating
the in-vehicle Bluetooth system, it
instructions.
will be retained indefinitely. This
Dual Tone Multi-Frequency includes all saved name tags in the
(DTMF) Tones phone book and phone pairing
information. For information on how
The Bluetooth system can send to delete this information, see the
numbers and the numbers stored as previous sections on “Deleting a
name tags during a call. You can Paired Phone,” “Using the ‘Delete’
use this feature when calling a Command,” and “Using the ‘Delete
menu-driven phone system. All Name Tags’ Command.”
Account numbers can also be
stored for use.
Sending a Number or Name Tag
During a Call
1. Press b / g. The system
responds “Ready,” followed by
a tone.
2. Say “Dial.”
3. Say the number or name tag
to send.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
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Climate Controls 8-1

Climate Controls Climate Control Systems


The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
Climate Control Systems this system.
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

1. Fan Control 7. Recirculation


2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/Eco 8. Rear Window Defogger
Air Conditioning
Climate Control Influence on Start/
3. Air Delivery Modes Stop Operation and Fuel Economy
4. Defrost (If Equipped)
5. Temperature Control The climate control system is
dependent upon other vehicle
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped) systems for heat and power input.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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8-2 Climate Controls

Certain climate control settings can Fan Control: Turn the knob # (Air Conditioning): Press to
lead to higher fuel usage and/or clockwise or counterclockwise to turn the air conditioning on or off.
fewer auto stops. increase or decrease the fan speed. If the fan is turned off or the outside
The following are climate control Air Delivery Modes: Press Y, \, temperature falls below freezing, the
settings that use more fuel: air conditioner will not run and the
[ , or - to change the direction of indicator light turns off.
. Comfort air conditioning mode. the airflow. An indicator light comes
on in the selected mode button. # (Comfort/Eco Air
. Defrost mode. Conditioning): Press to cycle
. Setting the climate control to the
Y (Vent): Air is directed to the
between the off, comfort, and eco
instrument panel outlets.
coldest or hottest temperature. (economy) air conditioning modes.
. High fan speed settings.
\ (Bi-Level): Air is directed to the The indicator will be lit in comfort
instrument panel outlets and the and eco modes and turns off when
To help reduce fuel usage: floor outlets. there is no A/C function. If the fan is
. Use eco air conditioning, instead [ (Floor): Air is directed to the turned off or the outside
of the comfort air conditioning. floor outlets. temperature falls below freezing, the
air conditioner will not run and the
. Select a temperature setting that - (Defog): Air is directed to the indicator light turns off.
is higher in hot weather and windshield and floor outlets to clear
lower in cold weather. the windows of fog or moisture. For eco a/c, press #. The indicator
will turn green. This setting
. Turn off the air conditioning 0 (Defrost): Press to clear the balances fuel economy and air
when it is not needed. windshield of fog or frost more
conditioning comfort. In warm
. Only use defrost to clear the quickly. Air is directed to the
weather conditions, auto stops may
windows. windshield and side window outlets.
occur more frequently and the
Temperature Control: Turn the For best results, clear all snow and vehicle interior may be warmer as
knob clockwise or counterclockwise ice from the windshield before compared to the comfort air
to increase or decrease the driver or defrosting. conditioning. This setting allows
passenger temperature setting.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Climate Controls 8-3

higher humidity inside the vehicle M or L (Heated Seats, If


and window fogging before the Equipped): Press to turn the { Caution
engine restarts. heated seats on or off. See Heated Using a razor blade or sharp
Pressing the 0 button during an Front Seats on page 3-7. object on the inside rear window
auto stop will restart the engine to Rear Window Defogger can damage the antenna or
prevent window fogging. To reach defogger. Repairs would not be
comfort levels quickly during an = (Rear Window Defogger): covered by the vehicle warranty.
auto stop, the engine will restart if Press to turn the rear window
Do not stick anything to the rear
the air conditioner is off and AUTO defogger on or off.
window.
or # is selected. The rear window defogger turns off
automatically after about
For comfort a/c, press # again. 10 minutes. If turned on again, it Sensors
The indicator will turn amber. runs for about five minutes before The solar sensor on top of the
When the indicator light is on, the turning off. At higher speeds, the instrument panel near the
air conditioner runs automatically to rear window defogger may stay on windshield monitors the solar heat.
cool the air inside the vehicle or to continuously.
The climate control system uses the
dry the air needed to defog the If equipped with heated outside sensor information to adjust the
windshield faster. rearview mirrors, they turn on with temperature, fan speed,
h (Recirculation): Press to turn the rear window defogger and help recirculation, and air delivery mode
on recirculation. An indicator light to clear fog or frost from the surface for best comfort.
comes on. Air is recirculated to of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors on
page 2-19. If the sensor is covered, the
quickly cool the inside of the vehicle automatic climate control system
or prevent outside air and odors may not work properly.
from entering.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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8-4 Climate Controls

Dual Automatic Climate Control System Climate Control Influence on Stop/


Start Operation and Fuel Economy
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with (If Equipped)
this system.
The climate control system is
dependent upon other vehicle
systems for heat and power input.
Certain climate control settings can
lead to higher fuel usage and/or
fewer auto stops.
The following are climate control
settings that use more fuel:
. Comfort air conditioning mode.
. Defrost mode.
. Extreme temperature settings,
such as 15°C (60°F) or 32°C
(90°F).
1. Driver and Passenger 7. Recirculation
Temperature Controls
. High fan speed settings.
8. Fan Control
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/Eco To help reduce fuel usage:
9. Rear Window Defogger
Air Conditioning . Use the full automatic control as
10. SYNC described under “Automatic
3. Air Delivery Modes
Operation.”
4. Defrost . Use eco air conditioning, instead
5. AUTO (Automatic Operation) of the comfort air conditioning.
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
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Climate Controls 8-5


. Select a temperature setting that 2. Set the temperature. Allow the on. When the passenger settings
is higher in hot weather and system time to stabilize. Then are adjusted, the SYNC indicator
lower in cold weather. adjust the temperature as light turns off.
. Turn off the air conditioning needed for best comfort. Fan Control: Turn the knob
when it is not needed. To improve fuel efficiency and to clockwise or counterclockwise to
. Only use defrost to clear the cool the vehicle faster, recirculation increase or decrease the fan speed.
windows. may be automatically selected in Press AUTO to return to automatic
warm weather. operation.
Automatic Operation
The recirculation light will not come
The system automatically controls Air Delivery Modes: Press Y, \,
on. Press h to select
the fan speed, air delivery, air
recirculation; press it again to select
[ , or - to change the direction of
conditioning, and recirculation in the airflow. An indicator light comes
order to heat or cool the vehicle to outside air. on in the selected mode button.
the desired temperature. Manual Operation Changing the mode cancels the
When the indicator light is on, the Driver and Passenger automatic operation and the system
system is in full automatic operation. Temperature Control: The goes into manual mode. Press
If the air delivery mode or fan temperature can be adjusted AUTO to return to automatic
setting is manually adjusted, the separately for the driver and operation.
auto indicator turns off and displays passenger. Y (Vent): Air is directed to the
will show the selected settings. instrument panel outlets.
Turn the knob clockwise or
To place the system in counterclockwise to increase or \ (Bi-Level): Air is directed to the
automatic mode: decrease the driver or passenger instrument panel outlets and the
1. Press AUTO. temperature setting. floor outlets.
SYNC: Press to link all climate [ (Floor): Air is directed to the
zone settings to the driver settings. floor outlets.
The SYNC indicator light will turn
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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8-6 Climate Controls

- (Defog): Air is directed to the # (Comfort/Eco Air Conditioning auto stop, the engine will restart if
windshield and floor outlets to clear (For Stop/Start Vehicles)): Press the air conditioner is off and AUTO
the windows of fog or moisture. to cycle between the off, comfort, or # is selected.
0 (Defrost): Press to clear the and eco (economy) air conditioning
If temperature controls are adjusted
windshield of fog or frost more modes. The indicator will be lit in
cooler by more than 1°C (1°F)
quickly. Air is directed to the comfort and eco modes and turns
during an auto stop, the engine will
windshield and side window outlets. off when there is no A/C function.
restart to ensure that comfort is
If the fan is turned off or the outside
For best results, clear all snow and reached.
temperature falls below freezing, the
ice from the windshield before air conditioner will not run and the For comfort a/c, press # again.
defrosting. indicator light turns off. The indicator will turn amber.
# (Air Conditioning (For For eco a/c, press #. The indicator
Non-Stop/Start Vehicles)): Press Pressing # again cancels
will turn green. This setting automatic air conditioning and turns
to turn the air conditioning on or off. balances fuel economy and air
If the fan is turned off or the outside off the air conditioner. Press AUTO
conditioning comfort. In warm to return to automatic operation and
temperature falls below freezing, the weather conditions, auto stops may
air conditioner will not run and the the air conditioner runs
occur more frequently and the automatically as needed. When the
indicator light turns off. vehicle interior may be warmer as indicator light is on, the air
Press AUTO to return to automatic compared to the comfort air conditioner runs automatically to
operation and the air conditioner conditioning. This setting allows cool the air inside the vehicle or to
runs as needed. When the indicator higher humidity inside the vehicle dry the air needed to defog the
light is on, the air conditioner runs and window fogging before the windshield faster.
automatically to cool the air inside engine restarts.
the vehicle or to dry the air needed h (Recirculation): Press to turn
to defog the windshield faster. Pressing the 0 button during an on recirculation. An indicator light
auto stop will restart the engine to comes on. Air is recirculated to
prevent window fogging. To reach
comfort levels quickly during an
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Climate Controls 8-7

quickly cool the inside of the vehicle The rear window defogger turns off system may run when the vehicle is
or prevent outside air and odors automatically after about started remotely. The system uses
from entering. 10 minutes. If turned on again, it the driver’s previous settings to heat
Auto Defog: The climate control runs for about five minutes before or cool the inside of the vehicle. The
system has a sensor that turning off. At higher speeds, the rear defog may come on during
automatically detects high humidity rear window defogger may stay on remote start based on cold ambient
inside the vehicle. When high continuously. conditions. The rear defog indicator
humidity is detected, the climate If equipped with heated outside light does not come on during a
control system may adjust to rearview mirrors, they turn on with remote start. The front heated seats
outside air supply and turn on the the rear window defogger and help will turn on if it is cold outside. The
air conditioner. The fan speed may to clear fog or frost from the surface heated seat indicator lights do not
slightly increase to help prevent of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors on come on during a remote start.
fogging. If the climate control page 2-19. Sensors
system does not detect possible
The solar sensor on top of the
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation. To turn Auto Defog off or
{ Caution instrument panel near the
on, see “Climate and Air Quality” Using a razor blade or sharp windshield monitors the solar heat.
under Vehicle Personalization on object on the inside rear window The climate control system uses the
page 5-31. can damage the antenna or sensor information to adjust the
M or L (Heated Seats, If defogger. Repairs would not be temperature, fan speed,
Equipped): Press to turn the covered by the vehicle warranty. recirculation, and air delivery mode
heated seats on or off. See Heated Do not stick anything to the rear for best comfort.
Front Seats on page 3-7. window. If the sensor is covered, the
automatic climate control system
Rear Window Defogger may not work properly.
Remote Start Climate Control
= (Rear Window Defogger): Operation: If equipped with the
Press to turn the rear window remote start, the climate control
defogger on or off.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

8-8 Climate Controls

Side Air Vents


. Keep the paths under all seats
Air Vents clear of objects to help circulate
Center Air Vents the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent louvers. This restricts
airflow and may cause damage
to the air vents.

Use the thumbwheels to change the


direction of the airflow.
Use the slider knobs on the air Move the vertical thumbwheels up
vents to change the direction of the or down to open or close off the
airflow. airflow.
Move the slider knobs outward or Operation Tips
inward to open or close off the
airflow.
. Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Climate Controls 8-9

Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance;
see Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2. To find out what type of 2. Disconnect the glove box door 4. Release the retainer clips (1)
filter to use, see Maintenance dampener string from the glove holding the service door. Open
Replacement Parts on page 11-12. box door assembly. Please note: the service door and remove the
1. Open the glove box completely. a pen or pencil may be inserted old filter (2).
through the end of the dampener 5. Install the new air filter.
string to prevent the string from
slipping inside the door 6. Close the service door and
assembly. retainer clips.
3. Squeeze both sides of the glove 7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the
box door to open beyond the glove box.
stops. See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

8-10 Climate Controls

Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-1

Driving and Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Retained Accessory
9-20 Driver Assistance Systems
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
Operating Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . .
9-21
9-21
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9-34
9-36
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-22 Side Blind Zone
Driving Information Parking over Things Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23 Rear Vision
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Engine Exhaust Lane Departure
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Running the Vehicle While
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24 Fuel
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 Automatic Transmission California Fuel
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-25 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Track Events and Competitive Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26 Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-45
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Brakes Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6 E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7 Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27 Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7 Filling a Portable Fuel
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29 Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-29 Trailer Towing
Starting and Operating General Towing
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-14 Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Ignition Positions (Keyless Driving Characteristics and
Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14 Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Ignition Positions (Key Cruise Control Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-2 Driving and Operating

Conversions and Add-Ons


. Designate a front seat
Driving Information passenger to handle potential
Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53 distractions.
Distracted Driving . Become familiar with vehicle
Distraction comes in many forms features before driving, such as
and can take your focus from the programming favorite radio
task of driving. Exercise good stations and adjusting climate
judgment and do not let other control and seat settings.
activities divert your attention away Program all trip information into
from the road. Many local any navigation device prior to
governments have enacted laws driving.
regarding driver distraction. Become . Wait until the vehicle is parked
familiar with the local laws in
to retrieve items that have fallen
your area.
to the floor.
To avoid distracted driving, always . Stop or park the vehicle to tend
keep your eyes on the road, hands
to children.
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
. Do not use a phone in
carrier or restraint.
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to . Avoid stressful conversations
place or receive necessary while driving, whether with a
phone calls. passenger or on a cell phone.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-3


. Allow enough following distance
Control of a Vehicle
{ Warning between you and the driver in
front of you. Braking, steering, and accelerating
Taking your eyes off the road too are important factors in helping to
. Focus on the task of driving.
long or too often could cause a control a vehicle while driving.
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving. Drunk Driving Braking
Death and injury associated with
Braking action involves perception
Refer to the Infotainment section for drinking and driving is a global
time and reaction time. Deciding to
more information on using that tragedy.
push the brake pedal is perception
system, including pairing and using time. Actually doing it is
a cell phone. { Warning reaction time.
Drinking and then driving is very Average driver reaction time is
Defensive Driving dangerous. Your reflexes, about three-quarters of a second. In
Defensive driving means “always perceptions, attentiveness, and that time, a vehicle moving at
expect the unexpected.” The first judgment can be affected by even 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
step in driving defensively is to wear a small amount of alcohol. You (66 ft), which could be a lot of
the safety belt. See Safety Belts on can have a serious — or even distance in an emergency.
page 3-11. fatal — collision if you drive after Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
. Assume that other road users drinking. include:
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and Do not drink and drive or ride with . Keep enough distance between
other drivers) are going to be you and the vehicle in front
a driver who has been drinking.
careless and make mistakes. of you.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready. with a group, designate a driver . Avoid needless heavy braking.
who will not drink. . Keep pace with traffic.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-4 Driving and Operating

If the engine ever stops while the If the steering wheel is turned until it Steering in Emergencies
vehicle is being driven, brake reaches the end of its travel and is . There are some situations when
normally but do not pump the held against that position for an
steering around a problem may
brakes. Doing so could make the extended period of time, power
be more effective than braking.
pedal harder to push down. If the steering assist may be reduced.
engine stops, there will be some . Holding both sides of the
If the steering assist is used for an
power brake assist but it will be steering wheel allows you to turn
extended period of time, power
used when the brake is applied. 180 degrees without removing
assist may be reduced.
Once the power assist is used up, it a hand.
can take longer to stop and the Normal use of the power steering . The Antilock Brake System
brake pedal will be harder to push. assist should return when the
(ABS) allows steering while
system cools down.
braking.
Steering See specific vehicle steering
messages under Service Vehicle Off-Road Recovery
Electric Power Steering Messages on page 5-29. See your
The vehicle has electric power dealer if there is a problem.
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance Curve Tips
is not required. . Take curves at a reasonable
If power steering assist is lost due speed.
to a system malfunction, the vehicle . Reduce speed before entering a
can be steered, but may require curve.
increased effort. . Maintain a reasonable steady
See your dealer if there is a speed through the curve.
problem. . Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-5

The vehicle's right wheels can drop


. Steering or Cornering Skid — material on the road. Learn to
off the edge of a road onto the too much speed or steering in a recognize warning clues — such
shoulder while driving. Follow curve causes tires to slip and as enough water, ice, or packed
these tips: lose cornering force. snow on the road to make a
1. Ease off the accelerator and
. Acceleration Skid — too much mirrored surface — and slow
then, if there is nothing in the throttle causes the driving down when you have any doubt.
way, steer the vehicle so that it wheels to spin. . Try to avoid sudden steering,
straddles the edge of the Defensive drivers avoid most skids acceleration, or braking,
pavement. by taking reasonable care suited to including reducing vehicle speed
2. Turn the steering wheel about existing conditions, and by not by shifting to a lower gear. Any
one-eighth of a turn, until the overdriving those conditions. But sudden changes could cause
right front tire contacts the skids are always possible. the tires to slide.
pavement edge. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow Remember: Antilock brakes help
3. Turn the steering wheel to go these suggestions: avoid only the braking skid.
straight down the roadway. . Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
Track Events and
Loss of Control way you want the vehicle to go. Competitive Driving
The vehicle may straighten out. Track events or competitive driving
Skidding Be ready for a second skid if it may affect the vehicle warranty. See
There are three types of skids that occurs. the warranty manual before using
correspond to the vehicle's three . Slow down and adjust your the vehicle for track testing or other
control systems: driving according to weather competitive driving.
. Braking Skid — wheels are not conditions. Stopping distance
rolling. can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-6 Driving and Operating

of driving conditions and avoid Hydroplaning


{ Caution driving through large puddles and
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
deep‐standing or flowing water.
If the vehicle is used for track can build up under the vehicle's
events and competitive driving, tires so they actually ride on the
the engine may use more oil than { Warning water. This can happen if the road is
it would with normal use. Low oil wet enough and you are going fast
Wet brakes can cause crashes. enough. When the vehicle is
levels can damage the engine. They might not work as well in a
Check the oil level often and hydroplaning, it has little or no
quick stop and could cause contact with the road.
maintain the proper level. See pulling to one side. You could
Engine Oil on page 10-8. lose control of the vehicle. There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
After driving through a large slow down when the road is wet.
For the 2.0L and 2.5L engine: Add puddle of water or a car/vehicle
and keep the oil level at 1 L (1 qt) wash, lightly apply the brake Other Rainy Weather Tips
above the high mark when driving
pedal until the brakes work Besides slowing down, other wet
under these conditions. For
normally. weather driving tips include:
information on how to check and
add oil, see Engine Oil on Flowing or rushing water creates . Allow extra following distance.
page 10-8. strong forces. Driving through . Pass with caution.
flowing water could cause the
Driving on Wet Roads vehicle to be carried away. If this
. Keep windshield wiping
happens, you and other vehicle equipment in good shape.
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your occupants could drown. Do not . Keep the windshield washer fluid
ability to stop and accelerate. ignore police warnings and be reservoir filled.
Always drive slower in these types very cautious about trying to drive . Have good tires with proper
through flowing water. tread depth. See Tires on
page 10-40.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-7


. Turn off cruise control.
Winter Driving
{ Warning
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on Snow or Ice
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
Driving on steep hills or through or with the ignition off is Drive carefully when there is snow
mountains is different than driving dangerous. This can cause or ice between the tires and the
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for overheating of the brakes and road, creating less traction or grip.
driving in these conditions include: loss of steering. Always have the Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
. Keep the vehicle serviced and in F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
engine running and the vehicle
good shape. resulting in even less traction. Avoid
in gear.
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
. Check all fluid levels and brakes, until roads can be treated with salt
tires, cooling system, and . Stay in your own lane. Do not or sand.
transmission. swing wide or cut across the Drive with caution, whatever the
. Shift to a lower gear when going center of the road. Drive at condition. Accelerate gently so
down steep or long hills. speeds that let you stay in your traction is not lost. Accelerating too
own lane. quickly causes the wheels to spin
{ Warning . Be alert on top of hills; and makes the surface under the
something could be in your lane tires slick, so there is even less
Using the brakes to slow the (stalled car, accident). traction.
vehicle on a long downhill slope . Pay attention to special road Traction Control should be turned
can cause brake overheating, can signs (falling rocks area, winding on. See Traction Control/Electronic
reduce brake performance, and roads, long grades, passing or Stability Control on page 9-29.
could result in a loss of braking. no-passing zones) and take
Shift the transmission to a lower The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
appropriate action. improves vehicle stability during
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope. hard stops on slippery roads, but
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-8 Driving and Operating

apply the brakes sooner than when


. Tie a red cloth to an outside
on dry pavement. See Antilock mirror. Warning (Continued)
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-27. . Fully open the air outlets on
Allow greater following distance on { Warning or under the instrument
any slippery road and watch for Snow can trap engine exhaust panel.
slippery spots. Icy patches can
under the vehicle. This may . Adjust the climate control
occur on otherwise clear roads in
cause exhaust gases to get system to a setting that
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy inside. Engine exhaust contains circulates the air inside the
when the surrounding roads are carbon monoxide (CO) which vehicle and set the fan speed
clear. Avoid sudden steering cannot be seen or smelled. It can to the highest setting. See
maneuvers and braking while cause unconsciousness and even “Climate Control Systems”.
on ice. death. For more information about
Turn off cruise control on slippery If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: carbon monoxide, see Engine
surfaces. Exhaust on page 9-24.
. Clear away snow from around
Blizzard Conditions the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking To save fuel, run the engine for only
Being stuck in snow can be a the exhaust pipe. short periods as needed to warm
serious situation. Stay with the the vehicle and then shut the engine
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
. Check again from time to
off and close the window most of
If possible, use Roadside time to be sure snow does
the way to save heat. Repeat this
Assistance. See Roadside not collect there.
until help arrives but only when you
Assistance Program on page 13-5. . Open a window about 5 cm feel really uncomfortable from the
To get help and keep everyone in (2 in) on the side of the cold. Moving about to keep warm
the vehicle safe: vehicle that is away from the also helps.
. Turn on the hazard warning wind to bring in fresh air.
flashers. (Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-9

If it takes some time for help to the vehicle out after a few tries, it
arrive, now and then when you run Warning (Continued) might need to be towed out. If the
the engine, push the accelerator vehicle does need to be towed out,
pedal slightly so the engine runs vehicle can overheat, causing an see Towing the Vehicle on
faster than the idle speed. This engine compartment fire or other page 10-79.
keeps the battery charged to restart damage. Spin the wheels as little
the vehicle and to signal for help as possible and avoid going Vehicle Load Limits
with the headlamps. Do this as little above 56 km/h (35 mph).
as possible to save fuel. It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
If the Vehicle Is Stuck carry. This weight is called the
it Out
vehicle capacity weight and
Slowly and cautiously spin the Turn the steering wheel left and includes the weight of all
wheels to free the vehicle when right to clear the area around the
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. occupants, cargo, and all
front wheels. Turn off any traction nonfactory-installed options.
If stuck too severely for the traction system. Shift back and forth
Two labels on the vehicle show
system to free the vehicle, turn the between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels how much weight it may
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction as little as possible. To prevent properly carry, the Tire and
Control/Electronic Stability Control transmission wear, wait until the Loading Information label and
on page 9-29. wheels stop spinning before shifting the Certification label.
gears. Release the accelerator
{ Warning pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
{ Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high when the transmission is in gear. Do not load the vehicle any
speed, they can explode, and you Slowly spinning the wheels in the heavier than the Gross
or others could be injured. The forward and reverse directions Vehicle Weight Rating
causes a rocking motion that could
(Continued) free the vehicle. If that does not get (Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-10 Driving and Operating

Tire and Loading Information pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and


Warning (Continued) Label Loading Information label shows
(GVWR), or either the the number of occupant seating
maximum front or rear Gross positions (1), and the maximum
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). vehicle capacity weight (2) in
This can cause systems to kilograms and pounds.
break and change the way the The Tire and Loading
vehicle handles. This could Information label also shows the
cause loss of control and a tire size of the original
crash. Overloading can also equipment tires (3) and the
shorten the life of the vehicle. recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
Label Example see Tires on page 10-40 and
Tire Pressure on page 10-48.
1. Number of Occupant Seating
Positions There is also important loading
2. Maximum Vehicle Capacity information on the Certification
Weight label. It tells you the Gross
3. Size of the Original Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
Equipment Tires and the Gross Axle Weight
4. Recommended Cold Tire Rating (GAWR) for the front and
Inflation Pressure rear axle. See “Certification
A vehicle-specific Tire and Label” later in this section.
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-11

“Steps for Determining Correct and luggage load capacity is


Load Limit– 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
1. Locate the statement "The = 650 lbs.)
combined weight of 5. Determine the combined
occupants and cargo should weight of luggage and cargo
never exceed XXX kg or being loaded on the vehicle.
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s That weight may not safely
placard. exceed the available cargo
2. Determine the combined and luggage load capacity
weight of the driver and calculated in Step 4.
passengers that will be riding 6. If your vehicle will be towing Example 1
in your vehicle. a trailer, load from your trailer
3. Subtract the combined will be transferred to your 1. Vehicle Capacity Weight
weight of the driver and vehicle. Consult this manual for Example 1 = 453 kg
passengers from XXX kg or to determine how this (1,000 lbs).
XXX lbs. reduces the available cargo 2. Subtract Occupant Weight
and luggage load capacity of @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 =
4. The resulting figure equals your vehicle.” 136 kg (300 lbs).
the available amount of cargo
See Trailer Towing on page 9-51 3. Available Occupant and
and luggage load capacity.
for important information on Cargo Weight = 317 kg
For example, if the "XXX"
towing a trailer, towing safety (700 lbs).
amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb rules, and trailering tips.
passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-12 Driving and Operating

seating positions. The combined


weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label

Example 2 Example 3

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight 1. Vehicle Capacity Weight


for Example 2 = 453 kg for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs). (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight 2. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = Label Example
340 kg (750 lbs). 453 kg (1,000 lbs). A vehicle-specific Certification
3. Available Cargo Weight = 3. Available Cargo Weight = label is attached to the vehicle's
113 kg (250 lbs). 0 kg (0 lbs). center pillar (B-pillar). The label
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and tells the gross weight capacity of
Loading Information label for the vehicle, called the Gross
specific information about the Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
vehicle's capacity weight and The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants,
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-13

fuel, and cargo. Never exceed If you put things inside the
the GVWR for the vehicle, or the vehicle — like suitcases, tools, Warning (Continued)
Gross Axle Weight Rating packages, or anything . Never stack heavier
(GAWR) for either the front or else — they will go as fast as the things, like suitcases,
rear axle. vehicle goes. If you have to stop inside the vehicle so that
And, if there is a heavy load, it or turn quickly, or if there is a some of them are above
should be spread out. See crash, they will keep going. the tops of the seats.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit” earlier in this { Warning . Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
section. Things inside the vehicle can in the vehicle.
strike and injure people in a
{ Warning sudden stop or turn, or in a
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
Do not load the vehicle any crash.
. Do not leave a seat folded
heavier than the Gross . Put things in the cargo down unless needed.
Vehicle Weight Rating area of the vehicle. In the
(GVWR), or either the cargo area, put them as
maximum front or rear Gross far forward as possible.
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Try to spread the weight
This can cause systems to evenly.
break and change the way the (Continued)
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
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9-14 Driving and Operating

Starting and Caution (Continued)


The transmitter must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
Operating breaking-in guideline every
If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a
time you get new brake
New Vehicle Break-In linings.
strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access
Following break-in, engine speed system. See Remote Keyless Entry
{ Caution and load can be gradually (RKE) System Operation on
The vehicle does not need an increased. page 2-3.
elaborate break-in. But it will To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
perform better in the long run if Ignition Positions must be in ACC/ACCESSORY or
you follow these guidelines: ON/RUN and the brake pedal must
(Keyless Access) be applied.
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow, Stopping the Engine/LOCK/
for the first 805 km (500 mi). OFF (No Indicator Lights): When
Do not make full-throttle the vehicle is stopped, press the
starts. Avoid downshifting to ENGINE START/STOP button once
brake or slow the vehicle. to turn the engine off.
. Avoid making hard stops for If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
the first 322 km (200 mi) or The vehicle may have an electronic ignition will turn off, and Retained
so. During this time the new keyless ignition with pushbutton Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
brake linings are not yet start. active. See Retained Accessory
broken in. Hard stops with Power (RAP) on page 9-21.
new linings can mean Pressing the button cycles it through
three modes, ACC/ACCESSORY, If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
premature wear and earlier ignition will return to ACC/
replacement. Follow this ON/RUN/START, and Stopping the
Engine/OFF. ACCESSORY and display the
(Continued) message SHIFT TO PARK in the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-15

Driver Information Center (DIC). automatic transmission, the shift With the ignition off, pressing the
See Transmission Messages on lever must be in P (Park) to turn button one time without the brake
page 5-30. When the vehicle is the ignition switch to the OFF pedal applied will place the ignition
shifted into P (Park), the ignition position. system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
system will switch to OFF. 4. Set the parking brake. See The ignition will switch from ACC/
Do not turn the engine off when the Parking Brake on page 9-28. ACCESSORY to OFF after
vehicle is moving. This will cause a five minutes to prevent battery
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
{ Warning run down.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
the airbags. Turning off the vehicle while Light): This mode is for driving and
If the vehicle must be shut off in an moving may cause loss of power starting. With the ignition off, and
emergency: assist in the brake and steering the brake pedal applied, pressing
systems and disable the airbags. the button once will place the
1. Brake using a firm and steady While driving, only shut the
pressure. Do not pump the ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
vehicle off in an emergency. Once engine cranking begins,
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring release the button. Engine cranking
increased brake pedal force. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, will continue until the engine starts.
and must be shut off while driving, See Starting the Engine on
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). page 9-18. The ignition will then
This can be done while the press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than remain in ON/RUN.
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the two seconds, or press twice in Service Only Mode
brakes and steer the vehicle to a five seconds.
This power mode is available for
safe location. ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber service and diagnostics, and to
3. Come to a complete stop, shift Indicator Light): This mode allows verify the proper operation of the
to P (Park), and turn the ignition you to use some electrical malfunction indicator lamp as may
to OFF. On vehicles with an accessories when the engine is off. be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
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9-16 Driving and Operating

the brake pedal not applied, The ignition switch has four different This is the only position from which
pressing and holding the button for positions. the key can be removed. This locks
more than five seconds will place the ignition and automatic
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.
The instruments and audio systems
{ Caution transmission.
Do not turn the engine off when the
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, Using a tool to force the key to vehicle is moving. This will cause a
but the vehicle will not be able to be turn in the ignition could cause loss of power assist in the brake
driven. The engine will not start in damage to the switch or break the and steering systems, and disable
Service Only Mode. Push the button key. Use the correct key, make the airbags.
again to turn the vehicle off. sure it is all the way in, and turn it
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
only with your hand. If the key
Ignition Positions (Key emergency:
cannot be turned by hand, see
Access) your dealer. 1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
The key must be fully extended to deplete power assist, requiring
start the vehicle. increased brake pedal force.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the 2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the This can be done while the
brake pedal. vehicle is moving. After shifting
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/ to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, brakes and steer the vehicle to a
turn the ignition switch to LOCK/ safe location.
OFF to turn the engine off. Retained 3. Come to a complete stop, shift
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain to P (Park), and turn the ignition
active. See Retained Accessory to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
Power (RAP) on page 9-21. an automatic transmission, the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-17

shift lever must be in P (Park) to 3 (ON/RUN): The ignition switch A warning tone sounds when the
turn the ignition switch to the stays in this position when the driver door is opened when the
LOCK/OFF position. engine is running. This position can ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY
4. Set the parking brake. See be used to operate the electrical and the key is in the ignition. If the
Parking Brake on page 9-28. accessories, including the ignition becomes difficult to turn,
ventilation fan and 12-volt power see Keys on page 2-1.
outlets, as well as to display some
{ Warning warning and indicator lights. This Key Lock Release
position can also be used for
Turning off the vehicle while
service and diagnostics, and to
moving may cause loss of power verify the proper operation of the
assist in the brake and steering malfunction indicator lamp as may
systems and disable the airbags. be required for emission inspection
While driving, only shut the purposes. The transmission is also
vehicle off in an emergency. unlocked in this position.
The battery could be drained if the
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
and must be shut off while driving, or ON/RUN position with the engine
turn the ignition to ACC/ off. The vehicle might not restart if
ACCESSORY. the battery is allowed to drain for an
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This extended period of time.
position provides power to some of Vehicles with an automatic
4 (START): This position starts the transmission are equipped with an
the electrical accessories. It unlocks engine. When the engine starts,
the ignition. To move the key from electronic key lock release system.
release the key. The ignition switch This system is to prevent ignition
ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF, will return to ON/RUN for normal
the shift lever must be in P (Park). key removal unless the shift lever is
driving. in P (Park).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
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9-18 Driving and Operating

The key lock release will not work if Starting Procedure


the battery is charged less than { Caution 1. With your foot off the accelerator
9 volts, or uncharged. Try charging pedal, turn the ignition to START.
or jump starting the battery. See Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you When the engine starts, let go of
Jump Starting on page 10-76. the ignition.
could damage the transmission.
If charging or jump starting the Shift to P (Park) only when the The idle speed will go down as
battery does not work, there is a vehicle is stopped. your engine gets warm. Do not
manual key lock release. Locate the race the engine immediately
hole below the ignition lock. Insert a after starting it. Allow the oil to
tool or key into the opening. Locate warm up and lubricate all
the lever, and press it toward the
driver while removing the key from
{ Caution moving parts.
the ignition. If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change { Caution
Starting the Engine the way the engine operates. Any Cranking the engine for long
resulting damage would not be periods of time, by returning the
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
covered by the vehicle warranty. ignition to the START position
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the See Add-On Electrical Equipment immediately after cranking has
engine when the vehicle is already on page 9-53. ended, can overheat and damage
moving, use N (Neutral) only. the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.

2. If the engine does not start after


five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18°C
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-19

or 0°F), it could be flooded with Stop/Start System stopped, the tachometer displays
too much gasoline. Try pushing AUTO STOP. See Tachometer on
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
{ Warning page 5-9. When the brake pedal is
released or the accelerator pedal
as you hold the key in START, Exiting the vehicle without first pushed, the engine will restart.
or press the ENGINE START/ shifting into P (Park) may cause Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
STOP button, for up to a the vehicle to move. You or others
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at . A minimum vehicle speed is not
may be injured. Because the
least 15 seconds between each reached.
vehicle has the auto engine stop/
try, to allow the cranking motor . The engine or transmission is
start feature, the vehicle's engine
to cool down. When the engine not at the required operating
might seem to be shut off;
starts, let go of the key or button, temperature.
and the accelerator. If the however, once the brake pedal is
vehicle starts briefly but then released, the engine will start up . The outside temperature is not
stops again, do the same thing. again. in the required operating range.
This clears the extra gasoline Shift to P (Park) and turn the Typically below -10°C (14°F) or
from the engine. Do not race the above 50°C (122°F).
ignition to LOCK/OFF, before
engine immediately after starting exiting the vehicle. . The shift lever is in any gear
it. Operate the engine and other than D (Drive).
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all If equipped with the 2.5L L4 Engine, . The battery charge is low.
moving parts. the vehicle has a fuel saving stop/ . The interior comfort level has not
start system to shut off the engine to reached the required level for
help conserve fuel. the climate control system or
Auto Engine Stop/Start defog settings. Use the eco
(green indicator on) air
When the brakes are applied and conditioning mode for better
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (20,1)
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9-20 Driving and Operating

efficiency. See Dual Automatic 2. Open the hood and unwrap the
Climate Control System on electrical cord. { Warning
page 8-4.
Plugging the cord into an
. The Auto Stop time is greater ungrounded outlet could cause an
than two minutes. electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
Engine Heater overheat and cause a fire. You
The engine coolant heater, could be seriously injured. Plug
if available, can help in cold weather the cord into a properly grounded
conditions at or below −18°C (0°F) three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
for easier starting and better fuel If the cord will not reach, use a
economy during engine warm-up. heavy-duty three-prong extension
Plug in the coolant heater at least cord rated for at least 15 amps.
four hours before starting the
vehicle. An internal thermostat in The electrical cord is on the 4. Before starting the engine, be
the plug end of the cord will prevent passenger side of the engine sure to unplug and store the
engine coolant heater operation at compartment, between the cord as it was before to keep it
temperatures above −18°C (0°F). fender and the air cleaner. away from moving engine parts.
To Use the Engine Coolant 3. Plug it into a normal, grounded The length of time the heater should
Heater 110-volt AC outlet. remain plugged in depends on
1. Turn off the engine. several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-21

Retained Accessory 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)


Warning (Continued)
by holding in the button on the
Power (RAP) shift lever and pushing the shift
These vehicle accessories can be lever all the way toward the front Do not leave the vehicle when the
used for up to 10 minutes after the of the vehicle. engine is running. If you have left
engine is turned off: the engine running, the vehicle
3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. can move suddenly. You or others
. Audio System 4. Remove the key (if equipped) could be injured. To be sure the
. Power Windows and take it with you. If you can vehicle will not move, even when
. leave the vehicle with the you are on fairly level ground,
Sunroof (if equipped)
ignition key in your hand, the always set the parking brake and
These features continue to work up vehicle is in P (Park). move the shift lever to P (Park).
to 10 minutes after the ignition is See Shifting Into Park on
turned to LOCK/OFF. Leaving the Vehicle with the
page 9-21.
Engine Running
The power windows and sunroof will
work until any door is opened.
The radio continues to work until the
{ Warning If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
driver door is opened. It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle is in P (Park) and the
All these features operate when the vehicle with the engine running. parking brake is firmly set before
key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ It could overheat and catch fire. you leave it. After you have moved
ACCESSORY. the shift lever into P (Park), hold the
It is dangerous to get out of the regular brake pedal down. Then,
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully see if you can move the shift lever
Shifting Into Park in P (Park) with the parking brake away from P (Park) without first
1. Hold the brake pedal down and firmly set. The vehicle can roll. pushing the button.
set the parking brake. See (Continued) If you can, it means that the shift
Parking Brake on page 9-28. lever was not fully locked in
P (Park).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (22,1)
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9-22 Driving and Operating

Torque Lock Shifting out of Park 3. Press the shift lever button.
Torque lock is when the weight of This vehicle is equipped with an 4. Move the shift lever to the
the vehicle puts too much force on electronic shift lock release system. desired position.
the parking pawl in the The shift lock release is If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
transmission. This happens when designed to:
parking on a hill and shifting the 1. Fully release the shift lever
transmission into P (Park) is not
. Prevent ignition key removal (if button.
done properly, then it is difficult to equipped) unless the shift lever
is in P (Park) with the shift lever 2. Hold the brake pedal down and
shift out of P (Park). To prevent press the shift lever button
torque lock, set the parking brake button fully released.
again.
and then shift into P (Park). To find . Prevent movement of the shift
out how, see “Shifting Into Park” 3. Move the shift lever to the
lever out of P (Park), unless the
listed previously. desired position.
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
If torque lock does occur, your brake pedal is applied. If you are still having a problem
vehicle may need to be pushed shifting, see your dealer.
The shift lock release is always
uphill by another vehicle to relieve functional except in the case of an Shift Lock Manual Release
the parking pawl pressure, so you uncharged or low voltage (less than
can shift out of P (Park). 9-volt) battery. If jump starting the vehicle did not
work, the shift lock manual release
If you are towing a trailer and If the vehicle has an uncharged must be used.
parking on a hill, see Driving battery or a battery with low voltage,
Characteristics and Towing Tips on try charging or jump starting the To access the shift lock manual
page 9-48. battery. See Jump Starting on release:
page 10-76. 1. Apply the parking brake.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Place the ignition in ON/RUN.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (23,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-23

Parking over Things


That Burn

{ Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.

2. Release the shift lever trim from 3. Insert a tool into the opening as
the center console at the rear, far as it will go and move the
then fold upward and turn it to shift lever out of P (Park).
the left. If P (Park) is selected again, the
shift lever will be locked again.
Have the cause of the problem
fixed by your dealer.
4. Install the shift lever trim on the
console.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (24,1)
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9-24 Driving and Operating

Engine Exhaust Warning (Continued)


Running the Vehicle
While Parked
{ Warning . There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
Engine exhaust contains carbon damage or aftermarket
monoxide (CO) which cannot be modifications that are not If the vehicle is left with the engine
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO completely sealed. running, follow the proper steps to
can cause unconsciousness and be sure the vehicle will not move.
If unusual fumes are detected or
even death. See Shifting Into Park on page 9-21
if it is suspected that exhaust is and Engine Exhaust on page 9-24.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: coming into the vehicle:
If parking on a hill and pulling a
. The vehicle idles in areas . Drive it only with the windows trailer, see Driving Characteristics
with poor ventilation (parking completely down. and Towing Tips on page 9-48.
garages, tunnels, deep snow . Have the vehicle repaired
that may block underbody immediately.
airflow or tail pipes).
Never park the vehicle with the
. The exhaust smells or engine running in an enclosed
sounds strange or different. area such as a garage or a
. The exhaust system leaks building that has no fresh air
due to corrosion or damage. ventilation.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (25,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-25

Automatic { Warning
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of P (Park), ease pressure on the
Transmission It is dangerous to get out of the
shift lever and push the shift lever
all the way into P (Park) as you
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully maintain brake application. Then
in P (Park) with the parking brake move the shift lever into another
firmly set. The vehicle can roll. gear. See Shifting out of Park on
Do not leave the vehicle when the page 9-22.
engine is running. If you have left R (Reverse): Use this gear to
the engine running, the vehicle back up.
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
{ Caution
you are on fairly level ground, Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
always set the parking brake and vehicle is moving forward could
move the shift lever to P (Park). damage the transmission. The
See Shifting Into Park on repairs would not be covered by
P (Park): This position locks the page 9-21. the vehicle warranty. Shift to
front wheels. It is the best position R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
to use when you start the engine is stopped.
because the vehicle cannot move Make sure the shift lever is fully in
easily. P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic To rock the vehicle back and forth to
transmission shift lock control get out of snow, ice, or sand without
system. You must fully apply the damaging the transmission, see If
brake pedal then press the shift the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-9.
lever button before you can shift
from P (Park) while the ignition key
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (26,1)
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9-26 Driving and Operating

N (Neutral): In this position, the


Caution (Continued)
Manual Mode
engine does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine when Driver Shift Control (DSC)
the vehicle is already moving, use the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high To use this feature:
N (Neutral) only.
speed when shifting the vehicle. 1. Move the shift lever from
{ Warning D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual).
D (Drive): This position is for
Shifting into a drive gear while the normal driving. It provides the best While driving in manual mode,
engine is running at high speed is fuel economy. If you need more the transmission will remain in
dangerous. Unless your foot is power for passing, and you are: the driver selected gear. When
firmly on the brake pedal, the . Accelerating slowly or coming to a stop in the manual
vehicle could move very rapidly. maintaining a constant speed, position, the vehicle will
You could lose control and hit push the accelerator pedal about automatically shift into
people or objects. Do not shift halfway down. 1 (First) gear.
into a drive gear while the engine . 2. Press the + (plus) end of the
is running at high speed. Accelerating quickly or passing,
push the accelerator all the button on the top of the shift
way down. lever to upshift, or push the −
(minus) end of the button to
M (Manual Mode): This position downshift.
{ Caution allows you to change gears similar
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
to a manual transmission. If the
Shifting out of P (Park) or vehicle has this feature, see Manual in the instrument cluster will change
N (Neutral) with the engine Mode on page 9-26. from the currently displayed
running at high speed may message to the letter “M,” for
damage the transmission. The Manual position, and a number
repairs would not be covered by indicating the requested gear.
(Continued)
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Driving and Operating 9-27

While using the DSC feature the With the DSC feature, the vehicle Brakes
transmission will have firmer shifting can be set to pull away in
and sportier performance. You can 2 (Second) gear.
use this for sport driving or when Antilock Brake
1. Move the shift lever from
climbing hills to stay in gear longer D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode).
System (ABS)
or to downshift for more power or
2. With the vehicle stopped, press This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
engine braking.
the (+) end of the button to electronic braking system that helps
The transmission will only allow you select 2 (Second) gear. The prevent a braking skid.
to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle will start from a stop When the vehicle begins to drive
vehicle speed and engine position in 2 (Second) gear. away, ABS checks itself.
revolutions per minute (rpm):
3. Once moving, select the desired A momentary motor or clicking noise
. The transmission will not allow drive gear. might be heard while this test is
shifting to the next higher gear if going on, and it might even be
the vehicle speed or engine rpm noticed that the brake pedal moves
is too low. a little. This is normal.
. The transmission will not allow
shifting to the next lower gear if
the vehicle speed or engine rpm
is too high.
Second Gear Start Feature
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions, If there is a problem with ABS, this
you may want to shift into warning light stays on. See Antilock
2 (Second) gear. A higher gear Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
allows you to gain more traction on on page 5-16.
slippery surfaces.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (28,1)
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9-28 Driving and Operating

If driving safely on a wet road and it suddenly slows or stops. Always Parking Brake
becomes necessary to slam on the leave enough room up ahead to
brakes and continue braking to stop, even with ABS.
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are Using ABS
slowing down. If one of the wheels Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
is about to stop rolling, the computer the brake pedal down firmly and let
will separately work the brakes at ABS work. You may hear the ABS
each wheel. pump or motor operating and feel
ABS can change the brake pressure the brake pedal pulsate. This is
to each wheel, as required, faster normal.
than any driver could. This can help Braking in Emergencies
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard. ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
As the brakes are applied, the emergencies, steering can help To set the parking brake, hold the
computer keeps receiving updates more than even the very best brake pedal down and pull up on the
on wheel speed and controls braking. parking brake lever. If the ignition is
braking pressure accordingly. on, the brake system warning light
Remember: ABS does not change will come on. See Brake System
the time needed to get a foot up to Warning Light on page 5-15.
the brake pedal or always decrease To release the parking brake, hold
stopping distance. If you get too the brake pedal down. Pull the
close to the vehicle in front of you, parking brake lever up until you can
there will not be enough time to press the release button. Hold the
apply the brakes if that vehicle release button in as you move the
brake lever all the way down.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (29,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-29

vehicle until the ABS activates. Ride Control Systems


{ Caution Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
Driving with the parking brake on normal and the driver should Traction Control/
can overheat the brake system continue to apply the brake pedal as Electronic Stability
and cause premature wear or the driving situation dictates. The
damage to brake system parts.
Control
Brake Assist feature will
Make sure that the parking brake automatically disengage when the System Operation
is fully released and the brake brake pedal is released or brake
warning light is off before driving. The vehicle has a Traction Control
pedal pressure is quickly
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
decreased.
electronic stability control system.
Brake Assist Hill Start Assist (HSA)
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
The Brake Assist feature is control, especially on slippery road
If equipped, HSA may automatically
designed to assist the driver in conditions.
activate when the vehicle is stopped
stopping or decreasing vehicle
on a grade. This feature is designed TCS activates if it senses that any
speed in emergency driving
to prevent the vehicle from rolling, of the drive wheels are spinning or
conditions. This feature uses the
either forward or rearward, during beginning to lose traction. When this
stability system hydraulic brake
vehicle drive off. During the happens, TCS applies the brakes to
control module to supplement the
transition from releasing the brake the spinning wheels and reduces
power brake system under
pedal to accelerating to drive off on engine power to limit wheel spin.
conditions where the driver has
a grade, HSA holds the braking
quickly and forcefully applied the StabiliTrak activates when the
pressure to prevent rolling. HSA will
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly vehicle senses a difference between
not activate if the vehicle is in a
stop or slow down the vehicle. The the intended path and the direction
drive gear and facing downhill or if
stability system hydraulic brake the vehicle is actually traveling.
the vehicle is facing uphill and in
control module increases brake StabiliTrak selectively applies
R (Reverse).
pressure at each corner of the braking pressure to any one of the
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9-30 Driving and Operating

vehicle wheel brakes to assist the If d comes on and stays on:


driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. 1. Stop the vehicle.
If cruise control is being used and 2. Turn the engine off and wait
traction control or StabiliTrak begins 15 seconds.
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will 3. Start the engine.
disengage. Cruise control may be The indicator light for both systems
turned back on when road is in the instrument cluster. This Drive the vehicle. If d comes on
conditions allow. light will: and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
Both systems come on . Flash when TCS is limiting
If the condition persists, see your
automatically when the vehicle is wheel spin.
dealer.
started and begins to move. The . Flash when StabiliTrak is
systems may be heard or felt while activated. Turning the Systems Off
they are operating or while and On
performing diagnostic checks. This
. Turn on and stay on when either
is normal and does not mean there system is not working.
is a problem with the vehicle. If either system fails to turn on or to
It is recommended to leave both activate, a message displays in the
systems on for normal driving Driver Information Center (DIC), and
conditions, but it may be necessary d comes on and stays on to
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets indicate that the system is inactive
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. and is not assisting the driver in
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on maintaining control. The vehicle is
page 9-9 and “Turning the Systems safe to drive, but driving should be
Off and On” later in this section. adjusted accordingly.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (31,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-31

To turn the system off, press the and StabiliTrak OFF Light g come Cruise Control
TCS/StabiliTrak button on the center on and stay on in the instrument
stack. cluster. With cruise control, you can
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
{ Caution again, press and release the TCS/
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
Do not repeatedly brake or StabiliTrak button. The traction off control does not work at speeds
accelerate heavily when TCS is light i and StabiliTrak OFF Light g below 40 km/h (25 mph).
off. The vehicle driveline could be in the instrument cluster turn off.
damaged. Adding accessories can affect the { Warning
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on Cruise control can be dangerous
To turn off only TCS, press and where you cannot drive safely at
release the TCS/StabiliTrak button. page 10-3.
a steady speed. Do not use the
The traction off light i displays in cruise control on winding roads or
the instrument cluster. in heavy traffic.
To turn TCS on again, press and Cruise control can be dangerous
release the TCS/StabiliTrak button. on slippery roads. On such roads,
The traction off light i displayed in fast changes in tire traction can
the instrument cluster will turn off. cause excessive wheel slip, and
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when you could lose control. Do not use
the TCS/StabiliTrak button is cruise control on slippery roads.
pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning. With the Traction Control System
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, (TCS) or StabiliTrak system, the
press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak system may begin to limit wheel
button until the traction off light i spin while you are using cruise
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9-32 Driving and Operating

control. If this happens, the cruise 1 (On/Off): Press to turn the into cruise when not desired. Keep
control will automatically disengage. cruise control on or off. A white the 1 button off when cruise is not
See Traction Control/Electronic indicator comes on in the instrument being used.
Stability Control on page 9-29. If a cluster.
collision alert occurs when cruise 1. Press 1 to turn the cruise
control is activated, cruise control is * (Cancel): Press to disengage system on.
disengaged. See Forward Collision cruise control without erasing the
set speed from memory. 2. Get up to the speed desired.
Alert (FCA) System on page 9-34.
When road conditions allow you to RES/+ (Resume/Accelerate): If 3. Move the control toward SET/−
safely use it again, cruise control there is a set speed in memory, and release it.
can be turned back on. press the control up briefly to 4. Remove foot from the
If the brakes are applied, cruise resume to that speed or hold to accelerator.
control disengages. accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase The cruise control indicator on the
vehicle speed. instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
SET/− (Set/Coast): Press the desired speed. See Instrument
control down briefly to set the speed Cluster on page 5-8.
and activate cruise control. If cruise
control is already active, use to Resuming a Set Speed
decrease speed. If the cruise control is set at a
Setting Cruise Control desired speed and then the brakes
are applied or * is pressed, the
If the 1 button is on when not in cruise control is disengaged without
use, SET/− or RES/+ could get erasing the set speed from memory.
bumped and the vehicle could go
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (33,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-33

Once the vehicle speed is about Reducing Speed While Using override cruise control, briefly
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, press Cruise Control pressing SET– down will result in
RES/+ up briefly and then release it. If the cruise control system is cruise control set to the current
The vehicle returns to the previously already activated: vehicle speed.
set speed.
. Press and hold SET/− down until Using Cruise Control on Hills
Increasing Speed While Using the desired lower speed is How well the cruise control works
Cruise Control reached, then release it. on hills depends upon the vehicle
If the cruise control system is . To decrease the vehicle speed in speed, load, and the steepness of
already activated: small increments, press SET/− the hills. When going up steep hills,
. Press and hold RES/+ up until down briefly. For each press, the you might have to step on the
the vehicle accelerates to the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h accelerator pedal to maintain your
desired speed, then release it. (1 mph) slower. speed. When going downhill, you
might have to brake or shift to a
. To increase the speed in small The speedometer reading can be lower gear to keep your speed
increments, press RES/+ up displayed in either English or metric down. If the brake pedal is applied,
briefly. For each press, the units. See Instrument Cluster on cruise control will disengage.
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h page 5-8. The increment value used
(1 mph) faster. depends on the units displayed.
The speedometer reading can be Passing Another Vehicle While
displayed in either English or metric Using Cruise Control
units. See Instrument Cluster on Use the accelerator pedal to
page 5-8. The increment value used increase the vehicle speed. When
depends on the units displayed. you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle slows down to the previously
set cruise control speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (34,1)
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9-34 Driving and Operating

Ending Cruise Control Driver Assistance Warning (Continued)


There are four ways to end cruise
control:
Systems stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
. Step lightly on the brake pedal. or when following a vehicle too
Forward Collision Alert closely, FCA may not provide a
. Press *. (FCA) System warning with enough time to help
. Shift the transmission to If equipped, the FCA system may avoid a crash. FCA does not warn
N (Neutral). help to avoid or reduce the harm of pedestrians, animals, signs,
caused by front-end crashes. When guardrails, bridges, construction
. To turn off the cruise control,
approaching a vehicle ahead too barrels, or other objects. Be ready
press 1. quickly, FCA provides a flashing red to take action and apply the
Erasing Speed Memory alert on the windshield, and rapidly brakes. For more information, see
beeps. FCA also lights an amber Defensive Driving on page 9-3.
The cruise control set speed is visual alert if following another
erased from memory if 1 is pressed vehicle much too closely.
or if the vehicle is turned off. FCA can be disabled with the FCA
FCA detects vehicles within a steering wheel control.
distance of approximately 60 m
(197 ft) and operates at speeds Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
above 40 km/h (25 mph).

{ Warning
FCA is a warning system and
does not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (35,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-35

FCA warnings will not occur unless Tailgating Alert


the FCA system detects a vehicle Warning (Continued)
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will proper condition. Keep the
display green. Vehicles may not be windshield, headlamps, and FCA
detected on curves, highway exit sensors clean and in good repair.
ramps, or hills; or due to poor
visibility. FCA will not detect another Collision Alert
vehicle ahead until it is completely The vehicle ahead indicator will
in the driving lane. display amber when you are
following a detected vehicle ahead
{ Warning much too closely.

FCA does not provide a warning Selecting the Alert Timing


to help avoid a crash, unless it The Collision Alert control is on the
detects a vehicle. FCA may not When your vehicle approaches steering wheel. Press [ to set the
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA another detected vehicle too rapidly, FCA timing to far, medium, near,
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow, the red FCA display will flash on the or off. The first button press shows
or ice, or if the windshield is windshield. Also, eight rapid the current control setting on the
damaged. It may also not detect a high-pitched beeps will sound from DIC. Additional button presses will
vehicle on winding or hilly roads, the front. When this Collision Alert change this setting. The chosen
or in conditions that can limit occurs, the brake system may setting will remain until it is changed
visibility such as fog, rain, prepare for driver braking to occur and will affect the timing of both the
or snow, or if the headlamps or more rapidly which can cause a Collision Alert and the Tailgating
windshield are not cleaned or in brief, mild deceleration. Continue to Alert features. The timing of both
apply the brake pedal as the driving alerts will vary based on vehicle
(Continued)
situation dictates. speed. The faster the vehicle speed,
the farther away the alert will occur.
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9-36 Driving and Operating

Consider traffic and weather detect objects up to 2.5 m (8 ft) An obstacle detection is indicated
conditions when selecting the alert behind the vehicle, and at least by beeps. The interval between the
timing. The range of selectable alert 20 cm (8 in) off the ground. The beeps becomes shorter as the
timing may not be appropriate for all distance objects can be detected vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.
drivers and driving conditions. may be less during warmer or humid When the distance is less than
weather. 30 cm (12 in), the beeping is a
Unnecessary Alerts continuous beep for five seconds.
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts to turning vehicles, vehicles in
{ Warning Turning the System On and Off
other lanes, objects that are not The parking assist system does The RPA system can be turned on
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts not detect children, pedestrians, and off using the infotainment
are normal operation and the bicyclists, animals, or objects system controls. See Vehicle
vehicle does not need service. below the bumper or that are too Personalization on page 5-31.
Cleaning the System close or too far from the vehicle. When the system is off, PARK
It is not available at speeds ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver
If the FCA system does not seem to greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To Information Center (DIC). The
operate properly, cleaning the prevent injury, death, or vehicle message disappears after a short
outside of the windshield in front of damage, even with parking assist, period of time.
the camera sensor may correct the always check the area around the
issue RPA defaults to the on setting each
vehicle and check all mirrors time the vehicle is started.
before backing.
Parking Assist Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
If equipped, the Rear Parking Assist How the System Works
(RPA) system assists the driver with
parking and avoiding objects while RPA comes on automatically when
in R (Reverse). RPA operates at the shift lever is moved into
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph). R (Reverse). A single beep sounds
The sensors on the rear bumper to indicate the system is working.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (37,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-37

When the System Does Not PARK ASSIST OFF: If the RPA occur with vehicles in the side blind
Seem to Work Properly system does not activate due to a zone (or spot) areas. The SBZA
temporary condition, the message warning display will light up in the
The following messages may be displays on the DIC. This can occur corresponding outside side mirror
displayed on the DIC: under the following conditions: and will flash if the turn signal is on.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST: If . The driver has disabled the
this message occurs, check the
following conditions:
system. { Warning
. An object was hanging out of the SBZA does not alert the driver to
. The sensors are not clean. Keep trunk during the last drive cycle.
the vehicle's rear bumper free of vehicles rapidly approaching
Once the object is removed, outside of the side blind zones,
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. RPA will return to normal
For cleaning instructions, see pedestrians, bicyclists,
operation. or animals. It may not provide
Exterior Care on page 10-82.
.
. The bumper is damaged. Take alerts when changing lanes under
The park assist sensors are the vehicle to your dealer to all driving conditions. Failure to
covered by frost or ice. Frost or repair the system. use proper care when changing
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always . Other conditions, such as lanes may result in injury, death,
be seen; this can occur after vibrations from a jackhammer or or vehicle damage. Before
washing the vehicle in cold the compression of air brakes on making a lane change, always
weather. The message may not a very large truck, are affecting check mirrors, glance over your
clear until the frost or ice has system performance. shoulder, and use the turn
melted. signals.
If the above conditions do not exist,
Side Blind Zone
take the vehicle to your dealer to Alert (SBZA)
repair the system. If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (38,1)
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9-38 Driving and Operating

SBZA Detection Zones over that is in the side blind zone. SBZA can be disabled through
This indicates it may be unsafe to vehicle personalization. See
change lanes. Before making a lane “Collision/Detection Systems” under
change, check the SBZA display, Vehicle Personalization on
check mirrors, glance over your page 5-31. If SBZA is disabled by
shoulder, and use the turn signals. the driver, the SBZA mirror displays
will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
SBZA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly or
Left Side Mirror Right Side Mirror when towing a trailer. The SBZA
Display Display detection zones that extend back
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of from the side of the vehicle do not
approximately one lane over from When the vehicle is started, both move further back when a trailer is
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m outside mirror SBZA displays will towed. Use caution while changing
(11 ft). The height of the zone is briefly come on to indicate the lanes when towing a trailer. SBZA
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft) system is operating. When the may alert to objects attached to the
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. This vehicle is moving forward, the left or vehicle, such as a trailer, bicycle,
zone starts at approximately the right side mirror display will light up or object extending out to either side
middle of the vehicle and goes back if a vehicle is detected in that blind of the vehicle. This is normal system
5 m (16 ft). zone. If the turn signal is activated operation; the vehicle does not need
in the same direction of a detected service.
How the System Works vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes. SBZA may not always alert the
The SBZA symbol lights up in the driver to vehicles in the side blind
side mirrors when the system zone, especially in wet conditions.
detects a vehicle in the next lane The system does not need to be
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (39,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-39

serviced. The system may light up When SBZA is disabled for any
due to guardrails, signs, trees, reason other than the driver turning Warning (Continued)
shrubs, and other non-moving it off, the Side Blind Zone Alert On
objects. This is normal system option will not be available on the other object located outside the
operation; the vehicle does not need personalization menu. camera's field of view, below the
service. bumper, or under the vehicle.
Radio Frequency Information Perceived distances may be
SBZA may not operate when the different from actual distances.
SBZA sensors in the left or right See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13-12. Do not back the vehicle using
corners of the rear bumper are
only the RVC screen. Failure to
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
Rear Vision use proper care before backing
or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
may result in injury, death,
cleaning instructions, see "Washing Camera (RVC) or vehicle damage. Always check
the Vehicle" under Exterior Care on
page 10-82. If the DIC still displays The vehicle may have an RVC behind and around the vehicle
the system unavailable message system. Read this entire section before backing.
after cleaning both sides of the before using it.
vehicle toward the rear corners of The RVC system can assist the How the System Works
the vehicle, see your dealer. driver when backing up by
displaying a view of the area behind When the vehicle is shifted into
If the SBZA displays do not light up R (Reverse), the image of the area
when vehicles are in the blind zone the vehicle.
behind the vehicle appears in the
and the system is clean, the system radio screen. The previous screen
may need service. Take the vehicle { Warning displays when the vehicle is shifted
to your dealer. out of R (Reverse) after
The RVC system does not display
approximately 10 seconds.
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (40,1)
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9-40 Driving and Operating

To see the previous screen sooner, The RVC system may have a the vehicle. The RCTA system will
do one of the following: guideline overlay that can help the not work properly if ice, snow, mud,
. Press a button on the driver align the vehicle when or anything else builds up on the
infotainment system. backing into a parking spot. rear bumper sensors.
. Shift into P (Park). To turn the symbols and guidelines Use caution while backing up when
on or off: towing a trailer, as the RCTA
. Reach a vehicle speed of detection zones that extend out
8 km/h (5 mph). 1. Shift into P (Park).
from the back of your vehicle do not
2. Press the CONFIG button on the move further back when a trailer is
Symbols and Guidelines infotainment system. towed.
The system may have a feature that 3. Select Display.
lets the driver view caution symbols To turn RCTA on or off, see
on the infotainment screen while 4. Select Symbols or Guidelines. “Collision/Detection Systems” under
using the RVC. The Rear Parking When a checkmark appears next Vehicle Personalization on
Assist (RPA) system must not be to the option, the feature is on. page 5-31.
disabled to use the caution symbols. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) Rear Vision Camera Error
The error message Rear Parking Messages
Assist Symbols Unavailable may On vehicles with the RCTA, a
display if RPA has been disabled warning triangle with a left or right SERVICE REAR VISION CAMERA
and the symbols have been pointing arrow may also display on SYSTEM: If this message appears
turned on. the RVC screen to warn of traffic in the center stack display, the
coming from the left or the right. system may need service.
The symbols appear and may cover Three beeps will also sound from
an object when viewing the If any other problem occurs or if a
the left or right side, depending on problem persists, see your dealer.
infotainment screen when an object the approaching cross traffic
is detected by the RPA system. direction. This system detects
objects coming from up to 20 m (65
ft) from the left or right side behind
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (41,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-41

Rear Vision Camera Location When the System Does Not


Seem To Work Properly
The RVC system may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
. It is dark.
. The sun or the beam of
headlamps is shining directly
into the camera lens.
. Ice, snow, mud, or anything else
has built up on the camera lens.
Clean the lens, rinse it with
1. View displayed by the water, and wipe it with a soft
camera. cloth.
The RVC is above the license plate. . The back of the vehicle was in
The area displayed by the camera is an accident. The position and
limited. mounting angle of the camera
It does not display objects that are can change or the camera can
close to either corner or under the be affected. Be sure to have the
bumper and can vary depending on camera and its position and
vehicle orientation or road mounting angle checked at your
conditions. Displayed images may dealer.
be farther or closer than they
appear.
1. View displayed by the
The following illustrations show the camera.
field of view that the camera 2. Corner of the rear bumper.
provides.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (42,1)
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9-42 Driving and Operating

Lane Departure Warning (Continued)


How the System Works
Warning (LDW) The LDW camera sensor is on the
proper condition; or if the sun windshield ahead of the rearview
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
shines directly into the mirror.
crashes due to unintentional lane
camera.
departures. It may provide an alert if To turn LDW on and off, press @ on
the vehicle is crossing a lane . Detect road edges. the center stack, forward of the shift
without using a turn signal in that . Detect lanes on winding or lever. The control indicator will light
direction. LDW uses a camera hilly roads. when LDW is on.
sensor to detect the lane markings
at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or If LDW only detects lane
greater. markings on one side of the road,
it will only warn you when
{ Warning departing the lane on the side
where it has detected a lane
The LDW system does not steer marking. Always keep your
the vehicle. The LDW system attention on the road and
may not: maintain proper vehicle position When LDW is on, @ is green if
within the lane, or vehicle LDW is available to warn of a lane
. Provide enough time to avoid departure. If the vehicle crosses a
a crash. damage, injury, or death could
detected lane marking without using
occur. Always keep the
. Detect lane markings under windshield, headlamps, and the turn signal in that direction, @
poor weather or visibility camera sensors clean and in changes to amber and flashes.
conditions. This can occur if good repair. Do not use LDW in Additionally, there will be three
the windshield or headlamps beeps on the right or left, depending
bad weather conditions.
are blocked by dirt, snow, on the lane departure direction.
or ice; if they are not in
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (43,1)
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Driving and Operating 9-43

When the System Does Not Fuel If the vehicle has a yellow fuel cap,
Seem to Work Properly E85 or FlexFuel can be used in the
Use of the recommended fuel is an vehicle. See E85 or FlexFuel on
The system may not detect lanes as important part of the proper page 9-45.
well when there are: maintenance of this vehicle. When
If the vehicle has a 2.5L L4 engine,
. Close vehicles ahead. driving in the U.S. and Canada, to
use regular unleaded gasoline
help keep the engine clean and
. Sudden lighting changes, such meeting ASTM specification D4814
maintain optimum vehicle
as when driving through tunnels. with a posted octane rating of 87 or
performance, we recommend using
higher. Do not use gasoline with an
. Banked roads. TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
octane rating below 87; as it may
If the LDW system is not functioning See www.toptiergas.com for a list of
cause engine damage and will lower
properly when lane markings are TOP TIER Detergent Gasolines.
fuel economy.
clearly visible, cleaning the
If the vehicle has the 2.0L L4 turbo
windshield may help.
engine, use premium unleaded
LDW alerts may occur due to tar gasoline meeting ASTM
marks, shadows, cracks in the road, specification D4814 with a posted
temporary or construction lane octane rating of 91 or higher.
markings, or other road Regular unleaded gasoline rated at
imperfections. This is normal system 87 octane or higher can be used,
operation; the vehicle does not need but acceleration and fuel economy
service. Turn LDW off if these will be reduced, and an audible
conditions continue. knocking noise may be heard. If this
occurs, use a gasoline rated at
91 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (44,1)
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9-44 Driving and Operating

knocking is heard when using California Fuel


gasoline with a 91 octane rating or { Caution Requirements
higher, the engine needs service.
Do not use fuel containing If the vehicle is certified to meet
Use of Seasonal Fuels methanol. It can corrode metal California Emissions Standards, it is
Use summer and winter fuels in the parts in the fuel system and also designed to operate on fuels that
appropriate season. The fuels damage plastic and rubber parts. meet California specifications. See
industry automatically modifies the That damage would not be the underhood emission control
fuel for the appropriate season. covered under the vehicle label. If this fuel is not available in
If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for warranty. states adopting California Emissions
long periods of time, driving or Standards, the vehicle will operate
starting could be affected. Drive the Some gasolines, mainly high octane satisfactorily on fuels meeting
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half racing gasolines, can contain an federal specifications, but emission
tank or less, then refuel with the octane-enhancing additive called control system performance might
current seasonal fuel. methylcyclopentadienyl manganese be affected. The malfunction
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use indicator lamp could turn on and the
Prohibited Fuels
gasolines and/or fuel additives with vehicle may not pass a smog-check
Gasolines containing oxygenates MMT as they can reduce spark plug test. See Malfunction Indicator
such as ethers and ethanol, as well life and affect emission control Lamp on page 5-13. If this occurs,
as reformulated gasolines, are system performance. The return to your authorized dealer for
available in some cities. If these malfunction indicator lamp may turn diagnosis. If it is determined that the
gasolines comply with the on. If this occurs, see your dealer condition is caused by the type of
previously described specification, for service. fuel used, repairs may not be
then they are acceptable to use. covered by the vehicle warranty.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (45,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-45

Fuels in Foreign gasoline additive recommended by the fuel if the ethanol content is
General Motors. It is available at greater than 85%. Fuel mixtures that
Countries your dealer. do not meet ASTM or CGSB
If planning to drive in countries Do not use additives with E85 or specifications can affect driveability
outside the U.S. or Canada, the FlexFuel. and could cause the malfunction
proper fuel might be hard to find. indicator lamp to come on.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
E85 or FlexFuel After refueling, the vehicle
calculates the composition of the
in the country where driving. Never Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can fuel. It is not recommended to
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing use either unleaded gasoline or fuel repeatedly switch between fuels.
methanol, manganese, or any other containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). If fuels are switched frequently, add
fuel not recommended. Costly All other vehicles should use only as much fuel as possible and do not
repairs caused by use of improper the unleaded gasoline as described add less than 11 L (3 gal) when
fuel would not be covered by the in Fuel on page 9-43. refueling. Drive at least 11 km (7 mi)
vehicle warranty. The use of E85 or FlexFuel is immediately after refueling to allow
encouraged when the vehicle is the vehicle to adapt to the change in
Fuel Additives designed to use it. E85 or FlexFuel ethanol concentration.
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP is made from renewable sources. Because E85 or FlexFuel has less
TIER Detergent Gasoline is To help locate fuel stations that energy per liter (gallon) than
recommended. See Fuel on carry E85 or FlexFuel, the U.S. gasoline, the vehicle will need to be
page 9-43. Department of Energy has an refilled more often. See Filling the
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is alternative fuels website. See Tank on page 9-46.
not available, one bottle of Fuel www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/locator/
System Treatment PLUS added to stations.
the fuel tank at every engine oil E85 or FlexFuel should meet ASTM
change can help. Fuel System Specification D 5798 or CAN/
Treatment PLUS is the only CGSB–3.512 in Canada. Do not use
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (46,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-46 Driving and Operating

Filling the Tank


{ Caution Warning (Continued)
Some additives are not { Warning . Fuel can spray out if the fuel
compatible with E85 or FlexFuel cap is opened too quickly.
and can harm the vehicle's fuel Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn This spray can happen if the
system. Do not add anything to violently and can cause injury or tank is nearly full, and is
E85 or FlexFuel. Damage caused death. more likely in hot weather.
by additives would not be covered . To help avoid injuries to you Open the fuel cap slowly and
by the vehicle warranty. and others, read and follow wait for any hiss noise to stop
all the instructions on the fuel then unscrew the cap all
pump island. the way.

{ Caution . Turn off the engine when


refueling.
Do not use fuel containing . Keep sparks, flames, and
methanol. It can corrode metal smoking materials away
parts in the fuel system and also from fuel.
damage plastic and rubber parts. . Do not leave the fuel pump
That damage would not be
unattended.
covered under the vehicle
warranty. . Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from the
fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (47,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-47

The fuel cap is behind a hinged fuel Filling a Portable Fuel


door on the passenger side of the { Warning Container
vehicle. To open the fuel door, push
and release the rearward center If a fire starts while you are
edge of the door. refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
{ Warning
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise shutting off the pump or by Filling a portable fuel container
to remove. If the vehicle has E85 notifying the station attendant. while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel capability, the fuel cap will be Leave the area immediately. fuel vapors that can ignite either
yellow and state that E85 or by static electricity or other
gasoline can be used. See E85 or
means. You or others could be
FlexFuel on page 9-45. While
badly burned and the vehicle
refueling, hang the fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door. Reinstall the
{ Caution could be damaged. Always:
cap by turning it clockwise until it If a new fuel cap is needed, be . Use approved fuel
clicks. sure to get the right type of cap containers.
If the cap is not properly installed, from your dealer. The wrong type . Remove the container from
the malfunction indicator lamp will of fuel cap may not fit properly, the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
come on. See Malfunction Indicator may cause the malfunction bed before filling.
Lamp on page 5-13. indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
. Place the container on the
Do not top off or overfill the tank and ground.
emissions system. See
wait a few seconds before removing
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on . Place the nozzle inside the fill
the nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
page 5-13. opening of the container
surfaces as soon as possible. See
before dispensing fuel, and
Exterior Care on page 10-82.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (48,1)
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9-48 Driving and Operating

Warning (Continued) Trailer Towing Driving Characteristics


and Towing Tips
keep it in contact with the fill General Towing
opening until filling is Driving with a Trailer
complete.
Information
When towing a trailer:
Only use towing equipment that has
. Fill the container no more . Become familiar with the state
been designed for the vehicle.
than 95% full to allow for and local laws that apply
Contact your dealer or trailering
expansion. specifically to trailer towing.
dealer for assistance with preparing
. Do not smoke, light matches, the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read . Do not tow a trailer during the
or use lighters while the entire section before towing a first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
pumping fuel. trailer. damage to the engine, axle or
. Avoid using cell phones or For towing a disabled vehicle, see other parts.
other electronic devices. Towing the Vehicle on page 10-79. . Then, during the first 800 km
For towing the vehicle behind (500 mi) trailer towing, do not
another vehicle such as a motor drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
home, see Recreational Vehicle do not make starts at full throttle.
Towing on page 10-79. . The vehicle can tow in D (Drive)
but M (Manual Mode) is
recommended. See Manual
Mode on page 9-26. Use a lower
gear if the transmission shifts
too often.
. Turn off Park Assist when
towing.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (49,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-49

Towing a trailer requires a certain trailer, which mainly occurs during


{ Warning amount of experience. The cornering. This is normal when
combination you are driving is towing heavier trailers.
When towing a trailer, exhaust longer and not as responsive as the
gases may collect at the rear of vehicle itself. Get acquainted with Following Distance
the vehicle and enter if the the handling and braking of the rig Stay at least twice as far behind the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most before setting out for the open road. vehicle ahead as you would when
window is open. driving the vehicle without a trailer.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
When towing a trailer: parts and attachments, safety This can help to avoid situations
chains, electrical connectors, lamps, that require heavy braking and
. Do not drive with the liftgate, sudden turns.
trunk/hatch, or rear-most tires and mirrors. If the trailer has
window open. electric brakes, start the Passing
combination moving and then apply
. Fully open the air outlets on the trailer brake controller by hand More passing distance is needed
or under the instrument to be sure the brakes work. when towing a trailer. Because the
panel. rig is longer, it is necessary to go
During the trip, check occasionally farther beyond the passed vehicle
. Also adjust the Climate to be sure that the load is secure
Control system to a setting before returning to the lane.
and the lamps and any trailer
that brings in only outside air. brakes still work. Backing Up
See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index. Towing with a Stability Control Hold the bottom of the steering
System wheel with one hand. To move the
For more information about trailer to the left, move your hand to
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine When towing, the sound of the the left. To move the trailer to the
Exhaust on page 9-24. stability control system might be right, move your hand to the right.
heard. The system is reacting to the Always back up slowly and,
vehicle movement caused by the if possible, have someone
guide you.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (50,1)
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9-50 Driving and Operating

Making Turns lamps also flash, telling other grades, the vehicle could show
drivers the vehicle is turning, signs similar to engine overheating.
{ Caution changing lanes or stopping. To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
Making very sharp turns while the instrument cluster flash for turns ground, with the transmission in
trailering could cause the trailer to even if the bulbs on the trailer are P (Park) for a few minutes before
come in contact with the vehicle. burned out. Check occasionally to turning the engine off. If the
The vehicle could be damaged. be sure the trailer bulbs are still overheat warning comes on, see
Avoid making very sharp turns working. Engine Overheating on page 10-17.
while trailering. Parking on Hills
Driving on Grades
When turning with a trailer, make Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
{ Warning
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders, steep downgrade. If the Parking the vehicle on a hill with
curbs, road signs, trees or other transmission is not shifted down, the the trailer attached can be
objects. Use the turn signal well in brakes might have to be used so dangerous. If something goes
advance and avoid jerky or sudden much that they would get hot and no wrong, the rig could start to move.
maneuvers. longer work well. People can be injured, and both
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). the vehicle and the trailer can be
Turn Signals When Towing a Use a lower gear if the transmission damaged. When possible, always
Trailer shifts too often. park the rig on a flat surface.
The turn signal indicators on the When towing at high altitude on
instrument cluster flash whenever steep uphill grades, engine coolant
signaling a turn or lane change. boils at a lower temperature than at
Properly hooked up, the trailer normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (51,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-51

If parking the rig on a hill: 3. Drive slowly until the trailer is Trailer Towing
1. Press the brake pedal, but do clear of the chocks.
Before pulling a trailer, three
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn 4. Stop and have someone pick up important considerations have to do
the wheels into the curb if facing and store the chocks. with weight:
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill. Maintenance When Trailer . Weight of the trailer.
Towing . Weight of the trailer tongue.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels. The vehicle needs service more . Total weight on your vehicle's
often when pulling a trailer. See the tires.
3. When the wheel chocks are in Maintenance Schedule on
place, release the brake pedal page 11-2. Things that are Weight of the Trailer
until the chocks absorb the load. especially important in trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then operation are automatic
apply the parking brake and shift transmission fluid, engine oil, axle It should never weigh more than
into P (Park). lubricant, belts, cooling system and 454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
brake system. Inspect these before be too heavy.
5. Release the brake pedal.
and during the trip. It depends on how the rig is used.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill Check periodically to see that all For example, speed, altitude, road
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal hitch nuts and bolts are tight. grades, outside temperature, and
while you: how much the vehicle is used to pull
Engine Cooling When Trailer a trailer are all important. It can
. Start the engine. Towing depend on any special equipment
. Shift into a gear. The cooling system may temporarily on the vehicle, and the amount of
overheat during severe operating tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
. Release the parking brake. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
conditions. See Engine Overheating
2. Let up on the brake pedal. on page 10-17. later in this section.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (52,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-52 Driving and Operating

Maximum trailer weight is calculated will also reduce the trailer weight the Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
assuming only the driver is in the vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer, Tires
tow vehicle and it has all the the tongue load must be added to
required trailering equipment. The the GVW because the vehicle will Be sure the vehicle's tires are
weight of additional optional be carrying that weight, too. See inflated to the upper limit for cold
equipment, passengers, and cargo Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-9. tires. These numbers can be found
in the tow vehicle must be on the Tire and Loading Information
subtracted from the maximum trailer label. See Vehicle Load Limits on
weight. page 9-9. Make sure not to go over
the GVW limit for the vehicle,
Ask your dealer for trailering including the weight of the trailer
information or advice, or write us at tongue.
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices Towing Equipment
on page 13-3.
Hitches
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
Use the correct hitch equipment.
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
an important weight to measure assistance.
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the 10 % of the total loaded trailer is not intended for hitches. Do
curb weight of the vehicle, any weight (2). not attach rental hitches or other
cargo carried in it, and the people bumper-type hitches to it. Use
After loading the trailer, weigh the only a frame-mounted hitch that
who will be riding in the vehicle.
trailer and then the tongue, does not attach to the bumper.
If there are a lot of options,
separately, to see if the weights are
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
proper. If they are not, adjustments
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
might be made by moving some
weight the vehicle can carry, which
items around in the trailer.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (53,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Driving and Operating 9-53


. Will any holes be made in the Trailer Brakes
body of the vehicle when the Conversions and
trailer hitch is installed? If so, Does the trailer have its own Add-Ons
seal the holes when the hitch is brakes? Be sure to read and follow
removed. If the holes are not the instructions for the trailer brakes
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly so they are installed, adjusted, and Add-On Electrical
carbon monoxide (CO) from the maintained properly. Equipment
exhaust can get into the vehicle. Because the vehicle has antilock
See Engine Exhaust on brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's { Caution
page 9-24. brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or Some electrical equipment can
Safety Chains damage the vehicle or cause
at all.
Always attach chains between the components to not work and
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the would not be covered by the
safety chains under the tongue of warranty. Always check with your
the trailer to help prevent the tongue dealer before adding electrical
from contacting the road if it equipment.
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to Add-on equipment can drain the
drag on the ground. vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-29 and Adding
Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 3-29.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (54,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

9-54 Driving and Operating

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-1

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Vehicle Care Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-22
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Automatic Transmission Shift Lamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Lock Control Function License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-32
General Information Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-32
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 Ignition Transmission Lock
California Proposition Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23 Electrical System
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 Park Brake and P (Park) High Voltage Devices and
California Perchlorate Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-23 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3 Wiper Blade Electrical System
Accessories and Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24 Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Headlamp Aiming Engine Compartment Fuse
Vehicle Checks Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Doing Your Own Instrument Panel Fuse
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Bulb Replacement Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Engine Compartment Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Wheels and Tires
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5 High Intensity Discharge Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8 (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Automatic Transmission Headlamps, Front Turn Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Signal, Sidemarker, and Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-42
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-11 Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Tire Terminology and
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14 Taillamps, Turn Signal, Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-17 Stoplamps, and Back-Up Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18 Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . 10-29 Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-2 Vehicle Care

Tire Pressure Monitor Towing the Vehicle General Information


System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50 Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Tire Pressure Monitor Recreational Vehicle For service and parts needs, visit
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79 your dealer. You will receive
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54 genuine GM parts and GM-trained
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54 Appearance Care and supported service people.
When It Is Time for New Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86 Genuine GM parts have one of
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 these marks:
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-90
Different Size Tires and
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-60
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-75 California Proposition
65 Warning
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76 Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-3

cause cancer and birth defects or handling, emissions systems, Vehicle Checks
other reproductive harm. Engine aerodynamics, durability, and
exhaust, many parts and systems, electronic systems like antilock
many fluids, and some component brakes, traction control, and stability Doing Your Own
wear by-products contain and/or control. These accessories or Service Work
emit these chemicals. modifications could even cause

California Perchlorate
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
{ Warning
Materials Requirements Damage to vehicle components It can be dangerous to work on
resulting from modifications or the your vehicle if you do not have
Certain types of automotive the proper knowledge, service
installation or use of non‐GM
applications, such as airbag manual, tools, or parts. Always
certified parts, including control
initiators, safety belt pretensioners, follow owner manual procedures
module or software modifications, is
and lithium batteries contained in and consult the service manual
not covered under the terms of the
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
vehicle warranty and may affect for your vehicle before doing any
may contain perchlorate materials.
remaining warranty coverage for service work.
Special handling may be necessary.
affected parts.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/ GM Accessories are designed to If doing some of your own service
perchlorate. complement and function with other work, use the proper service
systems on the vehicle. See your manual. It tells you much more
Accessories and dealer to accessorize the vehicle about how to service the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories than this manual can. To order the
Modifications installed by a dealer technician. proper service manual, see Service
Adding non‐dealer accessories or Also, see Adding Equipment to the Publications Ordering Information
making modifications to the vehicle Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on on page 13-11.
can affect vehicle performance and page 3-29.
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-4 Vehicle Care

This vehicle has an airbag system. Hood 2. Go to the front of the vehicle to
Before attempting to do your own find the secondary release
service work, see Servicing the To open the hood: handle. The handle is under the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on front edge of the hood near the
page 3-29. center. Push the handle to the
Keep a record with all parts receipts right and at the same time raise
and list the mileage and the date of the hood.
any service work performed. See 3. After the hood is slightly lifted, it
Maintenance Records on will continue to open to the full
page 11-13. position. Before closing the
1. Pull the hood release handle hood, be sure all the filler caps
with this symbol on it. It is inside
{ Caution the vehicle to the left of the
are on properly. Lower the hood
until the lifting force of the strut
Even small amounts of steering column. is reduced, then release the
contamination can cause damage hood to latch fully. Check to
to vehicle systems. Do not allow make sure the hood is closed
contaminants to contact the fluids, and repeat the process if
reservoir caps, or dipsticks. necessary.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-5

Engine Compartment Overview

2.0L L4 Engine
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-6 Vehicle Care

1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on


page 10-11.
2. Engine Cover.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10-8.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10-8.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of
View). See Cooling System on
page 10-13.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes on page 10-19.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10-14.
8. Battery on page 10-21.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10-34.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
on page 10-18.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-7

2.5L L4 Engine
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-8 Vehicle Care

1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil


page 10-11.
To ensure proper engine It is a good idea to check the engine
2. Engine Cover. performance and long life, careful oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine attention must be paid to engine oil. get an accurate reading, the vehicle
Oil on page 10-8. Following these simple, but must be on level ground. The
important steps will help protect engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine See Engine Compartment Overview
your investment:
Oil on page 10-8. on page 10-5 for the location of the
. Always use engine oil approved engine oil dipstick.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of to the proper specification and of
View). See Cooling System on Obtaining an accurate oil level
the proper viscosity grade. See
page 10-13. reading is essential:
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See in this section. 1. If the engine has been running
Brakes on page 10-19. . Check the engine oil level recently, turn off the engine and
7. Coolant Surge Tank and regularly and maintain the allow several minutes for the oil
Pressure Cap. See Engine proper oil level. See “Checking to drain back into the oil pan.
Coolant on page 10-14. Engine Oil” and “When to Add Checking the oil level too soon
Engine Oil” in this section. after engine shutoff will not
8. Battery (Under Cover). See provide an accurate oil level
Battery on page 10-21. . Change the engine oil at the reading.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10-10.
Block on page 10-34.
. Always dispose of engine oil
{ Warning
10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid properly. See “What to Do with The engine oil dipstick handle
on page 10-18. Used Oil” in this section. may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-9

2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it Selecting the Right Engine Oil
with a paper towel or cloth, then { Caution Selecting the right engine oil
push it back in all the way.
Do not add too much oil. Oil depends on both the proper oil
Remove it again, keeping the tip
levels above or below the specification and viscosity grade.
down, and check the level.
acceptable operating range See Recommended Fluids and
When to Add Engine Oil shown on the dipstick are harmful Lubricants on page 11-11.
to the engine. If you find that you Specification
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine Use and ask for licensed engine oils
has so much oil that the oil level with the dexos1® approved
certification mark. Engine oils
gets above the upper mark that
meeting the requirements for the
shows the proper operating
vehicle should have the dexos1
range, the engine could be approved certification mark. This
If the oil is below the MIN damaged. You should drain out certification mark indicates that the
(minimum) mark, add 1 L (1 qt) of the excess oil or limit driving of oil has been approved to the dexos1
the recommended oil and then the vehicle and seek a service specification. See
recheck the level. See “Selecting professional to remove the www.gmdexos.com.
the Right Engine Oil” in this section excess amount of oil.
for an explanation of what kind of oil
to use. For engine oil crankcase
See Engine Compartment Overview
capacity, see Capacities and
on page 10-5 for the location of the
Specifications on page 12-2.
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-10 Vehicle Care

always select an oil of the correct containing used engine oil. See the
{ Caution specification. See “Specification” manufacturer's warnings about the
earlier in this section for more use and disposal of oil products.
Failure to use the recommended information.
engine oil can result in engine Used oil can be a threat to the
damage not covered by the Engine Oil Additives/Engine environment. If you change your
vehicle warranty. Check with your Oil Flushes own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
dealer or service provider on from the filter before disposal. Never
Do not add anything to the oil. The dispose of oil by putting it in the
whether the oil is approved to the recommended oils with the dexos trash or pouring it on the ground,
dexos1 specification. specification and displaying the into sewers, or into streams or
dexos certification mark are all that bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
Viscosity Grade is needed for good performance and it to a place that collects used oil.
engine protection.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the 2.0L L4 engine. Engine oil system flushes are not Engine Oil Life System
recommended and could cause
Use SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade engine damage not covered by the When to Change Engine Oil
engine oil for the 2.5L L4 engine. vehicle warranty. This vehicle has a computer system
SAE 0W-20 may be used as an
that indicates when to change the
alternative. What to Do with Used Oil engine oil and filter. This is based
Cold Temperature Operation: In an Used engine oil contains certain on a combination of factors which
area of extreme cold, where the elements that can be unhealthy for include engine revolutions, engine
temperature falls below −29°C your skin and could even cause temperature, and miles driven.
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be cancer. Do not let used oil stay on Based on driving conditions, the
used. An oil of this viscosity grade your skin for very long. Clean your mileage at which an oil change is
will provide easier cold starting for skin and nails with soap and water, indicated can vary considerably. For
the engine at extremely low or a good hand cleaner. Wash or the oil life system to work properly,
temperatures. When selecting an oil properly dispose of clothing or rags the system must be reset every time
of the appropriate viscosity grade, the oil is changed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-11

When the system has calculated How to Reset the Engine Oil If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
that oil life has been diminished, it Life System message comes back on when the
indicates that an oil change is vehicle is started, the engine oil life
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE Reset the system whenever the system has not been reset. Repeat
OIL SOON message comes on. See engine oil is changed so that the the procedure.
Engine Oil Messages on page 5-26. system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
Change the oil as soon as possible
system:
Automatic Transmission
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
Fluid
the best conditions, the oil life the engine off. It is not necessary to check the
system might indicate that an oil transmission fluid level.
2. Press the DIC MENU button on
change is not necessary for up to a A transmission fluid leak is the only
the turn signal lever to enter the
year. The engine oil and filter must reason for fluid loss. If a leak
Vehicle Information Menu. Use
be changed at least once a year occurs, take the vehicle to your
the thumbwheel to scroll through
and, at this time, the system must dealer and have it repaired as soon
the menu items until you reach
be reset. Your dealer has trained as possible.
REMAINING OIL LIFE.
service people who will perform this Change the fluid at the intervals
work and reset the system. It is also 3. Press the SET/CLR button to
listed in Maintenance Schedule on
important to check the oil regularly reset the oil life at 100%.
page 11-2, and be sure to use the
over the course of an oil drain 4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
interval and keep it at the proper and Lubricants on page 11-11.
level. The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
If the system is ever reset message is off and the REMAINING Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
accidentally, the oil must be OIL LIFE 100% message is
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
displayed. engine compartment on the
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life passenger side of the vehicle. See
system whenever the oil is changed. Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-12 Vehicle Care

When to Inspect the Engine Air To inspect or replace the engine air 6. Install the nine screws on the top
Cleaner/Filter cleaner/filter: of the housing to lock the cover
in place.
Inspect/replace the air cleaner/filter
at the scheduled maintenance
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-2. If you are
driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release 2.0L L4 Engine
loose dust and dirt. If the filter 1. Remove the nine screws on top 2.5L L4 Engine
remains covered with dirt, a new of the engine air cleaner/filter 1. Remove the five screws on top
filter is required. housing. of the engine air cleaner/filter
2. Lift the filter cover housing away housing.
from the engine air cleaner/filter 2. Lift the filter cover housing away
housing. from the engine air cleaner/filter
3. Pull out the filter. housing.

4. Inspect or replace the engine air 3. Pull out the filter.


cleaner/filter. 4. Inspect or replace the engine air
5. Lower the filter cover housing cleaner/filter.
toward the engine.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (13,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-13

5. Lower the filter cover housing Cooling System


toward the engine.
The cooling system allows the
6. Install the five screws on the top engine to maintain the correct
of the housing to lock the cover working temperature.
in place.

{ Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine 2.5L L4 Engine
backfires. Use caution when
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out
working on the engine and do not of View)
drive with the air cleaner/filter off. 2. Coolant Surge Tank and
2.0L L4 Engine Pressure Cap

{ Caution 1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out


of View)
{ Warning
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt 2. Coolant Surge Tank and An electric engine cooling fan
can easily get into the engine, Pressure Cap under the hood can start up even
which could damage it. Always when the engine is not running
have the air cleaner/filter in place and can cause injury. Keep
when you are driving. hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (14,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-14 Vehicle Care

What to Use
{ Warning Caution (Continued)
Heater and radiator hoses, and vehicle warranty. Always use { Warning
other engine parts, can be very DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
Adding only plain water or some
hot. Do not touch them. If you do, in the vehicle.
other liquid to the cooling system
you can be burned.
can be dangerous. Plain water
Do not run the engine if there is a Engine Coolant and other liquids, can boil before
leak. If you run the engine, it the proper coolant mixture will.
could lose all coolant. That could The cooling system in the vehicle is
The coolant warning system is set
cause an engine fire, and you filled with DEX-COOL® engine
for the proper coolant mixture.
coolant mixture. See Recommended
could be burned. Get any leak With plain water or the wrong
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11-11
fixed before you drive the vehicle. mixture, the engine could get too
and Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-2. hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
The following explains the cooling could catch fire and you or others
{ Caution system and how to check and add could be burned. Use a 50/
coolant when it is low. If there is a
Using coolant other than 50 mixture of clean, drinkable
problem with engine overheating,
DEX-COOL® can cause water and DEX-COOL coolant.
see Engine Overheating on
premature engine, heater core, page 10-17.
or radiator corrosion. In addition, Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
the engine coolant could require drinkable water and DEX-COOL
changing sooner. Any repairs coolant. If using this mixture,
would not be covered by the nothing else needs to be added.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (15,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-15

This mixture: If coolant is visible but the coolant


Caution (Continued) level is not at or above the mark
. Gives freezing protection down
to −37°C (−34°F), outside pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
proper mixture of engine coolant clean, drinkable water and
temperature. for the cooling system. See DEX-COOL coolant.
. Gives boiling protection up to Recommended Fluids and
129°C (265°F), engine Lubricants on page 11-11. Be sure the cooling system is cool
temperature. before this is done.
. Protects against rust and Never dispose of engine coolant by If no coolant is visible in the coolant
corrosion. putting it in the trash, or by pouring surge tank, add coolant as follows:
. Will not damage aluminum parts. it on the ground, or into sewers, How to Add Coolant to the
streams or bodies of water. Have Coolant Surge Tank
. Helps keep the proper engine the coolant changed by an
temperature. authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding { Warning
{ Caution used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
If improper coolant mixture, health.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the Checking Coolant and it will burn if the engine parts
The vehicle must be on a level are hot enough. Do not spill
engine could overheat and be
surface when checking the coolant coolant on a hot engine.
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack level.
engine cooling parts. The repairs Check to see if coolant is visible in
would not be covered by the the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
vehicle warranty. Use only the inside the coolant surge tank is
(Continued) boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-16 Vehicle Care

{ Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
The coolant surge tank pressure
severely damaged.
cap can be removed when the
cooling system, including the surge
tank pressure cap and upper
{ Warning radiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowly
Steam and scalding liquids from a counterclockwise. If a hiss is 3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
hot cooling system can blow out heard, wait for that to stop. the proper mixture to the mark
and burn you badly. Never turn A hiss means there is still some pointed to on the front of the
the cap when the cooling system, pressure left. coolant surge tank.
including the surge tank pressure 4. With the coolant surge tank cap
2. Keep turning the cap and
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling off, start the engine and let it run
remove it.
system and surge tank pressure until the upper radiator hose
cap to cool. starts getting hot. Watch out for
the engine cooling fans. By this
time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be
lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the
coolant surge tank until the level
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (17,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-17

reaches the mark pointed to on If the decision is made to lift the


the front of the coolant hood, make sure the vehicle is Warning (Continued)
surge tank. parked on a level surface.
from the engine if you see or hear
5. Replace the cap tightly. Then check to see if the engine steam coming from it. Just turn it
cooling fans are running. If the off and get everyone away from
{ Caution engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
If the pressure cap is not tightly do not continue to run the engine steam or coolant before you open
installed, coolant loss and and have the vehicle serviced.
the hood.
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly { Caution If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
and tightly secured.
Running the engine without in it can catch fire. You or others
coolant may cause damage or a could be badly burned. Stop the
Engine Overheating fire. Vehicle damage would not be engine if it overheats, and get out
The vehicle has an engine coolant covered by the vehicle warranty. of the vehicle until the engine
temperature gauge on the is cool.
instrument cluster to warn of engine If Steam Is Coming from the
overheating. See Engine Coolant Engine Compartment
Temperature Gauge on page 5-10.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
{ Warning
get service help right away. Contact Steam from an overheated engine
your dealer for additional can burn you badly, even if you
information. just open the hood. Stay away
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (18,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-18 Vehicle Care

If No Steam Is Coming from Continue to drive the vehicle slowly Adding Washer Fluid
the Engine Compartment for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If an engine overheat warning is If the warning does not come back
displayed but no steam can be seen on, continue to drive normally and
or heard, the problem may not be have the cooling system checked
too serious. Sometimes the engine for proper fill and function.
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle: If the warning continues, pull over,
.
stop, and park the vehicle Open the cap with the washer
Climbs a long hill on a hot day. right away. symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
. Stops after high-speed driving. If there is no sign of steam, idle the the tank is full. See Engine
. Idles for long periods in traffic. engine for three minutes while Compartment Overview on
parked. If the warning is still page 10-5 for reservoir location.
If the overheat warning is displayed
displayed, turn off the engine until it
with no sign of steam:
cools down. { Caution
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
. Do not use engine coolant
2. Turn the heater on to the highest Washer Fluid (antifreeze) in the windshield
temperature and to the highest washer. It can damage the
fan speed. Open the windows as
What to Use
windshield washer system
necessary. When windshield washer fluid is and paint.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before . Do not mix water with
the road, shift to P (Park) or ready-to-use washer fluid.
N (Neutral), and let the use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall Water can cause the solution
engine idle.
below freezing, use a fluid that has (Continued)
If the engine coolant temperature sufficient protection against
gauge is no longer in the overheat freezing.
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (19,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-19

proper sequence to torque


Caution (Continued) { Warning specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications on page 12-2.
to freeze and damage the The brake wear warning sound
washer fluid tank and other means that soon the brakes will Brake pads should be replaced as
parts of the washer system. not work well. That could lead to complete sets.
. When using concentrated a crash. When the brake wear Brake Pedal Travel
washer fluid, follow the warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced. See your dealer if the brake pedal
manufacturer instructions for
does not return to normal height,
adding water.
or if there is a rapid increase in
. Fill the washer fluid tank only pedal travel. This could be a sign
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for fluid
{ Caution that brake service might be
required.
expansion if freezing occurs, Continuing to drive with worn-out
which could damage the tank brake pads could result in costly Brake Adjustment
if it is completely full. brake repair. Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Brakes Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the Replacing Brake System Parts
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brakes are first applied or lightly
brake pads have built-in wear applied. This does not mean The braking system on a vehicle is
indicators that make a high-pitched something is wrong with the brakes. complex. Its many parts have to be
warning sound when the brake pads of top quality and work well together
are worn and new pads are needed. Properly torqued wheel nuts are if the vehicle is to have really good
The sound can come and go or be necessary to help prevent brake braking. The vehicle was designed
heard all the time when the vehicle pulsation. When tires are rotated, and tested with top-quality brake
is moving, except when applying the inspect brake pads for wear and parts. When parts of the braking
brake pedal firmly. evenly tighten wheel nuts in the system are replaced, be sure to get
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (20,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-20 Vehicle Care

new, approved replacement parts. There are only two reasons why the
If this is not done, the brakes might brake fluid level in the reservoir { Warning
not work properly. For example, might go down:
installing disc brake pads that are If too much brake fluid is added, it
. The brake fluid level goes down can spill on the engine and burn,
wrong for the vehicle, can change because of normal brake lining
the balance between the front and if the engine is hot enough. You
wear. When new linings are or others could be burned, and
rear brakes — for the worse. The installed, the fluid level goes
braking performance expected can the vehicle could be damaged.
back up. Add brake fluid only when work is
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are . A fluid leak in the brake done on the brake hydraulic
installed. hydraulic system can also cause system.
a low fluid level. Have the brake
Brake Fluid hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later When the brake fluid falls to a low
the brakes will not work well. level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Do not top off the brake fluid. Light on page 5-15.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are What to Add
worn, there will be too much fluid Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
when new brake linings are from a sealed container. See
The brake master cylinder reservoir installed. Add or remove brake fluid, Recommended Fluids and
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as as necessary, only when work is Lubricants on page 11-11.
indicated on the reservoir cap. See done on the brake hydraulic system.
Always clean the brake fluid
Engine Compartment Overview on reservoir cap and the area around
page 10-5 for the location of the the cap before removing it. This
reservoir. helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (21,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-21

battery setting on the charger.


{ Warning Caution (Continued) If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
With the wrong kind of fluid in the . If brake fluid is spilled on the to 14.8 volts.
brake hydraulic system, the vehicle's painted surfaces,
brakes might not work well. This the paint finish can be Stop/Start System
could cause a crash. Always use damaged. Be careful not to If equipped with the 2.5L L4 Engine,
the proper brake fluid. spill brake fluid on the the vehicle has a stop/start system
vehicle. If you do, wash it off to shut off the engine to help
immediately. conserve fuel. See Starting the
Engine on page 9-18.
{ Caution Battery
. Using the wrong fluid can This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
badly damage brake battery under the hood. See Engine
hydraulic system parts. For Compartment Overview on
example, just a few drops of page 10-5.
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake Refer to the replacement number
hydraulic system can damage shown on the original battery label
brake hydraulic system parts when a new 12-volt battery is
so badly that they will have to needed. The vehicle has an
be replaced. Do not let Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
someone put in the wrong battery. Installation of a standard
kind of fluid. 12-volt battery will result in reduced
(Continued) 12-volt battery life. For stop/start equipped vehicles,
When using a 12-volt battery there is an auxiliary battery behind
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery, the access panel in the left rear of
some chargers have an AGM the trunk. This battery is for
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (22,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-22 Vehicle Care

managing the stop/start auxiliary Infrequent Usage: Remove the 2. Apply both the parking brake
loads and is not to be used for any 12-volt battery black, negative (−) and the regular brake.
other purpose. See your dealer if cable from the battery to keep the Do not use the accelerator
the auxiliary battery needs service. battery from running down. pedal, and be ready to turn off
Extended Storage: Remove the the engine immediately if it
{ Warning 12-volt battery black, negative (−) starts.
cable from the battery or use a 3. Try to start the engine in each
Battery posts, terminals, and battery trickle charger.
related accessories contain lead gear. The vehicle should start
and lead compounds, chemicals Remember to reconnect the battery only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
known to the State of California to when ready to drive the vehicle. If the vehicle starts in any other
cause cancer and reproductive position, contact your dealer for
harm. Wash hands after handling. Starter Switch Check service.

Vehicle Storage
{ Warning
When you are doing this
{ Warning inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
Batteries have acid that can burn moves, you or others could be
you and gas that can explode. injured.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10-76 for tips on working 1. Before starting this check, be
around a battery without sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
getting hurt.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (23,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-23

Automatic Transmission normal effort. If the shift lever Park Brake and P (Park)
moves out of P (Park), contact
Shift Lock Control your dealer for service.
Mechanism Check
Function Check
Ignition Transmission { Warning
{ Warning Lock Check When you are doing this check,
When you are doing this If equipped with a key type ignition, the vehicle could begin to move.
inspection, the vehicle could while parked and with the parking You or others could be injured
move suddenly. If the vehicle brake set, try to turn the ignition to and property could be damaged.
moves, you or others could be LOCK/OFF in each shift lever Make sure there is room in front
injured. position. of the vehicle in case it begins to
. The ignition should turn to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
LOCK/OFF only when the shift brake at once should the vehicle
1. Before starting this check, be begin to move.
sure there is enough room lever is in P (Park).
around the vehicle. It should be . The ignition key should come
parked on a level surface. out only in LOCK/OFF. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
2. Apply the parking brake. Be Contact your dealer if service is your foot on the regular brake, set
ready to apply the regular brake required. the parking brake.
immediately if the vehicle begins
to move. . To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
3. With the engine off, turn the
running and the transmission in
ignition on, but do not start the
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
engine. Without applying the
pressure from the regular brake
regular brake, try to move the
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
shift lever out of P (Park) with
held by the parking brake only.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (24,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-24 Vehicle Care


. To check the P (Park) 3. With the latch open, pull the
mechanism's holding ability: Caution (Continued) wiper blade down toward the
With the engine running, shift to windshield far enough to release
P (Park). Then release the the windshield. Any damage that it from the J-hooked end of the
parking brake followed by the occurs would not be covered by wiper arm.
regular brake. your warranty. Do not allow the
wiper arm to touch the windshield. 4. Remove the wiper blade.
Contact your dealer if service is
required. 5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper
To replace the wiper blade: blade replacement.
Wiper Blade Replacement 1. Pull the wiper assembly away
Windshield wiper blades should be from the windshield.
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper
blade assembly on a regular basis.
When worn, or when cleaning is
ineffective, replace the wiper blade.
For proper windshield wiper blade
length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11-12.

{ Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage 2. Lift up on the latch in the middle
of the wiper blade where the
(Continued)
wiper arm attaches.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (25,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-25

Headlamp Aiming Bulb Replacement High Intensity Discharge


Headlamp aim has been preset and For the proper type of replacement (HID) Lighting
should need no further adjustment. bulbs, see Replacement Bulbs on
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, page 10-32. { Warning
the headlamp aim may be affected. For any bulb‐changing procedure The high intensity discharge
If adjustment to the headlamps is not listed in this section, contact lighting system operates at a very
necessary, see your dealer. your dealer.
high voltage. If you try to service
any of the system components,
Halogen Bulbs you could be seriously injured.
Have your dealer or a qualified
{ Warning technician service them.
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you The vehicle may have HID
drop or scratch the bulb. You or headlamps. After an HID headlamp
others could be injured. Be sure bulb has been replaced, you may
to read and follow the instructions notice that the beam is a slightly
on the bulb package. different shade than it was originally.
This is normal.

LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (26,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-26 Vehicle Care

Headlamps, Front Turn 2. Low-Beam Headlamp 8. Replace the cap from the back
of the headlamp assembly by
Signal, Sidemarker, and 3. Sidemarker Lamp
turning it clockwise.
Parking Lamps 4. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp
9. For the driver side, reinstall the
Base Headlamp Assembly To replace one of the headlamp windshield washer bottle filler
bulbs: neck by firmly pushing it straight
The base model vehicle has into the bottle. Ensure that the
halogen high-beam and low-beam 1. Open the hood. See Hood on
page 10-4. filler neck clip engages into the
headlamps, a parking lamp, a underhood electrical center
sidemarker lamp, and two turn 2. For the driver side bulb, remove retainer.
signal lamps on the headlamp the windshield washer bottle
assembly. filler neck by firmly pulling it Uplevel Headlamp Assembly
straight up and out of the bottle. The uplevel model vehicle has
3. Remove the cap from the back halogen high-beam and low-beam
of the headlamp assembly by headlamps, a parking lamp, a
turning it counterclockwise. sidemarker lamp, and two turn
signal lamps on the headlamp
4. Disconnect the electrical
assembly.
connector.
5. Remove the bulb from the lamp
assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
6. Install a new bulb in the lamp
assembly.
Passenger Side Shown, Driver 7. Connect the electrical connector.
Side Similar
1. High-Beam Headlamp
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (27,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-27

Passenger Side Shown, Driver 10. Replace the cap from the back
Side Similar of the headlamp assembly by
1. High-Beam Headlamp turning it clockwise.

2. Turn Signal Lamps 11. For the driver side, reinstall the
windshield washer bottle filler
3. Low-Beam Headlamp neck by firmly pushing it
4. Parking Lamp straight into the bottle. Ensure
that the filler neck clip engages
5. Sidemarker Lamp into the underhood electrical
To replace one of these bulbs: center retainer.
High-Beam Headlamp Low-Beam Headlamp
1. Open the hood. See Hood on 4. Disconnect the electrical 1. For the driver side bulb, remove
page 10-4. connector (1). the windshield washer bottle
filler neck by firmly pulling it
2. For the driver side bulb, remove 5. Disengage the spring clip (2) straight up and out of the bottle.
the windshield washer bottle from the bulb by pressing down
filler neck by firmly pulling it on the end and then swing 2. Remove the cap from the back
straight up and out of the bottle. upward. of the headlamp assembly by
turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the cap from the back 6. Remove the bulb from the lamp
of the headlamp assembly by assembly. 3. Disconnect the electrical
turning it counterclockwise. connector.
7. Install a new bulb in the lamp
assembly. 4. Remove the bulb from the lamp
assembly by turning
8. Install the spring clip (2). counterclockwise.
9. Connect the electrical 5. Install a new bulb in the lamp
connector (1). assembly.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (28,1)
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10-28 Vehicle Care

6. Connect the electrical connector. 2. Remove the bulb socket from


7. Replace the cap from the back the headlamp assembly by
of the headlamp assembly by turning it counterclockwise.
turning it clockwise. 3. Remove the bulb from the
8. For the driver side, reinstall the socket.
windshield washer bottle filler 4. Replace the bulb in the bulb
neck by firmly pushing it straight socket.
into the bottle. Ensure that the 5. Install the bulb socket in the
filler neck clip engages into the headlamp assembly by turning it
underhood electrical center clockwise.
retainer.
6. For the driver side, reinstall the
HID Headlamp Assembly Passenger Side Shown, Driver windshield washer bottle filler
Side Similar neck by firmly pushing it straight
The HID assembly has a high
intensity discharge (HID) high/low 1. Turn Signal Lamp into the bottle. Ensure that the
beam, a DRL/parking lamp, filler neck clip engages into the
2. DRL/Parking Lamp underhood electrical center
sidemarker lamp, and a turn signal
lamp on the headlamp assembly. 3. Sidemarker Lamp retainer.
For replacement of the headlamp on Front Turn Signal, Parking, and
an HID assembly, contact your Sidemarker Lamps
dealer. See High Intensity
To replace one of these lamps on a
Discharge (HID) Lighting on
base, uplevel, or HID assembly:
page 10-25.
1. For the driver side bulb, remove
the windshield washer bottle
filler neck by firmly pulling it
straight up and out of the bottle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (29,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-29

Fog Lamps Taillamps, Turn Signal,


To replace the front fog lamp bulb: Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT)

3. Remove the bulb by turning it


counterclockwise and pulling it
straight out of the assembly.
1. Remove the five access panel 4. Disconnect the electrical
fasteners under the front fascia. connector from the fog lamp bulb 1. Back-Up Lamp
assembly.
2. Lower the panel far enough to 2. Taillamp
access the fog lamp bulb. 5. Install the new bulb by turning it
clockwise into the assembly. Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
6. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall.
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
page 2-14.
2. Remove the push pins and pull
back the trunk deck trim.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (30,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-30 Vehicle Care

3. Remove the bulb socket by 5. Install a new bulb into the


turning counterclockwise and { Caution socket.
pulling straight out. 6. Install the bulb socket into the
Improper lamp assembly removal
4. Remove the bulb from the and installation can cause leaks taillamp assembly by turning it
socket. and water intrusion which may clockwise.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb cause damage to the taillamp. Do 7. Install the trunk trim and
socket. not remove the taillamp assembly push pins.
6. Install the bulb socket by turning to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
clockwise. opening to access the bulb. Taillamps, Turn Signal,
7. Install the trunk deck trim. Stoplamps, and Back-Up
To replace any one of these bulbs: Lamps (LTZ)
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn The trunk deck inboard taillamp is
Signal Lamp an LED. To replace the taillamp see
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on your dealer.
page 2-14. Back-Up Lamp
2. Remove the push pins and pull 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
the trunk trim away from the page 2-14.
taillamp assembly.
2. Remove the push pins and pull
3. Remove the bulb socket from back the trunk deck trim.
the taillamp assembly by turning
it counterclockwise.

1. Stoplamp/Taillamp 4. Remove the bulb from the


socket by turning the bulb
2. Turn Signal Lamp counterclockwise one-quarter
turn and pulling it straight out.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (31,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-31

{ Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal
and installation can cause leaks
and water intrusion which may
cause damage to the taillamp. Do
not remove the taillamp assembly
to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.

The stoplamp/taillamp is an LED. To


3. Remove the bulb socket by replace the stoplamp/taillamp see 3. Remove the bulb socket from
turning counterclockwise and your dealer. the taillamp assembly by turning
pulling straight out. Turn Signal Lamp it counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bulb from the 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on 4. Remove the bulb from the
socket. page 2-14. socket by turning the bulb
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb counterclockwise one-quarter
2. Remove the push pins and pull turn and pulling it straight out.
socket. the trunk trim away from the
6. Install the bulb socket by turning taillamp assembly. 5. Install a new bulb into the
clockwise. socket.

7. Install the trunk deck trim. 6. Install the bulb socket into the
taillamp assembly by turning it
clockwise.
7. Install the trunk trim and
push pins.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (32,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-32 Vehicle Care

License Plate Lamp Replacement Bulbs


To replace one of these bulbs: Bulb
Exterior Lamp
Number
Back-Up Lamp 921 LL
Deck Lid Taillamp 194
DRL and Parking 7443 ULL
Lamp (HID)
Front Fog Lamp H10
Front Parking Lamp 7443
(Uplevel)
3. Turn the bulb socket (1)
counterclockwise to remove it Front W5WLL
from the lamp assembly (3). Sidemarker Lamp
Passenger Side Shown, Driver
4. Pull the bulb (2) straight out of Front Turn Signal 7444NA
Side Similar
the bulb socket. Lamp (Base and
1. Push the release tab toward the Uplevel)
5. Push the replacement bulb
lamp assembly.
straight into the bulb socket and Front Turn Signal 7443 NA
2. Pull the lamp assembly down to turn the bulb socket clockwise to Lamp (HID)
remove. install it into the lamp assembly.
High-Beam 9005 LL
6. Push the lamp assembly back Headlamp (Base)
into position until the release tab
locks into place. High-Beam H7 LL
Headlamp (Uplevel)
License Plate Lamp W5W LL
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (33,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-33

Bulb Electrical System Electrical System


Exterior Lamp
Number Overload
Low-Beam H11 LL High Voltage Devices and The vehicle has fuses and circuit
Headlamp (Base Wiring breakers to protect against an
and Uplevel) electrical system overload.
Stoplamp/Taillamp 7440 { Warning When the current electrical load is
(LS and LT) too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
Exposure to high voltage can and closes, protecting the circuit
Rear Turn 7443 NA cause shock, burns, and even
Signal Lamp until the current load returns to
death. The high voltage normal or the problem is fixed. This
components in the vehicle can greatly reduces the chance of circuit
For replacement bulbs not listed only be serviced by technicians
here, contact your dealer. overload and fire caused by
with special training. electrical problems.
High voltage components are Fuses and circuit breakers protect
identified by labels. Do not power devices in the vehicle.
remove, open, take apart, Replace a bad fuse with a new one
or modify these components. of the identical size and rating.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe, If there is a problem on the road and
tamper with, cut, or modify high a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
voltage cable or wiring.
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (34,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-34 Vehicle Care

Headlamp Wiring Fuses Engine Compartment


An electrical overload may cause The wiring circuits in the vehicle are Fuse Block
the lamps to go on and off, or in protected from short circuits by The engine compartment fuse block
some cases to remain off. Have the fuses. This greatly reduces the is on the driver side of the engine
headlamp wiring checked right away chance of damage caused by compartment, near the battery.
if the lamps go on and off or electrical problems.
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
{ Caution
If the band is broken or melted, Spilling liquid on any electrical
If the wiper motor overheats due to
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace component on the vehicle may
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
a bad fuse with a new one of the damage it. Always keep the
wipers will stop until the motor cools
identical size and rating. covers on any electrical
and will then restart.
Fuses of the same amperage can component.
Although the circuit is protected
be temporarily borrowed from
from electrical overload, overload
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
due to heavy snow or ice may
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
cause wiper linkage damage.
possible.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the To identify and check fuses, circuit
windshield wipers. breakers, and relays, see Engine
Compartment Fuse Block on
If the overload is caused by an
page 10-34 and Instrument Panel
electrical problem and not snow or
Fuse Block on page 10-38.
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (35,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-35


Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (36,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-36 Vehicle Care

The vehicle may not be equipped Mini Mini


with all of the fuses, relays, and Usage Usage
Fuses Fuses
features shown.
Mini 10 Engine Control 31 Chassis Control
Usage Module Module
Fuses
1 Transmission Control 11 Emissions 32 Back-Up Lamps/
Module Battery Interior Lamps
13 Transmission Module
2 Engine Control Ignition 33 Front Heated Seats
Module Battery (LTG)/ 14 Cabin Heater 34 Antilock Brake
Air Conditioning Coolant Pump System Valve
Compressor
15 Spare 35 Amplifier
Clutch (LKW)
16 Aero Shutter 37 Right High Beam
3 Air Conditioning
Compressor 17 Spare 38 Left High Beam
Clutch (LTG)
18 R/C Dual Battery 46 Cooling Fan
4 Air Conditioning Isolator Module
47 Emissions
Compressor
20 Transmission
Clutch (LTG) 48 Foglamp
Auxiliary Oil
5 Engine Control Pump (LKW) 49 Low Beam HID
Module Battery (LKW) Headlamp Right
23 Spare (LKW)
7 Engine Control 50 Low Beam HID
29 Left Seat Power
Module Ignition (LKW) Headlamp Left
Lumber Control
8 Spare 51 Horn/Dual Horn
30 Right Seat Power
9 Ignition Coils Lumber Control 52 Cluster Ignition
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (37,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-37

Mini Mini J-Case Usage


Usage Usage
Fuses Fuses Fuses
53 Inside Rearview 71 PEPS BATT 59 Air Pump Emissions
Mirror/Rear Camera/
Fuel Module Ignition J-Case Usage Mini Usage
54 Heating, Ventilation, Fuses Relays
and Air Conditioning 6 Front Wiper 7 Powertrain
Module Ignition
12 Starter 1 9 Cooling Fan K2
55 Front Power
Windows/Mirrors 21 Rear Power Window 13 Cooling Fan K1
56 Windshield Washer 22 Sunroof 15 Run/Crank
57 Spare 24 Front Power Window 16 Spare
60 Heated Mirror 25 PEPS MTR 17 Window/Mirror
Defogger
62 Canister Vent 26 Antilock Brake
Solenoid System Pump
Micro Usage
66 Spare 27 Not Used Relays
67 Fuel Module 28 Rear Defogger 1 Air Conditioning
69 Battery Voltage 41 Brake Vacuum Pump Compressor Clutch
Sensor 42 Cooling Fan K2 2 Starter Solenoid
70 Lane Departure/Rear 44 Starter 2 4 Front Wiper Speed
Parking Aid/Side
Blind Zone Assist 45 Cooling Fan K1 5 Front Wiper On
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (38,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-38 Vehicle Care

Micro Usage Instrument Panel Fuse


Relays Block
6 Spare
8 Transmission
Auxiliary Oil
Pump (LKW)
10 Cooling Fan K3
11 Starter 2
Solenoid (LKW)
14 Headlamp Low
Beam/DRL Pull the door toward you to release
it from the hinge.

The instrument panel fuse block is


in the instrument panel, on the
driver side of the vehicle. To access
the fuses, open the fuse panel door
by pulling down at the top.
Press in on the sides of the door to
release it from the instrument panel.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (39,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-39

Fuses Usage Fuses Usage


3 Left Stoplamp, Left 8 License Plate Lamp,
DRL Lamp, Center
Headlamp Control, High-Mounted
Right Taillamp, Right Stoplamp, Rear Fog
Park/Sidemarker Lamps, Right Front
Lamps, Right Mirror Park/Sidemarker
Turn, Right Front Lamps, LED
Turn Signals Indicator Dim,
Washer Pump, Right
4 Radio
Stoplamp, Trunk
5 OnStar (If Equipped) Release
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
6 Front Accessory 9 Left Low-Beam
The vehicle may not be equipped
Power Outlet Headlamp, DRL
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. 7 Console Bin Power 10 Body Control
Fuses Usage Outlet Module 8 (J-Case
Fuse), Power Locks
1 Steering Wheel
Controls Backlight 11 Front Heater
Ventilation Air
2 Right Rear Turn Conditioning/Blower
Signal, Left Mirror (J-Case Fuse)
Turn Signal, Left
Front Turn Signal,
Door Locks
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (40,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-40 Vehicle Care

Fuses Usage Fuses Usage Wheels and Tires


12 Passenger Seat 24 Ambient Light,
(Circuit Breaker) Switch Backlighting Tires
(LED), Trunk Lamp, Every new GM vehicle has
13 Driver Seat (Circuit
Shift Lock, Key high-quality tires made by a
Breaker)
Capture
14 Diagnostic Link leading tire manufacturer. See
25 110V AC the warranty manual for
Connector
26 Spare information regarding the tire
15 Airbag, SDM warranty and where to get
16 Trunk Release Relays Usage service. For additional
17 Heater Ventilation information refer to the tire
K1 Trunk Release manufacturer.
Air Conditioning
Controller K2 Not Used
18 Audio Main K3 Power Outlet Relay { Warning
19 Displays . Poorly maintained and
20 Passenger
improperly used tires are
Occupant Sensor dangerous.
21 Instrument Cluster
. Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
22 Ignition Switch result of too much flexing.
23 Right Low-Beam There could be a blowout
Headlamp, DRL (Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (41,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-41

See Tire Pressure for


Warning (Continued) Warning (Continued) High-Speed Operation on
and a serious crash. See . Worn or old tires can page 10-49 for inflation pressure
Vehicle Load Limits on cause a crash. If the tread adjustment for high-speed
page 9-9. is badly worn, driving.
. Underinflated tires pose replace them.
All-Season Tires
the same danger as . Replace any tires that
overloaded tires. The This vehicle may come with
have been damaged by
all-season tires. These tires are
resulting crash could impacts with potholes, designed to provide good overall
cause serious injury. curbs, etc. performance on most road surfaces
Check all tires frequently . Improperly repaired tires and weather conditions. Original
to maintain the can cause a crash. Only equipment tires designed to GM's
recommended pressure. the dealer or an specific tire performance criteria
Tire pressure should be authorized tire service
have a TPC specification code
checked when the tires molded onto the sidewall. Original
center should repair, equipment all-season tires can be
are cold. replace, dismount, and identified by the last two characters
. Overinflated tires are more mount the tires. of this TPC code, which will
likely to be cut, punctured, . Do not spin the tires in be “MS.”
or broken by a sudden excess of 56 km/h Consider installing winter tires on
impact — such as when (35 mph) on slippery the vehicle if frequent driving on
hitting a pothole. Keep surfaces such as snow, snow or ice-covered roads is
tires at the recommended mud, ice, etc. Excessive expected. All-season tires provide
pressure. spinning may cause the adequate performance for most
(Continued) winter driving conditions, but they
tires to explode. may not offer the same level of
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (42,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-42 Vehicle Care


. Use only radial ply tires of the
traction or performance as winter
same size, load range, and
Tire Sidewall Labeling
tires on snow or ice-covered roads.
See Winter Tires on page 10-42. speed rating as the original Useful information about a tire is
equipment tires. molded into its sidewall. The
Winter Tires Winter tires with the same speed examples show a typical
rating as the original equipment tires passenger vehicle tire and a
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
may not be available for H, V, W, Y, compact spare tire sidewall.
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered tires with a lower speed rating are
roads. Consider installing winter chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered
roads is expected. See your dealer Summer Tires
for details regarding winter tire This vehicle may come with high
availability and proper tire selection. performance summer tires. These
Also, see Buying New Tires on tires have a special tread and
page 10-56. compound that are optimized for
With winter tires, there may be maximum dry and wet road
decreased dry road traction, performance. This special tread and
increased road noise, and shorter compound will have decreased Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
tread life. After changing to winter performance in cold climates, and
on ice and snow. We recommend (1) Tire Size: The tire size is a
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
installing winter tires on the vehicle combination of letters and
handling and braking.
if frequent driving at temperatures numbers used to define a
If using winter tires: below approximately 5°C (40°F) or particular tire's width, height,
. Use tires of the same brand and on ice or snow covered roads is aspect ratio, construction type,
tread type on all four wheel expected. See Winter Tires on
positions. page 10-42.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (43,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-43

and service description. See the digits represent the week (01– performance factors: treadwear,
“Tire Size” illustration later in this 52) and the last two digits, the traction, and temperature
section. year. For example, the third resistance. For more information
(2) TPC Spec (Tire week of the year 2010 would see Uniform Tire Quality
Performance Criteria have a four-digit DOT date Grading on page 10-58.
Specification): Original of 0310. (7) Maximum Cold Inflation
equipment tires designed to (4) Tire Identification Number Load Limit: Maximum load that
GM's specific tire performance (TIN): The letters and numbers can be carried and the
criteria have a TPC specification following the DOT (Department maximum pressure needed to
code molded onto the sidewall. of Transportation) code are the support that load.
GM's TPC specifications meet or Tire Identification Number (TIN).
exceed all federal safety The TIN shows the
guidelines. manufacturer and plant code,
(3) DOT (Department of tire size, and date the tire was
Transportation): The manufactured. The TIN is
Department of Transportation molded onto both sides of the
(DOT) code indicates that the tire, although only one side may
tire is in compliance with the have the date of manufacture.
U.S. Department of (5) Tire Ply Material : The type
Transportation Motor Vehicle of cord and number of plies in
Safety Standards. the sidewall and under the tread.
DOT Tire Date of (6) Uniform Tire Quality Compact Spare Tire Example
Manufacture: The last four Grading (UTQG): Tire (1) Tire Ply Material : The type
digits of the TIN indicate the tire manufacturers are required to of cord and number of plies in
manufactured date. The first two grade tires based on three the sidewall and under the tread.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (44,1)
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10-44 Vehicle Care

(2) Temporary Use Only: The (4) Maximum Cold Inflation criteria have a TPC specification
compact spare tire or temporary Load Limit: Maximum load that code molded onto the sidewall.
use tire should not be driven at can be carried and the GM's TPC specifications meet or
speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph). maximum pressure needed to exceed all federal safety
The compact spare tire is for support that load. guidelines.
emergency use when a regular (5) Tire Inflation: The
road tire has lost air and gone temporary use tire or compact Tire Designations
flat. If the vehicle has a compact spare tire should be inflated to Tire Size
spare tire, see Compact Spare 420 kPa (60 psi). For more
Tire on page 10-75 and If a Tire The following is an example of a
information on tire pressure and
Goes Flat on page 10-61. typical passenger vehicle
inflation see Tire Pressure on
tire size.
(3) Tire Identification Number page 10-48.
(TIN): The letters and numbers (6) Tire Size: A combination of
following the DOT (Department letters and numbers define a
of Transportation) code are the tire's width, height, aspect ratio,
Tire Identification Number (TIN). construction type, and service
The TIN shows the description. The letter T as the
manufacturer and plant code, first character in the tire size
tire size, and date the tire was means the tire is for temporary (1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
manufactured. The TIN is use only. The United States version of a
molded onto both sides of the metric tire sizing system. The
tire, although only one side may (7) TPC Spec (Tire letter P as the first character in
have the date of manufacture. Performance Criteria the tire size means a passenger
Specification): Original
equipment tires designed to
GM's specific tire performance
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (45,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-45

vehicle tire engineered to (5) Rim Diameter : Diameter of automatic transmission, power
standards set by the U.S. Tire the wheel in inches. windows, power seats, and air
and Rim Association. (6) Service Description: These conditioning.
(2) Tire Width: The three-digit characters represent the load Aspect Ratio: The relationship
number indicates the tire section index and speed rating of the of a tire's height to its width.
width in millimeters from tire. The load index represents Belt: A rubber coated layer of
sidewall to sidewall. the load carrying capacity a tire cords between the plies and the
(3) Aspect Ratio: A two-digit is certified to carry. The speed tread. Cords may be made from
number that indicates the tire rating is the maximum speed a steel or other reinforcing
height-to-width measurements. tire is certified to carry a load. materials.
For example, if the tire size Bead: The tire bead contains
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in Tire Terminology and
Definitions steel wires wrapped by steel
item 3 of the illustration, it would cords that hold the tire onto
mean that the tire's sidewall is Air Pressure: The amount of the rim.
60 percent as high as it is wide. air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire
(4) Construction Code: A letter in which the plies are laid at
code is used to indicate the type the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) alternate angles less than
of ply construction in the tire. 90 degrees to the centerline of
The letter R means radial ply or psi (pounds per square inch).
the tread.
construction; the letter D means Accessory Weight: The
diagonal or bias ply combined weight of optional Cold Tire Pressure: The
construction; and the letter B accessories. Some examples of amount of air pressure in a tire,
means belted-bias ply optional accessories are measured in kPa (kilopascal)
construction. or psi (pounds per square inch)
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10-46 Vehicle Care

before a tire has built up heat GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Maximum Inflation Pressure:
from driving. See Tire Pressure Rating for the front axle. See The maximum air pressure to
on page 10-48. Vehicle Load Limits on which a cold tire can be inflated.
Curb Weight: The weight of a page 9-9. The maximum air pressure is
motor vehicle with standard and GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight molded onto the sidewall.
optional equipment including the Rating for the rear axle. See Maximum Load Rating: The
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, Vehicle Load Limits on load rating for a tire at the
and coolant, but without page 9-9. maximum permissible inflation
passengers and cargo. Intended Outboard Sidewall : pressure for that tire.
DOT Markings: A code molded The side of an asymmetrical tire Maximum Loaded Vehicle
into the sidewall of a tire that must always face outward Weight: The sum of curb
signifying that the tire is in when mounted on a vehicle. weight, accessory weight,
compliance with the U.S. Kilopascal (kPa): The metric vehicle capacity weight, and
Department of Transportation unit for air pressure. production options weight.
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety Normal Occupant Weight: The
Standards. The DOT code Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A
tire used on light duty trucks and number of occupants a vehicle
includes the Tire Identification is designed to seat multiplied by
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric some multipurpose passenger
vehicles. 68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
designator which can also Limits on page 9-9.
identify the tire manufacturer, Load Index: An assigned
production plant, brand, and number ranging from 1 to 279 Occupant Distribution :
date of production. that corresponds to the load Designated seating positions.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight carrying capacity of a tire. Outward Facing Sidewall: The
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits side of an asymmetrical tire that
on page 9-9. has a particular side that faces
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Vehicle Care 10-47

outward when mounted on a Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic of a tire when only 1.6 mm
vehicle. The side of the tire that tire in which the ply cords that (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
contains a whitewall, bears extend to the beads are laid at When It Is Time for New Tires
white lettering, or bears 90 degrees to the centerline of on page 10-56.
manufacturer, brand, and/or the tread. UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
model name molding that is Rim: A metal support for a tire Grading Standards): A tire
higher or deeper than the same and upon which the tire beads information system that provides
moldings on the other sidewall are seated. consumers with ratings for a
of the tire. tire's traction, temperature, and
Sidewall: The portion of a tire
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A between the tread and the bead. treadwear. Ratings are
tire used on passenger cars and determined by tire
some light duty trucks and Speed Rating: An manufacturers using
multipurpose vehicles. alphanumeric code assigned to government testing procedures.
a tire indicating the maximum The ratings are molded into the
Recommended Inflation speed at which a tire can
Pressure: Vehicle sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
operate. Tire Quality Grading on
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown Traction: The friction between page 10-58.
on the tire placard. See Tire the tire and the road surface. Vehicle Capacity Weight: The
Pressure on page 10-48 and The amount of grip provided. number of designated seating
Vehicle Load Limits on Tread: The portion of a tire that positions multiplied by
page 9-9. comes into contact with 68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
the road. cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9-9.
Treadwear Indicators: Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (48,1)
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10-48 Vehicle Care

Vehicle Maximum Load on the The Tire and Loading


Tire: Load on an individual tire { Caution Information label on the vehicle
due to curb weight, accessory Neither tire underinflation nor indicates the original equipment
weight, occupant weight, and overinflation is good. tires and the correct cold tire
cargo weight. Underinflated tires, or tires inflation pressures. The
Vehicle Placard: A label that do not have enough air, recommended pressure is the
permanently attached to a can result in: minimum air pressure needed to
vehicle showing the vehicle support the vehicle's maximum
. Tire overloading and load carrying capacity. See
capacity weight and the original overheating which could
equipment tire size and Vehicle Load Limits on
lead to a blowout. page 9-9.
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
. Premature or How the vehicle is loaded
Information Label” under Vehicle irregular wear. affects vehicle handling and ride
Load Limits on page 9-9. . Poor handling. comfort. Never load the vehicle
with more weight than it was
Tire Pressure
. Reduced fuel economy. designed to carry.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
Tires need the correct amount of When to Check
have too much air, can
air pressure to operate
result in: Check the tires once a month or
effectively.
. Unusual wear. more. Do not forget the compact
spare, if the vehicle has one.
. Poor handling. The cold compact spare tire
. Rough ride. pressure should be at 420 kPa
(60 psi). See Compact Spare
. Needless damage from Tire on page 10-75.
road hazards.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (49,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-49

How to Check Recheck the tire pressure with


the tire gauge. Warning (Continued)
Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure. Return the valve caps on the the tires are rated for high-speed
Proper tire inflation cannot be valve stems to prevent leaks operation, in excellent condition,
determined by looking at the tire. and keep out dirt and moisture. and set to the correct cold tire
Check the tire inflation pressure inflation pressure for the
when the tires are cold, meaning Tire Pressure for vehicle load.
the vehicle has not been driven High-Speed Operation
for at least three hours or no Vehicles with P235/50R18 size tires
more than 1.6 km (1 mi). { Warning require inflation pressure adjustment
when driving the vehicle at speeds
Remove the valve cap from the of 160 km/h (100 mph) or higher.
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h
tire valve stem. Press the tire Set the cold inflation pressure to
(100 mph) or higher, puts an
gauge firmly onto the valve to 270 kPa (39 psi).
additional strain on tires.
get a pressure measurement. Sustained high-speed driving Vehicles with P245/40R19 size tires
If the cold tire inflation pressure causes excessive heat buildup require inflation pressure adjustment
matches the recommended and can cause sudden tire failure. when driving the vehicle at speeds
pressure on the Tire and You could have a crash and you of 160 km/h (100 mph) or higher.
Loading Information label, no or others could be killed. Some Set the cold inflation pressure to
further adjustment is necessary. high-speed rated tires require 310 kPa (45 psi).
If the inflation pressure is low, inflation pressure adjustment for Return the tires to the
add air until the recommended high-speed operation. When recommended cold tire inflation
pressure is reached. If the speed limits and road conditions pressure when high-speed driving
inflation pressure is high, press are such that a vehicle can be has ended. See Vehicle Load Limits
on the metal stem in the center driven at high speeds, make sure on page 9-9 and Tire Pressure on
of the tire valve to release air. (Continued) page 10-48.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (50,1)
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10-50 Vehicle Care

Tire Pressure Monitor pressure telltale when one or more The TPMS malfunction indicator is
of your tires is significantly combined with the low tire pressure
System under-inflated. telltale. When the system detects a
The Tire Pressure Monitor System Accordingly, when the low tire malfunction, the telltale will flash for
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor pressure telltale illuminates, you approximately one minute and then
technology to check tire pressure should stop and check your tires as remain continuously illuminated.
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor soon as possible, and inflate them This sequence will continue upon
the air pressure in your tires and to the proper pressure. Driving on a subsequent vehicle start-ups as
transmit tire pressure readings to a significantly under-inflated tire long as the malfunction exists.
receiver located in the vehicle. causes the tire to overheat and can When the malfunction indicator is
Each tire, including the spare (if lead to tire failure. Under-inflation illuminated, the system may not be
provided), should be checked also reduces fuel efficiency and tire able to detect or signal low tire
monthly when cold and inflated to tread life, and may affect the pressure as intended. TPMS
the inflation pressure recommended vehicle's handling and stopping malfunctions may occur for a variety
by the vehicle manufacturer on the ability. of reasons, including the installation
vehicle placard or tire inflation Please note that the TPMS is not a of replacement or alternate tires or
pressure label. (If your vehicle has substitute for proper tire wheels on the vehicle that prevent
tires of a different size than the size maintenance, and it is the driver's the TPMS from functioning properly.
indicated on the vehicle placard or responsibility to maintain correct tire Always check the TPMS malfunction
tire inflation pressure label, you pressure, even if under-inflation has telltale after replacing one or more
should determine the proper tire not reached the level to trigger tires or wheels on your vehicle to
inflation pressure for those tires.) illumination of the TPMS low tire ensure that the replacement or
pressure telltale. alternate tires and wheels allow the
As an added safety feature, your
TPMS to continue to function
vehicle has been equipped with a Your vehicle has also been properly.
tire pressure monitoring system equipped with a TPMS malfunction
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire indicator to indicate when the See Tire Pressure Monitor
system is not operating properly. Operation on page 10-51.
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Vehicle Care 10-51

See Radio Frequency Statement on on the instrument cluster. If the A Tire and Loading Information
page 13-12. warning light comes on, stop as label, attached to your vehicle,
soon as possible and inflate the shows the size of the original
Tire Pressure Monitor tires to the recommended pressure equipment tires and the correct
shown on the Tire and Loading inflation pressure for the tires when
Operation Information label. See Vehicle Load they are cold. See Vehicle Load
This vehicle may have a Tire Limits on page 9-9. Limits on page 9-9, for an example
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). of the Tire and Loading Information
A message to check the pressure in
The TPMS is designed to warn the label and its location. Also see Tire
a specific tire displays in the Driver
driver when a low tire pressure Pressure on page 10-48.
Information Center (DIC). The low
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
tire pressure warning light and the The TPMS can warn about a low
mounted onto each tire and wheel
DIC warning message come on at tire pressure condition but it does
assembly, excluding the spare tire
each ignition cycle until the tires are not replace normal tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
inflated to the correct inflation maintenance. See Tire Inspection
sensors monitor the air pressure in
pressure. Using the DIC, tire on page 10-54, Tire Rotation on
the tires and transmits the tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For page 10-54 and Tires on
pressure readings to a receiver in
additional information and details page 10-40.
the vehicle.
about the DIC operation and
displays see Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5-21.
{ Caution
The low tire pressure warning light Tire sealant materials are not all
may come on in cool weather when the same. A non-approved tire
the vehicle is first started, and then sealant could damage the TPMS
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This sensors. TPMS sensor damage
could be an early indicator that the caused by using an incorrect tire
When a low tire pressure condition sealant is not covered by the
air pressure is getting low and
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
needs to be inflated to the proper (Continued)
the low tire pressure warning light
pressure.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (52,1)
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10-52 Vehicle Care

TPMS Malfunction Light and


. The TPMS sensor matching
Caution (Continued) Message process was not done or not
completed successfully after
vehicle warranty. Always use only The TPMS will not function properly rotating the tires. The
the GM approved tire sealant if one or more of the TPMS sensors malfunction light and the DIC
available through your dealer or are missing or inoperable. When the message should go off after
included in the vehicle. system detects a malfunction, the successfully completing the
low tire warning light flashes for sensor matching process. See
about one minute and then stays on "TPMS Sensor Matching
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits for the remainder of the ignition Process" later in this section.
use a GM approved liquid tire cycle. A DIC warning message also
sealant. Using non-approved tire displays. The malfunction light and
. One or more TPMS sensors are
sealants could damage the TPMS DIC warning message come on at missing or damaged. The
sensors. See Tire Sealant and each ignition cycle until the problem malfunction light and the DIC
Compressor Kit on page 10-63 for is corrected. Some of the conditions message should go off when the
information regarding the inflator kit that can cause these to come TPMS sensors are installed and
materials and instructions. on are: the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
. One of the road tires has been your dealer for service.
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
. Replacement tires or wheels do
TPMS sensor. The malfunction not match the original equipment
light and DIC message should tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
go off after the road tire is other than those recommended
replaced and the sensor could prevent the TPMS from
matching process is performed functioning properly. See Buying
successfully. See “TPMS Sensor New Tires on page 10-56.
Matching Process” later in this
section.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (53,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-53


. Operating electronic devices or using a TPMS relearn tool, in the 2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with
being near facilities using radio following order: driver side front tire, the engine off or place the
wave frequencies similar to the passenger side front tire, passenger vehicle power mode in ON/RUN/
TPMS could cause the TPMS side rear tire, and driver side rear. START. See Ignition Positions
sensors to malfunction. See your dealer for service or to (Keyless Access) on page 9-14
If the TPMS is not functioning purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS or Ignition Positions (Key
properly it cannot detect or signal a relearn tool can also be purchased. Access) on page 9-16.
low tire condition. See your dealer See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor 3. Use the MENU button to select
for service if the TPMS malfunction Activation Tool at the Vehicle Information Menu in
light and DIC message comes on www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or the Driver Information
and stays on. call 1-800-GM TOOLS Center (DIC).
(1-800-468-6657).
TPMS Sensor Matching 4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll to
There are two minutes to match the the Tire Pressure Menu Item
Process first tire/wheel position, and screen.
Each TPMS sensor has a unique five minutes overall to match all four
identification code. The identification tire/wheel positions. If it takes 5. Press the SET/CLR button to
code needs to be matched to a new longer, the matching process stops begin the sensor matching
tire/wheel position after rotating the and must be restarted. process.
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or A message asking if the process
The TPMS sensor matching
more of the TPMS sensors. The should begin should appear.
process is:
TPMS sensor matching process
should also be performed after 1. Set the parking brake. 6. Press the SET/CLR button again
replacing a spare tire with a road to confirm the selection.
tire containing the TPMS sensor. The horn sounds twice to signal
The malfunction light and the DIC the receiver is in relearn mode
message should go off at the next and the TIRE LEARNING
ignition cycle. The sensors are ACTIVE message displays on
matched to the tire/wheel positions, the DIC screen.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (54,1)
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10-54 Vehicle Care

7. Start with the driver side 12. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF . The tread or sidewall is
front tire. or press STOP to turn the cracked, cut, or snagged
8. Place the relearn tool against ignition off. deep enough to show cord or
the tire sidewall, near the valve 13. Set all four tires to the fabric.
stem. Then press the button to recommended air pressure . The tire has a bump, bulge,
activate the TPMS sensor. level as indicated on the Tire or split.
A horn chirp confirms that the and Loading Information label.
sensor identification code has . The tire has a puncture, cut,
been matched to this tire and Tire Inspection or other damage that cannot
wheel position. be repaired well because of
We recommend that the tires,
9. Proceed to the passenger side the size or location of the
including the spare tire, if the
front tire, and repeat the damage.
vehicle has one, be inspected
procedure in Step 8.
for signs of wear or damage at Tire Rotation
10. Proceed to the passenger side least once a month.
rear tire, and repeat the Tires should be rotated every
procedure in Step 8. Replace the tire if:
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
11. Proceed to the driver side rear . The indicators at three or Maintenance Schedule on
tire, and repeat the procedure more places around the tire page 11-2.
in Step 8. The horn sounds two can be seen.
times to indicate the sensor Tires are rotated to achieve a
identification code has been
. There is cord or fabric uniform wear for all tires. The
matched to the driver side rear showing through the tire's first rotation is the most
tire, and the TPMS sensor rubber. important.
matching process is no longer
Anytime unusual wear is
active. The TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC noticed, rotate the tires as soon
display screen goes off. as possible, check for proper tire
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (55,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-55

inflation pressure, and check for Adjust the front and rear tires to
damaged tires or wheels. If the the recommended inflation Warning (Continued)
unusual wear continues after the pressure on the Tire and off and cause an accident. When
rotation, check the wheel Loading Information label after changing a wheel, remove any
alignment. See When It Is Time the tires have been rotated. See rust or dirt from places where the
for New Tires on page 10-56 Tire Pressure on page 10-48 wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
and Wheel Replacement on and Vehicle Load Limits on an emergency, a cloth or a paper
page 10-60. page 9-9. towel can be used; however, use
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor a scraper or wire brush later to
System. See Tire Pressure remove all rust or dirt.
Monitor Operation on
page 10-51. Lightly coat the center of the
Check that all wheel nuts are wheel hub with wheel bearing
properly tightened. See “Wheel grease after a wheel change or
Nut Torque” under Capacities tire rotation to prevent corrosion
and Specifications on or rust build-up. Do not get
page 12-2. grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
{ Warning
Use this rotation pattern when Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
rotating the tires. parts to which it is fastened, can
Do not include the compact make wheel nuts become loose
spare tire in the tire rotation. after time. The wheel could come
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (56,1)
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10-56 Vehicle Care

When It Is Time for New The rubber in tires ages over time. of grease, gasoline, or other
This also applies to the spare tire, substances that can deteriorate
Tires if the vehicle has one, even if it is rubber.
Factors such as maintenance, never used. Multiple factors Parking for an extended period can
temperatures, driving speeds, including temperatures, loading cause flat spots on the tires that
vehicle loading, and road conditions conditions, and inflation pressure may result in vibrations while
affect the wear rate of the tires. maintenance affect how fast aging driving. When storing a vehicle for
takes place. GM recommends that at least a month, remove the tires or
tires, including the spare if raise the vehicle to reduce the
equipped, be replaced after six weight from the tires.
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification Buying New Tires
Number (TIN) which is molded into GM has developed and matched
one side of the tire sidewall. The specific tires for the vehicle. The
first two digits represent the week original equipment tires installed
(01–52) and the last two digits, the were designed to meet General
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
four-digit DOT date of 0310. Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
Treadwear indicators are one way to Vehicle Storage replacement tires are needed,
tell when it is time for new tires. Tires age when stored normally GM strongly recommends
Treadwear indicators appear when mounted on a parked vehicle. Park buying tires with the same TPC
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) a vehicle that will be stored for at Spec rating.
or less of tread remaining. See Tire least a month in a cool, dry, clean
Inspection on page 10-54 and Tire area away from direct sunlight to GM's exclusive TPC Spec
Rotation on page 10-54. slow aging. This area should be free system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (57,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-57

the overall performance of the See Tire Rotation on


vehicle, including brake system page 10-54. However, if it is { Warning
performance, ride and handling, necessary to replace only one Mixing tires of different sizes,
traction control, and tire axle set of worn tires, place the brands, or types may cause
pressure monitoring new tires on the rear axle. loss of control of the vehicle,
performance. GM's TPC Spec Winter tires with the same speed resulting in a crash or other
number is molded onto the tire's rating as the original equipment vehicle damage. Use the
sidewall near the tire size. If the tires may not be available for H, correct size, brand, and type
tires have an all-season tread V, W, Y and ZR speed rated of tires on all wheels.
design, the TPC Spec number tires. Never exceed the winter
will be followed by MS for mud tires’ maximum speed capability
and snow. See Tire Sidewall when using winter tires with a
Labeling on page 10-42. lower speed rating.
{ Warning
GM recommends replacing worn Using bias-ply tires on the
tires in complete sets of four. { Warning vehicle may cause the wheel
Uniform tread depth on all tires rim flanges to develop cracks
will help to maintain the Tires could explode during after many miles of driving.
performance of the vehicle. improper service. Attempting A tire and/or wheel could fail
Braking and handling to mount or dismount a tire suddenly and cause a crash.
performance may be adversely could cause injury or death. Use only radial-ply tires with
affected if all the tires are not Only your dealer or authorized the wheels on the vehicle.
replaced at the same time. tire service center should
If proper rotation and mount or dismount the tires.
If the vehicle tires must be
maintenance have been done, replaced with a tire that does not
all four tires should wear out at have a TPC Spec number, make
about the same time.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (58,1)
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10-58 Vehicle Care

sure they are the same size, may be affected. If the vehicle has Uniform Tire Quality
load range, speed rating, and electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
Grading
construction (radial) as the
original tires. control, electronic stability control, Quality grades can be found
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance where applicable on the tire
Vehicles that have a tire of these systems can also be sidewall between tread shoulder
pressure monitoring system affected. and maximum section width. For
could give an inaccurate example:
low-pressure warning if non-TPC { Warning
Spec rated tires are installed. Treadwear 200 Traction AA
See Tire Pressure Monitor If different sized wheels are used, Temperature A
System on page 10-50. there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if The following information relates
The Tire and Loading tires not recommended for those to the system developed by the
Information label indicates the wheels are selected. This United States National Highway
original equipment tires on the increases the chance of a crash Traffic Safety Administration
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits and serious injury. Only use GM (NHTSA), which grades tires by
on page 9-9. specific wheel and tire systems treadwear, traction, and
developed for the vehicle, and temperature performance. This
Different Size Tires and have them properly installed by a applies only to vehicles sold in
Wheels GM certified technician. the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
If wheels or tires are installed that most passenger car tires. The
are a different size than the original See Buying New Tires on
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle page 10-56 and Accessories and Uniform Tire Quality Grading
performance, including its braking, Modifications on page 10-3. (UTQG) system does not apply
ride and handling characteristics, to deep tread, winter tires,
stability, and resistance to rollover compact spare tires, tires with
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (59,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-59

nominal rim diameters of graded 150 would wear one and straight-ahead braking traction
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), one-half (1½) times as well on tests, and does not include
or to some limited-production the government course as a tire acceleration, cornering,
tires. graded 100. The relative hydroplaning, or peak traction
While the tires available on performance of tires depends characteristics.
General Motors passenger cars upon the actual conditions of
Temperature
and light trucks may vary with their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the The temperature grades are A
respect to these grades, they
norm due to variations in driving (the highest), B, and C,
must also conform to federal
habits, service practices and representing the tire's resistance
safety requirements and
differences in road to the generation of heat and its
additional General Motors Tire
characteristics and climate. ability to dissipate heat when
Performance Criteria (TPC)
tested under controlled
standards. Traction conditions on a specified indoor
All Passenger Car Tires Must The traction grades, from laboratory test wheel. Sustained
Conform to Federal Safety highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, high temperature can cause the
Requirements In Addition To and C. Those grades represent material of the tire to degenerate
These Grades. the tire's ability to stop on wet and reduce tire life, and
Treadwear pavement as measured under excessive temperature can lead
controlled conditions on to sudden tire failure. The grade
The treadwear grade is a specified government test C corresponds to a level of
comparative rating based on the surfaces of asphalt and performance which all
wear rate of the tire when tested concrete. A tire marked C may passenger car tires must meet
under controlled conditions on a have poor traction performance. under the Federal Motor Safety
specified government test Warning: The traction grade Standard No. 109. Grades B and
course. For example, a tire assigned to this tire is based on A represent higher levels of
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (60,1)
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10-60 Vehicle Care

performance on the laboratory surface variations such as troughs Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
test wheel than the minimum or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
required by law. Warning: The vibrating when driving on a smooth System (TPMS) sensors with new
temperature grade for this tire is road, the tires and wheels may need GM original equipment parts.
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
for proper diagnosis. { Warning
overloaded. Excessive speed, Wheel Replacement Using the wrong replacement
underinflation, or excessive wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
loading, either separately or in Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or nuts can be dangerous. It could
combination, can cause heat affect the braking and handling of
buildup and possible tire failure. corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
wheel nuts should be replaced. and cause loss of control, causing
Wheel Alignment and Tire If the wheel leaks air, replace it. a crash. Always use the correct
Balance Some aluminum wheels can be wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
repaired. See your dealer if any of nuts for replacement.
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to these conditions exist.
provide the longest tire life and best Your dealer will know the kind of
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
wheel that is needed. { Caution
Each new wheel should have the
are not necessary on a regular same load-carrying capacity, The wrong wheel can also cause
basis. Consider an alignment check diameter, width, offset, and be problems with bearing life, brake
if there is unusual tire wear or the mounted the same way as the one it cooling, speedometer or
vehicle is significantly pulling to one replaces. odometer calibration, headlamp
side or the other. Some slight pull to aim, bumper height, vehicle
the left or right, depending on the
(Continued)
crown of the road and/or other road
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (61,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-61

Caution (Continued)
Tire Chains If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
ground clearance, and tire or tire { Warning while driving, especially if the tires
chain clearance to the body and are maintained properly. See Tires
chassis. Do not use tire chains. There is on page 10-40. If air goes out of a
not enough clearance. Tire chains tire, it is much more likely to leak
used on a vehicle without the out slowly. But if there is ever a
Used Replacement Wheels proper amount of clearance can blowout, here are a few tips about
cause damage to the brakes, what to expect and what to do:
{ Warning suspension, or other vehicle
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
parts. The area damaged by the
Replacing a wheel with a used creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
tire chains could cause loss of toward that side. Take your foot off
one is dangerous. How it has control and a crash.
been used or how far it has been the accelerator pedal and grip the
driven may be unknown. It could Use another type of traction steering wheel firmly. Steer to
device only if its manufacturer maintain lane position, and then
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
recommends it for the vehicle's gently brake to a stop, well off the
When replacing wheels, use a
tire size combination and road road, if possible.
new GM original equipment
wheel. conditions. Follow that A rear blowout, particularly on a
manufacturer's instructions. To curve, acts much like a skid and
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow may require the same correction as
and readjust or remove the used in a skid. Stop pressing the
traction device if it contacts the accelerator pedal and steer to
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels. straighten the vehicle. It may be
If traction devices are used, install very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
them on the front tires. to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (62,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-62 Vehicle Care

{ Warning Warning (Continued) Warning (Continued)


Driving on a flat tire will cause changing a flat tire. If it is used for 1. Set the parking brake firmly.
permanent damage to the tire. anything else, you or others could 2. Put an automatic
Re-inflating a tire after it has been be badly injured or killed if the transmission in P (Park) or a
driven on while severely vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack manual transmission in
underinflated or flat may cause a is provided with the vehicle, only 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
blowout and a serious crash. use it for changing a flat tire.
3. Turn off the engine and do
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
not restart while the vehicle
that has been driven on while If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire is raised.
severely underinflated or flat. and wheel damage by driving slowly
Have your dealer or an authorized 4. Do not allow passengers to
to a level place, well off the road,
tire service center repair or remain in the vehicle.
if possible. Turn on the hazard
replace the flat tire as soon as warning flashers. See Hazard 5. Place wheel blocks on both
possible. Warning Flashers on page 6-3. sides of the tire at the
opposite corner of the tire
{ Warning being changed.
{ Warning Changing a tire can be
Lifting a vehicle and getting under dangerous. The vehicle can slip
it to do maintenance or repairs is off the jack and roll over or fall
dangerous without the causing injury or death. Find a
appropriate safety equipment and level place to change the tire. To
training. If a jack is provided with help prevent the vehicle from
the vehicle, it is designed only for moving:
(Continued) (Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (63,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-63

This vehicle may come with a jack The following information explains
and spare tire or a tire sealant and how to repair or change a tire. { Warning
compressor kit. To use the jacking
Overinflating a tire could cause
equipment to change a spare tire Tire Sealant and the tire to rupture and you or
safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing on
Compressor Kit others could be injured. Be sure
page 10-70. To use the tire sealant to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit, see Tire { Warning and compressor kit instructions
Sealant and Compressor Kit on and inflate the tire to its
page 10-63. Idling a vehicle in an enclosed recommended pressure. Do not
area with poor ventilation is exceed the recommended
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), dangerous. Engine exhaust may
use the following example as a pressure.
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
guide to assist you in the placement contains carbon monoxide (CO)
of wheel blocks (1).
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness { Warning
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that Storing the tire sealant and
has no fresh air ventilation. For compressor kit or other
more information, see Engine equipment in the passenger
Exhaust on page 9-24. compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store the tire
sealant and compressor kit in its
1. Wheel Block original location.
2. Flat Tire
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (64,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-64 Vehicle Care

If this vehicle has a tire sealant and The kit includes: Check the tire sealant expiration
compressor kit, there may not be a date on the sealant canister. The
spare tire, tire changing equipment, sealant canister should be replaced
and on some vehicles there may not before its expiration date.
be a place to store a tire. Replacement sealant canisters are
The tire sealant and compressor available at your local dealer. See
can be used to temporarily seal “Removal and Installation of the
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in Sealant Canister” following.
the tread area of the tire. It can also There is only enough sealant to seal
be used to inflate an under one tire. After usage, the sealant
inflated tire. canister and sealant/air hose
If the tire has been separated from assembly must be replaced. See
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls, “Removal and Installation of the
or has a large puncture, the tire is Sealant Canister” following.
too severely damaged for the tire 1. On/Off Button Using the Tire Sealant and
sealant and compressor kit to be 2. Selector Switch (Sealant/Air Compressor Kit to Temporarily
effective. See Roadside Assistance or Air Only) Seal and Inflate a
Program on page 13-5. 3. Pressure Relief Button Punctured Tire
Read and follow all of the tire 4. Pressure Gauge
5. Air Only Hose (Black) Follow the directions closely for
sealant and compressor kit
6. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear) correct sealant usage.
instructions.
7. Power Plug
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the compressor.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (65,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-65

Do not remove any objects that 6. Plug the power plug (7) into the
have penetrated the tire. accessory power outlet in the
1. Remove the tire sealant and vehicle. Unplug all items from
compressor kit from its storage other accessory power outlets.
location. See Storing the Tire If the vehicle has an accessory
Sealant and Compressor Kit on power outlet, do not use the
page 10-70. cigarette lighter.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (6) If the vehicle only has a cigarette
and the power plug (7). lighter, use the cigarette lighter.
3. Place the kit on the ground. Do not pinch the power plug
Make sure the tire valve stem is cord in the door or window.
When using the tire sealant and positioned close to the ground 7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
compressor kit during cold so the hose will reach it. must be running while using the
temperatures, warm the kit in a air compressor.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from
heated environment for five minutes.
the flat tire by turning it 8. Turn the selector switch (2)
This will help to inflate the tire
counterclockwise. clockwise to the Sealant + Air
faster.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (6) position.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
onto the tire valve stem. Turn it 9. Press the on/off button (1) to
and wheel damage by driving slowly
clockwise until it is tight. turn the tire sealant and
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
compressor kit on.
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6-3. The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10-61 for other important The pressure gauge (4) will
safety warnings. initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (66,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-66 Vehicle Care

sealant into the tire. Once the 11. Press the on/off button (1) to
sealant is completely dispersed { Caution turn the tire sealant and
into the tire, the pressure will compressor kit off.
quickly drop and start to rise If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after The tire is not sealed and will
again as the tire inflates with continue to leak air until the
air only. approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven vehicle is driven and the
10. Inflate the tire to the farther. The tire is too severely sealant is distributed in the tire;
recommended inflation damaged and the tire sealant and therefore, Steps 12–18 must be
pressure using the pressure done immediately after
compressor kit cannot inflate the
gauge (4). The recommended Step 11.
tire. Remove the power plug from
inflation pressure can be found Be careful while handling the
on the Tire and Loading the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from tire sealant and compressor kit
Information label. See Tire as it could be warm after
Pressure on page 10-48. the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program on usage.
The pressure gauge (4) may page 13-5. 12. Unplug the power plug (7) from
read higher than the actual tire the accessory power outlet in
pressure while the compressor the vehicle.
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure 13. Turn the sealant/air hose (6)
reading. The compressor may counterclockwise to remove it
be turned on/off until the from the tire valve stem.
correct pressure is reached. 14. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
15. Return the sealant/air hose (6)
and the power plug (7) back in
their original locations.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (67,1)
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Vehicle Care 10-67

19. Stop at a safe location and 21. Dispose of the used sealant
check the tire pressure. Refer canister and sealant/air hose
to Steps 1–11 under “Using the (6) assembly at a local dealer
Tire Sealant and Compressor or in accordance with local
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a state codes and practices.
Tire (Not Punctured).” 22. Replace it with a new canister
16. If the flat tire was able to inflate If the tire pressure has fallen available from your dealer.
to the recommended inflation more than 68 kPa (10 psi) 23. After temporarily sealing a tire
pressure, remove the below the recommended using the tire sealant and
maximum speed label from the inflation pressure, stop driving compressor kit, take the
sealant canister and place it in the vehicle. The tire is too vehicle to an authorized dealer
a highly visible location. Do not severely damaged and the tire within 161 km (100 mi) of
exceed the speed on this label sealant cannot seal the tire. driving to have the tire repaired
until the damaged tire is See Roadside Assistance or replaced.
repaired or replaced. Program on page 13-5.
17. Return the equipment to its If the tire pressure has not
original storage location in the dropped more than 68 kPa
vehicle. (10 psi) from the recommended
18. Immediately drive the vehicle inflation pressure, use the
8 km (5 mi) to distribute the compressor kit to inflate the tire
sealant in the tire. to the recommended inflation
pressure.
20. Wipe off any sealant from the
wheel, tire, and vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (68,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-68 Vehicle Care

Using the Tire Sealant and See If a Tire Goes Flat on 6. Plug the power plug (7) into the
Compressor Kit without page 10-61 for other important accessory power outlet in the
Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not safety warnings. vehicle. Unplug all items from
Punctured) 1. Remove the tire sealant and other accessory power outlets.

To use the air compressor to inflate compressor kit from its storage If the vehicle has an accessory
a tire with air only and not sealant: location. See Storing the Tire power outlet, do not use the
Sealant and Compressor Kit on cigarette lighter.
page 10-70. If the vehicle only has a cigarette
2. Unwrap the air only hose (5) and lighter, use the cigarette lighter.
the power plug (7). Do not pinch the power plug
3. Place the kit on the ground. cord in the door or window.
Make sure the tire valve stem is 7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
positioned close to the ground must be running while using the
so the hose will reach it. air compressor.
4. Remove the tire valve stem cap 8. Turn the selector switch (2)
from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise to the Air Only
counterclockwise. position.
5. Attach the air only hose (5) onto 9. Press the on/off button (1) to
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire the tire valve stem by turning it turn the compressor on.
and wheel damage by driving slowly clockwise until it is tight. The compressor will inflate the
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
tire with air only.
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6-3.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (69,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-69

10. Inflate the tire to the 11. Press the on/off button (1) to Removal and Installation of the
recommended inflation turn the tire sealant and Sealant Canister
pressure using the pressure compressor kit off.
gauge (4). The recommended To remove the sealant canister:
Be careful while handling the
inflation pressure can be found tire sealant and compressor kit
on the Tire and Loading as it could be warm after
Information label. See Tire usage.
Pressure on page 10-48.
12. Unplug the power plug (7) from
The pressure gauge (4) may the accessory power outlet in
read higher than the actual tire the vehicle.
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off 13. Disconnect the air only
to get an accurate reading. The hose (5) from the tire valve
compressor may be turned on/ stem, by turning it
off until the correct pressure is counterclockwise, and replace
reached. If the tire is inflated the tire valve stem cap.
higher than the recommended 14. Return the air only hose (5) 1. Remove the plastic cover.
pressure, press the pressure and the power plug (7) back to
relief button (3), if equipped, their original locations. 2. Unscrew the connector (2) from
until the proper pressure the canister (1).
reading is reached. This option 15. Return the equipment to its
original storage location in the 3. Pull up on the canister (1) to
is only functional when using remove it.
the air only hose (5). vehicle.
4. Replace with a new canister
which is available from your
dealer.
5. Push the new canister into
place.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (70,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-70 Vehicle Care

6. Screw the connector (2) to the 4. Remove the tire sealant and 6. Fastener (If Equipped)
canister (1). compressor kit. To access the spare tire and tools:
7. Slide the plastic cover back on. To store the tire sealant and 1. Open the trunk.
compressor kit, reverse the steps.
Storing the Tire Sealant 2. Remove the spare tire cover.
and Compressor Kit Tire Changing
To access the tire sealant and Removing the Spare Tire and
compressor kit: Tools
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
page 2-14.
2. Lift the cover.

3. Turn the retainer nut


counterclockwise and remove
the spare tire. Place the spare
tire next to the tire being
1. Screwdriver (If Equipped) changed.
2. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
3. Jack
3. Turn the wing nut 4. Wrench (In Bag or Container)
counterclockwise to remove it. 5. Trim Removal (If Equipped)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (71,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-71

4. The jack and tools are stored 2. Turn the wheel wrench 5. Place the jack near the flat tire.
below the spare tire. Remove counterclockwise to loosen and 6. Put the compact spare tire
them from their container and remove the wheel nut caps. near you.
place them near the tire being Do not try to remove plastic caps
changed. from the cover or center cap. { Warning
Removing the Flat Tire and 3. Pull the cover or center cap
Installing the Spare Tire away from the wheel. Store the Getting under a vehicle when it is
wheel cover in the cargo area lifted on a jack is dangerous.
until you have the flat tire If the vehicle slips off the jack,
repaired or replaced. you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.

{ Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
Take off the wheel cover or center make the vehicle fall. To help
cap, if the vehicle has one, to reach avoid personal injury and vehicle
the wheel bolts. damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
1. Do a safety check before 4. Turn the wheel wrench head into the proper location
proceeding. See If a Tire Goes counterclockwise to loosen all before raising the vehicle.
Flat on page 10-61. the wheel nuts, but do not
remove them yet.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (72,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-72 Vehicle Care

{ Warning { Caution
Lifting a vehicle and getting under Make sure that the jack lift head
it to do maintenance or repairs is is in the correct position or you
dangerous without the may damage your vehicle. The
appropriate safety equipment and repairs would not be covered by
training. If a jack is provided with your warranty.
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
10. Raise the vehicle by turning the
is provided with the vehicle, only
jack handle clockwise. Raise
use it for changing a flat tire. the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough
7. Attach the jack lift assist tool to room for the road tire to clear
the jack by fitting both ends of the ground.
the jack and tool over one
another.
8. Place the jack under the vehicle.
9. Position the jack lift head at the
jack location nearest the flat tire.
The location is indicated by a
notch on the bottom edge of the
body side. The jack must not be
used in any other position.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (73,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-73

Warning (Continued) { Warning


an emergency, a cloth or a paper Never use oil or grease on bolts
towel can be used; however, use or nuts because the nuts might
a scraper or wire brush later to come loose. The vehicle's wheel
remove all rust or dirt. could fall off, causing a crash.

15. Reinstall the wheel nuts.


Tighten each nut by hand until
the wheel is held against
the hub.
11. Remove all of the wheel nuts. 16. Lower the vehicle by turning
12. Remove the flat tire. the jack handle
counterclockwise.
{ Warning { Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can Wheel nuts that are improperly or
make wheel nuts become loose incorrectly tightened can cause
after time. The wheel could come the wheels to become loose or
13. Remove any rust or dirt from
off and cause an accident. When come off. The wheel nuts should
the wheel bolts, mounting
changing a wheel, remove any be tightened with a torque wrench
surfaces, and spare wheel.
rust or dirt from places where the to the proper torque specification
14. Place the compact spare tire after replacing. Follow the torque
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In on the wheel-mounting surface. specification supplied by the
(Continued)
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (74,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-74 Vehicle Care

Warning (Continued) { Caution


aftermarket manufacturer when Wheel covers will not fit on the
using accessory locking wheel vehicle's compact spare. If you try
nuts. See Capacities and to put a wheel cover on the
Specifications on page 12-2 for compact spare, the cover or the
original equipment wheel nut spare could be damaged.
torque specifications.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{ Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
17. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence, as
{ Warning
can lead to brake pulsation and shown. Storing a jack, a tire, or other
rotor damage. To avoid expensive equipment in the passenger
18. Lower the jack all the way and
brake repairs, evenly tighten the remove the jack from under the compartment of the vehicle could
wheel nuts in the proper vehicle. cause injury. In a sudden stop or
sequence and to the proper collision, loose equipment could
torque specification. See 19. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly strike someone. Store all these in
Capacities and Specifications for with the wheel wrench.
the proper place.
the wheel nut torque specification. When reinstalling the wheel cover or
center cap on the full-size tire,
tighten all five plastic caps hand
snug, then tighten them with the
wheel wrench an additional
one-quarter turn.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (75,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-75

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and 5. Place the tire, lying flat, facing If this vehicle has a compact spare
Tools with a Screw in Fastener up in the spare tire well. tire, it was fully inflated when new;
6. Turn the retainer nut clockwise however, it can lose air over time.
to secure the tire. Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
7. Place the floor cover on the (60 psi).
wheel.
Stop as soon as possible and check
To store the compact spare tire, use that the spare tire is correctly
the shorter mounting bolt. inflated after being installed on the
The compact spare is for temporary vehicle. The compact spare tire is
use only. Replace the compact designed for temporary use only.
spare tire with a full-size tire as The vehicle will perform differently
soon as you can. with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
Compact Spare Tire speed be limited to 80 km/h
1. Turn the wrench (50 mph). To conserve the tread of
counterclockwise to remove the the spare tire, have the standard tire
fastener. { Warning repaired or replaced as soon as
2. Replace the fastener with the convenient and return the spare tire
Driving with more than one to the storage area.
one provided in the foam. compact spare tire at a time could
Use the longer fastener to store result in loss of braking and When using a compact spare tire,
the flat tire. handling. This could lead to a the ABS and Traction Control
crash and you or others could be systems may engage until the spare
3. Turn the wrench clockwise to tire is recognized by the vehicle,
tighten the fastener. injured. Use only one compact
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
spare tire at a time.
4. Replace the foam, jack and driving to reduce possible
tools, and the tire in their original wheel slip.
storage location.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (76,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-76 Vehicle Care

{ Caution Jump Starting { Caution


For more information about the
When the compact spare is vehicle battery, see Battery on Ignoring these steps could result
installed, do not take the vehicle page 10-21. in costly damage to the vehicle
through an automatic car wash that would not be covered by the
with guide rails. The compact If the battery has run down, you vehicle warranty. Trying to start
spare can get caught on the rails may want to use another vehicle the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
and some jumper cables to start
which can damage the tire, wheel, will not work, and it could damage
your vehicle. Be sure to use the
and other parts of the vehicle. the vehicle.
following steps to do it safely.

Do not use the compact spare on


other vehicles.
{ Warning The vehicle has a battery cover
which must be removed to gain
Do not mix the compact spare tire or Batteries can hurt you. They can access to the battery for jump
wheel with other wheels or tires. be dangerous because: starting.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire . They contain acid that can
and its wheel together. burn you.
. They contain gas that can
{ Caution explode or ignite.
Tire chains will not fit the compact . They contain enough
spare. Using them can damage electricity to burn you.
the vehicle and the chains. Do not If you do not follow these steps
use tire chains on the compact exactly, some or all of these
spare. things can hurt you.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (77,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-77

The jump start negative grounding


point for the discharged battery is
the engine block or an engine
mounting bolt. Connect to a spot as
far away from the discharged
battery as possible.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.

{ Caution
1. Clips The vehicle has a remote If the other vehicle does not have
2. Pivot Points positive (+) terminal under a trim a 12-volt system with a negative
cover. It is under the battery cover ground, both vehicles can be
To remove the battery cover: on the driver side of the engine damaged. Only use a vehicle that
1. Release the two rear clips (1). compartment. See Engine has a 12-volt system with a
Compartment Overview on negative ground for jump starting.
2. Lift the battery cover up toward
page 10-5. You should always use
the front of the vehicle to release
this remote positive (+) terminal.
it from the pivot points (2) and 2. Position the two vehicles so that
remove. they are not touching.
3. Reverse Steps 1–2 to reinstall To avoid the possibility of the
the battery cover. vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put an automatic
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (78,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-78 Vehicle Care

transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral { Warning Warning (Continued)
before setting the parking brake.
An electric fan can start up even add water to take care of that
3. Set the parking brake firmly on when the engine is not running first. If you do not, explosive gas
both vehicles. Put an automatic and can injure you. Keep hands, could be present.
transmission in P (Park) or a clothing and tools away from any
manual transmission in Neutral Battery fluid contains acid that
underhood electric fan. can burn you. Do not get it on
before setting the parking brake.
you. If you accidentally get it in
{ Caution your eyes or on your skin, flush
{ Warning the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump Using a match near a battery can
starting procedure, they could be cause battery gas to explode.
damaged. The repairs would not People have been hurt doing this,
be covered by the vehicle and some have been blinded. { Warning
warranty. Whenever possible, turn Use a flashlight if you need more Fans or other moving engine
off or unplug all accessories on light. parts can injure you badly. Keep
either vehicle when jump starting. Be sure the battery has enough your hands away from moving
water. You do not need to add parts once the engine is running.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF water to the battery installed in
and switch off all lights and your new vehicle. But if a battery 6. Connect the red positive (+)
accessories in both vehicles, has filler caps, be sure the right cable to the remote positive (+)
except the hazard warning amount of fluid is there. If it is low, terminal of the discharged
flashers if needed. (Continued) battery.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (79,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-79

7. Connect the other end of the Towing the Vehicle


positive (+) cable to the { Caution
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote If the jumper cables are { Caution
positive (+) terminal if the connected or removed in the
vehicle has one. wrong order, electrical shorting Incorrectly towing a disabled
may occur and damage the vehicle may cause damage. The
8. Connect one end of the black vehicle. The repairs would not be damage would not be covered by
negative (−) cable to the covered by the vehicle warranty. the vehicle warranty.
negative (−) terminal of the good
Always connect and remove the
battery.
jumper cables in the correct order, Have the vehicle towed on a wheel
9. Connect the other end of the making sure that the cables do lift tow truck. A flatbed car carrier
negative (−) to the negative (–) not touch each other or other could damage the vehicle. The
grounding point for the metal. wheel lift tow truck must raise the
discharged battery. rear of the vehicle and wheel dollies
10. Start the vehicle with the good Jumper Cable Removal must be used to lift the front wheels
battery and run the engine at off the ground.
idle speed for at least Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables. Consult your dealer or a
four minutes. professional towing service if the
11. Try to start the vehicle that had disabled vehicle must be towed.
the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it Recreational Vehicle
probably needs service. Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle – such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (80,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-80 Vehicle Care

of recreational vehicle towing are


. Is the vehicle ready to be 3. Place the ignition in the ACC/
known as dinghy towing and dolly towed? Just as preparing the ACCESSORY position. See
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle for a long trip, make sure Ignition Positions (Keyless
vehicle with all four wheels on the the vehicle is prepared to be Access) on page 9-14 or Ignition
ground. Dolly towing is towing the towed. Positions (Key Access) on
vehicle with two wheels on the Dinghy Towing page 9-16.
ground and two wheels up on a 4. To prevent the battery from
device known as a dolly. draining while the vehicle is
Here are some important things to being towed, remove fuse 8, 22
consider before recreational vehicle (Key Access only), and 24, from
towing: the instrument panel fuse block.
. What is the towing capacity of See Instrument Panel Fuse
the towing vehicle? Be sure to Block on page 10-38.
read the tow vehicle Remember to reinstall the fuses
manufacturer's once the destination has been
recommendations. reached.
. How far will the vehicle be
towed? Some vehicles have { Caution
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow. To dinghy tow the vehicle from the If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
front with all four wheels on the while towing the vehicle, it could
. Does the vehicle have the ground: be damaged. Never exceed
proper towing equipment? See 105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
your dealer or trailering 1. Position the vehicle to tow and
then secure it to the towing the vehicle.
professional for additional advice
and equipment vehicle.
recommendations. 2. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (81,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-81

Tow the vehicle with the two rear


{ Caution wheels on the ground and the front { Caution
wheels on a dolly.
Use of a shield mounted in front Towing the vehicle from the rear
of the vehicle grille could restrict To tow the vehicle with two wheels could damage it. Also, repairs
airflow and cause damage to the on the ground and a dolly: would not be covered by the
transmission. The repairs would 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly. vehicle warranty. Never have the
not be covered by the vehicle vehicle towed from the rear.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the 3. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
towing vehicle.

Dolly Towing
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (82,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-82 Vehicle Care

Appearance Care Caution (Continued)


washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Exterior Care products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all If using an automatic car wash,
Locks manufacturer directions regarding follow the car wash instructions. The
Locks are lubricated at the factory. correct product usage, necessary windshield wiper and rear window
Use a de-icing agent only when safety precautions, and wiper, if equipped, must be off.
absolutely necessary, and have the appropriate disposal of any Remove any accessories that may
locks greased after using. See be damaged or interfere with the car
vehicle care product.
Recommended Fluids and wash equipment.
Lubricants on page 11-11. Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
Washing the Vehicle { Caution cleaning agents completely. If they
To preserve the vehicle's finish, are allowed to dry on the surface,
wash it often and out of direct Avoid using high-pressure they could stain.
sunlight. washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use Dry the finish with a soft, clean
of power washers exceeding chamois or an all-cotton towel to
{ Caution 8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Do not use petroleum-based, in damage or removal of paint
acidic, or abrasive cleaning and decals. Finish Care
agents as they can damage the Application of aftermarket clearcoat
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic The e symbol is on any sealant/wax materials is not
parts. If damage occurs, it would underhood compartment electrical recommended. If painted surfaces
not be covered by the vehicle center that should not be power are damaged, see your dealer to
warranty. Approved cleaning have the damage assessed and
(Continued) repaired. Foreign materials such as
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (83,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-83

calcium chloride and other salts, ice The bright metal moldings on the
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree Caution (Continued) vehicle are aluminum. To prevent
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from damage always follow these
industrial chimneys, etc., can may damage it. Use only cleaning instructions:
damage the vehicle's finish if they non-abrasive waxes and polishes
. Be sure the molding is cool to
remain on painted surfaces. Wash that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the the touch before applying any
the vehicle as soon as possible. cleaning solution.
If necessary, use non-abrasive vehicle.
cleaners that are marked safe for . Use a cleaning solution
painted surfaces to remove foreign approved for aluminum. Some
To keep the paint finish looking new,
matter. keep the vehicle garaged or cleaners are highly acidic or
covered whenever possible. contain alkaline substances and
Occasional hand waxing or mild can damage the moldings.
polishing should be done to remove Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
residue from the paint finish. See . Always dilute a concentrated
Moldings cleaner according to the
your dealer for approved cleaning
products. manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
{ Caution . Do not use chrome cleaners.
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, Failure to clean and protect the . Do not use cleaners that are not
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint bright metal moldings can result intended for automotive use.
as damage can occur. in a hazy white finish or pitting. . Use a nonabrasive wax on the
This damage would not be
vehicle after washing to protect
{ Caution covered by the vehicle warranty. and extend the molding finish.
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (84,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-84 Vehicle Care

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/


. Aftermarket appearance caps or Shutter System
Lenses, Emblems, Decals and covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
Stripes heat generated.
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
{ Caution
emblems, decals, and stripes. Failure to clean lamps properly
Follow instructions under "Washing can cause damage to the lamp
the Vehicle" previously in this cover that would not be covered
section. by the vehicle warranty.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry. { Caution
The vehicle may have a shutter
Do not use any of the following on Using wax on low gloss black system designed to help increase
lamp covers: finish stripes can increase the fuel economy. Keep the shutter
. Abrasive or caustic agents. gloss level and create a system clean for proper operation.
non-uniform finish. Clean low
. Washer fluids and other cleaning gloss stripes with soap and Windshield and Wiper Blades
agents in higher concentrations water only. Clean the outside of the windshield
than suggested by the with glass cleaner.
manufacturer.
Air Intakes Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels, cloth or paper towel soaked with
or other harsh cleaners. Clear debris from the air intakes, windshield washer fluid or a mild
. Ice scrapers or other hard items. between the hood and windshield detergent. Wash the windshield
when washing the vehicle. thoroughly when cleaning the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (85,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-85

blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and


a buildup of vehicle wash/wax { Caution Caution (Continued)
treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Using petroleum-based tire or sodium chloride. These
dressing products on the vehicle chlorides are used on roads for
Replace the wiper blades if they are may damage the paint finish and/ conditions such as ice and dust.
worn or damaged. Damage can be or tires. When applying a tire Always wash the chrome with
caused by extreme dusty dressing, always wipe off any soap and water after exposure.
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun, overspray from all painted
snow, and ice.
surfaces on the vehicle.
Weatherstrips
{ Caution
Apply Dielectric silicone grease on Wheels and Trim — Aluminum
weatherstrips to make them last or Chrome To avoid surface damage, do not
longer, seal better, and not stick or use strong soaps, chemicals,
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at abrasive polishes, cleaners,
soap and water to clean the wheels.
least once a year. Hot, dry climates brushes, or cleaners that contain
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
may require more frequent acid on aluminum or
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
application. Black marks from chrome-plated wheels. Use only
A wax may then be applied.
rubber material on painted surfaces approved cleaners. Also, never
can be removed by rubbing with a drive a vehicle with aluminum or
clean cloth. See Recommended { Caution chrome-plated wheels through an
Fluids and Lubricants on automatic car wash that uses
page 11-11. Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the silicone carbide tire cleaning
Tires vehicle is not washed after driving brushes. Damage could occur
on roads that have been sprayed and the repairs would not be
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to covered by the vehicle warranty.
clean the tires. with magnesium, calcium,
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (86,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-86 Vehicle Care

Steering, Suspension, and underbody. Take care to thoroughly Chemical Paint Spotting
Chassis Components clean any areas where mud and
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
other debris can collect.
Visually inspect steering, and attack painted vehicle surfaces
suspension, and chassis Sheet Metal Damage causing blotchy, ring-shaped
components for damaged, loose, discolorations, and small, irregular
If the vehicle is damaged and dark spots etched into the paint
or missing parts or signs of wear at
requires sheet metal repair or surface. See “Finish Care”
least once a year.
replacement, make sure the body previously in this section.
Inspect power steering for proper repair shop applies anti-corrosion
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, material to parts repaired or
chafing, etc. replaced to restore corrosion Interior Care
Visually check constant velocity joint protection. To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
boots and axle seals for leaks. Original manufacturer replacement regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
parts will provide the corrosion Immediately remove any soils. Note
Body Component Lubrication protection while maintaining the that newspapers or dark garments
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, vehicle warranty. that can transfer color to home
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel furnishings can also permanently
fuel door hinge, unless the Finish Damage transfer color to the vehicle's
components are plastic. Applying Quickly repair minor chips and interior.
silicone grease on weatherstrips scratches with touch-up materials Use a soft bristle brush to remove
with a clean cloth will make them available from your dealer to avoid dust from knobs and crevices on the
last longer, seal better, and not stick corrosion. Larger areas of finish instrument cluster. Using a mild
or squeak. damage can be corrected in your soap solution, immediately remove
dealer's body and paint shop. hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
Underbody Maintenance repellent from all interior surfaces or
At least twice a year, spring and fall permanent damage may result.
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (87,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-87

Your dealer may have products for


. Never use a brush with stiff
cleaning the interior. Use cleaners bristles. { Caution
specifically designed for the . Never rub any surface
surfaces being cleaned to prevent To prevent scratching, never use
aggressively or with excessive
permanent damage. Apply all abrasive cleaners on automotive
pressure.
cleaners directly to the cleaning glass. Abrasive cleaners or
cloth. Do not spray cleaners directly
. Do not use laundry detergents or aggressive cleaning may damage
on any switches or controls. dishwashing soaps with the rear window defogger.
Cleaners should be removed degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
quickly. Never allow cleaners to use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water. Cleaning the windshield with water
remain on the surface being during the first three to six months
cleaned for extended periods A concentrated soap solution will
leave a residue that creates of ownership will reduce tendency
of time. to fog.
streaks and attracts dirt. Do not
Cleaners may contain solvents that use solutions that contain strong
can become concentrated in the
Speaker Covers
or caustic soap.
interior. Before using cleaners, read Vacuum around a speaker cover
and adhere to all safety instructions
. Do not heavily saturate the gently, so that the speaker will not
on the label. While cleaning the upholstery when cleaning. be damaged. Clean spots with just
interior, maintain adequate . Do not use solvents or cleaners water and mild soap.
ventilation by opening the doors and containing solvents.
windows. Coated Moldings
Interior Glass Coated moldings should be cleaned.
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following To clean, use a terry cloth fabric . When lightly soiled, wipe with a
cleaners or techniques: dampened with water. Wipe droplets sponge or soft lint-free cloth
left behind with a clean dry cloth. dampened with water.
. Never use a razor or any other Commercial glass cleaners may be
sharp object to remove a soil used, if necessary, after cleaning . When heavily soiled, use warm
from any interior surface. the interior glass with plain water. soapy water.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (88,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-88 Vehicle Care

Fabric/Carpet/Suede 3. Start on the outside edge of the Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
soil and gently rub toward the and Vehicle Information and
Start by vacuuming the surface
center. Fold the cleaning cloth to Radio Displays
using a soft brush attachment. If a
a clean area frequently to
rotating brush attachment is being For vehicles with high gloss
prevent forcing the soil in to the
used during vacuuming, only use it surfaces or vehicle displays, use a
fabric.
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, microfiber cloth to wipe surfaces.
gently remove as much of the soil 4. Continue gently rubbing the Before wiping the surface with the
as possible using one of the soiled area until there is no microfiber cloth, use a soft bristle
following techniques: longer any color transfer from brush to remove dirt that could
the soil to the cleaning cloth. scratch the surface. Then use the
. Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no 5. If the soil is not completely microfiber cloth by gently rubbing to
more soil can be removed. removed, use a mild soap clean. Never use window cleaners
solution followed only by plain or solvents. Periodically hand wash
. For solid soils, remove as much the microfiber cloth separately,
water.
as possible prior to vacuuming. using mild soap. Do not use bleach
If the soil is not completely or fabric softener. Rinse thoroughly
To clean:
removed, it may be necessary to and air dry before next use.
1. Saturate a clean lint-free use a commercial upholstery
colorfast cloth with water. cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small
Microfiber cloth is recommended hidden area for colorfastness before { Caution
to prevent lint transfer to the using a commercial upholstery
fabric or carpet. Do not attach a device with a
cleaner or spot lifter. If ring
formation occurs, clean the entire suction cup to the display. This
2. Remove excess moisture by may cause damage and would
gently wringing until water does fabric or carpet.
not be covered by the warranty.
not drip from the cleaning cloth. Following the cleaning process, a
paper towel can be used to blot
excess moisture.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (89,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Vehicle Care 10-89

Instrument Panel, Leather, Cargo Cover and


Vinyl, Other Plastic Surfaces, Caution (Continued) Convenience Net
Low Gloss Paint Surfaces and these solvents can permanently Wash with warm water and mild
Natural Open Pore Wood change the appearance and feel detergent. Do not use chlorine
Surfaces of leather or soft trim and are not bleach. Rinse with cold water, and
Use a soft microfiber cloth recommended. then dry completely.
dampened with water to remove Care of Safety Belts
dust and loose dirt. For a more Do not use cleaners that increase
thorough cleaning, use a soft Keep belts clean and dry.
gloss, especially on the instrument
microfiber cloth dampened with a panel. Reflected glare can decrease
mild soap solution. visibility through the windshield { Warning
under certain conditions.
{ Caution Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them. In
Soaking or saturating leather, { Caution a crash, they might not be able to
especially perforated leather, as Use of air fresheners may cause provide adequate protection.
well as other interior surfaces, permanent damage to plastics Clean safety belts only with mild
may cause permanent damage. and painted surfaces. If an air soap and lukewarm water.
Wipe excess moisture from these freshener comes in contact with
surfaces after cleaning and allow any plastic or painted surface in
them to dry naturally. Never use the vehicle, blot immediately and
heat, steam, spot lifters, or spot clean with a soft cloth dampened
removers. Do not use cleaners with a mild soap solution.
that contain silicone or wax-based Damage caused by air fresheners
products. Cleaners containing would not be covered by the
(Continued) vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (90,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

10-90 Vehicle Care


. Use the floor mat with the
Floor Mats correct side up. Do not turn
Reinstall by lining up the floor mat
retainer openings over the carpet
it over. retainers and snapping into position.
{ Warning . Do not place anything on top of Make sure the floor mat is properly
If a floor mat is the wrong size or the driver side floor mat. secured in place.
is not properly installed, it can . Use only a single floor mat on Verify the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals. the driver side. interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can . Do not place one floor mat on
cause unintended acceleration top of another.
and/or increased stopping
distance which can cause a crash Removing and Replacing the
and injury. Make sure the floor Floor Mats
mat does not interfere with the Pull up on the rear of the floor mat
pedals. to unlock each retainer and remove.

Use the following guidelines for


proper floor mat usage:
. The original equipment floor
mats were designed for your
vehicle. If the floor mats need
replacing, it is recommended
that GM certified floor mats be
purchased. Non-GM floor mats
may not fit properly and may
interfere with the pedals. Always
check that the floor mats do not
interfere with the pedals.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Service and Maintenance 11-1

Service and General Information technicians, the dealer is the place


for routine maintenance such as oil
Maintenance Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
the required maintenance for the tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
General Information vehicle. Follow this schedule to help blades.
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 protect against major repair

Maintenance Schedule
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
{ Caution
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-2 also help to maintain the value of Damage caused by improper
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the maintenance can lead to costly
Special Application Services responsibility of the owner to have
Special Application repairs and may not be covered
all required maintenance performed. by the vehicle warranty.
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Your dealer has trained technicians Maintenance intervals, checks,
Additional Maintenance who can perform required inspections, recommended fluids,
and Care maintenance using genuine and lubricants are important to
Additional Maintenance replacement parts. They have keep the vehicle in good working
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 up-to-date tools and equipment for condition.
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
Recommended Fluids, dealers have extended evening and
Lubricants, and Parts Saturday hours, courtesy The Tire Rotation and Required
Recommended Fluids and transportation, and online Services are the responsibility of the
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11 scheduling to assist with service vehicle owner. It is recommended to
Maintenance Replacement needs. have your dealer perform these
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12 services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Your dealer recognizes the Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
Maintenance Records importance of providing keep the vehicle in good working
Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-13 competitively priced maintenance condition, improves fuel economy,
and repair services. With trained and reduces vehicle emissions.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

11-2 Service and Maintenance

Because of the way people use


. Frequently towing a trailer.
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
Maintenance
. Used for high speed or
There may need to be more competitive driving. Schedule
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery Owner Checks and Services
Normal are for vehicles that: service.
At Each Fuel Stop
. Carry passengers and cargo Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
. Check the engine oil level. See
within recommended limits on Engine Oil on page 10-8.
the Tire and Loading Information Required Services - Severe chart.
label. See Vehicle Load Limits Once a Month
on page 9-9. { Warning . Check the tire inflation
. Are driven on reasonable road Performing maintenance work can pressures. See Tire Pressure on
surfaces within legal driving page 10-48.
be dangerous and can cause
limits. serious injury. Perform . Inspect the tires for wear. See
. Use the recommended fuel. See maintenance work only if the Tire Inspection on page 10-54.
Fuel on page 9-43. required information, proper tools, . Check the windshield washer
Refer to the information in the and equipment are available. fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
Maintenance Schedule Additional If they are not, see your dealer to page 10-18.
Required Services - Normal chart. have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own Engine Oil Change
The Additional Required Services -
Service Work on page 10-3. When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Severe are for vehicles that are:
SOON message displays, have the
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic engine oil and filter changed within
in hot weather. the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
. Mainly driven in hilly or under the best conditions, the
mountainous terrain. engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Service and Maintenance 11-3

for more than a year. The engine oil


. Check engine coolant level. See or missing parts or signs of
and filter must be changed at least Engine Coolant on page 10-14. wear. See Exterior Care on
once a year and the oil life system . Check windshield washer fluid page 10-82.
must be reset. Your trained dealer level. See Washer Fluid on . Check restraint system
technician can perform this work. page 10-18. components. See Safety System
If the engine oil life system is reset Check on page 3-16.
accidentally, service the vehicle
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the blades for wear, cracking, . Visually inspect fuel system for
last service. Reset the oil life or contamination. See Exterior damage or leaks.
system when the oil is changed. Care on page 10-82. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
See Engine Oil Life System on and nearby heat shields for
page 10-10. See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10-24. loose or damaged parts.
Tire Rotation and Required . Check tire inflation pressures.
. Lubricate body components. See
Services Every 12 000 km/ See Tire Pressure on Exterior Care on page 10-82.
7,500 mi page 10-48. . Check starter switch. See Starter
Rotate the tires, if recommended for . Inspect tire wear. See Tire Switch Check on page 10-22.
the vehicle, and perform the Inspection on page 10-54. . Check automatic transmission
following services. See Tire . shift lock control function. See
Rotation on page 10-54. Visually check for fluid leaks.
Automatic Transmission Shift
. Check engine oil level and oil
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter. Lock Control Function Check on
life percentage. If needed, See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 10-23.
change engine oil and filter, and page 10-11. . Check ignition transmission lock
reset oil life system. See Engine . Inspect brake system. (If equipped with a key type
Oil on page 10-8 and Engine Oil ignition). See Ignition
. Visually inspect steering,
Life System on page 10-10. Transmission Lock Check on
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose, page 10-23.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

11-4 Service and Maintenance


. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10-23.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
. Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10-63.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2-22.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

Service and Maintenance 11-5

1 2 0 0 0 k m/7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 k m/1 5 ,0 0 0 mi

3 6 0 0 0 k m/2 2 ,5 0 0 mi

4 8 0 0 0 k m/3 0 ,0 0 0 mi

6 0 0 0 0 k m/3 7 ,5 0 0 mi

7 2 0 0 0 k m/4 5 ,0 0 0 mi

8 4 0 0 0 k m/5 2 ,5 0 0 mi

9 6 0 0 0 k m/6 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 0 8 0 0 0 k m/6 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 2 0 0 0 0 k m/7 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 3 2 0 0 0 k m/8 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 4 4 0 0 0 k m/9 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 5 6 0 0 0 k m/9 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 6 8 0 0 0 k m/1 0 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 8 0 0 0 0 k m/11 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 9 2 0 0 0 k m/1 2 0 ,0 0 0 mi

2 0 4 0 0 0 k m/1 2 7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 1 6 0 0 0 k m/1 3 5 ,0 0 0 mi

2 2 8 0 0 0 k m/1 4 2 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 0 k m/1 5 0 ,0 0 0 mi
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1) @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (2) @ @ @
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3) @ @ @
Except 2.0L Engine: Replace spark plugs. Inspect
spark plug wires.
@
2.0L Engine Only: Replace spark plugs. Inspect
spark plug wires.
@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4) @
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5) @
Replace brake fluid. (6) @
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11-6 Service and Maintenance

Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
(2) Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10-13.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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Service and Maintenance 11-7

1 2 0 0 0 k m/7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 k m/1 5 ,0 0 0 mi

3 6 0 0 0 k m/2 2 ,5 0 0 mi

4 8 0 0 0 k m/3 0 ,0 0 0 mi

6 0 0 0 0 k m/3 7 ,5 0 0 mi

7 2 0 0 0 k m/4 5 ,0 0 0 mi

8 4 0 0 0 k m/5 2 ,5 0 0 mi

9 6 0 0 0 k m/6 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 0 8 0 0 0 k m/6 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 2 0 0 0 0 k m/7 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 3 2 0 0 0 k m/8 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 4 4 0 0 0 k m/9 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 5 6 0 0 0 k m/9 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 6 8 0 0 0 k m/1 0 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 8 0 0 0 0 k m/11 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 9 2 0 0 0 k m/1 2 0 ,0 0 0 mi

2 0 4 0 0 0 k m/1 2 7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 1 6 0 0 0 k m/1 3 5 ,0 0 0 mi

2 2 8 0 0 0 k m/1 4 2 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 0 k m/1 5 0 ,0 0 0 mi
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1) @ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (2) @ @ @
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3) @ @ @
Change automatic transmission fluid. @ @ @
Except 2.0L Engine: Replace spark plugs. Inspect
spark plug wires.
@
2.0L Engine Only: Replace spark plugs. Inspect
spark plug wires.
@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4) @
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5) @
Replace brake fluid. (6) @
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11-8 Service and Maintenance

Footnotes — Maintenance Special Application Additional


Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe Services Maintenance and Care
(1) Or every two years, whichever . Severe Commercial Use Your vehicle is an important
comes first. More frequent Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis investment and caring for it properly
replacement may be needed if the components every 5 000 km/ may help to avoid future costly
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy 3,000 mi. repairs. To maintain vehicle
traffic, areas with poor air quality, . performance, additional
Have underbody flushing service
or areas with high dust levels. maintenance services may be
performed. See "Underbody
Replacement may also be needed if required.
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
there is a reduction in air flow,
on page 10-82. It is recommended that your dealer
excessive window fogging, or odors.
perform these services — their
(2) Check all fuel and vapor lines trained dealer technicians know
and hoses for proper hook-up, your vehicle best. Your dealer can
routing, and condition. also perform a thorough
(3) Or every four years, whichever assessment with a multi-point
comes first. inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on The following list is intended to
page 10-13. explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever services are required.
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage; Battery
replace, if needed. The battery supplies power to start
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever the engine and operate any
comes first. additional electrical accessories.
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Service and Maintenance 11-9


. To avoid break-down or failure to . Trained dealer technicians have Lamps
start the vehicle, maintain a access to tools and equipment
battery with full cranking power. to inspect the brakes and Properly working headlamps,
recommend quality parts taillamps, and brake lamps are
. Trained dealer technicians have important to see and be seen on
the diagnostic equipment to test engineered for the vehicle.
the road.
the battery and ensure that the Fluids
connections and cables are
. Signs that the headlamps need
corrosion-free. Proper fluid levels and approved attention include dimming, failure
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems to light, cracking, or damage.
Belts and components. See The brake lamps need to be
. Belts may need replacing if they Recommended Fluids and checked periodically to ensure
squeak or show signs of Lubricants on page 11-11 for GM that they light when braking.
cracking or splitting. approved fluids. . With a multi-point inspection,
. Trained dealer technicians have
. Engine oil and windshield your dealer can check the lamps
access to tools and equipment washer fluid levels should be and note any concerns.
to inspect the belts and checked at every fuel fill.
Shocks and Struts
recommend adjustment or . Instrument cluster lights may
replacement when necessary. come on to indicate that fluids Shocks and struts help aid in control
may be low and need to be for a smoother ride.
Brakes filled. . Signs of wear may include
Brakes stop the vehicle and are steering wheel vibration, bounce/
crucial to safe driving. Hoses
sway while braking, longer
. Signs of brake wear may include Hoses transport fluids and should stopping distance, or uneven
chirping, grinding, or squealing be regularly inspected to ensure tire wear.
noises, or difficulty stopping. that there are no cracks or leaks. . As part of the multi-point
With a multi-point inspection, your
inspection, trained dealer
dealer can inspect the hoses and
technicians can visually inspect
advise if replacement is needed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
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11-10 Service and Maintenance

the shocks and struts for signs Vehicle Care Windshield


of leaking, blown seals, To help keep the vehicle looking like For safety, appearance, and the
or damage, and can advise new, vehicle care products are best viewing, keep the windshield
when service is needed. available from your dealer. For clean and clear.
Tires information on how to clean and . Signs of damage include
protect the vehicle’s interior and scratches, cracks, and chips.
Tires need to be properly inflated, exterior, see Interior Care on
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining page 10-86 and Exterior Care on . Trained dealer technicians can
the tires can save money and fuel, page 10-82. inspect the windshield and
and can reduce the risk of tire recommend proper replacement
failure. Wheel Alignment if needed.
. Signs that the tires need to be Wheel alignment is critical for Wiper Blades
replaced include three or more ensuring that the tires deliver
visible treadwear indicators; cord optimal wear and performance. Wiper blades need to be cleaned
or fabric showing through the and kept in good condition to
. Signs that the alignment may provide a clear view.
rubber; cracks or cuts in the need to be adjusted include
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or pulling, improper vehicle . Signs of wear include streaking,
split in the tire. handling, or unusual tire wear. skipping across the windshield,
. Trained dealer technicians can and worn or split rubber.
. Your dealer has the required
inspect and recommend the right equipment to ensure proper . Trained dealer technicians can
tires. Your dealer can also wheel alignment. check the wiper blades and
provide tire/wheel balancing replace them when needed.
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
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Service and Maintenance 11-11

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts


Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 ® specification of the proper
SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended.
See Engine Oil on page 10-8.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL ® Coolant.
See Engine Coolant on page 10-14.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in
Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection
requirements.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
Release Pawl LB or GC-LB.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 10953481).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
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11-12 Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Replacement Parts


Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
2.0L L4 Engine 20972655 A3175C
2.5L L4 Engine 20972654 A3174C
Engine Oil Filter
2.0L L4 Engine 12640445 PF64
2.5L L4 Engine 12640445 PF64
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 13271190 CF181
Spark Plugs
2.0L L4 Engine 12647827 41-125
2.5L L4 Engine 12627160 41-115
Wiper Blades
Driver Side – 60 cm (23.6 in) 92231676 —
Passenger Side – 47.5 cm (18.7 in) 22846938 —
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Service and Maintenance 11-13

Maintenance Records
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts.
Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
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11-14 Service and Maintenance

Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
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Service and Maintenance 11-15

Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (16,1)
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11-16 Service and Maintenance

Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
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Technical Data 12-1

Technical Data Vehicle Identification Engine Identification


The eighth character in the VIN is
Vehicle Identification the engine code. This code
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies the vehicle's engine,
Vehicle Identification specifications, and replacement
Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 parts. See “Engine Specifications”
Service Parts Identification under Capacities and Specifications
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 on page 12-2 for the vehicle's
engine code.
Vehicle Data
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Service Parts
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . 12-3 Identification Label
This label, in either the glove box or
the trunk area, has the following
information:
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).
This legal identifier is in the front
. Model designation.
corner of the instrument panel, on . Paint information.
the left side of the vehicle. It can be
seen through the windshield from
. Production options and special
outside. The VIN also appears on equipment.
the Vehicle Certification and Service Do not remove this label from the
Parts labels and certificates of title vehicle.
and registration.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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12-2 Technical Data

Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
Capacities
Application
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and
charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the
hood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System
2.0L L4 Engine 7.4 L 7.8 qt
2.5L L4 Engine 7.4 L 7.8 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
2.0L L4 Engine 4.7 L 5.0 qt
2.5L L4 Engine 4.7 L 5.0 qt
Fuel Tank
Base model 59.7 L 15.8 gal
LT or LTZ model 70.0 L 18.5 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 150 Y 110 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Technical Data 12-3

Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
2.0L L4 Engine X Automatic 0.75–0.90 mm (0.030–
0.035 in)
2.5L L4 Engine L Automatic 0.95–1.1 mm (0.037–
0.043 in)

Engine Drive Belt Routing


Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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12-4 Technical Data

2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
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Customer Information 13-1

Customer Reporting Safety Defects


Reporting Safety Defects to
Customer Information
Information the United States
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Customer Satisfaction
Reporting Safety Defects to Procedure
Customer Information the Canadian Your satisfaction and goodwill are
Customer Satisfaction Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13 important to your dealer and to
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1 Reporting Safety Defects to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns
Customer Assistance General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
with the sales transaction or the
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3 Vehicle Data Recording and operation of the vehicle will be
Customer Assistance for Text resolved by your dealer's sales or
Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . 13-4
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording and service departments. Sometimes,
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . 13-4 however, despite the best intentions
GM Mobility Reimbursement Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . 13-14 of all concerned, misunderstandings
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 can occur. If your concern has not
Roadside Assistance OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . 13-15 been resolved to your satisfaction,
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 the following steps should be taken:
Scheduling Service
Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7 STEP ONE: Discuss your concern
Courtesy Transportation with a member of dealership
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7 management. Normally, concerns
Collision Damage Repair . . . . 13-8 can be quickly resolved at that level.
Service Publications If the matter has already been
Ordering Information . . . . . . 13-11 reviewed with the sales, service,
Radio Frequency or parts manager, contact the owner
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-11 of your dealership or the general
Radio Frequency manager.
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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13-2 Customer Information

STEP TWO: If after contacting a When contacting Chevrolet, 40 days. If you do not agree with the
member of dealership management, remember that your concern will decision given in your case, you
it appears your concern cannot be likely be resolved at a dealer's may reject it and proceed with any
resolved by your dealership without facility. That is why we suggest other venue for relief available
further help, in the U.S., call the following Step One first. to you.
Chevrolet Customer Assistance STEP THREE — U.S. Owners: You may contact the BBB Auto Line
Center at 1-800-222-1020. In Both General Motors and your Program using the toll-free
Canada, call General Motors of dealer are committed to making telephone number or write them at
Canada Customer Care Centre at sure you are completely satisfied the following address:
1-800-263-3777 (English), with your new vehicle. However,
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). BBB Auto Line Program
if you continue to remain unsatisfied Council of Better Business Bureaus,
We encourage you to call the after following the procedure Inc.
toll-free number in order to give your outlined in Steps One and Two, you 4200 Wilson Boulevard
inquiry prompt attention. Have the can file with the Better Business Suite 800
following information available to Bureau (BBB) Auto Line® Program Arlington , VA 22203-1838
give the Customer Assistance to enforce your rights.
representative: Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
The BBB Auto Line Program is an www.dr.bbb.org/goauto
. Vehicle Identification out-of-court program administered
Number (VIN). This is available by the Council of Better Business This program is available in all
from the vehicle registration or Bureaus to settle automotive 50 states and the District of
title, or the plate at the top left of disputes regarding vehicle repairs or Columbia. Eligibility is limited by
the instrument panel and visible the interpretation of the New Vehicle vehicle age, mileage, and other
through the windshield. Limited Warranty. Although you may factors. General Motors reserves
be required to resort to this informal the right to change eligibility
. Dealership name and location. limitations and/or discontinue its
dispute resolution program prior to
. Vehicle delivery date and filing a court action, use of the participation in this program.
present mileage. program is free of charge and your
case will generally be heard within
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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Customer Information 13-3

STEP THREE — Canadian For further information concerning Customer Assistance


Owners: In the event that you do eligibility in the Canadian Motor
not feel your concerns have been Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
Offices
addressed after following the call toll-free 1-800-207-0685, or call Chevrolet encourages customers to
procedure outlined in Steps One the General Motors Customer Care call the toll-free number for
and Two, General Motors of Canada Centre, 1-800-263-3777 (English), assistance. However, if a customer
Limited wants you to be aware of its 1-800-263-7854 (French), wishes to write or e-mail Chevrolet,
participation in a no-charge or write to: the letter should be addressed to:
Mediation/Arbitration Program. The Mediation/Arbitration Program
General Motors of Canada Limited United States and Puerto Rico
c/o Customer Care Centre
has committed to binding arbitration General Motors of Canada Limited Chevrolet Motor Division
of owner disputes involving Mail Code: CA1-163-005 Chevrolet Customer Assistance
factory-related vehicle service 1908 Colonel Sam Drive Center
claims. The program provides for Oshawa , Ontario L1H 8P7 P.O. Box 33170
the review of the facts involved by Detroit, MI 48232-5170
an impartial third party arbiter, and Your inquiry should be accompanied www.Chevrolet.com
may include an informal hearing by the Vehicle Identification
before the arbiter. The program is Number (VIN). 1-800-222-1020
designed so that the entire dispute 1-800-833-2438 (For Text
settlement process, from the time Telephone Devices (TTYs))
you file your complaint to the final Roadside Assistance:
decision, should be completed in 1-800-243-8872
about 70 days. We believe our From U.S. Virgin Islands:
impartial program offers advantages 1-800-496-9994
over courts in most jurisdictions
because it is informal, quick, and
free of charge.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
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13-4 Customer Information

Canada Assistance Center. Any TTY user in I (Service History): View and
the U.S. can communicate with print dealer-recorded service
General Motors of Canada Limited
Chevrolet by dialing: records and self-recorded service
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
1-800-833-2438. TTY users in records.
CA1-163-005
Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.
1908 Colonel Sam Drive D (Preferred Dealer
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Information): Select a preferred
www.gm.ca Online Owner Center dealer and view dealer location,
1-800-263-3777 (English) Online Owner Experience maps, phone numbers, and hours.
1-800-263-7854 (French) (U.S.) my.chevrolet.com J (Warranty Tracking
1-800-263-3830 (For Text Information): Track the vehicle’s
The Chevrolet online owner
Telephone devices (TTYs)) warranty information.
experience is a one-stop resource
Roadside Assistance:
1-800-268-6800
that allows interaction with J (Recall Information): View
Chevrolet and keeps important active recalls by Vehicle
Overseas vehicle-specific information in one Identification Number (VIN). See
place. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Please contact the local General
on page 12-1.
Motors Business Unit. Membership Benefits
E (Vehicle Information): H (Other Account Information):
Customer Assistance for View GM Card, SiriusXM Satellite
Download owner manuals and view
radio (if equipped), and OnStar
Text Telephone (TTY) vehicle-specific how-to videos.
account information.
Users G (Maintenance Information): F (Live Chat Support): Chat live
View maintenance schedules,
To assist customers who are deaf, with online help representatives.
alerts, OnStar onboard vehicle
hard of hearing, or speech-impaired Visit my.chevrolet.com to register
diagnostic information, and
and who use Text Telephones
schedule service appointments. your vehicle.
(TTYs), Chevrolet has TTY
equipment available at its Customer
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
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Customer Information 13-5

Chevrolet Owner Centre GM Mobility General Motors of Canada also has


(Canada) chevroletowner.ca a Mobility Program. Visit www.gm.ca
Reimbursement Program or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483)
Take a trip to the Chevrolet Owner for details. TTY users call
Centre: 1-800-263-3830.
. Chat live with online help
representatives. Roadside Assistance
. Use the Vehicle Tools section. Program
. Access third party enthusiast For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
sites and social media networks. This program is available to 1-800-243-8872. (Text Telephone
. Locate owner resources such as qualified applicants for cost (TTY): 1-888-889-2438.)
lease-end, financing, and reimbursement of eligible For Canadian-purchased vehicles,
warranty information. aftermarket adaptive equipment call 1-800-268-6800.
. required for the vehicle, such as
Retrieve your favorite articles, Service is available 24 hours a day,
hand controls or a wheelchair/
quizzes, tips, and multimedia 365 days a year.
scooter lift for the vehicle.
galleries organized into the
Features and Auto Care For more information on the limited Calling for Assistance
Sections. offer, visit www.gmmobility.com or When calling Roadside Assistance,
call the GM Mobility Assistance have the following information
. Download the owner manual for
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text ready:
your vehicle, quickly and easily.
Telephone (TTY) users, call
. Find the 1-800-833-9935.
. Your name, home address, and
Chevrolet-recommended home telephone number.
maintenance services for your . Telephone number of your
vehicle. location.
. Location of the vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (6,1)
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13-6 Customer Information


. Model, year, color, and license driver if they decide the claims are must be in good condition and
plate number of the vehicle. made too often, or the same type of properly inflated. It is the owner's
. Odometer reading, Vehicle claim is made many times. responsibility for the repair or
Identification Number (VIN), and replacement of the tire if it is not
Services Provided covered by the warranty.
delivery date of the vehicle.
. Emergency Fuel Delivery: . Battery Jump Start: Service to
. Description of the problem.
Delivery of enough fuel for the jump start a dead battery.
Coverage vehicle to get to the nearest
service station. Services Not Included in
Services are provided up to 5 years/
. Lock-Out Service: Service to Roadside Assistance
160 000 km (100,000 mi), whichever
comes first. unlock the vehicle if you are . Impound towing caused by
locked out. A remote unlock may violation of any laws.
In the U.S., anyone driving the be available if you have OnStar.
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a . Legal fines.
For security reasons, the driver
person driving the vehicle without must present identification . Mounting, dismounting,
permission from the owner is not before this service is given. or changing of snow tires,
covered. chains, or other traction devices.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Roadside Assistance is not a part of Road or Highway: Tow to the Service is not provided if a vehicle
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. nearest Chevrolet dealer for is in an area that is not accessible
General Motors North America and warranty service, or if the vehicle to the service vehicle or is not a
Chevrolet reserve the right to make was in a crash and cannot be regularly traveled or maintained
any changes or discontinue the driven. Assistance is not given public road, which includes ice and
Roadside Assistance program at when the vehicle is stuck in the winter roads. Off-road use is not
any time without notification. sand, mud, or snow. covered.
General Motors North America and . Flat Tire Change: Service to
Chevrolet reserve the right to limit change a flat tire with the spare
services or payment to an owner or tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
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Customer Information 13-7

Services Specific to permission to get local safety related. If it is, please call
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles emergency road service. You will your dealership, let them know this,
receive payment, up to $100, and ask for instructions.
. Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement after sending the original receipt
is up to 7 liters. Diesel fuel If your dealer requests you to bring
to Roadside Assistance. the vehicle for service, you are
delivery may be restricted. Mechanical failures may be
Propane and other fuels are not urged to do so as early in the work
covered, however any cost for day as possible to allow for
provided through this service. parts and labor for repairs not same-day repair.
. Lock-Out Service: Vehicle covered by the warranty are the
registration is required. owner responsibility.
Courtesy Transportation
. Trip Interruption Benefits and Program
Assistance: Must be over Scheduling Service
150 kilometers from where your Appointments To enhance your ownership
trip was started to qualify. experience, we and our participating
When the vehicle requires warranty dealers are proud to offer Courtesy
General Motors of Canada
service, contact your dealer and Transportation, a customer support
Limited requires
request an appointment. By program for vehicles with the
pre-authorization, original
scheduling a service appointment Bumper-to-Bumper (Base Warranty
detailed receipts, and a copy of
and advising the service consultant Coverage period in Canada),
the repair orders. Once
of your transportation needs, your extended powertrain, and/or
authorization has been received,
dealer can help minimize your hybrid-specific warranties in both
the Roadside Assistance advisor
inconvenience. the U.S. and Canada.
will help to make arrangements
and explain how to receive If the vehicle cannot be scheduled Several Courtesy Transportation
payment. into the service department options are available to assist in
. immediately, keep driving it until it reducing inconvenience when
Alternative Service: If
can be scheduled for service, warranty repairs are required.
assistance cannot be provided
unless, of course, the problem is
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give
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13-8 Customer Information

Courtesy Transportation is not a by GM for shuttle service. If U.S. It may not be possible to provide a
part of the New Vehicle Limited customers arrange their own like vehicle as a courtesy rental.
Warranty. A separate booklet transportation, limited
entitled “Limited Warranty and reimbursement for reasonable fuel Additional Program
Owner Assistance Information” expenses may be available. Claim Information
furnished with each new vehicle amounts should reflect actual costs All program options, such as shuttle
provides detailed warranty coverage and be supported by original service, may not be available at
information. receipts. See your dealer for every dealer. Contact your dealer
information. for specific availability.
Transportation Options
Courtesy Rental Vehicle General Motors reserves the right to
Warranty service can generally be
For an overnight warranty repair, the unilaterally modify, change,
completed while you wait. However,
dealer may provide an available or discontinue Courtesy
if you are unable to do so, your
courtesy rental vehicle or provide for Transportation at any time and to
dealer may offer the following
reimbursement of a rental vehicle. resolve all questions of claim
transportation options:
Reimbursement is limited and must eligibility pursuant to the terms and
Shuttle Service be supported by original receipts as conditions described herein at its
well as a signed and completed sole discretion.
This includes one-way or round-trip
shuttle service within reasonable rental agreement and meet state/
time and distance parameters of provincial, local, and rental vehicle Collision Damage Repair
your dealer's area. provider requirements. If the vehicle is involved in a
Requirements vary and may include collision and it is damaged, have the
Public Transportation or Fuel minimum age requirements,
Reimbursement damage repaired by a qualified
insurance coverage, credit card, etc. technician using the proper
If overnight warranty repairs are Additional fees such as fuel usage equipment and quality replacement
needed, and public transportation is charges, taxes, levies, usage fees, parts. Poorly performed collision
used, the expense must be excessive mileage, or rental usage repairs diminish the vehicle resale
supported by original receipts and beyond the completion of the repair
within the maximum amount allowed are also your responsibility.
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Customer Information 13-9

value, and safety performance can these parts is not known. Such parts center that has GM-trained
be compromised in subsequent are not covered by the GM New technicians and comparable
collisions. Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any equipment.
related failures are not covered by
Collision Parts that warranty. Insuring the Vehicle
Genuine GM Collision parts are new Aftermarket collision parts are also Protect your investment in the GM
parts made with the same materials available. These are made by vehicle with comprehensive and
and construction methods as the companies other than GM and may collision insurance coverage. There
parts with which the vehicle was not have been tested for the vehicle. are significant differences in the
originally built. Genuine GM As a result, these parts may fit quality of coverage afforded by
Collision parts are the best choice to poorly, exhibit premature durability/ various insurance policy terms.
ensure that the vehicle's designed corrosion problems, and may not Many insurance policies provide
appearance, durability, and safety perform properly in subsequent reduced protection to the GM
are preserved. The use of Genuine collisions. Aftermarket parts are not vehicle by limiting compensation for
GM parts can help maintain the GM covered by the GM New Vehicle damage repairs through the use of
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Limited Warranty, and any vehicle aftermarket collision parts. Some
Recycled original equipment parts failure related to such parts is not insurance companies will not
may also be used for repair. These covered by that warranty. specify aftermarket collision parts.
parts are typically removed from When purchasing insurance, we
vehicles that were total losses in Repair Facility recommend that you ensure that the
prior crashes. In most cases, the GM also recommends that you vehicle will be repaired with GM
parts being recycled are from choose a collision repair facility that original equipment collision parts.
undamaged sections of the vehicle. meets your needs before you ever If such insurance coverage is not
A recycled original equipment GM need collision repairs. Your dealer available from your current
part may be an acceptable choice to may have a collision repair center insurance carrier, consider switching
maintain the vehicle's originally with GM-trained technicians and to another insurance carrier.
designed appearance and safety state‐of‐the‐art equipment, or be
performance; however, the history of able to recommend a collision repair
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13-10 Customer Information

If the vehicle is leased, the leasing Gather the following information: Managing the Vehicle Damage
company may require you to have . Driver name, address, and Repair Process
insurance that ensures repairs with telephone number.
Genuine GM Original Equipment In the event that the vehicle requires
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or . Driver license number. damage repairs, GM recommends
Genuine Manufacturer replacement .
that you take an active role in its
Owner name, address, and repair. If you have a pre-determined
parts. Read the lease carefully, as telephone number.
you may be charged at the end of repair facility of choice, take the
the lease for poor quality repairs.
. Vehicle license plate number. vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
. Vehicle make, model, and
If a Crash Occurs model year.
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
If there has been an injury, call . Vehicle Identification new Genuine GM parts or recycled
emergency services for help. Do not
Number (VIN). original GM parts. Remember,
leave the scene of a crash until all
. Insurance company and policy recycled parts will not be covered by
matters have been taken care of.
number. the GM vehicle warranty.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are . General description of the Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
instructed to move it by a police damage to the other vehicle. but you must live with the repair.
officer. Depending on your policy limits,
Choose a reputable repair facility your insurance company may
Give only the necessary information that uses quality replacement parts. initially value the repair using
to police and other parties involved See “Collision Parts” earlier in this aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
in the crash. section. the repair professional, and insist on
For emergency towing see If the airbag has inflated, see What Genuine GM parts. Remember,
Roadside Assistance Program on Will You See after an Airbag if the vehicle is leased, you may be
page 13-5. Inflates? on page 3-23. obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
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Customer Information 13-11

If another party's insurance Each bulletin contains instructions ORDER TOLL FREE:
company is paying for the repairs, to assist in the diagnosis and 1-800-551-4123 Monday – Friday
you are not obligated to accept a service of the vehicle. 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time
repair valuation based on that For Credit Card Orders Only
insurance company's collision policy Owner Information
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), see
repair limits, as you have no Owner publications are written Helm, Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
contractual limits with that company. specifically for owners and intended
In such cases, you can have control to provide basic operational Or write to:
of the repair and parts choices as information about the vehicle. The Helm, Incorporated
long as the cost stays within Owner Manual includes the Attention: Customer Service
reasonable limits. Maintenance Schedule for all 47911 Halyard Drive
models. Plymouth, MI 48170
Service Publications In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Prices are subject to change without
Ordering Information Owner Manual, and Warranty notice and without incurring
Manual. obligation. Allow ample time for
Service Manuals
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 – delivery.
Service Manuals have the diagnosis $40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and All listed prices are quoted in U.S.
and repair information on the shipping fees. funds. Make checks payable in U.S.
engines, transmission, axle,
Without Pouch: Owner Manual only. funds.
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc. RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
Radio Frequency
Service Bulletins Identification (RFID)
shipping fees.
Service Bulletins give additional RFID technology is used in some
technical service information Current and Past Models
vehicles for functions such as tire
needed to knowledgeably service Technical Service Bulletins and pressure monitoring and ignition
General Motors cars and trucks. Manuals are available for current system security, as well as in
and past model GM vehicles.
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13-12 Customer Information

connection with conveniences such Operation is subject to the following Reporting Safety
as Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) two conditions:
transmitters for remote door locking/ 1. The device may not cause
Defects
unlocking and starting, and harmful interference.
in-vehicle transmitters for garage Reporting Safety Defects
door openers. RFID technology in 2. The device must accept any
GM vehicles does not use or record interference received, including to the United States
personal information or link with any interference that may cause Government
other GM system containing undesired operation of the
device. If you believe that your vehicle
personal information.
has a defect which could cause
Changes or modifications to any of a crash or could cause injury or
Radio Frequency these systems by other than an death, you should immediately
Statement authorized service facility could void
inform the National Highway
authorization to use this equipment.
This vehicle has systems that Traffic Safety Administration
operate on a radio frequency that (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
complies with Part 15/Part 18 of the General Motors.
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules and with If NHTSA receives similar
Industry Canada Standards complaints, it may open an
RSS-GEN/210/220/310. investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group
of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual
problems between you, your
dealer, or General Motors.
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Customer Information 13-13

To contact NHTSA, you may call Reporting Safety Defects Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
the Vehicle Safety Hotline to the Canadian Chevrolet Motor Division
toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 Chevrolet Customer Assistance
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
Government Center
http://www.safercar.gov; or If you live in Canada, and you P.O. Box 33170
write to: believe that the vehicle has a safety Detroit, MI 48232-5170
defect, notify Transport Canada
Administrator, NHTSA In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
immediately, and notify General
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. (English) or 1-800-263-7854
Motors of Canada Limited. Call
Washington, D.C. 20590 (French), or write:
Transport Canada at
You can also obtain other 1-800-333-0510 or write to: General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
information about motor Transport Canada
CA1-163-005
vehicle safety from Road Safety Branch
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
http://www.safercar.gov. 80 rue Noel
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Gatineau , QC J8Z 0A1

Reporting Safety Defects


to General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or
Transport Canada) in a situation like
this, notify General Motors.
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13-14 Customer Information

Vehicle Data Event Data Recorders These data can help provide a
better understanding of the
Recording and This vehicle is equipped with an circumstances in which crashes and
event data recorder (EDR). The injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are
Privacy main purpose of an EDR is to recorded by your vehicle only if a
The vehicle has a number of record, in certain crash or near non-trivial crash situation occurs; no
computers that record information crash-like situations, such as an air data are recorded by the EDR under
about the vehicle’s performance and bag deployment or hitting a road normal driving conditions and no
how it is driven. For example, the obstacle, data that will assist in personal data (e.g., name, gender,
vehicle uses computer modules to understanding how a vehicle’s age, and crash location) are
monitor and control engine and systems performed. The EDR is recorded. However, other parties,
transmission performance, to designed to record data related to such as law enforcement, could
monitor the conditions for airbag vehicle dynamics and safety combine the EDR data with the type
deployment and deploy them in a systems for a short period of time, of personally identifying data
crash, and, if equipped, to provide typically 30 seconds or less. The routinely acquired during a crash
antilock braking to help the driver EDR in this vehicle is designed to investigation.
control the vehicle. These modules record such data as:
To read data recorded by an EDR,
may store data to help the dealer . How various systems in your special equipment is required, and
technician service the vehicle. vehicle were operating; access to the vehicle or the EDR is
Some modules may also store data needed. In addition to the vehicle
about how the vehicle is operated,
. Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were manufacturer, other parties, such as
such as rate of fuel consumption or law enforcement, that have the
average speed. These modules may buckled/fastened;
.
special equipment, can read the
retain personal preferences, such as How far (if at all) the driver was information if they have access to
radio presets, seat positions, and depressing the accelerator and/ the vehicle or the EDR.
temperature settings. or brake pedal; and,
GM will not access this data or
. How fast the vehicle was share it with others except: with the
traveling. consent of the vehicle owner or,
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Customer Information 13-15

if the vehicle is leased, with the OnStar Terms and Conditions and
consent of the lessee; in response Privacy Statement on the OnStar
to an official request by police or website.
similar government office; as part of
GM's defense of litigation through Infotainment System
the discovery process; or, as
required by law. Data that GM If the vehicle is equipped with a
collects or receives may also be navigation system as part of the
used for GM research needs or may infotainment system, use of the
be made available to others for system may result in the storage of
research purposes, where a need is destinations, addresses, telephone
shown and the data is not tied to a numbers, and other trip information.
specific vehicle or vehicle owner. See the infotainment manual for
information on stored data and for
deletion instructions.
OnStar®
If the vehicle is equipped with
OnStar® and has an active
subscription, additional data may be
collected through the OnStar
system. This includes information
about the vehicle’s operation;
collisions involving the vehicle; the
use of the vehicle and its features;
and, in certain situations, the
location and approximate GPS
speed of the vehicle. Refer to the
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13-16 Customer Information

2 NOTES
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OnStar 14-1

OnStar OnStar Overview vehicle, including location


information. See OnStar’s Terms
and Conditions and Privacy
Statement for more details including
OnStar Overview
system limitations at
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
OnStar Services www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2 The OnStar system status light is
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3 next to the OnStar buttons. If the
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3 = Voice Command Button status light is:
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4 Q Blue OnStar Button
Vehicle Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
. Solid Green: System is on.
> Emergency Button . Flashing Green: On a call.
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional This vehicle may be equipped with a . Red: Indicates a problem.
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6 comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live OnStar
. Off: System is off. Press the blue
Advisor for Emergency, Security, OnStar button twice to speak
Navigation, Connection, and with an OnStar Advisor.
Diagnostic Services. OnStar Press Q or call 1-888-4-ONSTAR
services may require a paid (1-888-466-7827) to speak to an
subscription. OnStar requires the Advisor.
vehicle battery and electrical
system, cellular service, and GPS Press = to:
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to
. Make a call, end a call,
existing public emergency service or answer an incoming call.
providers. OnStar may collect . Give OnStar Hands-Free Calling
information about you and your voice commands.
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14-2 OnStar
. Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn
Press > to get a priority connection OnStar Services
Navigation voice commands.
to an OnStar Emergency Advisor
Requires a specific OnStar
available 24/7 to: Emergency
subscription plan.
. Get help for an emergency.
. Obtain the WiFi network name, With Automatic Crash Response,
or Service Set Identifier or SSID, . Be a Good Samaritan or the OnStar system can
and passphrase (if equipped). respond to an AMBER Alert. automatically connect to an OnStar
. Get assistance in severe Emergency Advisor. The built-in
Press Q to connect to a live system can automatically connect to
Advisor to: weather or other crisis and
evacuation routes. help in certain crashes.
. Verify account information or
Press > to connect to an OnStar
update contact information.
Emergency Advisor. GPS
. Get driving directions. Requires technology is used to identify the
a specific OnStar vehicle location and can provide
subscription plan.. important information to emergency
. Receive On-Demand personnel. OnStar Emergency
Diagnostics for a check of the Advisors are trained to provide
vehicle’s key operating systems. assistance and link to existing
public emergency service providers
. Receive Roadside Assistance. in emergency situations.
. Manage WiFi Settings (if With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially
equipped). trained Crisis Advisors are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to
provide a central point of contact,
assistance, and information if a
crisis occurs.
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OnStar 14-3

Security 4. Follow the voice-guided 2. Say “Repeat.” System responds


commands. with the last direction given, then
OnStar provides services including responds with “OnStar ready,”
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Using Voice Commands then a tone.
Ignition Block, and Roadside During a Planned Route
Assistance, if equipped. OnStar can Get My Destination
unlock the vehicle doors remotely, Cancel Route
1. Press =. System responds:
if equipped with automatic door 1. Press =. System responds:
locks, and can help police locate the “OnStar ready,” then a tone.
“OnStar ready,” then a tone. Say
vehicle if it is stolen. “Cancel route.” System 2. Say “Get my destination.”
responds: “Do you want to System responds with the
Navigation cancel directions?” address and the distance to the
destination, then responds with
OnStar navigation requires a 2. Say “Yes.” System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone.
specific OnStar subscription plan. “OK, request completed, thank
you, goodbye.” Other Navigation Services
Press Q to receive directions or Available from OnStar
have them sent to the vehicle Route Preview
navigation screen, if equipped. OnStar eNav: Subscribers can
Destinations can also be forwarded 1. Press =. System responds: send destinations from
to the vehicle from MapQuest.com. “OnStar ready,” then a tone. MapQuest.com to the vehicle
2. Say “Route preview.” System Turn-by-Turn Navigation or
Turn-by-Turn Navigation responds with the next three screen-based navigation system (if
maneuvers. equipped). When ready, the
1. Press Q to connect to a live
directions will be downloaded to the
Advisor. Repeat vehicle.
2. Request directions.
1. Press =. System responds: Destination Download: Press Q,
3. Directions are downloaded to the “OnStar ready,” then a tone. then request the Advisor to
vehicle. download directions to the
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14-4 OnStar

navigation system in the vehicle (if WiFi Connectivity (If Equipped) pressure (if the vehicle is equipped
equipped). After the call ends, press The vehicle has a WiFi hotspot that with the tire pressure monitoring
the “Go” button on the navigation provides a high-speed, wireless system); or activate remote horn
screen to begin driving directions. Internet connection to connect and lights. Also remote start the
If directions are downloaded to the multiple mobile devices (data plan vehicle (if factory equipped) or
navigation system, the route can required). unlock the doors from anywhere
only be canceled through the with a wireless connection (if
1. To retrieve WiFi hotspot equipped with automatic locks).
navigation system.
information, press = and select With a required specific OnStar
Destinations can also be or say “WiFi settings.” subscription plan, a destination can
downloaded on the go. For be sent to the vehicle. For OnStar
information about eNav or 2. The WiFi settings will display the RemoteLink information and
Destination Download, see WiFi network name/SSID, compatibility, see www.onstar.com
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or passphrase, and level of (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
www.onstar.ca (Canada). encryption.
3. To change the SSID or OnStar RemoteLink® Key Fob
Connections Services
passphrase, press Q or call
1-888-4-ONSTAR to connect This feature is included for five
The required specific Onstar
with an Advisor. years and allows for remote door
subscription plan includes the
lock/unlock (if equipped with
services that follow to help OnStar RemoteLink® Mobile App automatic locks), remote start (if
customers stay connected. (If Equipped) factory equipped), or activation of
For coverage maps, see Download the OnStar RemoteLink horn and lights from anywhere with
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or mobile app to select Apple®, a wireless signal. Download the app
www.onstar.ca (Canada). Android™, and BlackBerry® or and start using it any time during the
Windows 7 or 8 mobile devices. trial period to get started.
From the mobile device, check the
vehicle’s fuel level, oil life, or tire
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OnStar 14-5

OnStar Hands-Free Calling 4. Say “Call.” System responds: 3. Say the entire number without
“OK, dialing 911.” pausing. System responds:
This service allows calls to be made
“Please say the name tag.”
and received from the vehicle. Retrieve My Number
4. Pick a name tag. System
To Make a Call 1. Press =. System responds: responds: “About to store <name
1. Press =. System responds: “OnStar ready.” tag>. Does that sound OK?”
“OnStar ready.” 2. Say “My number.” System 5. Say “Yes” or say “No” to try
2. Say “Call.” System responds: responds: “Your OnStar again. System responds: “OK,
“Please say the name or number Hands-Free Calling number is,” storing <name tag>.”
to call.” then says the number.
Place a Call Using a Stored
3. Say the entire number without End a Call Number
pausing, including a “1” and the
Press =. System responds: “Call 1. Press =. System responds:
area code. System responds:
“OK calling.” ended.” “OnStar ready.”
Store a Name Tag for Speed 2. Say “Call <name tag>.” System
Calling 911 Emergency responds: “OK, calling
Dialing
1. Press =. System responds: <name tag>.”
“OnStar Ready,” followed by 1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready.” Verify Minutes and Expiration
a tone.
2. Say “Call.” System responds: 2. Say “Store.” System responds: Press = and say “Minutes” then
“Please say the name or number “Please say the number you “Verify” to check how many minutes
to call.” would like to store.” remain and their expiration date.
3. Say “911” without pausing.
System responds: “911.”
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14-6 OnStar

Vehicle Diagnostics OnStar Additional How OnStar Service Works


OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics can Information Automatic Crash Response,
perform a vehicle check every Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
month. It will check the engine, Transferring Service Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
transmission, antilock brakes, and Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
other major vehicle systems. It also Press Q to request account transfer Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn
checks the tire pressures, if the eligibility information. The Advisor Navigation, and Hands-Free Calling
vehicle is equipped with the Tire can assist in canceling or removing are available on most vehicles. Not
Pressure Monitoring System. If an account information. all OnStar services are available
On-Demand Diagnostics check is everywhere or on all vehicles. For
Selling/Transferring the more information, a full description
needed, press Q, and an Advisor Vehicle of OnStar services, system
can run a check.
Call 1-888-4-ONSTAR immediately limitations, and OnStar terms and
to terminate your OnStar services if conditions:
the vehicle is disposed of, sold, . Call 1-888-4-ONSTAR
transferred, or if the lease ends. (1-888-466-7827).
Reactivation for Subsequent . See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
Owners . See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Press Q and follow the prompts to . Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible. The Advisor will update
. Press Q to speak with an
vehicle records and explain the Advisor.
OnStar service options available. OnStar services cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
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OnStar 14-7

in that area. The wireless service Services for People with OnStar Personal Identification
provider must also have coverage, Disabilities Number (PIN)
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar Advisors provide services to help A PIN is needed to access some of
services. Service involving location subscribers with physical disabilities the OnStar services, like Remote
information about the vehicle cannot and medical conditions. Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle
work unless GPS signals are Assistance. The PIN will need to be
Press Q for help with: changed the first time when
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar . Locating a gas station with an speaking with an Advisor. To
hardware. OnStar services may not attendant to pump gas. change the OnStar PIN, contact an
work if the OnStar equipment is not . Finding a hotel, restaurant, etc., OnStar Advisor by pressing Q or
properly installed or it has not been that meets accessibility needs. calling 1-888-4-ONSTAR.
properly maintained. If equipment or
software is added, connected,
. Providing directions to the Warranty
or modified, OnStar services may closest hospital or pharmacy in OnStar equipment may be
not work. Other problems beyond urgent situations. warranted as part of the vehicle
the control of OnStar may prevent TTY Users warranty.
service such as hills, tall buildings,
tunnels, weather, electrical system OnStar has the ability to Languages
design and architecture of the communicate to deaf, The vehicle can be programmed to
vehicle, damage to the vehicle in a hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired respond in multiple languages.
crash, or wireless phone network customers while in the vehicle. The
available dealer-installed TTY Press Q and ask for an Advisor.
congestion or jamming. Advisors are available in English,
system can provide in-vehicle
See Radio Frequency Statement on access to all of the OnStar services, Spanish, and French. Available
page 13-12. except Virtual Advisor and OnStar languages may vary by country.
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

14-8 OnStar

Potential Issues A temporary loss of GPS can cause to function properly. These systems
loss of the ability to send a may not operate if the battery is
OnStar cannot perform Remote
Turn-by-Turn Navigation route. The discharged or disconnected.
Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Advisor may give a verbal route or
Assistance after the vehicle has Add-on Electrical Equipment
may ask for a call back after the
been off continuously for five days.
vehicle is driven into an open area. The OnStar system is integrated
After five days, OnStar can contact
Roadside Assistance and a into the electrical architecture of the
Cellular and GPS Antennas vehicle. Do not add any electrical
locksmith to help gain access to the
vehicle. Do not place items over or near the equipment. See Add-On Electrical
antenna to prevent blocking cellular Equipment on page 9-53. Added
Global Positioning and GPS signal reception. Cellular electrical equipment may interfere
System (GPS) reception is required for OnStar to with the operation of the OnStar
send remote signals to the vehicle. system and cause it to not operate.
. Obstruction of the GPS can
occur in a large city with tall Unable to Connect to OnStar Privacy
buildings; in parking garages; Message The complete OnStar Privacy
around airports; in tunnels,
If there is limited cellular coverage Statement may be found at
underpasses; or in an area with
or the cellular network has reached www.onstar.com (U.S.),
very dense trees. If GPS signals
maximum capacity, this message or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We
are not available, the OnStar
may come on. Press Q to try the recommend that you review it. If you
system should still operate to
call again or try again after driving a have any questions, call
call OnStar. However, OnStar
few miles into another cellular area. 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
could have difficulty identifying
the exact location. or press Q to speak with an
Vehicle and Power Issues Advisor. Users of wireless
. In emergency situations, OnStar communications are cautioned that
OnStar services require a vehicle
can use the last stored GPS the privacy of any information sent
electrical system, wireless service,
location to send to emergency via wireless cellular communications
and GPS satellite technologies to be
responders. cannot be assured. Third parties
available and operating for features
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

OnStar 14-9

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THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED Dave Smith, Steven M. Schweda,
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

14-10 OnStar

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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (1,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

INDEX i-1

A Airbag System (cont'd) Appearance Care


What Will You See after an Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Accessories and
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
When Should an Airbag Armrest
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21 Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Add-On Electrical
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . .3-20 Assistance Program,
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Airbags Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Additional Information
Adding Equipment to the Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-6
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-29 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13
Additional Maintenance
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-11 Audio System
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11 Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Adjustments
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-29 Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-11
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18 Automatic
Air Filter, Passenger
Alarm Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15 Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Alert Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-25
Airbag System
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . .9-37 Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41 Automatic Transmission
How Does an Airbag
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-26
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
Antenna Shift Lock Control
Passenger Sensing
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12 Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24
Antilock Brake Auxiliary
What Makes an Airbag
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27 Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (2,1)
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i-2 INDEX

B Bulb Replacement (cont'd) Carbon Monoxide


Headlamps, Front Turn Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Signal, Sidemarker, and Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26 Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
High Intensity Discharge Cargo
Voltage and Charging
(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25 Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . 10-32 Cautions, Danger, and
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . 10-24
Taillamps, Turn Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Bluetooth
Signal, CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Overview . . . . . . . . . 7-19, 7-21, 7-24
Stoplamps, and Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 4-2
Brake
Back-up Lamps . . . . 10-29, 10-30 Center Stack Display . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
System Warning Light . . . . . . . .5-15
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 5-12
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-27
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29 C Check
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
California Ignition
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-28
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . .9-44 Transmission Lock . . . . . . . . 10-23
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25
Perchlorate Materials Child Restraints
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3 Infants and Young
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-33
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Camera Lower Anchors and
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4, 10-29
Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39 Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . .3-39
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Capacities and Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46, 3-49
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-36
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (3,1)
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INDEX i-3

Cleaning Coolant D
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . 13-8
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86 Engine Temperature
Danger, Warnings, and
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 8-1 Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-14
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Daytime Running
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1 Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Courtesy Transportation
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . 13-8 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Devices
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-75 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14
Compartments Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25
Display
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-3
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Compressor Kit, Tire Text Telephone (TTY)
Door
Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63 Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-4
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Connections Customer Information
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25
OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-4 Service Publications
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Control Ordering Information . . . . . . .13-11
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Traction and Electronic Customer Satisfaction
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . 12-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Driver Information
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (4,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

i-4 INDEX

Driving Electrical System Engine (cont'd)


Characteristics and Engine Compartment Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-48 Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 Running While Parked . . . . . . . .9-24
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-18
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Instrument Panel Fuse Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . .1-21 Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38 Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-7 Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-14
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Emergency Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2 Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 Engine Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Track Events and Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11 Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-2
Competitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 Check and Service Engine
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13 F
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6 Compartment Overview . . . . . . .10-5 Features
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Dual Automatic Climate Coolant Temperature Filter,
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10 Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
E Cooling System Messages . . .5-26 Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-3
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45 Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . .12-3 Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Electrical Equipment, Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-24 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53 Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20 FlexFuel
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10 E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-45
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26 Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-90
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (5,1)
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INDEX i-5

Fluid Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 H


Automatic Transmission . . . . .10-11 Engine Compartment
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20 Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-3
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18 Instrument Panel Fuse
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Fog Lamps Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . 6-4, 10-29
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Forward Collision Alert G Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34 Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . 5-38 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Frequency Statement Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-38 Daytime Running
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Gauges Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Front Fog Lamp Engine Coolant Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10 Headlamps, Front Turn
Front Seats Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Signal, Sidemarker, and
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 High Intensity Discharge
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-45 Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-21 Warning Lights and High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Filling a Portable Fuel Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7 Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . .5-20
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-47 General Information Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-46 Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . .9-45 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-48 Heater
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . .5-19 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
Requirements, California . . . . .9-44 GM Mobility Reimbursement High Voltage Devices and
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27 Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
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i-6 INDEX

High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20 J Lamps (cont'd)


High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . 10-49 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-7 On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . 9-29 Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4 K Lane Departure
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-27 Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
How to Wear Safety Belts Keyless Entry Lane Departure Warning
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
I LATCH System
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . 9-14, 9-16 L Replacing Parts after a
Ignition Transmission Lock Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-42 Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-46
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23 Lamps LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Indicator Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-2 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17 Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Lighting
Infants and Young Children, Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33 Exterior Lamps Off Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 13-15 License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . .5-13 Lights
Instrument Panel Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Antilock Brake System
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . 1-2 (ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 2-19 Brake System Warning . . . . . . .5-15
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (7,1)
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INDEX i-7

Lights (cont'd) Lower Anchors and Tethers Messages (cont'd)


Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20 for Children (LATCH Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . .5-18 System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39 Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20 Object Detection System . . . . .5-28
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2 M Ride Control System . . . . . . . . . .5-29
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . .5-16 Maintenance Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13 Service Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . .5-10 Maintenance and Care Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19 Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
StabiliTrak® OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . 11-2 Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18 Recommended Fluids Vehicle Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
Traction Control System and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
(TCS)/StabiliTrak® . . . . . . . . . .5-18 Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-13 Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17 Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26 Mirrors
Locks Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Automatic Dimming
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12 Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12 Messages Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 Battery Voltage and Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13 Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24 Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13 Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25 Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25 Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . 2-19
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-19 Engine Cooling System . . . . . . .5-26 Monitor System, Tire
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (8,1)
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i-8 INDEX

N OnStar® Additional Parking


Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-28
Navigation
OnStar® Connections . . . . . . . . . . 14-4 Brake and P (Park)
OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-3
OnStar® Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2 Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-23
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
OnStar® Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3 Over Things That Burn . . . . . . .9-23
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
OnStar® Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1 Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
OnStar® Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3 Passenger Airbag Status
O OnStar® Vehicle Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Object Detection System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6 Passenger Compartment Air
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28 Operation, Infotainment Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Passenger Sensing System . . . 3-24
Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Ordering Perchlorate Materials
Off-Road Service Publications . . . . . . . . .13-11 Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 Outlets Personalization
Oil Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5 Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-31
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-8 Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 Phone
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10 Overview, Infotainment Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . 7-19, 7-21, 7-24
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Power
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-31
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
P Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Park Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15 Retained Accessory (RAP) . . .9-21
Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21
OnStar® Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-22
System, In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-21 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
Pregnancy, Using Safety
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (9,1)
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INDEX i-9

Privacy Records Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19


Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . 13-14 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13 Ride Control Systems
Program Recreational Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . .13-7 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79 Roads
Proposition 65 Warning, Reimbursement Program, Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2 GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Roadside Assistance
Remote Keyless Entry Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
R (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2, 2-3 Roof
Radio Frequency Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22
Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . . 13-11 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Radio Frequency Replacement Parts Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . 12-3
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30 Running the Vehicle While
Radios Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12 Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8 Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-30
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Replacing LATCH System S
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10 Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Replacing Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 System Parts after a Crash . . . 3-17 Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Reporting Safety Defects How to Wear Safety Belts
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 9-39 Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13 Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19 General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13 Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . .2-20 U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Restraints Replacing after a Crash . . . . . .3-17
Recommended Fluids and Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-37 Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . .3-16
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (10,1)
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i-10 INDEX

Safety Defects Reporting Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Spare Tire


Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13 Accessories and Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13 Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3 Special Application Services . . . 11-8
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12 Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . .10-3 Specifications and
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13 Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Maintenance Records . . . . . . .11-13 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10 Maintenance, General StabiliTrak
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . 13-7 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63 Parts Identification Label . . . . .12-1 Start Assist, Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Seats Publications Ordering Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-11 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Scheduling Appointments . . . . .13-7 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . 3-4 Services Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8 Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 3-4 Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29 Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Shift Lock Control Function Bulb Replacement . . . 10-29, 10-30
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Check, Automatic Storage Areas
Securing Child Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23 Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46, 3-49 Shifting Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Security Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19 Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-22 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29 Side Blind Zone Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 4-1
OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-3 Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37 Storing the Tire Sealant
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15 Signals, Turn and and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15 Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (11,1)
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INDEX i-11

Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42 Tires (cont'd) Towing (cont'd)


Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-51 Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-79
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54 Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-51
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-29 Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
System Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49 Track Events and
Forward Collision Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18 Competitive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-34 Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-50 Traction
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1, 13-15 Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54 Control System (TCS)/
Sealant and StabiliTrak® Light . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
T Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63 Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Sealant and Compressor Traction Control/Electronic
Taillamps Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70 Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Bulb Replacement . . . 10-29, 10-30 Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42 Trailer
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-4 Terminology and Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-51
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . 2-17 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45 Transmission
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17 Uniform Tire Quality Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-25
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58 Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40 Wheel Alignment and Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41 Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60 Transportation Program,
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-60 Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61 When It Is Time for New Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56 Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75 Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42 Turn and Lane-Change
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44 Towing Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58 Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . .9-48 Turn Signal
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-61 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-52 Bulb Replacement . . . 10-29, 10-30
General Information . . . . . . . . . .9-48
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- Black plate (12,1)
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14

i-12 INDEX

U Vehicle Care Wheels


Storing the Tire Sealant Alignment and Tire
Uniform Tire Quality
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 10-70 Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48 Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Universal Remote System . . . . . 5-38
Vehicle Data Recording Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-40
and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 When It Is Time for New
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-38
Vehicle Diagnostics Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-6 Where to Put the Restraint . . . . 3-37
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
V Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30
Vehicle Voltage Devices and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33 Windshield
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Identification
W Winter
Warning Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1 Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 10-24
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . .9-42
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24 Wiring, High Voltage
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-31 Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Reminder Messages . . . . . . . . . .5-30
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . 5-17
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-30

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