Page 185 of 398

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-3
If the air-conditioning button is
pressed while in defrost mode, the
indicator light turns on. If the button
is pressed again, the light turns off.
Recirculation cannot be selected
while in the defrost mode.
To help clear the windshield quickly,
do the following:
1. Select
0.
2. Select the highest temperature.
3. Select the highest fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to
show it is on.
The air-conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so a
small amount of water might drip
under the vehicle while it is idling or
after the engine is turned off is
normal.
Maximum Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows to
let hot inside air escape; then close
them. This helps reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down.
It also helps the air conditioning
system operate more efficiently.
For quick cool down on hot days,
do the following:
1. Select the
Cvent mode.
2. Select the highest fan speed.
3. Select
#air conditioning.
4. Select the
?
recirculation mode.
5. Select the coolest temperature.
Using these settings together for
long periods of time can cause the
air inside of the vehicle to become
too dry. To prevent this from
happening, after the air in the
vehicle has cooled, turn the
recirculation mode off.
:(Outside Air): Press to
turn the outside air mode on.
An indicator light comes on to
show that it is on. Air from outside
the vehicle will circulate throughout
the vehicle. The outside air mode
can be used with all modes,
but it cannot be used with the
recirculation mode. Press
:to
cancel the recirculation mode.
?(Recirculation): Press to
turn the recirculation mode on.
An indicator light comes on to show
that it is on. This mode recirculates
and helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle.
The recirculation indicator light
blinks three times if you try to use
recirculation in a mode in which it
cannot function.
Pressing this button cancels the
outside air mode. When switching
to the defog or defrost modes
the system automatically moves
from recirculation to outside air.
Page 191 of 398

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
Climate Controls 8-9
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation
For vehicles with remote start, when
it is activated the climate control
system heats and cools the inside of
the vehicle using the previous
system settings before the vehicle
was turned off. The climate control
knobs will remain active during a
remote start. However, the climate
control buttons will be inactive until
the ignition is turned on by the key.
If the fan is off, the climate control
system will not operate during
remote start.
With the automatic climate control
system, the climate control displays
“RS”in place of the temperature
to indicate that remote start is
activated. For best performance,
turn both the fan and mode knobs to
AUTO. If the temperature is cold
enough and the mode knob is set to
AUTO, the system begins in defrost
to clear the windows. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.Air Vents
Use the lever located in the center
of each outlet by moving it either up
and down or side-to-side, to change
the direction and amount of airflow
in the vehicle.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
.Do not use non-GM approved
hood deflectors as they could
adversely affect the performance
of the system.
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
.When an objectionable odor
outside the vehicle is
encountered, use the
recirculation mode, with the
temperature knob at a
comfortable setting to prevent
the odor from entering the
vehicle through the ventilation
system. This can be helpful
when driving through a long
tunnel with poor ventilation.
However, extended usage of this
mode in cold or cool weather
can cause window fogging.
Page 194 of 398

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
9-2 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention
away from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws
in your area.To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive..Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{WARNING
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the Infotainment section
for more information on using that
system, including pairing and using
a cell phone.