
Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
Driving and Operating 9-17
shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9-28.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
turn the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY): This
position provides power to some of
the electrical accessories. It unlocks
the ignition. To move the key from
ACC/ACCESSORY to LOCK/OFF,
the shift lever must be in P (Park). 3 (ON/RUN):
The ignition switch
stays in this position when the
engine is running. This position can
be used to operate the electrical
accessories, including the
ventilation fan and 12-volt power
outlets, as well as to display some
warning and indicator lights. This
position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. The transmission is also
unlocked in this position.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not restart if
the battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
4 (START): This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
will return to ON/RUN for normal
driving. A warning tone sounds when the
driver door is opened when the
ignition is still in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the key is in the ignition. If the
ignition becomes difficult to turn,
see
Keys on page 2-1.
Key Lock Release
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission are equipped with an
electronic key lock release system.
This system is to prevent ignition
key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park).

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
Driving and Operating 9-29
{Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of thevehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
If equipped, HSA may automatically
activate when the vehicle is stopped
on a grade. This feature is designed
to prevent the vehicle from rolling,
either forward or rearward, during
vehicle drive off. During the
transition from releasing the brake
pedal to accelerating to drive off on
a grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure to prevent rolling. HSA will
not activate if the vehicle is in a
drive gear and facing downhill or if
the vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
9-36 Driving and Operating
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts to turning vehicles, vehicles in
other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, cleaning the
outside of the windshield in front of
the camera sensor may correct the
issue
Parking Assist
If equipped, the Rear Parking Assist
(RPA) system assists the driver with
parking and avoiding objects while
in R (Reverse). RPA operates at
speeds less than 8 km/h (5 mph).
The sensors on the rear bumperdetect objects up to 2.5 m (8 ft)
behind the vehicle, and at least
20 cm (8 in) off the ground. The
distance objects can be detected
may be less during warmer or humid
weather.
{Warning
The parking assist system does
not detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
below the bumper or that are too
close or too far from the vehicle.
It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To
prevent injury, death, or vehicle
damage, even with parking assist,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors
before backing.
How the System Works
RPA comes on automatically when
the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). A single beep sounds
to indicate the system is working.
An obstacle detection is indicated
by beeps. The interval between the
beeps becomes shorter as the
vehicle gets closer to the obstacle.
When the distance is less than
30 cm (12 in), the beeping is a
continuous beep for five seconds.
Turning the System On and Off
The RPA system can be turned on
and off using the infotainment
system controls. See
Vehicle
Personalization on page 5-31.
When the system is off, PARK
ASSIST OFF displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
message disappears after a short
period of time.
RPA defaults to the on setting each
time the vehicle is started.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
Driving and Operating 9-37
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST:If
this message occurs, check the
following conditions:
.The sensors are not clean. Keep
the vehicle's rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care on page 10-82.
.The park assist sensors are
covered by frost or ice. Frost or
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always
be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold
weather. The message may not
clear until the frost or ice has
melted.
If the above conditions do not exist,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system. PARK ASSIST OFF:
If the RPA
system does not activate due to a
temporary condition, the message
displays on the DIC. This can occur
under the following conditions:
.The driver has disabled the
system.
.An object was hanging out of the
trunk during the last drive cycle.
Once the object is removed,
RPA will return to normal
operation.
.The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.
.Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that occur with vehicles in the side blind
zone (or spot) areas. The SBZA
warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
{Warning
SBZA does not alert the driver to
vehicles rapidly approaching
outside of the side blind zones,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. It may not provide
alerts when changing lanes under
all driving conditions. Failure to
use proper care when changing
lanes may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. Before
making a lane change, always
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn
signals.

Black plate (40,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
9-40 Driving and Operating
To see the previous screen sooner,
do one of the following:
.Press a button on the
infotainment system.
.Shift into P (Park).
.Reach a vehicle speed of
8 km/h (5 mph).
Symbols and Guidelines
The system may have a feature that
lets the driver view caution symbols
on the infotainment screen while
using the RVC. The Rear Parking
Assist (RPA) system must not be
disabled to use the caution symbols.
The error message Rear Parking
Assist Symbols Unavailable may
display if RPA has been disabled
and the symbols have been
turned on.
The symbols appear and may cover
an object when viewing the
infotainment screen when an object
is detected by the RPA system. The RVC system may have a
guideline overlay that can help the
driver align the vehicle when
backing into a parking spot.
To turn the symbols and guidelines
on or off:
1. Shift into P (Park).
2. Press the CONFIG button on the
infotainment system.
3. Select Display.
4. Select Symbols or Guidelines. When a checkmark appears next
to the option, the feature is on.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
On vehicles with the RCTA, a
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow may also display on
the RVC screen to warn of traffic
coming from the left or the right.
Three beeps will also sound from
the left or right side, depending on
the approaching cross traffic
direction. This system detects
objects coming from up to 20 m (65
ft) from the left or right side behind the vehicle. The RCTA system will
not work properly if ice, snow, mud,
or anything else builds up on the
rear bumper sensors.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out
from the back of your vehicle do not
move further back when a trailer is
towed.
To turn RCTA on or off, see
“Collision/Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-31.
Rear Vision Camera Error
Messages
SERVICE REAR VISION CAMERA
SYSTEM: If this message appears
in the center stack display, the
system may need service.
If any other problem occurs or if a
problem persists, see your dealer.

Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
9-48 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
.Do not smoke, light matches,
or use lighters while
pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle on page 10-79.
For towing the vehicle behind
another vehicle such as a motor
home, seeRecreational Vehicle
Towing on page 10-79.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
damage to the engine, axle or
other parts.
.Then, during the first 800 km
(500 mi) trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
.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.

Black plate (37,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
Vehicle Care 10-37
Mini
Fuses Usage
53 Inside Rearview Mirror/Rear Camera/
Fuel Module Ignition
54 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Module Ignition
55 Front Power Windows/Mirrors
56 Windshield Washer
57 Spare
60 Heated Mirror
62 Canister Vent Solenoid
66 Spare
67 Fuel Module
69 Battery Voltage Sensor
70 Lane Departure/Rear Parking Aid/Side
Blind Zone Assist Mini
Fuses Usage
71 PEPS BATT
J-Case Fuses Usage
6 Front Wiper
12 Starter 1
21 Rear Power Window
22 Sunroof
24 Front Power Window
25 PEPS MTR
26 Antilock Brake System Pump
27 Not Used
28 Rear Defogger
41 Brake Vacuum Pump
42 Cooling Fan K2
44 Starter 2
45 Cooling Fan K1 J-Case
Fuses Usage
59 Air Pump Emissions
Mini
Relays Usage
7 Powertrain
9 Cooling Fan K2
13 Cooling Fan K1
15 Run/Crank
16 Spare
17 Window/Mirror Defogger
Micro
Relays Usage
1 Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
2 Starter Solenoid
4 Front Wiper Speed
5 Front Wiper On

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7575972) - 2015 - crc - 4/1/14
14-8 OnStar
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote
Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Assistance after the vehicle has
been off continuously for five days.
After five days, OnStar can contact
Roadside Assistance and a
locksmith to help gain access to the
vehicle.
Global Positioning
System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can
occur in a large city with tall
buildings; in parking garages;
around airports; in tunnels,
underpasses; or in an area with
very dense trees. If GPS signals
are not available, the OnStar
system should still operate to
call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying
the exact location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar
can use the last stored GPS
location to send to emergency
responders.A temporary loss of GPS can cause
loss of the ability to send a
Turn-by-Turn Navigation route. The
Advisor may give a verbal route or
may ask for a call back after the
vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Do not place items over or near the
antenna to prevent blocking cellular
and GPS signal reception. Cellular
reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle.
Unable to Connect to OnStar
Message
If there is limited cellular coverage
or the cellular network has reached
maximum capacity, this message
may come on. Press
Qto try the
call again or try again after driving a
few miles into another cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle
electrical system, wireless service,
and GPS satellite technologies to be
available and operating for features to function properly. These systems
may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated
into the electrical architecture of the
vehicle. Do not add any electrical
equipment. See
Add-On Electrical
Equipment on page 9-53. Added
electrical equipment may interfere
with the operation of the OnStar
system and cause it to not operate.
Privacy
The complete OnStar Privacy
Statement may be found at
www.onstar.com (U.S.),
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We
recommend that you review it. If you
have any questions, call
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
or press
Qto speak with an
Advisor. Users of wireless
communications are cautioned that
the privacy of any information sent
via wireless cellular communications
cannot be assured. Third parties