
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
120 Instruments and Controls
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). When this
message is displayed, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly. See your dealer
for service.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
If this message appears, try to reset
the system. Stop; turn off the engine
for at least 15 seconds; then start
the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a
problem. See your dealer for
service. The vehicle is safe to drive;
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE AC SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the air conditioning
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays and a chime
may sound when there may be a
problem with the power steering
system. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
performance or loss of power
steering assistance is noticed, see
your dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays if there is a
problem with the vehicle. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation 0270.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0270.
TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
AIR TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this
message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the
vehicle's tires is low.
The low tire pressure warning light
will also come on. See Tire
Pressure Light 0110.
If a tire pressure message displays,
inflate the tires until the tire pressure
is equal to the values shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Climate Controls 167
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 167
Dual Automatic ClimateControl System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
1. Fan Control
2. Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Recirculation Climate Control Influence on Start/
Stop Operation and Fuel Economy
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
168 Climate Controls
The following are climate control
settings that use more fuel:
.Comfort air conditioning mode.
. Defrost mode.
. Setting the climate control to the
coldest or hottest temperature.
. High fan speed settings.
To help reduce fuel usage:
. Use eco air conditioning, instead
of the comfort air conditioning.
. Select a temperature setting that
is higher in hot weather and
lower in cold weather.
. Turn off the air conditioning
when it is not needed.
. Only use defrost to clear the
windows.
Temperature Control : Turn the
knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the driver or
passenger temperature setting.
Fan Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Air Delivery Modes :
PressY,\,
[, or-to change the direction of
the airflow. An indicator light comes
on in the selected mode button.
Y(Vent) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and the
floor outlets.
[(Floor) : Air is directed to the
floor outlets.
-(Defog) : Air is directed to the
windshield and floor outlets to clear
the windows of fog or moisture.
0(Defrost) : Press to clear the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
#(Air Conditioning) : Press to
cycle between the off, comfort, and
eco (economy) air conditioning
modes. The indicator will be lit in
comfort and eco modes and turns
off when there is no A/C function. If the fan is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the
air conditioner will not run and the
indicator light turns off.
For eco a/c, press
#. The indicator
will turn green. This setting
balances fuel economy and air
conditioning comfort. In warm
weather conditions, auto stops may
occur more frequently and the
vehicle interior may be warmer as
compared to the comfort air
conditioning. This setting allows
higher humidity inside the vehicle
and window fogging before the
engine restarts.
Pressing the
0button during an
auto stop will restart the engine to
prevent window fogging. To reach
comfort levels quickly during an
auto stop, the engine will restart if
the air conditioner is off and AUTO
or
#is selected.
For comfort a/c, press
#again.
The indicator will turn amber.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Climate Controls 169
When the indicator light is on, the
air conditioner runs automatically to
cool the air inside the vehicle or to
dry the air needed to defog the
windshield faster.
h(Recirculation) :Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the vehicle
or prevent outside air and odors
from entering.
MorL(Heated Seats, If
Equipped) : Press to turn the
heated seats on or off. See Heated
Front Seats 053.
Rear Window Defogger
=(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The defogger only works when the
ignition is in ON/RUN. The defogger
turns off if the ignition is in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position. If equipped with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on with
the rear window defogger and help
to clear fog or frost from the surface
of the mirror. See
Heated Mirrors
0 42.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object on the inside rear window
can damage the antenna or
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not stick anything to the rear
window.
Sensors
The solar sensor on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort. If the sensor is covered, the
automatic climate control system
may not work properly.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
170 Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
1. Driver and PassengerTemperature Controls
2. Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. SYNC
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Fan Control 9. Recirculation
10. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
Climate Control Influence on Stop/
Start Operation and Fuel Economy
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).
. High fan speed settings.
To help reduce fuel usage:
. Use the full automatic control as
described under “Automatic
Operation.”
. Use eco air conditioning, instead
of the comfort air conditioning.
. Select a temperature setting that
is higher in hot weather and
lower in cold weather.
. Turn off the air conditioning
when it is not needed.
. Only use defrost to clear the
windows.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Climate Controls 171
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to
the desired temperature.
When the indicator light is on, the
system is in full automatic operation.
If the air delivery mode or fan
setting is manually adjusted, the
auto indicator turns off and displays
will show the selected settings.
To place the system in
automatic mode:1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then
adjust the temperature as
needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to
cool the vehicle faster, recirculation
may be automatically selected in
warm weather.
The recirculation light will not come
on. Press
hto select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air. Manual Operation
Driver and Passenger
Temperature Control :
The
temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and
passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the driver or passenger
temperature setting.
SYNC : Press to link all climate
zone settings to the driver settings.
The SYNC indicator light will turn
on. When the passenger settings
are adjusted, the SYNC indicator
light turns off.
Fan Control : Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Air Delivery Modes : Press
Y,\,
[, or-to change the direction of
the airflow. An indicator light comes
on in the selected mode button. Changing the mode cancels the
automatic operation and the system
goes into manual mode. Press
AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
Y(Vent) :
Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets and the
floor outlets.
[(Floor) : Air is directed to the
floor outlets.
-(Defog) : Air is directed to the
windshield and floor outlets to clear
the windows of fog or moisture.
0(Defrost) : Press to clear the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
#(Air Conditioning) : Press to
cycle between the off, comfort, and
eco (economy) air conditioning
modes. The indicator will be lit in
comfort and eco modes and turns
off when there is no A/C function.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
172 Climate Controls
If the fan is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the
air conditioner will not run and the
indicator light turns off.
For eco a/c, press
#. The indicator
will turn green. This setting
balances fuel economy and air
conditioning comfort. In warm
weather conditions, auto stops may
occur more frequently and the
vehicle interior may be warmer as
compared to the comfort air
conditioning. This setting allows
higher humidity inside the vehicle
and window fogging before the
engine restarts.
Pressing the
0button during an
auto stop will restart the engine to
prevent window fogging. To reach
comfort levels quickly during an
auto stop, the engine will restart if
the air conditioner is off and AUTO
or
#is selected.
If temperature controls are adjusted
cooler by more than 1 °C (1 °F)
during an auto stop, the engine will
restart to ensure that comfort is
reached. For comfort a/c, press
#again.
The indicator will turn amber.
Pressing
#again cancels
automatic air conditioning and turns
off the air conditioner. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation and
the air conditioner runs
automatically as needed. When the
indicator light is on, the air
conditioner runs automatically to
cool the air inside the vehicle or to
dry the air needed to defog the
windshield faster.
h(Recirculation) : Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated to
quickly cool the inside of the vehicle
or prevent outside air and odors
from entering.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system has a sensor that
automatically detects high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. The fan speed may
slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation. To turn Auto Defog off or
on, see
“Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization
0 122.
MorL(Heated Seats, If
Equipped) : Press to turn the
heated seats on or off. See Heated
Front Seats 053.
Rear Window Defogger
=(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The defogger only works when the
ignition is in ON/RUN. The defogger
turns off if the ignition is in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
If equipped with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on with
the rear window defogger and help
to clear fog or frost from the surface
of the mirror. See Heated Mirrors
0 42.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Climate Controls 173
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object on the inside rear window
can damage the antenna or
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not stick anything to the rear
window.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with the
remote start, the climate control
system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The system uses
the driver ’s previous settings to heat
or cool the inside of the vehicle. The
rear defog may come on during
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a
remote start. The front heated seats
will turn on if it is cold outside. The
heated seat indicator lights do not
come on during a remote start.
Sensors
The solar sensor on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
If the sensor is covered, the
automatic climate control system
may not work properly.
Air Vents
Center Air Vents
Use the slider knobs on the air
vents to change the direction of the
airflow.
Move the slider knobs outward or
inward to open or close off the
airflow.