Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
230 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0233.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0230.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0230.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 234.
5. Automatic Transmission Fluid Fill Cap. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0233.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0240.
7. Battery - North America 0241.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0235.
9. Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump
Starting - North America 0293.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0254.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 239. 12. Negative (-) Battery Terminal.
SeeJump Starting - North
America 0293.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0232.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 229 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Vehicle Care 235
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant mixture. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0319 and
Maintenance Schedule 0309.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0238.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Vehicle Care 299
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
The
esymbol is on any
underhood compartment electrical
center that should not be power
washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Washthe vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Vehicle Care 303
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation. To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.
Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles.
. Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
. Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.
. Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
. Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
310 Service and Maintenance
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0232.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0273.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0230 andEngine Oil Life
System 0232. .
Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0235.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0239.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0298. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 244.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0267.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0273.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 233.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0298. .
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0298.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 061.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0298.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0243.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0243.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
342 OnStar
(no Internet connection, 3G,
4G, 4G LTE), and signal quality
(poor, good, excellent).
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call
1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor.
OnStar RemoteLink
®Mobile App
(If Equipped)
Download the OnStar RemoteLink
mobile app to select Apple
®iOS,
Android™, BlackBerry®,
or Windows®mobile devices.
OnStar Subscribers can access the
following services from a mobile
device:
. Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
. Lock/unlock doors, if equipped
with automatic locks.
. Activate the horn and lamps.
. Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil
life, or tire pressure,
if factory-equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
. Send directions to the vehicle. .
Locate the vehicle on a map
(U.S. market only).
. Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot
on/off, manage settings, and
monitor data consumption,
if equipped.
For OnStar RemoteLink information
and compatibility, see
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.
OnStar AtYourService
OnStar Advisors can provide special
offers from restaurants and retailers
on your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room.
OnStar Hands-Free Calling
Make and receive calls with the
built-in wireless calling service,
which requires available minutes. Make a Call
1. Press
=. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
2. Say “Call.”System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
3. Say the entire number without pausing, including a “1”and the
area code. System responds:
“OK, calling.”
Calling 911 Emergency
1. Press=. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
2. Say “Call.”System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
3. Say “911”without pausing.
System responds: “911.”
4. Say “Call.”System responds:
“OK, dialing 911.”
Retrieve My Number
1. Press=. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 7/30/15
354 Index
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 43
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 118
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 27
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 262
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 133
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 106
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 135
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 107
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .110
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Lights (cont'd)
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 132
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 108
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 103
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 109
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 111
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50