2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU check engine light

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 279
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 280
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 280
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 291
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 293
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 294
Cooling System (Power Electronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 298
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Battery - North America . . . . . . 302
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 304
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 304
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 305
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 307
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 309
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Electrical System Overload . . . 310 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 320
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 293
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inMaintenance Schedule
0 368
ii, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0376
ii.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0284
ii.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 368
ii.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 301
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0381
ii.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0284
iifor
the location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
314 Vehicle Care
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Fuses Usage
1 Not used
2 Not used
3 Antilock brake system pump
5 AC/DC inverter
6 Rear closure
7 ATWS horn
8 Mirror
9 Eboost
10 Left seat lumbar/ Airbag HEV
11 DC, DC battery 1
12 Rear defogger
13 Heated mirror
14 Not used
15 Passive entry/Passive start
16 Front wiper
17 Passenger power seat Fuses Usage
18 Antilock brake system valve
19 Driver power seat
21 Sunroof
22 Park light
23 Active headlamp leveling
24 Not used
26 Transmission control module ignition
27 Instrument panel/ Body ignition
28 Fuel pump power module
29 Rear view camera/ Seat ventilation
30 Malfunction indicator lamp SS
32 CVS/Evaporative leak check module
33 Front heated seat
34 Rear heated seat/ BSM/ESS fan Fuses Usage
35 Body control module 6/Body control
module 7
36 Fuel module
38 Not used
39 Not used
40 Steering column lock
41 Not used
43 Heated steering wheel
44 Headlamp leveling
45 Not used
46 Engine control module ignition
47 Not used
48 Eboost (HEV) motor
49 DC, DC battery 2
50 Not used
51 Not used
52 Not used
53 Not used
54 Not used

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
374 Service and Maintenance
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0376
iifor GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
408 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 246
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 278
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 204
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 293
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 75
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 71
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .118
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 263
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 237
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Index 409
Apple CarPlay andAndroid Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 253
Audio
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 169
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
BatteryLoad Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Battery (cont'd)
Voltage and Charging
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Battery - North America . . . . 302, 352
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 305
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 184, 188
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 122
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 241
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 261
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 226
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 309
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . 307, 308
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .280, 302, 352
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 101
Center Stack Display . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
410 Index
ChargingWireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 119
Check Malfunction IndicatorEngine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 83
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 97
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 206 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 110, 112
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 391
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 340
Connections
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Engine Temperature Gauge . . .117
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 294, 295 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 246
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 393
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 391
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 396
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Display
Center Stack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 383
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195