
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 20
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Front Automatic Braking (FAB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . 23
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . 23
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 23
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Universal Remote System . . . . . 24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
High Voltage Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . 26 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 27
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 28
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
8 In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle may have a fuel saving
stop/start system to shut off the
engine and help conserve fuel.
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When the
brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal pushed, the
engine will restart.
SeeStarting the Engine 0228
ii.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
With Remote Start Shown
K:Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors.
Q: Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
X: Press twice quickly to open the
trunk.
7: Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys 030
iiand Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 31
ii.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Press and releaseQon the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately, press and hold
/
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash.
3. Start the vehicle normally after entering.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on.
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
In Brief 19
pedal. L2 (Low 2) provides moderate
braking and L1 (Low 1) provides
maximum braking below 80 km/h
(50 mph). When the battery reaches
full charge the engine may run to
maintain braking.
To use this feature:1. Move the shift lever to L (Low). The transmission will enter
L2 (Low 2).
2. Press + (Plus) or −(Minus) on
the shift lever to shift between
L2 (Low 2) and L1 (Low 1).
See Manual Mode 0235
ii.
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
Base radio information is included in
this manual. See the infotainment
manual for information on other
available infotainment systems.
Read the following pages to
become familiar with these features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for
too long or too often while using
any infotainment feature can
cause a crash. You or others
could be injured or killed. Do not
give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving.
Limit your glances at the vehicle
displays and focus your attention
on driving. Use voice commands
whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid
distraction by disabling some
functions when driving. These functions may gray out when they
are unavailable. Many infotainment
features are also available through
the instrument cluster and steering
wheel controls.
Before driving:
.
Become familiar with the
operation, faceplate buttons, and
screen buttons.
. Set up the audio by presetting
favorite stations, setting the
tone, and adjusting the
speakers.
. Set up phone numbers in
advance so they can be called
easily by pressing a single
button or by using a single voice
command if equipped with
Bluetooth phone capability.
See Defensive Driving 0217
ii.
To play the infotainment system with
the ignition off, see Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0231
ii.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
In Brief 25
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be in
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY,
or in Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) to operate the sunroof.
SeeIgnition Positions 0226
iiand
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 231
ii.
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch
Vent/Open : Press the rear of
switch (1) to vent the sunroof. Press
again and release to express-open
the sunroof. Stop the movement at
any time by pressing the switch. Close :
Press the front of switch (1)
to close.
Sunshade : Press the rear or front
of switch (2) to express-open or
express-close the sunshade. Press
again at any time to stop the
movement.
See Sunroof 051
ii.
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combines
gasoline and electric propulsion to
drive the vehicle. The gas engine
will automatically start to provide
power. It will shut off to save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
.
There is aggressive acceleration
or climbing hills.
. Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).
. The high voltage battery is
charging.
. The passenger compartment is
warming.
The engine and transmission work
together to provide the required
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.
See Driving for Better Fuel
Economy 028
ii.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
26 In Brief
High Voltage Safety
Information
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
{Warning
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
See
Customer Assistance Offices
0 386
ii. See
Battery - North America 0302
iifor important safety information.
If an airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 074
ii.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored in
the high voltage battery system,
contributing to increased energy
efficiency. See Regenerative
Braking (Hybrid Only) 0241
ii.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
In Brief 27
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery. When a new standard
12-volt battery is needed, see your
dealer for one that has the
replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. Only a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the hybrid
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage hybrid battery needs
service. SeeBattery - North
America 0302
ii.
Service
Never try to do your own service on
hybrid components. You can be
injured and the vehicle can be
damaged if you try to do your own
service work. Service and repair of
these hybrid components should
only be performed by a trained
service technician with the proper
knowledge and tools. See Doing
Your Own Service Work 0281
ii.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started and begins to move.
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started and
begins to move.
.
To turn off traction control, press
and release
gon the center
console.
iilluminates in the
instrument cluster.
. Press and release
gagain to
turn on traction control. .
To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and
hold
gon the center console,
until
iandgilluminate in the
instrument cluster.
. Press and release
gagain to
turn on both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0241
ii.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Keys, Doors, and Windows 31
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.
To remove the key, press the button
near the bottom of the transmitter,
and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0388
ii.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview 0398
ii.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 394ii.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
. Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. .
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
. If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the
transmitter is within range. See
“Keyless Access Operation”
following.
The transmitter functions may work
up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the
vehicle.
Other conditions, such as those
previously stated, can impact the
performance of the transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of
the trunk to open it if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
trunk.
Keyed Access
To access a vehicle with a dead
transmitter battery, seeDoor Locks
0 38
ii.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Any remaining
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
matched to it. Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there is one recognized transmitter.
To program, the vehicle must be off
and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must
be with you.
1. Place the recognized transmitter(s) in the transmitter
pocket with the buttons facing
the rear of the vehicle. The
transmitter pocket is inside the
center console storage area.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle.
See Door Locks 038
ii. Insert
the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the new transmitter into the transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing the rear of the
vehicle.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and
press
KorQ.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3–5.