2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU transmission fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
144 Instruments and Controls
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 0328
ii.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0328
ii.
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 0125
ii.
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. See
Tires 0318
ii,Vehicle Load
Limits 0222ii, and Tire Pressure
0 325ii.
More than one tire pressure
message can be received at a time.
The DIC also shows the tire
pressure values. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0129
iior Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0132ii.
Transmission Messages
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays if there is a
problem with the transmission. See
your dealer.
SHIFT DENIED
This message displays when
attempting to use the automatic
transmission manual mode to shift
to too low or too high of a gear. See
Manual Mode 0235
ii.
SHIFT FROM NEUTRAL
(Hybrid)
This message displays when the
vehicle should be shifted from
N (Neutral). If the vehicle is not shifted from N (Neutral) after some
time, the vehicle will shut off and
require a restart. While in
N (Neutral), the vehicle will not be
able to charge the high voltage
battery.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays when the
transmission needs to be shifted to
P (Park). This may appear when
turning the ignition off or removing
the key from the vehicle if the
vehicle is not in P (Park).
TRANSMISSION HOT
—IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays and a chime
sounds if the transmission fluid in
the vehicle gets hot. Driving with the
transmission fluid temperature high
can cause damage to the vehicle.
Stop the vehicle and let it idle to
allow the transmission to cool. This
message clears when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
220 Driving and Operating
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0318
ii.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Driving and Operating 275
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0298
ii.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0368
ii.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

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 287
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0293ii.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0294
iior Cooling
System (Power Electronics)
0 295
ii.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0289
ii.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0289
ii.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0300
ii.
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid Fill Cap. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0293
ii.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0296
ii.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0352
ii. 9. Power Electronics Coolant
Reservoir. See Cooling System
(Engine) 0294
iior Cooling
System (Power Electronics)
0 295
ii.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0312
ii.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 300
ii.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0352
ii.

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
354 Vehicle Care
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.
3. Set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and switch off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) or
remote positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
7. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
8. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the
good battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the
negative (–) ground terminal for
the discharged battery.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Service and Maintenance 369
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 0291
ii.
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 0331
ii.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0289
iiand Engine Oil Life
System 0291ii.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0296
ii.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0300
ii. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0358
ii. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 305
ii.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0325
ii.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0331
ii.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 293
ii.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0358
ii.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0358
ii.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 068
ii.
. 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 0358
ii.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0304
ii.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0304
ii.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 304
ii.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof051
ii.