
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
80 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing any
parts of the front seats, safety belts,
the airbag sensing and diagnostic
module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, any of the airbag modules,
ceiling or pillar garnish trim, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring.Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System
0 75
ii. If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see
Different Size Tires
and Wheels 0334
iifor additional
important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
you have questions about whether
the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you
have questions about whether the
airbag system will be affected if the
vehicle is modified for any other
reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 386
ii.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0118
ii.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
108 Instruments and Controls
The power outlet is on the rear of
the center console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns
on to show it is in use. The light
comes on when the ignition is in
ON/RUN and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged into
the outlet, and no system fault is
detected.
The indicator light does not come on
if the ignition is in LOCK/OFF, no
equipment is plugged into the outlet,
or if the equipment is plugged, but
not fully seated in the outlet.
If equipment is connected using
more than 150 watts or a system
fault is detected, the equipment mayoperate briefly then turn off.
A protection circuit shuts off the
power supply and the indicator light
turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug
the item and plug it back in or turn
the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0
231
ii. The power restarts when
equipment using 150 watts or less is
plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for
the following, and may not work
properly if they are plugged in:
. Equipment with high initial peak
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools.
. Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply,
such as
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets and touch
sensor lamps.
. Medical equipment.
See High Voltage Devices and
Wiring 0310
ii.
Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket outside the armrest
of the center console. The system
wirelessly charges one PMA or Qi
compatible mobile device.
To check for phone or other device
compatibility:
.
In the U.S., see
my.chevrolet.com/learn.
. In Canada, see
gmtotalconnect.ca.
. Or, see your dealer for details.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be in ON/RUN,
ACC/ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). The

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
118 Instruments and Controls
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System075
ii.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners,
the airbag modules, the wiring, and
the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the
airbag system, see
Airbag System
0 69
ii.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System 075
iifor important
safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag
status indicator.

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
310 Vehicle Care
3. Turn the bulb socketcounterclockwise to remove it
from the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the bulb socket.
5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket
and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the
lamp assembly.
6. Push the lamp assembly back into position until the release
tab locks into place.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb
Number
Low-Beam and
High-Beam
Headlamp 9005SL+
Front Turn Signal
Lamp and Parking
Lamp (LS Only) 7444NA
Front and Rear
Sidemarker Lamp 194
Stoplamp/Taillamp/
Rear Turn Signal
Lamp (LS and LT) W21W
Back-up Lamp W16W
License Plate Lamp
(LS and LT) W5W
For replacement bulbs not listed
here, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{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.
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 311
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed and
replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by
fuses. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by
electrical problems.To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the band is broken or melted,
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace
a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
possible.
To identify and check fuses, circuit
breakers, and relays, see
Engine
Compartment Fuse Block 0312
iiand
Instrument Panel Fuse Block 0316ii.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
412 Index
Front Pedestrian Braking(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 59
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 126
Requirements, California . . . . . 268
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Gauges (cont'd)
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Power Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 367
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 164
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Headlamps (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 127
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 163
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 127
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 206
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 326
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 220
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 240
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64