2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU light

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 227
With the ignition off, pressing thebutton one time without the brakepedal applied will place the ignitionsystem in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/ACCESSORY to OFF afterfive minutes to prevent batteryrun down.
ON/RUN/START (Green IndicatorLight) :This mode is for driving andstarting. With the ignition off, andthe brake pedal applied, pressingthe button once will place theignition system in ON/RUN/START.Once engine cranking begins,release the button. Engine crankingwill continue until the engine starts.SeeStarting the Engine0227.Theignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available forservice and diagnostics, and toverify the proper operation of themalfunction indicator lamp as maybe required for emission inspectionpurposes. With the vehicle off, andthe brake pedal not applied,pressing and holding the button formore than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.The instruments and audio systemswill operate as they do in ON/RUN,but the vehicle will not be able to bedriven. The engine will not start inService Only Mode. Press thebutton again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). The engine will not startin any other position. To restart theengine when the vehicle is alreadymoving, use N (Neutral) only.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine willonly start if required for cabinwarming or high voltage batterycharging. The vehicle ready light willbe illuminated when the vehicle isready to be driven.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0277.
Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Accesssystem, the RKE transmittermust be in the vehicle. PressENGINE START/STOP with thebrake pedal applied. When theengine begins cranking, let goof the button.
The idle speed will go down asthe engine gets warm. Do notrace the engine immediatelyafter starting it.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
236 Driving and Operating
will be allowed to operate in. Thismeans that all gears below thatnumber are available. For example,when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to theL, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gearsare automatically shifted by thevehicle. The transmission will notshift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus)button is used or you shift back intoD(Drive).
While in L (Low), the transmissionwill prevent shifting to a lower gearrange if the engine speed is toohigh. You have a brief period of timeto slow the vehicle. If vehicle speedis not reduced within the timeallowed, the lower gear range shiftwill not be completed. You mustfurther slow the vehicle, then pressthe✓(Minus) button to the desiredlower gear range.
Hybrid Low Mode
L2 (Low 2) provides the ability toslow the vehicle without using thebrakes. L1 (Low 1) providesmaximum braking below 80 km/h(50 mph). Use L (Low) whendescending steep grades or in
stop-and-go traffic. When thebattery reaches full charge theengine may run to maintain braking.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).The transmission will enterL2 (Low 2).
2. Press + (Plus) or✓(Minus) onthe shift lever to shift betweenL2 (Low 2) and L1 (Low 1).
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0125.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 237
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
To s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e ,if equipped. Hold the regular brakepedal down, then push the parkingbrake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brakesystem warning light will come on.SeeBrake System WarningLight0124.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe regular brake pedal down, thenpush down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feelthe pedal release. Slowly pull yourfoot up off the parking brake pedal.If the parking brake is not releasedwhen you begin to drive, the brake

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
238 Driving and Operating
system warning light will be on andachimewillsoundwarningyouthatthe parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and areparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0272.
Electric Parking Brake
If equipped, the Electric ParkingBrake (EPB) switch is on theconsole. The EPB can always beactivated, even if the ignition is off.To p r e v e n t d r a i n i n g t h e b a t t e r y,avoid repeated cycles of the EPBwhen the engine is not running.
The system has a red parking brakestatus light and an amber parkingbrake warning light. SeeElectricParking Brake Light0124andService Electric Parking Brake Light0125.Therearealsoparkingbrake-related Driver InformationCenter (DIC) messages. SeeBrakeSystem Messages0138.Incaseofinsufficient electrical power, the EPBcannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, checkthe red parking brake status light toensure that the parking brake isapplied.
EPB Apply
To a p p l y t h e E P B :
1. Be sure the vehicle is at acomplete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switchmomentarily.
The red parking brake status lightwill flash and then stay on once theEPB is fully applied. If the redparking brake status light flashescontinuously, then the EPB is onlypartially applied or there is aproblem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release theEPB and try to apply it again. If thelight does not come on, or keepsflashing, have the vehicle serviced.Do not drive the vehicle if the redparking brake status light is flashing.See your dealer. SeeElectricParking Brake Light0124.
If the amber parking brake warninglight is on, lift up on the EPB switchand hold it up. Continue to hold theswitch until the red parking brakestatus light remains on. If the amberparking brake warning light remainson, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while thevehicle is moving, the vehicle willdecelerate as long as the switch isheld up. If the switch is held up untilthe vehicle comes to a stop, theEPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically applythe EPB in some situations whenthe vehicle is not moving. This isnormal, and is done to periodicallycheck the correct operation of theEPB system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 239
If the EPB fails to apply, the rearwheels should be blocked toprevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To r e l e a s e t h e E P B :
1. Place the ignition in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUNposition.
2. Apply and hold the brakepedal.
3. Push down momentarily on theEPB switch.
The EPB is released when the redparking brake status light is off.
If the amber parking brake warninglight is on, release the EPB bypushing down on the EPB switchand holding it down. Continue tohold the switch until the red parkingbrake status light is off. If either lightstays on after release is attempted,see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release ifthe vehicle is running, placed intogear, and an attempt is made todrive away. Avoid rapid accelerationwhen the EPB is applied, topreserve parking brake lining life.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicleis pulling a trailer, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0272.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature isdesigned to assist the driver instopping or decreasing vehiclespeed in emergency drivingconditions. This feature uses thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module to supplement thepower brake system underconditions where the driver hasquickly and forcefully applied thebrake pedal in an attempt to quicklystop or slow down the vehicle. Thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module increases brakepressure at each corner of thevehicle until the ABS activates.Minor brake pedal pulsation orpedal movement during this time isnormal and the driver shouldcontinue to apply the brake pedal asthe driving situation dictates. TheBrake Assist feature willautomatically disengage when thebrake pedal is released or brakepedal pressure is quicklydecreased.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 241
SeeWarning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators0111andDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0131orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0134.Intheevent of a controller problem, thebrake pedal may be harder to pushand the stopping distance may belonger.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction ControlSystem (TCS) and StabiliTrak®,anelectronic stability control system.These systems help limit wheel slipand assist the driver in maintainingcontrol, especially on slippery roadconditions.
TCS activates if it senses that anyof the drive wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction. When thishappens, TCS applies the brakes tothe spinning wheels and reducesengine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when thevehicle senses a difference betweenthe intended path and the directionthe vehicle is actually traveling.StabiliTrak selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist thedriver in keeping the vehicle on theintended path.
If cruise control is being used andtraction control or StabiliTrak beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control willdisengage. Cruise control may beturned back on when roadconditions allow.
Both systems come onautomatically when the vehicle isstarted and begins to move. Thesystems may be heard or felt whilethey are operating or whileperforming diagnostic checks. Thisis normal and does not mean thereis a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave bothsystems on for normal drivingconditions, but it may be necessaryto turn TCS off if the vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0221and“Turning the Systems Off andOn”later in this section.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
242 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systemsis in the instrument cluster. Thislight will:
.Flash when TCS is limitingwheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak isactivated.
.Turn on and stay on when eithersystem is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or toactivate, a message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC),
anddcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactiveand is not assisting the driver inmaintaining control. The vehicle issafe to drive, but driving should beadjusted accordingly.
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. Ifdcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may needmore time to diagnose the problem.If the condition persists, see yourdealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrakis on the center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To t u r n o f f o n l y T C S , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
To t u r n T C S o n a g a i n , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displayed in the instrument clusterwill turn off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 243
To t u r n o f f b o t h T C S a n d S t a b i l i T r a k ,
press and holdguntil the traction
off lightiand StabiliTrak OFF
lightgcome on and stay on in the
instrument cluster.
To t u r n T C S a n d S t a b i l i T r a k o n
again, press and releaseg.The
traction off lightiand StabiliTrak
OFF lightgin the instrument cluster
turn off.
Adding accessories can affect thevehicle performance. SeeAccessories andModifications0280.
Cruise Control
Cruise control lets the vehiclemaintain a speed of about 40 km/h(25 mph) or more without keepingyour foot on the accelerator. Cruisecontrol does not work at speedsbelow 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
asteadyspeed.Donotuse
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System(TCS) or Electronic Stability Control(ESC), the system may begin tolimit wheel spin while you are usingcruise control. If this happens,cruise control will automatically
disengage. SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l /Electronic Stability Control0241.If a collision alert occurs whencruise control is activated, cruisecontrol is disengaged. SeeForwardCollision Alert (FCA) System0258.When road conditions allow you tosafely use it again, cruise controlcan be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruisecontrol disengages.
5:Press to turn the cruise controlsystem on and off. A white indicatorcomes on in the instrument clusterwhen cruise is turned on.