2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
120 Instruments and Controls
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety beltreminder light on the instrumentcluster.
When the vehicle is started, thislight flashes and a chime may comeon to remind the driver to fastentheir safety belt. Then the light stayson solid until the belt is buckled.This cycle may continue severaltimes if the driver remains orbecomes unbuckled while thevehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,neither the light nor the chimecomes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety beltreminder light near the passengerairbag status indicator. SeePassenger Sensing System077.
When the vehicle is started, thislight flashes and a chime may comeon to remind passengers to fastentheir safety belt. Then the light stayson solid until the belt is buckled.This cycle continues several times ifthe passenger remains or becomesunbuckled while the vehicle ismoving.
If the passenger safety belt isbuckled, neither the chime nor thelight comes on.
The front passenger safety beltreminder light and chime may turnon if an object is put on the seatsuch as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or otherelectronic device. To turn off thereminder light and/or chime, removethe object from the seat or bucklethe safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is anelectrical problem with the airbagsystem. The system check includesthe airbag sensor(s), passengersensing system, the pretensioners,the airbag modules, the wiring, andthe crash sensing and diagnosticmodule. For more information on theairbag system, seeAirbagSystem071.
The airbag readiness light comes onfor several seconds when thevehicle is started. If the light doesnot come on then, have it fixedimmediately.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 121
{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 passengersensing system. SeePassengerSensing System077for importantsafety information. The overheadconsole has a passenger airbagstatus indicator.
United States and Canada
Mexico
When the vehicle is started, thepassenger airbag status indicatorwill light ON and OFF, or the symbolfor on and off, for several secondsas a system check. Then, afterseveral more seconds, the statusindicator will light either ON or OFF,or either the on or off symbol, to letyou know the status of the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol islit on the passenger airbag statusindicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag are allowed toinflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol islit on the airbag status indicator, itmeans that the passenger sensingsystem has turned off the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both statusindicator lights remain on, or if thereare no lights at all, there may be aproblem with the lights or thepassenger sensing system. Seeyour dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light0120for more information,
including important safety
information.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
122 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes onbriefly when the ignition is turnedon, but the engine is not running, asachecktoshowthelightisworking.It should go out when the engine isstarted.
If the light stays on, or comes onwhile driving, there may be aproblem with the electrical chargingsystem. Have it checked by yourdealer. Driving while this light is oncould drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or isflashing, the Driver InformationCenter (DIC) also displays amessage.
SeeBattery Voltage and ChargingMessages0138.
If a short distance must be drivenwith the light on, be sure to turn offall accessories, such as the radioand air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’semission control on-boarddiagnostic system. If this light is onwhile the engine is running, amalfunction has been detected andthe vehicle may require service. Thelight should come on to show that itis working when the ignition is inService Only Mode. SeeIgnitionPositions0225.
Malfunctions are often indicated bythe system before any problem isnoticeable. Being aware of the lightand seeking service promptly whenit comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 123
Caution (Continued)
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’sabilitytopass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications0280.
If the light is flashing :Amalfunction has been detected thatcould damage the emission controlsystem and increase vehicleemissions. Diagnosis and servicemay be required.
To h e l p p r e v e n t d a m a g e , r e d u c evehicle speed and avoid hardaccelerations and uphill grades.If towing a trailer, reduce theamount of cargo being hauled assoon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find asafe place to park. Turn the vehicleoff and wait at least 10 secondsbefore restarting the engine. If thelight is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see yourdealer for service as soon aspossible.
If the light is on steady :Amalfunction has been detected.Diagnosis and service may berequired.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to thevehicle using the capless funneladapter, make sure that it hasbeen removed. See“Filling theTa n k w i t h a P o r t a b l e G a s C a n”underFilling the Tank0269.The diagnostic system candetect if the adapter has beenleft installed in the vehicle,allowing fuel to evaporate intothe atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the adapter removedmay turn off the light.
.Poor fuel quality can causeinefficient engine operation andpoor driveability, which may goaway once the engine is warmedup. If this occurs, change thefuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the properfuel to turn the light off. SeeFuel0268.
If the light remains on, see yourdealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test, thetest equipment will likely connect tothe vehicle's Data LinkConnector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrumentpanel to the left of the steeringwheel. Connecting devices that arenot used to perform an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test or toservice the vehicle may affectvehicle operation. SeeAdd-OnElectrical Equipment0277.Seeyour dealer if assistance is needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
124 Instruments and Controls
The vehicle may not passinspection if:
.The light is on when the engineis running.
.The light does not come onwhen the ignition is in ServiceOnly Mode.
.Critical emission control systemshave not been completelydiagnosed. If this happens, thevehicle would not be ready forinspection and might requireseveral days of routine drivingbefore the system is ready forinspection. This can happen ifthe 12-volt battery has recentlybeen replaced or run down, or ifthe vehicle has been recentlyserviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle willnot pass or cannot be made readyfor the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consistsof two hydraulic circuits. If onecircuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop thevehicle. For normal brakingperformance, both circuits need tobe working.
If the warning light comes on, thereis a brake problem. Have the brakesystem inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on brieflywhen the engine is started. If it doesnot come on then, have it fixed so itwill be ready to warn you if there isaproblem.
If the light comes on and stays on,there is a brake problem.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Electric Parking Brake
Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when theparking brake is applied. If the lightcontinues flashing after the parkingbrake is released, or while driving,there is a problem with the ElectricParking Brake system or anothersystem. A message may also

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 125
display in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC). SeeBrake SystemMessages0138.
If the light does not come on,or remains flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light
For vehicles with the ElectricParking Brake (EPB), the serviceelectric parking brake light shouldcome on briefly when the vehicle isin ON/RUN. If it does not come on,have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer.
If this light stays on, there is aproblem with a system on thevehicle that is causing the parkingbrake system to work at a reducedlevel. The vehicle can still be driven,but should be taken to a dealer as
soon as possible. SeeElectricParking Brake0238.Ifamessagedisplays in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), seeBrake SystemMessages0138.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), this light comes onbriefly when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicleserviced by your dealer. If thesystem is working normally, theindicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn theignition off. If the light comes onwhile driving, stop as soon as it issafely possible and turn the ignitionoff. Then start the engine again toreset the system. If the ABS lightstays on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs service.If the regular brake system warninglight is not on, the vehicle still hasbrakes, but not antilock brakes.If the regular brake system warninglight is also on, the vehicle does nothave antilock brakes and there is aproblem with the regular brakes.SeeBrake System WarningLight0124.
For vehicles with a DriverInformation Center (DIC), seeBrakeSystem Messages0138for allbrake-related DIC messages.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light
If available, this light comes onbriefly while starting the vehicle.
If it does not come on, have thevehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
126 Instruments and Controls
This light is green if LKA is availableto assist.
LKA may assist by gently turningthe steering wheel if the vehicleapproaches a detected lane markingwithout using the turn signal in thatdirection. The LKA light will turnamber.
This light is amber and flashes as aLane Departure Warning (LDW)alert, to indicate that the lanemarking has been crossed.
SeeLane Keep Assist (LKA)0266.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator willdisplay green when a vehicle isdetected ahead and amber whenyou are following a vehicle aheadmuch too closely.
SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA)System0258.
Pedestrian Ahead
Indicator
If equipped, one of these indicatorswill display when a nearbypedestrian is detected directly infront of the vehicle.
SeeFront Pedestrian Braking (FPB)System0261.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly whilestarting the engine. If it does not,have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer. If the system is workingnormally, the indicator light thenturns off.
The traction off light comes on whenthe Traction Control System (TCS)has been turned off by pressing andreleasing the TCS/StabiliTrakbutton.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFFlight come on when StabiliTrak isturned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is notlimited. Adjust driving accordingly.
SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0241.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 127
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly whilestarting the engine. If it does not,have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer.
This light comes on when theStabiliTrak system is turned off.If StabiliTrak is off, the TractionControl System (TCS) is also off.
If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, thesystem does not assist in controllingthe vehicle. Turn on the TCS andthe StabiliTrak systems, and thewarning light turns off.
SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0241.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
This light comes on briefly when theengine is started.
If the light does not come on, havethe vehicle serviced by your dealer.If the system is working normally,the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, theTCS and potentially the StabiliTraksystem have been disabled.ADriverInformationCenter(DIC)message may display. Check theDIC messages to determine whichfeature(s) is no longer functioningand whether the vehicle requiresservice. SeeRide Control SystemMessages0145.
If the light is on and flashing, theTCS and/or the StabiliTrak systemis actively working.
SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0241.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire PressureMonitor System (TPMS), this lightcomes on briefly when the engine isstarted. It provides informationabout tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more ofthe tires are significantlyunderinflated.
ADriverInformationCenter(DIC)tire pressure message may alsodisplay. SeeTire Messages0146.Stop as soon as possible, andinflate the tires to the pressure valueshown on the Tire and LoadingInformation label. SeeTirePressure0325.