
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 349
11 . R e m o v e a l l o f t h e w h e e l n u t s .
12. Remove the flat tire.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
towel can be used; however, use
ascraperorwirebrushlaterto
remove all rust or dirt.
13. Remove any rust or dirt fromthe wheel bolts, mountingsurfaces, and spare wheel.
14. Place the compact spare tireon the wheel-mounting surface.
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
15. Reinstall the wheel nuts.Tighten each nut by hand untilthe wheel is held againstthe hub.
16. Lower the vehicle by turningthe jack handlecounterclockwise.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 351
2. Screw the extension bolt ontothe end of the spare tire stowbolt by hand.
3. Replace the foam, jack, andtools in their original storagelocation.
4. Remove the insulator pad andplace it over the foam holder toprotect the wheel of the flat tirefrom the jack.
5. Place the tire facing down overthe extension bolt.
6. Turn the retainer nut clockwiseto secure the tire.
7. Place the floor cover on thewheel.
The compact spare is for temporaryuse only. Replace the compactspare tire with a full-size tire assoon as you can.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact sparetire, it was fully inflated when new;however, it can lose air over time.Check the inflation pressureregularly. It should be 420 kPa(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and checkthat the spare tire is correctlyinflated after being installed on thevehicle. The compact spare tire isdesigned for temporary use only.The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it isrecommended that the vehiclespeed be limited to 80 km/h(50 mph). To conserve the tread ofthe spare tire, have the standard tirerepaired or replaced as soon asconvenient and return the spare tireto the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,the AWD (if equipped), ABS, andTraction Control systems mayengage until the spare tire isrecognized by the vehicle,especially on slippery roads. Adjustdriving to reduce possiblewheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare onother vehicles.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 353
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.
1.5L L4 Engine Shown, 2.0L L4
Engine Similar
1. Discharged Battery RemotePositive Terminal
2. Discharged Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
3. Good Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
4. Good Battery RemotePositive Terminal
1.8L Hybrid L4 Engine
1. Discharged Battery RemotePositive Terminal
2. Discharged Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
3. Good Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
4. Good Battery RemotePositive Terminal
The vehicle has a remotepositive (+) terminal under a trimcover. It is under the cover of the
engine compartment fuse block onthe driver side of the enginecompartment. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283.Youshould always use this remotepositive (+) terminal.
The jump start negative groundterminal for the discharged batteryis on the shock tower on the driverside of the engine compartment.
1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt batterywith a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a12-voltsystemwithanegative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles sothat they are not touching.
To a v o i d t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f t h evehicles rolling, set the parkingbrake firmly on both vehicles

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
354 Vehicle Care
involved in the jump startprocedure. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or amanual transmission in Neutralbefore setting the parkingbrake.
3. Set the parking brake firmly onboth vehicles. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or amanual transmission in Neutralbefore setting the parkingbrake.
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/OFFand switch off all lights andaccessories in both vehicles,except the hazard warningflashers 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 (+) orremote positive (+) terminal ofthe discharged battery.
7. Connect the other end of thepositive (+) cable to thepositive (+) terminal of thegood battery. Use a remotepositive (+) terminal if thevehicle has one.
8. Connect one end of the blacknegative (✓)cabletothenegative (✓)terminalofthegood battery.
9. Connect the other end of thenegative (✓)cabletothenegative (–)groundterminalforthe discharged battery.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
356 Vehicle Care
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing meanstowing the vehicle behind anothervehicle–such as behind a motorhome. The two most common typesof recreational vehicle towing areknown as dinghy towing and dollytowing. Dinghy towing is towing thevehicle with all four wheels on theground. Dolly towing is towing thevehicle with two wheels on theground and two wheels up on adevice known as a dolly.
Here are some important things toconsider before recreational vehicletowing:
.What is the towing capacity ofthe towing vehicle? Be sure toread the tow vehiclemanufacturer'srecommendations.
.How far will the vehicle betowed? Some vehicles haverestrictions on how far and howlong they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have theproper towing equipment? Seeyour dealer or traileringprofessional for additional adviceand equipmentrecommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to betowed? Just as preparing thevehicle for a long trip, make surethe vehicle is prepared to betowed.
Dinghy Towing (1.5L Engine
without Active Shutters
RPO VRI)
Vehicles with active shutters cannotbe dinghy towed.
To d i n g h y t o w t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h efront with all four wheels on theground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow andthen secure it to the towingvehicle.
2. Start the engine and place thevehicle in N (Neutral).
3. Press ENGINE START/STOPonce to turn the engine off. SeeIgnition Positions0225.
4. To prevent the battery fromdraining while the vehicle isbeing towed, remove fusesF10 and F41 from theinstrument panel fuse block.SeeInstrument Panel FuseBlock0315.
Remember to reinstall the fusesonce the destination has beenreached.

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358 Vehicle Care
Caution
To w i n g t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h e r e a r
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.Use a de-icing agent only whenabsolutely necessary, and have thelocks greased after using. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0377.
Washing the Vehicle
To p r e s e r v e t h e v e h i c l e ' s f i n i s h ,wash it often and out of directsunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
362 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To a v o i d s u r f a c e d a m a g e , d o n o t
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines andhoses for proper hook-up, binding,leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspectdisc brake pads for wear and rotorsfor surface condition. Inspect drumbrake linings/shoes for wear orcracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs of wear atleast once a year.
Inspect power steering for properattachment, connections, binding,leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity jointboots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,hood hinges, decklid hinges, steelfuel door hinge, unless thecomponents are plastic. Applyingsilicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make themlast longer, seal better, and not stickor squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,use plain water to flush anycorrosive materials from theunderbody. Take care to thoroughlyclean any areas where mud andother debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash thetransfer case and/or front/rear axleoutput seals. High pressure watercan overcome the seals andcontaminate the fluid. Contaminatedfluid will decrease the life of thetransfer case and/or axles andshould be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged andrequires sheet metal repair orreplacement, make sure the bodyrepair shop applies anti-corrosionmaterial to parts repaired orreplaced to restore corrosionprotection.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
366 Vehicle Care
Cargo Cover and
Convenience Net
Wash with warm water and milddetergent. Do not use chlorinebleach. Rinse with cold water, andthen dry completely.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye safety belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean and
rinse safety belt webbing only
with mild soap and lukewarm
water. Allow the webbing to dry.
Floor Mats
{Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or
is not properly installed, it can
interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can
cause unintended acceleration
and/or increased stopping
distance which can cause a crash
and injury. Make sure the floor
mat does not interfere with the
pedals.
Use the following guidelines forproper floor mat usage:
.The original equipment floormats were designed for yourvehicle. If the floor mats needreplacing, it is recommendedthat GM certified floor mats bepurchased. Non-GM floor matsmay not fit properly and mayinterfere with the pedals. Alwayscheck that the floor mats do notinterfere with the pedals.
.Do not use a floor mat if thevehicle is not equipped with afloor mat retainer on the driverside floor.
.Use the floor mat with thecorrect side up. Do not turnit over.
.Do not place anything on top ofthe driver side floor mat.
.Use only a single floor mat onthe driver side.
.Do not place one floor mat ontop of another.
Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mats
If equipped, pull up on the rear ofthe floor mat to unlock each retainerand remove.