Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 323
Bead:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:Apneumatictire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeTire
Pressure0325.
Curb Weight:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:Acodemolded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. SeeVehicle Load
Limits0222.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0222.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits0222.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 325
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire:Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:Alabel
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See“Tire and Loading
Information Label”underVehicle
Load Limits0222.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.
The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity. See
Vehicle Load Limits0222.
How the vehicle is loaded
affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load the vehicle
with more weight than it was
designed to carry.
When to Check
Check the tires once a month or
more. Do not forget the compact
spare, if the vehicle has one.
The cold compact spare tire
pressure should be at 420 kPa
(60 psi). SeeCompact Spare
Tire0351.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 327
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS) uses radio and sensortechnology to check tire pressurelevels. The TPMS sensors monitorthe air pressure in your tires andtransmit tire pressure readings to areceiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (ifprovided), should be checkedmonthly when cold and inflated tothe inflation pressure recommendedby the vehicle manufacturer on thevehicle placard or tire inflationpressure label. (If your vehicle hastires of a different size than the sizeindicated on the vehicle placard ortire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tireinflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, yourvehicle has been equipped with atire pressure monitoring system(TPMS) that illuminates a low tirepressure telltale when one or moreof your tires is significantlyunder-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tirepressure telltale illuminates, youshould stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate themto the proper pressure. Driving on asignificantly under-inflated tirecauses the tire to overheat and canlead to tire failure. Under-inflationalso reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect thevehicle's handling and stoppingability.
Please note that the TPMS is not asubstitute for proper tiremaintenance, and it is the driver'sresponsibility to maintain correct tirepressure, even if under-inflation hasnot reached the level to triggerillumination of the TPMS low tirepressure telltale.
Yo u r v e h i c l e h a s a l s o b e e nequipped with a TPMS malfunctionindicator to indicate when thesystem is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressuretelltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and thenremain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue uponsubsequent vehicle start-ups aslong as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator isilluminated, the system may not beable to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMSmalfunctions may occur for a varietyof reasons, including the installationof replacement or alternate tires orwheels on the vehicle that preventthe TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunctiontelltale after replacing one or moretires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement oralternate tires and wheels allow theTPMS to continue to functionproperly.
SeeTire Pressure MonitorOperation0328.
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0393.
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
Service and Maintenance 369
frequent checks and services. TheAdditional Required Services -Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargowithin recommended limits onthe Tire and Loading Informationlabel. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0222.
.Are driven on reasonable roadsurfaces within legal drivinglimits.
.Use the recommended fuel. SeeFuel0268.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city trafficin hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly ormountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed orcompetitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or deliveryservice.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work0280.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. SeeEngine Oil0288.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflationpressures. SeeTirePressure0325.
.Inspect the tires for wear. SeeTire Inspection0331.
.Check the windshield washerfluid level. SeeWasherFluid0299.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OILSOON message displays, have theengine oil and filter changed withinthe next 1 000 km/600 mi. If drivenunder the best conditions, theengine oil life system may notindicate the need for vehicle servicefor up to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least once
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
370 Service and Maintenance
ayearandtheoillifesystemmustbe reset. Your trained dealertechnician can perform this work.If the engine oil life system is resetaccidentally, service the vehiclewithin 5 000 km/3,000 mi since thelast service. Reset the oil lifesystem when the oil is changed.SeeEngine Oil Life System0291.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0331.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0288andEngine Oil LifeSystem0291.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0295.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0299.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0358.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0304.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0325.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0331.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck069.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0303.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0303.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0303.
.Check accelerator pedal fordamage, high effort, or binding.Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut forsigns of wear, cracks, or otherdamage. Check the hold openability of the strut. See yourdealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,if equipped. SeeSunroof052.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
400 OnStar
from each other and use acombination of letters, numbers,and symbols to increase thesecurity.
.Change the default name of theSSID (Service Set Identifier).This is your network’snamethatis visible to other wirelessdevices. Choose a unique nameand avoid family names orvehicle descriptions.
OnStar Wi-Fi®Hotspot (IfEquipped)
The vehicle may have a built-inWi-Fi hotspot that provides accessto the Internet and web content at4G LTE speed. Up to seven mobiledevices can be connected. A dataplan is required. Use the in-vehiclecontrols only when it is safe todo so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot
information, press=,waitfor
the prompt, then say“Wi-Fisettings.”On some vehicles,touch Wi-Fi Settings on thescreen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will displaythe Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID),password, and on somevehicles, the connection type(no Internet connection, 3G,4G, 4G LTE), and signal quality(poor, good, excellent).
3. To change the SSID or
password, pressQor call
1-888-4ONSTAR to connectwith an Advisor.
After initial set-up, your vehicle’sWi-Fi hotspot will connectautomatically to your mobiledevices. Manage data usage byturning Wi-Fi on or off on yourmobile device, using theRemoteLink mobile app, or bycontacting an OnStar Advisor.
OnStar RemoteLink®Mobile App(If Equipped)
Download the OnStar RemoteLinkmobile app to select Apple®iOS,Android™,BlackBerry®,or Windows®mobile devices.OnStar Subscribers can access thefollowing services from a mobiledevice:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equippedwith automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’sfuellevel,oillife, or tire pressure,if factory-equipped with the TirePressure Monitor System.
.Send directions to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map(U.S. market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspoton/off, manage settings, andmonitor data consumption,if equipped.
For OnStar RemoteLink informationand compatibility, seewww.onstar.com (U.S.) orwww.onstar.ca (Canada).
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor tounlock the doors or sound the hornand flash the lamps.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
410 Index
Door (cont'd)
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 382
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 252
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 134
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 257
Characteristics and
To w i n g T i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 2
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 29
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 219
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 221
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 124
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Emergency
OnStar®...................... 398
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 283
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 293, 294
Cooling System Messages . . . 140
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine (cont'd)
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 233
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 395
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 163
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 165
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 166
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 292
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49