
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Lighting 167
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
Move the lever all the way up ordown to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument clusterflashes in the direction of the turn orlane change.
Raise or lower the lever until thearrow starts to flash to signal a lanechange. Hold it there until the lanechange is completed. If the lever isbriefly pressed and released, theturn signal flashes three times.
The turn and lane-change signalcan be turned off manually bymoving the lever back to its originalposition.
If after signaling a turn or lanechange, the arrow flashes rapidly ordoes not come on, a signal bulbmay be burned out.
Replace any burned out bulbs. If abulb is not burned out, check thefuse. SeeFuses0310.
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
The brightness of the instrumentcluster display, infotainment displayand controls, steering wheelcontrols, and all other illuminatedcontrols, as well as feature statusindicators, can be adjusted.
The knob for this feature is on theinstrument panel beside the steeringcolumn.
Turn the knob clockwise orcounterclockwise to brighten or dimthe lights.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
206 Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Controls :Press the air delivery mode buttonsto change the direction of theairflow. The indicator light in theselected button will turn on. Thecurrent mode appears in the displayscreen.
To c h a n g e t h e c u r r e n t m o d e , s e l e c tone or more of the following modes:
0:Clears the windows of fog ormoisture. Air is directed to thewindshield.
{:Air is directed to theinstrument panel outlets.
z:Air is directed to the flooroutlets.
0MAX :Air is directed to thewindshield and the fan runs at ahigher speed. This mode overridesthe previous mode selected andclears fog or frost from thewindshield more quickly. When thebutton is pressed again, the systemreturns to the previous mode settingand fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow andice from the windshield beforedefrosting.
A/C :Press to turn the airconditioning system on or off. If thefan control is turned off or theoutside temperature falls belowfreezing, the air conditioner willnot run.
A/C (Max/Eco A/C For Stop/StartVehicles) :Press to cycle betweenthe max, eco, and off airconditioning modes. The indicatorwill be lit in max and eco modes andturns off when there is no A/Cfunction. If the fan is turned off, theair conditioner will not run and theindicator light will turn off.
For max a/c, press A/C. Theindicator will turn amber. Auto stopswill occur less frequently, be shorter,and will not occur in extremely warmweather.
For eco a/c, press A/C again. Theindicator will turn green. This settingbalances fuel economy and airconditioning comfort. In warmweather conditions, auto stops mayoccur more frequently, last longer,and the vehicle interior may bewarmer during auto stops ascompared to the max a/c setting.
This setting allows higher humidityinside the vehicle and windowfogging may occur before theengine restarts.
@:Press to turn on recirculation.An indicator light comes on. Air isrecirculated to quickly cool theinside of the vehicle or to reduce theentry of outside air and odors.
Auto Defog :The climate controlsystem may have a sensor toautomatically detect high humidityinside the vehicle. When highhumidity is detected, the climatecontrol system may adjust tooutside air supply and turn on theair conditioner. If the climate controlsystem does not detect possiblewindow fogging, it returns to normaloperation.
To t u r n A u t o D e f o g o f f o r o n , s e e“Climate and Air Quality”underVehicle Personalization0147.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Climate Controls 209
Press@to manually select
recirculation and the indicator lightwill turn on. Press it again to selectoutside air and the indicator light willturn off.
Driver and PassengerTe m p e r a t u r e C o n t r o l s :Thetemperature can be adjustedseparately for the driver and thepassenger. Turn the knob clockwiseor counterclockwise to increase ordecrease the driver or passengertemperature setting.
SYNC :Press to link the passengertemperature settings to the driversetting. The SYNC indicator light willturn on. When the passengersettings are adjusted, the SYNCindicator light turns off.
Manual Operation
O:Press to turn the fan off or on.
^Qor^R:Press to increase ordecrease the fan speed. The fanspeed setting appears on the maindisplay. When the fan speed isdecreased completely, the fan turnsoff. Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan iscontrolled manually. Press AUTO toreturn to automatic operation.
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press0,d,orcto change
the direction of the airflow. Anycombination of the three buttonscan be selected. The indicator lightin the button will turn on. Thecurrent mode appears in the displayscreen. Pressing any button cancelsautomatic air delivery control andthe direction of the airflow iscontrolled manually. Press AUTO toreturn to automatic operation.
To c h a n g e t h e c u r r e n t m o d e , s e l e c tone or more of the following modes:
0:Clears the windows of fog ormoisture. Air is directed to thewindshield.
d:Air is directed to the instrumentpanel outlets.
c:Air is directed to the flooroutlets.
0MAX :Air is directed to thewindshield, the fan runs at a higherspeed, and the temperature of theair is increased if not already at
maximum. This mode overrides theprevious mode selected and clearsfog or frost from the windshieldmore quickly. When the button ispressed again, the system returnsto the previous mode setting andfan speed.
For best results, clear all snow andice from the windshield beforedefrosting.
A/C :Press to turn the airconditioning system on or off. If thefan control is turned off or theoutside temperature falls belowfreezing, the air conditioner willnot run.
Pressing this button cancelsautomatic air conditioning and turnsoff the air conditioner. Press AUTOto return to automatic operation andthe air conditioner runsautomatically as needed. When theindicator light is on, the airconditioner runs automatically tocool the air inside the vehicle or todry the air needed to defog thewindshield faster.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Climate Controls 211
defogger button is on and help toclear fog or frost from the surface ofthe mirror. SeeHeated Mirrors049.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated andVentilated Seats :If equipped,
pressLorMto heat the driver or
passenger seat.
If equipped, press{orCto
ventilate the driver or passengerseat. SeeHeated and VentilatedFront Seats060.
Remote Start Climate ControlOperation :If equipped with remotestart, the climate control systemmay run when the vehicle is startedremotely. The system will use thedefrost setting if it is cold outside orturn on using the coldest settings ifit is hot outside. The rear defog maycome on during remote start basedon cold ambient conditions. Therear defog indicator light does notcome on during a remote start. Thefront heated seats will turn on if it iscold outside. The heated seatindicator lights do not come onduring a remote start.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of theinstrument panel near thewindshield, monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses thesensor information to adjust thetemperature, fan speed,recirculation, and air delivery modefor best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwisethe automatic climate control systemmay not work properly.
Air Vents
Use the louvers on the air vents tochange the direction of the airflow,or to open and close off the airflow.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
220 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires andthe road creates less traction orgrip, so drive carefully. Wet ice canoccur at about 0 °C (32 °F) whenfreezing rain begins to fall. Avoiddriving on wet ice or in freezing rainuntil roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Acceleratingtoo quickly causes the wheels tospin and makes the surfaceunder the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. 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.
.The Antilock Brake System(ABS) improves vehicle stabilityduring hard stops, but thebrakes should be applied soonerthan when on dry pavement.SeeAntilock Brake System(ABS)0236.
.Allow greater following distanceand watch for slippery spots. Icypatches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.The surface of a curve or anoverpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear.Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking whileon ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place andsignal for help. Stay with the vehicleunless there is help nearby.If possible, use RoadsideAssistance. SeeRoadsideAssistance Program0387.Togethelp and keep everyone in thevehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warningflashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outsidemirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base ofthe vehicle, especially anyblocking the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm(2 in) on the vehicle sidethat is away from the wind,to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to circulate the airinside the vehicle and set
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 273
.Turn off Forward AutomaticBraking when towing. SeeForward Automatic Braking(FAB)0260.
.The Front Pedestrian Brakingsystem should be set to Alert orOff when towing. SeeFrontPedestrian Braking (FPB)System0261.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with theliftgate, trunk/hatch,or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Also adjust the climatecontrol system to a settingthat brings in only outsideair. See“Climate ControlSystems”in the Index.
For information about carbon
monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0232.
To w i n g a t r a i l e r r e q u i r e s a c e r t a i namount of experience. Thecombination you are driving islonger and not as responsive as thevehicle itself. Get acquainted withthe handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitchparts and attachments, safetychains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires, and mirrors. If the trailer haselectric brakes, start thecombination moving and then applythe trailer brake controller by handto be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionallyto be sure that the load is secureand the lamps and any trailerbrakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of thestability control system might beheard. The system is reacting to thevehicle movement caused by thetrailer, which mainly occurs duringcornering. This is normal whentowing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind thevehicle ahead as you would whendriving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid situationsthat require heavy braking andsudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is neededwhen towing a trailer. Because therig is longer, it is necessary to gofarther beyond the passed vehiclebefore returning to the lane.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
278 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 279California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 279Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 291Automatic TransmissionFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 292Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 293Cooling System (PowerElectronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 297Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Battery - North America . . . . . . 301Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 303Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 303Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 304
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 307Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 308Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309Electrical System Overload . . . 310
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311Instrument Panel FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 320Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325Tire Pressure for High-SpeedOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
310 Vehicle Care
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuitbreakers to protect against anelectrical system overload.
When the current electrical load istoo heavy, the circuit breaker opensand closes, protecting the circuituntil the current load returns tonormal or the problem is fixed. Thisgreatly reduces the chance of circuitoverload and fire caused byelectrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protectpower devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new oneof the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road andafuseneedstobereplaced,thesame amperage fuse can beborrowed. Choose some feature ofthe vehicle that is not needed andreplace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may causethe lamps to go on and off, or insome cases to remain off. Have theheadlamp wiring checkedright away.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due toheavy snow or ice, the windshieldwipers will stop until the motor coolsand will then restart.
Although the circuit is protectedfrom electrical overload, overloaddue to heavy snow or ice maycause wiper linkage damage.Always clear ice and heavy snowfrom the windshield before using thewindshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by anelectrical problem and not snow orice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses
The wiring circuits in the vehicle areprotected from short circuits byfuses. This greatly reduces thechance of damage caused byelectrical problems.
To c h e c k a f u s e , l o o k a t t h esilver-colored band inside the fuse.If the band is broken or melted,replace the fuse. Be sure to replaceabadfusewithanewoneoftheidentical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage canbe temporarily borrowed fromanother fuse location, if a fuse goesout. Replace the fuse as soon aspossible.
To i d e n t i f y a n d c h e c k f u s e s , c i r c u i tbreakers, and relays, seeEngineCompartment Fuse Block0311andInstrument Panel Fuse Block0315.