2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU towing

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
274 Driving and Operating
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move your hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, makewider turns than normal so thetrailer will not strike soft shoulders,curbs, road signs, trees, or otherobjects. Use the turn signal well inadvance and avoid jerky or suddenmaneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on theinstrument cluster flash wheneversignaling a turn or lane change.Properly hooked up, the trailerlamps also flash, telling otherdrivers the vehicle is turning,changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows onthe instrument cluster flash for turnseven if the bulbs on the trailer areburned out. Check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergear before starting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might have to be used somuch that they would get hot and nolonger work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).Use a lower gear if the transmissionshifts too often.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, engine coolantboils at a lower temperature than atnormal altitudes. If the engine isturned off immediately after towingat high altitude on steep uphillgrades, the vehicle could showsigns similar to engine overheating.To a v o i d t h i s , l e t t h e e n g i n e r u nwhile parked, preferably on levelground, with the transmission inP(Park) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If theoverheat warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating0297.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 275
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the brake pedaluntil the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedalwhile you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parkingbrake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. See theMaintenance Schedule0369.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. Inspect these beforeand during the trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarilyoverheat during severe operatingconditions. SeeEngineOverheating0297.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, threeimportant considerations have to dowith weight:
.Weight of the trailer.
.Weight of the trailer tongue.
.To t a l w e i g h t o n y o u r v e h i c l e ' stires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that canbe too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.For example, speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature, andhow much the vehicle is used to pullatrailerareallimportant.Itcandepend on any special equipmenton the vehicle, and the amount oftongue weight the vehicle can carry.See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculatedassuming the tow vehicle has thedriver, a front seat passenger and

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
276 Driving and Operating
all the required tow equipment. andit has all the required traileringequipment. The weight of additionaloptional equipment, passengers,and cargo in the tow vehicle mustbe subtracted from the maximumtrailer weight.
Ask your dealer for traileringinformation or advice, or write us atour Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer AssistanceOffices0385.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer isan important weight to measurebecause it affects the total grossweight of the vehicle. The GrossVehicle Weight (GVW) includes thecurb weight of the vehicle, anycargo carried in it, and the peoplewho will be riding in the vehicle.If there are a lot of options,equipment, passengers, or cargo inthe vehicle, it will reduce the tongueweight the vehicle can carry, whichwill also reduce the trailer weight thevehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle willbe carrying that weight, too. SeeVehicle Load Limits0222.
The trailer tongue (1) should weigh10 % of the total loaded trailerweight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh thetrailer and then the tongue,separately, to see if the weights areproper. If they are not, adjustmentsmight be made by moving someitems around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires areinflated to the upper limit for coldtires. These numbers can be foundon the Tire and Loading Informationlabel. SeeVehicle Load Limits0222.MakesurenottogoovertheGVW limit for the vehicle, includingthe weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.See your dealer or a hitch dealer forassistance.
.The rear bumper on the vehicleis not intended for hitches. Donot attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Useonly a frame-mounted hitch thatdoes not attach to the bumper.
.Will any holes be made in thebody of the vehicle when thetrailer hitch is installed? If so,seal the holes when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are notsealed, dirt, water, and deadly

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 279
Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335Wheel Alignment and TireBalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 336Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 338Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339Storing the Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 351
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Towing the Vehicle
To w i n g t h e V e h i c l e . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 5Recreational VehicleTo w i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 6
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
General Information
For service and parts needs, visityour dealer. You will receivegenuine GM parts and GM-trainedand supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one ofthese marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING:Most motor vehicles,including this one, as well as manyof its service parts and fluids,contain and/or emit chemicalsknown to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects orother reproductive harm. Engineexhaust, many parts and systems,many fluids, and some componentwear by-products contain and/oremit these chemicals.
SeeBattery - North America0301andJump Starting - NorthAmerica0352.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotiveapplications, such as airbaginitiators, safety belt pretensioners,and lithium batteries contained inRemote Keyless Entry transmitters,may contain perchlorate materials.Special handling may be necessary.For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 355
10. Start the vehicle with the goodbattery and run the engine atidle speed for at leastfour minutes.
11 . Tr y t o s t a r t t h e v e h i c l e t h a t h a dthe dead battery. If it will notstart after a few tries, itprobably needs service.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine willonly start if needed after pressingON/RUN/START. The vehicle readylight will come on when thepropulsion system is on and ready.In cold temperatures, the engine willnot run with the hood open. Closethe hood.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly whenremoving the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicleand removing the jumper cables,allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a wheellift tow truck. A flatbed car carriercould damage the vehicle. Thewheel lift tow truck must raise therear of the vehicle and wheel dolliesmust be used to lift the front wheelsoff the ground.
Consult your dealer or aprofessional towing service if thedisabled vehicle must be towed.

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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 357
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing (1.5L Engine
with Active Shutters RPO VRI,
1.8L Engine, 2.0L Engine)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drive
unit could be damaged. Repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
Vehicles with these options are notdesigned to be towed with all fourwheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing
To w t h e v e h i c l e w i t h t h e t w o r e a rwheels on the ground and the frontwheels on a dolly.
To t o w t h e v e h i c l e w i t h t w o w h e e l son the ground and a dolly:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.