
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 291
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer systemthat indicates when to change theengine oil and filter. This is basedon a combination of factors whichinclude engine revolutions, enginetemperature, and miles driven.Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change isindicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
When the system has calculatedthat oil life has been diminished, itindicates that an oil change isnecessary. A CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message comes on. SeeEngine Oil Messages0141.Change the oil as soon as possiblewithin the next 1 000 km (600 mi).It is possible that, if driving underthe best conditions, the oil lifesystem might indicate that an oilchange is not necessary for up to ayear. The engine oil and filter mustbe changed at least once a yearand, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trainedservice people who will perform thiswork and reset the system. It is alsoimportant to check the oil regularlyover the course of an oil draininterval and keep it at the properlevel.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on theright side of the steering wheel,display REMAINING OIL LIFEon the DIC. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0131orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0134.Whenremaining oil life is low, theCHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage will appear on thedisplay. SeeEngine OilMessages0141.
2. PressVon the DIC controls
and hold down for a fewseconds to clear the CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON messageand reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oillife display accidentally at anytime other than after the oil ischanged. It cannot be resetaccurately until the next oilchange.
The system is reset when theCHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage is off and the REMAININGOIL LIFE message is displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage comes back on when thevehicle is started, the engine oil lifesystem has not been reset. Repeatthe procedure.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
294 Vehicle Care
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
{Warning
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Cooling System (Power
Electronics)
The power electronics coolingsystem keeps the hybrid propulsionsystem within a normal operatingtemperature range.
What to Use
The power electronics coolantreservoir in the vehicle is filled witha50/50mixtureofDEX-COOL®
engine coolant and deionized water.If using this mixture, nothing elseneeds to be added.
The coolant needs to be replaced atthe appropriate interval. SeeMaintenance Schedule0369.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
The power electronics coolantreservoir is located in the enginecompartment. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 301
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. SeeBrake System WarningLight0124.
Brake fluid absorbs water over timewhich degrades the effectiveness ofthe brake fluid. Replace brake fluidat the specified intervals to preventincreased stopping distance. SeeMaintenance Schedule0369.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3brake fluid from a clean, sealedcontainer. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0377.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery ismaintenance free. Do not removethe cap and do not add fluid.
The non-hybrid vehicle has astandard 12-volt battery under thehood. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0283.
Refer to the replacement numbershown on the original battery labelwhen a new 12-volt battery isneeded.
Hybrid Vehicle
The hybrid vehicle 12-volt battery isin the trunk on the driver side.Hybrid vehicles also have a highvoltage battery. Only a trainedservice technician with the properknowledge and tools should inspect,test, or replace the high voltagebattery. See your dealer if the highvoltage battery needs service. Thedealer has information on how torecycle the high voltage battery.
The hybrid high voltage battery iscooled with air drawn from thevehicle interior. The cold air intakefor the battery is under the rearseat. Do not block the area in frontof the cold air intake.

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
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
374 Service and Maintenance
(3)Or every four years, whichevercomes first. If driving in dustyconditions, inspect the filter at eachoil change or more often as needed.
(4)Or every five years, whichevercomes first. SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCooling System(Power Electronics)0294.
(5)Or every 10 years, whichevercomes first. Inspect for fraying,excessive cracking, or damage;replace, if needed.
(6)Replace brake fluid every fiveyears. SeeBrake Fluid0300.
Special Application
Services
.Severe Commercial UseVehicles Only: Lubricate chassiscomponents every oil change.
.Have underbody flushing serviceperformed. See "UnderbodyMaintenance" inExteriorCare0358.
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s a n i m p o r t a n tinvestment and caring for it properlymay help to avoid future costlyrepairs. To maintain vehicleperformance, additionalmaintenance services may berequired.
It is recommended that your dealerperform these services—theirtrained dealer technicians knowyour vehicle best. Your dealer canalso perform a thoroughassessment with a multi-pointinspection to recommend when yourvehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended toexplain the services and conditionsto look for that may indicateservices are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies powerto start the engine and operate anyadditional electrical accessories.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
380 Technical Data
Technical Data
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380Service Parts IdentificationLabel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Vehicle Data
Capacities andSpecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . 382
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
This legal identifier is in the frontcorner of the instrument panel, onthe driver side of the vehicle. It canbe seen through the windshield fromoutside. The Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) also appears on theVehicle Certification and ServiceParts labels and certificates of titleand registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in the VIN isthe engine code. This codeidentifies the vehicle's engine,specifications, and replacementparts. See“Engine Specifications”underCapacities and Specifications0381for the vehicle's engine code.
Service Parts
Identification Label
This label, in either the glove box orthe trunk area, has the followinginformation:
.Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN).
.Model designation.
.Paint information.
.Production options and specialequipment.
Do not remove this label from thevehicle.