2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU Cool

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 219
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under the vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fastenough. When the vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wetweather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wipingequipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluidreservoir filled.
.Have good tires with propertread depth. SeeTires0317.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special roadsigns (e.g., falling rocks area,winding roads, long grades,passing or no-passing zones)and take appropriate action.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
228 Driving and Operating
If the RKE transmitter is not inthe vehicle, if there isinterference, or the RKEtransmitter battery is low, theDriver Information Center (DIC)will display a message. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)0131orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0134andRemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation032.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not startafter five to 10 seconds,especially in very cold weather(below✓18 °C or 0 °F), it couldbe flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing theaccelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there asyou hold ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a maximum of15 seconds. Wait at least15 seconds between each try,to allow the cranking motor tocool down. When the enginestarts, let go of the button andthe accelerator. If the vehiclestarts briefly but then stopsagain, do the same thing. Thisclears the extra gasoline fromthe engine. Do not race theengine immediately afterstarting it. Operate the engineand transmission gently untilthe oil warms up and lubricatesall moving parts.
Hybrid Operation
This vehicle combines gasoline andelectric propulsion. The gasolineengine will automatically start toprovide power and then shut off tosave fuel.
The engine may remainrunning when:
.Accelerating aggressively orclimbing hills.
.Vehicle speed is greater than88 km/h (55 mph).
.Charging the high voltagebattery.
.The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission worktogether to provide propulsionpower at the highest efficiency. Thismay result in higher engine speeds.
Stop/Start System
{Warning
Exiting the vehicle without first
shifting into P (Park) may cause
the vehicle to move. You or others
may be injured. Because the
vehicle has the auto engine stop/
start feature, the vehicle's engine
might seem to be shut off;
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 229
Warning (Continued)
however, once the brake pedal is
released, the engine will start up
again.
Shift to P (Park) and turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF, before
exiting the vehicle.
If equipped with the 1.5L L4 engine,the vehicle has a fuel saving stop/start system to shut off the engine tohelp conserve fuel.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied andthe vehicle is at a complete stop,the engine may turn off. Whenstopped, the tachometer displaysAUTO STOP. SeeTa c h o m e t e r(Non-Hybrid)011 7.Whenthebrakepedal is released or the acceleratorpedal pushed, the engine willrestart.
Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
.Aminimumvehiclespeedisnotreached.
.The engine or transmission isnot at the required operatingtemperature.
.The outside temperature is notin the required operating range,typically below✓10 °C (14 °F) orabove 50 °C (122 °F).
.The shift lever is in any gearother than D (Drive).
.The battery has been recentlydisconnected.
.The battery charge is low.
.The interior comfort level has notreached the required level forthe climate control system ordefog settings. Use the eco(green indicator on) airconditioning mode for betterefficiency. SeeClimate ControlSystems0205andDualAutomatic Climate ControlSystem0208.
.The Auto Stop time is greaterthan two minutes.
Engine Heater
The engine coolant heater,if available, can help in cold weatherconditions at or below✓18 °C (0 °F)for easier starting and better fueleconomy during engine warm-up.Plug in the coolant heater at leastfour hours before starting thevehicle. An internal thermostat inthe plug end of the cord will preventengine coolant heater operation attemperatures above✓18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Coolant
Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord.

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
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
284 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0288.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0288.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCoolingSystem (PowerElectronics)0294.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes0299.
6. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeEngineCoolant0295.
7.Battery - North America0301.
8. Remote Positive (+) BatteryTe r m i n a l ( U n d e r C o v e r ) . S e eJump Starting - NorthAmerica0352.
9.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0311.
10. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0299.
11 . R e m o t e N e g a t i v e ( - ) B a t t e r yTe r m i n a l . S e eJump Starting -North America0352.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
286 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCoolingSystem (PowerElectronics)0294.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0288.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0288.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes0299.
6. Automatic Transmission FluidFill Cap. SeeAutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n F l u i d0292.
7. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeEngineCoolant0295.
8. Remote Positive (+) BatteryTe r m i n a l ( U n d e r C o v e r ) . S e eJump Starting - NorthAmerica0352.
9. Power Electronics CoolantReservoir. SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCoolingSystem (PowerElectronics)0294.
10.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0311.
11 . W i n d s h i e l d Wa s h e r F l u i dReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0299.
12. Remote Negative (-) BatteryTe r m i n a l . S e eJump Starting -North America0352.