2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
352 Vehicle Care
Do not mix the compact spare tire orwheel with other wheels or tires.They will not fit. Keep the spare tireand its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about thevehicle 12-volt battery, seeBattery -North America0301.
If the battery has run down, youmay want to use another vehicleand some jumper cables to startyour vehicle. Be sure to use thefollowing steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WA R N I N G :Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
SeeCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning0279.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
.They contain acid that canburn you.
.They contain gas that canexplode or ignite.
.They contain enoughelectricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.

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
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
358 Vehicle Care
Caution
To w i n g t h e v e h i c l e f r o m t h e r e a r
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.Use a de-icing agent only whenabsolutely necessary, and have thelocks greased after using. SeeRecommended Fluids andLubricants0377.
Washing the Vehicle
To p r e s e r v e t h e v e h i c l e ' s f i n i s h ,wash it often and out of directsunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 359
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has thisesymbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,follow the car wash instructions. Thewindshield wiper and rear windowwiper, if equipped, must be off.Remove any accessories that maybe damaged or interfere with the carwash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, beforewashing and after, to remove allcleaning agents completely. If theyare allowed to dry on the surface,they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, cleanchamois or an all-cotton towel toavoid surface scratches and waterspotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoatsealant/wax materials is notrecommended. If painted surfacesare damaged, see your dealer tohave the damage assessed andrepaired. Foreign materials such ascalcium chloride and other salts, icemelting agents, road oil and tar, treesap, bird droppings, chemicals fromindustrial chimneys, etc., candamage the vehicle's finish if theyremain on painted surfaces. Washthe vehicle as soon as possible.If necessary, use non-abrasivecleaners that are marked safe forpainted surfaces to remove foreignmatter.
Occasional hand waxing or mildpolishing should be done to removeresidue from the paint finish. Seeyour dealer for approved cleaningproducts.
Do not apply waxes or polishes touncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,decals, simulated wood, or flat paintas damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To k e e p t h e p a i n t f i n i s h l o o k i n g n e w,keep the vehicle garaged orcovered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright MetalMoldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result
in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.