Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
8 In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a briefoverview about some of theimportant features that may or maynot be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, referto each of the features which can befound later in this owner manual.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle may have a fuel savingstop/start system to shut off theengine and help conserve fuel.
When the brakes are applied andthe vehicle is at a complete stop,the engine may turn off. When thebrake pedal is released or theaccelerator pedal is pressed, theengine will restart. SeeStarting theEngine0227.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)transmitter may work up to 60 m(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
With Remote Start Shown
K:Press to unlock the driver dooror all doors, depending on thevehicle personalization setting.
Q:Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can bepersonalized.
X:Press twice quickly to open thetrunk.
7:Press and release one time toinitiate vehicle locator. Press andhold for at least three seconds tosound the panic alarm. Press againto cancel the panic alarm.
SeeKeys031andRemote KeylessEntry (RKE) System Operation032.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can bestarted from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Press and releaseQon the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately, press and hold/
for at least four seconds or untilthe turn signal lamps flash.
3. Start the vehicle normally afterentering.
When the vehicle starts, the parkinglamps will turn on.
For the hybrid vehicle, the enginewill only start if needed for warmingfunctions or high voltage batterycharging.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 31
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 38Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 43Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 46Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 47
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 49Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 49Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
aRemoteKeylessEntry(RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 33
With Remote Start Shown
Q:Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flashand/or the horn may sound on thesecond press to indicate locking.SeeVehicle Personalization0147.
If the driver door is open whenQis
pressed, all doors will lock and thenthe driver door will immediatelyunlock, if enabled through vehiclepersonalization. SeeVehiclePersonalization0147.
If the passenger door is open whenQis pressed, all doors lock.
PressingQmay also arm the alarm
system. SeeVehicle AlarmSystem046.
K:Press to unlock the driver door.Press again within five seconds tounlock all doors. The RKEtransmitter can be programmed tounlock all doors on the first buttonpress. SeeVehiclePersonalization0147.
The turn signal indicators may flashto indicate unlocking. SeeVehiclePersonalization0147.
PressingKwill disarm the alarm
system. SeeVehicle AlarmSystem046.
X:Press twice quickly to releasethe trunk.
7:Press and release one time toinitiate vehicle locator. The exteriorlamps flash and the horn chirpsthree times.
Press and hold7for at least
three seconds to sound the panicalarm. The horn sounds and the
turn signals flash for about
30 seconds until7is pressed again
or the vehicle is started.
/:For vehicles with this feature,
pressQand release and then press
and hold/for at least
four seconds to start the enginefrom outside the vehicle using theRKE transmitter. SeeRemoteVehicle Start038.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system letsyou lock and unlock the doors andaccess the trunk without removingthe RKE transmitter from yourpocket, purse, briefcase, etc. TheRKE transmitter should be within1m (3ft) of the door or trunk/hatchbeing opened. If equipped, there willbe buttons on the outside doorhandles.
The Keyless Access can beprogrammed to unlock all doors onthe first unlock/lock button pressfrom the driver door. SeeVehiclePersonalization0147.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
46 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrentfeatures; however, they do not makethe vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarmsystem.
The indicator light, on theinstrument panel near thewindshield, indicates the status ofthe system:
Off :Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid :Ve h i c l e i s s e c u r e dduring the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash :Vehicle is unsecured.Adoor,thehood,orthetrunkis open.
Slow Flash :Alarm system isarmed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the trunk and the hood.Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one ofthree ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.Use the Keyless Accesssystem, if equipped.
.With a door open, press the
insideQ.
3. After 30 seconds the alarmsystem will arm, and theindicator light will begin toslowly flash indicating thealarm system is operating.
PressingQon the RKE
transmitter a second time will
bypass the 30-second delayand immediately arm the alarmsystem.
The vehicle alarm system will notarm if the doors are locked withthe key.
If the driver door is opened withoutfirst unlocking with the RKEtransmitter, the horn will chirp andthe lights will flash to indicatepre-alarm. If the vehicle is notstarted, or the door is not unlocked
by pressingKon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-secondpre-alarm, the alarm will beactivated.
If a door, the hood, or the trunk isopened without first disarming thesystem, the turn signals will flashand the horn will sound for about30 seconds. The alarm system willthen re-arm to monitor for the nextunauthorized event.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 47
Disarming the Alarm System
Do one of the following to disarmthe alarm system or turn off thealarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Unlock the vehicle using theKeyless Access system,if equipped.
.Start the vehicle.
To a v o i d s e t t i n g o f f t h e a l a r m b yaccident:
.Lock the vehicle after alloccupants have left the vehicleand all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with theRKE transmitter or use theKeyless Access system,if equipped.
Unlocking the driver door with thekey will not disarm the system orturn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE
transmitter and the horn chirps andthe lights flash three times, an alarmoccurred previously while the alarmsystem was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, amessage will appear on the DIC.SeeSecurity Messages0145.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0393.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passivetheft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to bemanually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automaticallyimmobilized when the transmitterleaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system isdisarmed when the ignition button ispushed in and a valid transmitter isin the vehicle.
The security light on the instrumentcluster comes on when there is aproblem with arming or disarmingthe theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or moretransmitters matched to animmobilizer control unit in thevehicle. Only a correctly matchedtransmitter will start the vehicle.If the transmitter is ever damaged,you may not be able to start yourvehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, thesecurity light comes on briefly whenthe ignition is turned on.
If the vehicle does not start and thesecurity light stays on, there is aproblem with the system. Turn thevehicle off and try again.
If the RKE transmitter appears to beundamaged, try another transmitter,or place the transmitter in thetransmitter pocket. See“Starting the
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
398 OnStar
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi®
hotspot name or SSID andpassword, if equipped.
PressQto connect to an
Advisor to:
.Verify account information orupdate contact information.
.Get driving directions.
.Receive a Diagnostic check ofthe vehicle's key operatingsystems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings,if equipped.
Press>to get a priority connection
to an OnStar Advisor available 24/7to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan orrespond to an AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severeweather or other crisis situationsand find evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require anactive, OnStar service plan(excludes Basic Plan). WithAutomatic Crash Response, built-insensors can automatically alert aspecially trained OnStar Advisorwho is immediately connected in tothe vehicle to help.
Press>for a priority connection to
an OnStar Advisor who can contactemergency service providers, directthem to your exact location, andrelay important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, speciallytrained Advisors are available24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toprovide a central point of contact,assistance, and information during acrisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisorscan locate a nearby service providerto help with a flat tire, a batteryjump, or an empty gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides theseservices:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,OnStar Advisors can use GPS topinpoint the vehicle and helpauthorities quickly recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block™,if equipped, OnStar can blockthe engine from being restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown®,if equipped, OnStar can workwith law enforcement togradually slow the vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are lockedand the vehicle alarm sounds, anotification by text, e-mail, or phonecall will be sent. If the vehicle isstolen, an OnStar Advisor can workwith authorities to recover thevehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Index 407
IndexA
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 245
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 277
Additional Information
OnStar®...................... 402
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . 202
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 292
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 205, 208
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 77
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 72
Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 121
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 263
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 236
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
416 Index
Seats (cont'd)
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 57
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 96, 98
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
OnStar®...................... 398
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 205
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 280
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 379
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 380
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 389
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Services
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Shifting
Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 263
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Special Application Services . . . . 374
Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Starting the Vehicle
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Steering (cont'd)
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Steering System Messages . . . . . 145
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 307, 308
Storage Areas
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 101
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System
Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171, 396
Systems
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252