2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU check transmission fluid

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
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
292 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check thetransmission fluid level.Atransmissionfluidleakistheonlyreason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to yourdealer and have it repaired as soonas possible.
Change the fluid at the intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0369,andbesuretousethefluidlisted inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0377.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in theengine compartment on thepassenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0283.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing andinspecting the engine air cleaner/filter, seeMaintenanceSchedule0369.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have theengine running with the engine aircleaner/filter housing open. Beforeremoving the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine aircleaner/filter housing and nearbycomponents are free of dirt anddebris. Remove the engine aircleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shakethe engine air cleaner/filter (awayfrom the vehicle), to release loosedust and dirt. Inspect the engine aircleaner/filter for damage, andreplace if damaged. Do not cleanthe engine air cleaner/filter orcomponents with water orcompressed air.
To i n s p e c t o r r e p l a c e t h e e n g i n e a i rcleaner/filter:
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
370 Service and Maintenance
ayearandtheoillifesystemmustbe reset. Your trained dealertechnician can perform this work.If the engine oil life system is resetaccidentally, service the vehiclewithin 5 000 km/3,000 mi since thelast service. Reset the oil lifesystem when the oil is changed.SeeEngine Oil Life System0291.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0331.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0288andEngine Oil LifeSystem0291.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0295.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0299.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0358.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0304.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0325.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0331.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck069.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0303.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0303.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0303.
.Check accelerator pedal fordamage, high effort, or binding.Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut forsigns of wear, cracks, or otherdamage. Check the hold openability of the strut. See yourdealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,if equipped. SeeSunroof052.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Service and Maintenance 371
Maintenance ScheduleAdditional RequiredServices - Normal
12 000 km/7,500 mi24 000 km/15,000 mi36 000 km/22,500 mi48 000 km/30,000 mi60 000 km/37,500 mi72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi96 000 km/60,000 mi108 000 km/67,500 mi120 000 km/75,000 mi132 000 km/82,500 mi144 000 km/90,000 mi156 000 km/97,500 mi168 000 km/105,000 mi180 000 km/112,500 mi192 000 km/120,000 mi204 000 km/127,500 mi216 000 km/135,000 mi228 000 km/142,500 mi240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@@@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (1.8LHybrid only.)@
Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspectspark plug wires.@
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)Inspect spark plug wires.@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system and PowerElectronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Footnotes—MaintenanceSchedule Additional RequiredServices - Normal
(1)Or every two years, whichevercomes first. More frequentpassenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed ifdriving in areas with heavy traffic,poor air quality, high dust levels,or environmental allergens.Passenger compartment air filterreplacement may also be needed ifthere is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealercan help determine when to replacethe filter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Service and Maintenance 373
Maintenance ScheduleAdditional RequiredServices - Severe
12 000 km/7,500 mi24 000 km/15,000 mi36 000 km/22,500 mi48 000 km/30,000 mi60 000 km/37,500 mi72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi96 000 km/60,000 mi108 000 km/67,500 mi120 000 km/75,000 mi132 000 km/82,500 mi144 000 km/90,000 mi156 000 km/97,500 mi168 000 km/105,000 mi180 000 km/112,500 mi192 000 km/120,000 mi204 000 km/127,500 mi216 000 km/135,000 mi228 000 km/142,500 mi240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@@@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspectspark plug wires.@
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)Inspect spark plug wires.@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system and PowerElectronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Footnotes—MaintenanceSchedule Additional RequiredServices - Severe
(1)Or every two years, whichevercomes first. More frequentpassenger compartment air filterreplacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,poor air quality, high dust levels,or environmental allergens.Passenger compartment air filterreplacement may also be needed ifthere is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealercan help determine when to replacethe filter.
(2)Visually check all fuel and vaporlines and hoses for properattachment, connection, routing, andcondition.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
408 Index
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Armrest
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 253
Audio
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 172
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Voltage and Charging
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Battery - North America . . . . 301, 352
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 304
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 190, 191, 195
Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 124
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 240
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 261
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 225
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 308
Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,
Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . 307, 308
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
California
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .279, 301, 352
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220