2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU open hood

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Conditions in Which Remote StartWill Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature willnot operate if:
.Atransmitterisinthevehicle.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashersare on.
.The malfunction indicator lampis on.
.The engine coolant temperatureis too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Tw o r e m o t e v e h i c l e s t a r t s , o r asingle remote start with anextension, have alreadybeen used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especiallychildren, can easily openthe doors and fall out of amoving vehicle. The doorscan be unlocked andopened while the vehicle ismoving. The chance ofbeing thrown out of thevehicle in a crash isincreased if the doors arenot locked. So, allpassengers should wearsafety belts properly and thedoors should be lockedwhenever the vehicle isdriven.
.Yo u n g c h i l d r e n w h o g e t i n t ounlocked vehicles may beunable to get out. A childcan be overcome byextreme heat and can sufferpermanent injuries or even
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
death from heat stroke.Always lock the vehiclewhenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enterthrough an unlocked doorwhen you slow down or stopthe vehicle. Locking thedoors can help prevent thisfrom happening.
To l o c k o r u n l o c k t h e d o o r s f r o m t h eoutside:
.PressQorKon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.SeeRemote Keyless Entry(RKE) System Operation032.
.Use the key in the driver door.The key lock cylinder is coveredwith a cap.

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
140 Instruments and Controls
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
This message will display, alongwith a symbol on the DIC showingwhich door, when the vehicle hasbeen shifted out of P (Park) or startsto move and a door is open. Closethe door completely.
HOOD OPEN
This message will display when thehood is open. Close the hoodcompletely.
REAR DOOR UNLOCKED
This message will display when thevehicle is in D (Drive) and a reardoor handle is pulled.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when thetrunk is open. Close the trunkcompletely.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C OFF DUE TO HIGH
ENGINE TEMP
This message displays when theengine coolant becomes hotter thanthe normal operating temperature.To a v o i d a d d e d s t r a i n o n a h o tengine, the air conditioningcompressor automatically turns off.When the coolant temperaturereturns to normal, the airconditioning compressor turns backon. You can continue to drive thevehicle.
If this message continues to appear,have the system repaired by yourdealer as soon as possible to avoiddamage to the engine.
COOLANT LEVEL LOW ADD
COOLANT
This message will display if thecoolant is low. SeeEngineCoolant0295.
ENGINE OVERHEATED—
IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when theengine coolant temperature is toohot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED—
STOP ENGINE
This message displays and acontinuous chime sounds if theengine cooling system reachesunsafe temperatures for operation.Stop and turn off the vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so to avoidsevere damage. This messageclears when the engine has cooledto a safe operating temperature.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
212 Climate Controls
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open wheneverpossible for best systemperformance.
.Keep the path under all seatsclear of objects to help circulatethe air inside the vehicle moreeffectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hooddeflectors can adversely affectthe performance of the system.
.Do not attach any devices to theair vent slats; this restrictsairflow and may cause damageto the air vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, andother airborne irritants from outsideair that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as partof routine scheduled maintenance;seeMaintenance Schedule0369.To f i n d o u t w h a t t y p e o f f i l t e r t o u s e ,seeMaintenance ReplacementParts0378.
1. Open the glove box completely.
2. Disconnect the glove box doordampener arm from the glovebox door assembly.
3. Squeeze both sides of theglove box door to open beyondthe stops.
4. Release the retainer clipsholding the service door. Openthe service door and removethe old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door andretainer clips.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstallthe glove box.

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
234 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park0230.
Make sure the shift lever is fully inP(Park) before starting the engine.The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock controlsystem. The brake pedal must befully applied, then press the shiftlever button before shifting fromP(Park) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If the vehicle will not shift outof P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever and push the shift leverall the way into P (Park) whilemaintaining brake application. Thenmove the shift lever into anothergear. SeeShifting out of Park0231.
R:Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R(Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0221.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart the engine when the vehicleis already moving, useN(Neutral) only.
If equipped with the 1.8L Hybridengine and the hood is openedwhile in N (Neutral), the vehicle willshut down. The vehicle will have tobe restarted after closing the hood.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N(Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine willalways be off while in N (Neutral).The vehicle cannot charge the highvoltage battery while the shift lever

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 269
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehiclemay not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)0122.Ifthis
occurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0268.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0268.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oilchange, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the onlygasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors. It is available atyour dealer.
Filling the Tank
The fuel door is on the passengerside of the vehicle. To open the fueldoor, push and release the rearwardcenter edge of the door.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
298 Vehicle Care
Then check to see if the enginecooling fans are running. If theengine is overheating, both fansshould be running. If they are not,do not continue to run the engineand have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral), and let theengine idle.
If the engine coolant temperaturegauge is no longer in the overheatzone, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safedistance from the vehicle in front.If the warning does not come backon, continue to drive normally andhave the cooling system checkedfor proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.