Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 31
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . 103
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 171
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 214
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 368
Te c h n i c a l D a t a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8 0
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 383
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 393
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,slogans, vehicle model names, andvehicle body designs appearing inthis manual including, but not limitedto, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,the CHEVROLET Emblem,MALIBU, and the MALIBU Emblemare trademarks and/or servicemarks of General Motors LLC, itssubsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,substitute the name“GeneralMotors of Canada Company”forChevrolet Motor Division wherever itappears in this manual.
This manual describes features thatmay or may not be on the vehiclebecause of optional equipment thatwas not purchased on the vehicle,model variants, countryspecifications, features/applicationsthat may not be available in yourregion, or changes subsequent tothe printing of this owner manual.
Refer to the purchasedocumentation relating to yourspecific vehicle to confirm thefeatures.
Keep this manual in the vehicle forquick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
AFrenchlanguagemanualcanbeobtained from your dealer, atwww.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire dece guide en français auprès duconcessionnaire ou à l'adressesuivante:
Helm, IncorporatedAttention: Customer Service47911 Halyard DrivePlymouth, MI 48170USA
Using this Manual
To q u i c k l y l o c a t e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u tthe vehicle, use the Index in theback of the manual. It is analphabetical list of what is in themanual and the page number whereit can be found.
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehiclelabels and in this manual describehazards and what to do to avoid orreduce them.
Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 23461930 A First Printing©2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
Acirclewithaslashthroughitisasafety symbol which means“DoNot,”“Do not do this,”or“Do not letthis happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components andlabels that use symbols instead oftext. Symbols are shown along withthe text describing the operation orinformation relating to a specificcomponent, control, message,gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the ownermanual has additional instructionsor information.
*:Shown when the servicemanual has additional instructionsor information.
0:Shown when there is moreinformation on another page—“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbolsthat may be found on the vehicleand what they mean. For moreinformation on the symbol, refer tothe Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controlsor OnStar®(if equipped)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g:First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . 12Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 13Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Passenger Sensing System . . . 13Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 20Bluetooth®..................... 20Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 21Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Forward AutomaticBraking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . 23Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . 24Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 24Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Automatic ParkingAssist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Universal Remote System . . . . . 25Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
High Voltage SafetyInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Regenerative Braking(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 28Fuel (1.5L and 1.8LEngines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Fuel (2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 29Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Roadside AssistanceProgram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
20 In Brief
Radio(s)
Radio without Touchscreen
O:Press and hold to turn thesystem on and off. Turn to increaseor decrease the volume.
RADIO :Press to choose betweenAM or FM.
MENU :Turn to select radiostations. Press to select a menu.
7or6:Press to seek theprevious or next station or file.
SeeOverview0173.
Radio with Touchscreen
O:Press to turn the system on.Press and hold to turn the systemoff. Turn to increase or decrease thevolume.
g:Press and release to go to theprevious station, channel, or track.Press and hold to fast seek the nexttrack or strongest previous stationor channel.
d:Press and release to go to thenext station, channel, or track.Press and hold to fast seek the nexttrack or strongest station orchannel.
Source :To u c h t o c h o o s e b e t w e e navailable sources.
Menu :To u c h t o c h o o s e b e t w e e navailable menus.
SorT:To u c h t o v i e w s a v e dfavorite stations or channels.
SeeOverview0173.
Satellite Radio
Vehicles with a SiriusXM®satelliteradio tuner and a valid SiriusXMsatellite radio subscription canreceive SiriusXM programming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio servicebased in the 48 contiguous UnitedStates and 10 Canadian provinces.SiriusXM satellite radio has a widevariety of programming andcommercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.AfeeisrequiredtoreceivetheSiriusXM service.
Refer to:
.www.siriusxm.com or call1-888-601-6296 (U.S.).
.www.siriusxm.ca or call1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
SeeSatellite Radio0181.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle has a USB port in thecenter stack below the climatecontrols. External devices such asiPods®,MP3players,andUSBstorage devices may be connected.
SeeUSB Port0184.
Bluetooth®
The Bluetooth®system allows userswith a Bluetooth-enabled mobilephone to make and receivehands-free calls using the vehicleaudio system and controls.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
26 In Brief
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combinesgasoline and electric propulsion todrive the vehicle. The gas enginewill automatically start to providepower. It will shut off to save fuel.The engine may remainrunning when:
.There is aggressive accelerationor climbing hills.
.Vehicle speed is greater than88 km/h (55 mph).
.The high voltage battery ischarging.
.The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission worktogether to provide the requiredpower at the highest efficiency. Thismay result in higher engine speeds.SeeDriving for Better FuelEconomy029.
High Voltage Safety
Information
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltagebattery and a standard 12-voltbattery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, thesensing system may shut down thehigh voltage system. When thisoccurs, the high voltage battery isdisconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLESOON message in the DriverInformation Center (DIC) will bedisplayed. Before the vehicle can beoperated again, it must be servicedat your dealer.
{Warning
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance
Offices0385.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
In Brief 27
SeeBattery - North America0301for important safety information.If an airbag has inflated, seeWhatWill You See after an AirbagInflates?075.
Only a trained service technicianwith the proper knowledge and toolsshould inspect, test, or replace thehigh voltage battery. See yourdealer if the high voltage batteryneeds service.
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only)
Regenerative braking takes some ofthe energy from the moving vehicleand turns it back into electricalenergy. This energy is then stored inthe high voltage battery system,contributing to increased energyefficiency. SeeRegenerativeBraking (Hybrid Only)0240.
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-voltbattery and a high voltage hybridbattery. When a new standard12-volt battery is needed, see yourdealer for one that has thereplacement number shown on theoriginal battery's label. Only atrained service technician with theproper knowledge and tools shouldinspect, test, or replace the hybridbattery. See your dealer if the highvoltage hybrid battery needsservice. SeeBattery - NorthAmerica0301.
Service
Never try to do your own service onhybrid components. You can beinjured and the vehicle can bedamaged if you try to do your ownservice work. Service and repair ofthese hybrid components shouldonly be performed by a trainedservice technician with the properknowledge and tools. SeeDoingYour Own Service Work0280.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The traction control system limitswheel spin. The system turns onautomatically every time the vehicleis started and begins to move.
The StabiliTrak system assists withdirectional control of the vehicle indifficult driving conditions. Thesystem turns on automatically everytime the vehicle is started andbegins to move.
.To t u r n o f f t r a c t i o n c o n t r o l , p r e s s
and releasegon the center
console.iilluminates in the
instrument cluster.
.Press and releasegagain to
turn on traction control.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
32 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) transmitter canbe used for all locks.
To r e m o v e t h e k e y, p r e s s t h e b u t t o nnear the bottom of the transmitter,and pull the key out. Never pull thekey out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new key isneeded.
If locked out of the vehicle, seeRoadside AssistanceProgram0387.
With an active OnStar subscription,an OnStar Advisor may remotelyunlock the vehicle. SeeOnStarOverview0397.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0393.
If there is a decrease in the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) operatingrange:
.Check the distance. Thetransmitter may be too far fromthe vehicle.
.Check the location. Othervehicles or objects may beblocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.See“Battery Replacement”laterin this section.
.If the transmitter is still notworking correctly, see yourdealer or a qualified technicianfor service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allowsfor vehicle entry when thetransmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See“Keyless Access Operation”following.
The transmitter functions may workup to 60 m (197 ft) away from thevehicle.
Other conditions, such as thosepreviously stated, can impact theperformance of the transmitter.