2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU trailer

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
18 In Brief
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and PassengerVentilated Seats (If Equipped)
2. Driver and PassengerTe m p e r a t u r e C o n t r o l s
3. MAX Defrost
4. Fan Controls
5. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
6. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/Start Only)
7. Driver and Passenger HeatedSeats (If Equipped)
8. SYNC
9. Recirculation
10. Power
11 . A i r D e l i v e r y M o d e C o n t r o l s
12. Rear Window Defogger
SeeClimate Control Systems0205orDual Automatic Climate ControlSystem0208(If Equipped).
Transmission
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose thetop-gear limit of the transmissionand the vehicle's speed whiledriving downhill or towing a trailer.The vehicle has an electronic shiftposition indicator within theinstrument cluster. When using theERS mode a number will displaynext to the L, indicating the currentgear that has been selected.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press + (Plus) or✓(Minus) onthe shift lever to increase ordecrease the gear rangeavailable.
SeeManual Mode0235.
Hybrid Low Mode
When descending steep grades orin stop-and-go traffic, L (Low)provides the ability to slow thevehicle with regenerative brakingwhen lifting off the accelerator

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 123
Caution (Continued)
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’sabilitytopass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications0280.
If the light is flashing :Amalfunction has been detected thatcould damage the emission controlsystem and increase vehicleemissions. Diagnosis and servicemay be required.
To h e l p p r e v e n t d a m a g e , r e d u c evehicle speed and avoid hardaccelerations and uphill grades.If towing a trailer, reduce theamount of cargo being hauled assoon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find asafe place to park. Turn the vehicleoff and wait at least 10 secondsbefore restarting the engine. If thelight is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see yourdealer for service as soon aspossible.
If the light is on steady :Amalfunction has been detected.Diagnosis and service may berequired.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to thevehicle using the capless funneladapter, make sure that it hasbeen removed. See“Filling theTa n k w i t h a P o r t a b l e G a s C a n”underFilling the Tank0269.The diagnostic system candetect if the adapter has beenleft installed in the vehicle,allowing fuel to evaporate intothe atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the adapter removedmay turn off the light.
.Poor fuel quality can causeinefficient engine operation andpoor driveability, which may goaway once the engine is warmedup. If this occurs, change thefuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the properfuel to turn the light off. SeeFuel0268.
If the light remains on, see yourdealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test, thetest equipment will likely connect tothe vehicle's Data LinkConnector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrumentpanel to the left of the steeringwheel. Connecting devices that arenot used to perform an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test or toservice the vehicle may affectvehicle operation. SeeAdd-OnElectrical Equipment0277.Seeyour dealer if assistance is needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Lighting 169
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting
Some exterior lamps and most ofthe interior lamps turn on briefly atnight or in areas with limited lightingwhen the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitterKbutton is
pressed. SeeRemote Keyless Entry(RKE) System Operation032.Afterabout 30 seconds the exterior lampsturn off, then the dome lamps andremaining interior lamps dim to off.Entry lighting can be disabledmanually by changing the ignitionout of the OFF position, or by
pressing the RKE transmitterQ
button.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle Personalization0147.
Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interiorlights come on at night, or in areaswith limited lighting, when the driverdoor is opened after the ignition isturned off. The dome lamp comeson after the ignition is changed to
the OFF position. The exteriorlamps and dome lamp remain on forasetamountoftime,thenautomatically turn off.
The exterior lamps turn offimmediately by turning the exteriorlamp control off.
This feature can be changed. SeeVehicle Personalization0147.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric PowerManagement (EPM), whichestimates the battery's temperatureand state of charge. It then adjuststhe voltage for best performanceand extended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of chargeis low, the voltage is raised slightlyto quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high,the voltage is lowered slightly toprevent overcharging. If the vehiclehas a voltage display on the DriverInformation Center (DIC), you may
see the voltage move up or down.This is normal. If there is a problem,an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged atidle if the electrical loads are veryhigh. This is true for all vehicles.This is because the generator(alternator) may not be spinning fastenough at idle to produce all thepower that is needed for very highelectrical loads.
Ahighelectricalloadoccurswhenseveral of the following are on, suchas: headlamps, high beams, foglamps, rear window defogger,climate control fan at high speed,heated seats, engine cooling fans,trailer loads, and loads plugged intoaccessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessivedischarge of the battery. It does thisby balancing the generator's outputand the vehicle's electrical needs.It can increase engine idle speed togenerate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reducethe power demands of someaccessories.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 215
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272Driving Characteristics andTo w i n g T i p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 2Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275To w i n g E q u i p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7 6
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many formsand can take your focus from thetask of driving. Exercise goodjudgment and do not let otheractivities divert your attention awayfrom the road. Many localgovernments have enacted lawsregarding driver distraction. Becomefamiliar with the local laws inyour area.
To a v o i d d i s t r a c t e d d r i v i n g , k e e pyour eyes on the road, keep yourhands on the steering wheel, andfocus your attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone indemanding driving situations.Use a hands-free method toplace or receive necessaryphone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,take notes, or look upinformation on phones or otherelectronic devices.
.Designate a front seatpassenger to handle potentialdistractions.
.Become familiar with vehiclefeatures before driving, such asprogramming favorite radiostations and adjusting climatecontrol and seat settings.Program all trip information intoany navigation device prior todriving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parkedto retrieve items that have fallento the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tendto children.
.Keep pets in an appropriatecarrier or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversationswhile driving, whether with apassenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Ta k i n g y o u r e y e s o f f t h e r o a d t o o
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 223
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
atrailer,loadfromyour
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
SeeTr a i l e r To w i n g0275for
important information on towing
atrailer,towingsafetyrules,and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs)
◊2=136kg(300lbs).
3.Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 231
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
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.
If you have to leave the vehicle withthe engine running, be sure thevehicle is in P (Park) and theparking brake is firmly set beforeyou leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold theregular brake pedal down. Then,see if you can move the shift leveraway from P (Park) without firstpressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shiftlever was not fully locked inP(Park).
Torque Lock
To r q u e l o c k i s w h e n t h e w e i g h t o fthe vehicle puts too much force onthe parking pawl in thetransmission. This happens whenparking on a hill and shifting thetransmission into P (Park) is notdone properly, then it is difficult toshift out of P (Park). To preventtorque lock, set the parking brakeand then shift into P (Park). To findout how, see“Shifting Into Park”listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, yourvehicle may need to be pusheduphill by another vehicle to relievethe parking pawl pressure, so youcan shift out of P (Park).
If you are towing a trailer andparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0272.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with anelectronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release is designed toprevent movement of the shift leverout of P (Park), unless the ignition isin ON/RUN and the brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock release is alwaysfunctional except in the case of anuncharged or low voltage (less than9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an unchargedbattery or a battery with low voltage,try charging or jump starting thebattery. SeeJump Starting - NorthAmerica0352.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) :
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Place the ignition in ON/RUN.
3. Press the shift lever button.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 233
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openingsin the vehicle body fromdamage or aftermarketmodifications that are notcompletely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with thewindows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repairedimmediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park0230andEngine Exhaust0232.
If parking on a hill and pulling atrailer, seeDriving Characteristicsand Towing Tips0272.
Automatic
Transmission
P:This position locks the frontwheels. It is the best position to usewhen you start the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 235
is in N (Neutral). Only useN(Neutral) when required. If thehigh voltage battery state of chargeis low, the Driver Information Center(DIC) will display a message to shiftout of N (Neutral). Shift to P (Park),R(Reverse), D(Drive), or L(Low)depending on the situation. If thehigh voltage battery is depleted toofar, the vehicle will shut down,requiring a shift to P (Park) to restartthe vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Accelerating slowly ormaintaining a constant speed,push the accelerator pedal abouthalfway down.
.Accelerating quickly or passing,push the accelerator all theway down.
L:This position allows you tochange gears similar to a manualtransmission. If the vehicle has thisfeature, seeManual Mode0235.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in alower gear than normal to improvevehicle performance. The enginespeed may be higher and there maybe an increase in noise during thefollowing conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.
.When driving in hottemperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose thetop-gear limit of the transmissionand the vehicle's speed whiledriving downhill or towing a trailer.The vehicle has an electronic shiftposition indicator within theinstrument cluster. When using theERS mode a number will displaynext to the L, indicating the currentgear that has been selected.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press + (Plus) or✓(Minus) onthe shift lever to increase ordecrease the gear rangeavailable.
When you shift from D (Drive) toL(Low), the transmission will shift toapre-determinedlowergearrange.The highest gear available for thispre-determined range is displayednext to the L in the DIC. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0131orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0134.Thenumber displayed in the DIC is thehighest gear that the transmission