2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU check engine light

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
268 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 269
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 270
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 281
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 282
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 283
Cooling System (Power Electronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 288
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Battery - North America . . . . . . 291 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 293
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 294
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 294
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 298
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 300
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Electrical System Overload . . . 301
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 301 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
282 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inMaintenance Schedule
0 360, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0369.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0273.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 360.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
290 Vehicle Care
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0373.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0273 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Service and Maintenance 367
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0369 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
400 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 235
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 267
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 194
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 282
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 196, 199
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 78
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 74
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 121
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 253
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 227 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Index 401
Appearance CareExterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 243
Audio Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 163
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
BatteryExterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Battery - North America . . . . 291, 343
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 294
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 183, 187
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 124
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 230
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 251
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 300
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . 298, 299
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .269, 291, 343,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
402 Index
CargoTie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 103
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 122
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 86
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97, 99
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 196 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 112, 114 Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 382
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 331
Connections OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . .119
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196, 199
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 283, 287
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 235
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 378 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 384
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 382
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 388
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 387
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Index 403
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 374
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 242
Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 134
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 247
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 29
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 210
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 212
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 228
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 124
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Electrical System (cont'd)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 301
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 273
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 283, 287
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 223
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 387 Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 154
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 156
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 157
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 282
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 249
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385