2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU manual transmission

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Driving and Operating 263
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear before starting down a
long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
264 Driving and Operating
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0288.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park). 5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0360.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.

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
276 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0282.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 283 orCooling System
(Power Electronics) 0287.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0278.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0278.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0289.
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid Fill Cap. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0282.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 283 orCooling System
(Power Electronics) 0287.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0343. 9. Power Electronics Coolant
Reservoir.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 283 orCooling System
(Power Electronics) 0287.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0302.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 289.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0343.

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
Vehicle Care 293
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America 0343 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery
when ready to drive the vehicle.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
294 Vehicle Care
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only. .
To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper
blade assembly on a regular basis.
When worn, or when cleaning is
ineffective, replace the wiper blade.
For proper windshield wiper blade
length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0370.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in themiddle of the wiper blade
where the wiper arm attaches.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
304 Vehicle Care
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Fuses Usage
1 –
2 –
3 Antilock brake system pump
5 AC DC inverter
6 Trunk
7 Anti-theft warning siren/Horn
8 Window/Mirror/Seats
9 Electric brake boost
10 AOS/Airbag–HEV 11 DC DC battery 1
12 Rear defogger
13 Heated mirrors
14 –
15 Passive entry/Passive start
16 Front wiper
17 Passenger power seat Fuses Usage
18 Antilock brake system valve
19 Driver power seat
21 Sunroof
22 Parking lamp
23 Active headlamp leveling
24 –
26 Transmission control module/Ignition
27 Instrument panel/ body/Ignition
28 –
29 Regulated voltage control/Ventilation
30 Malfunction indicator lamp/SS
32 CVS
33 Front heated seat
34 BSM/ESS fan
35 Body control module 6/Body control
module 7 Fuses Usage
36 Fuel module
38 –
39 –
40 Steering column lock
41 –
43 Heated steering wheel
44 Active headlamp leveling
45 –
46 Engine control module/Ignition
47 –
48 Electric brake boost–HEV
49 DC DC battery 2
50 –
51 –
52 –
53 –
54 –
55 –