Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 315
10. Start the vehicle with the good
battery and run the engine at
idle speed for at least
four minutes.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine will
only start if needed after pressing
ENGINE START/STOP. The vehicle
ready light will come on when the
propulsion system is on and ready.
In cold temperatures, the engine will
not run with the hood open. Close
the hood.
Caution
For hybrid vehicles, repeatedly
trying to start the vehicle can
drain and damage the high
voltage battery, requiring
replacement. This would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash
or hook to suspension
components. Use the proper
straps around the tires to secure
the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire while loading the
vehicle. Do not use a sling type
lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach
angles, if necessary. A towed
vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside
Assistance or a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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316 Vehicle Care
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with
specific attachment points to be
used by the towing provider. These
holes may be used to pull the
vehicle from a flat road surface onto
the flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle–such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing areknown as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.
Before towing the vehicle,
become familiar with the local
laws that apply to recreational
vehicle towing. These laws may
vary by region.
.
What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
.
How far will the vehicle be
towed? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.
Does the vehicle have the
proper towing equipment? See
your dealer or traileringprofessional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
.
Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 317
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drive
unit could be damaged. Repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
This vehicle is not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
Dolly Towing
Tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly.
To tow the vehicle with two wheels
on the ground and a dolly:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 321
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants0338.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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336 Service and Maintenance
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 signsof leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
.
Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.
Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, seeInterior Care0322and
Exterior Care0318.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.
Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.
Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.
Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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344 Technical Data
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
1.5L L4 Engine T Automatic 0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–
0.028 in)
1.8L L4 Engine U Automatic 0.65–0.75 mm (0.026–
0.030 in)
2.0L L4 Engine X Automatic 0.75–0.90 mm (0.030–
0.035 in)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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350 Customer Information
.
Download owner’s manuals.
.
Find the
Chevrolet-recommended
maintenance services.
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement, up to certain limits,
of eligible aftermarket adaptive
equipment required for the vehicle,
such as hand controls or a
wheelchair/scooter lift for the
vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility
program, see www.gmmobility.com
or call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.General Motors of Canada also has
a Mobility program. See www.gm.ca
or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(800-463-7483) for details. TTY
users call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance
Program
For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-243-8872. (Text Telephone
(TTY): 1-888-889-2438.)
For Canadian-purchased vehicles,
call 1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance,
have the following information
ready:
.
Your name, home address, and
home telephone number
.
Telephone number of your
location
.
Location of the vehicle.
Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle
.
Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle
.
Description of the problem
Coverage
Services are provided for the
duration of the vehicle’s powertrain
warranty.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to make
any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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376 Index
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 131
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 183
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Gauges
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Power Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 327
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 150
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 263Headlamps (cont'd)
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 132
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 149
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 132
Heated
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heater
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156, 159
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 285
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 170
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 191
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108