Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
136 Instruments and Controls
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or Driver Information Center
(DIC) message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Air Filter Life :Shows an estimate
of the engine air filter’s remaining
useful life and the state of the
system. Engine Air Filter Life 95%
means 95% of the current air filter
life remains. Messages will display
based on the engine air filter life and
the state of the system. When the
REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time
of the next oil change. When the
REPLACE NOW message displays,
the engine air filter should be
replaced as soon as possible.The Air Filter Life display must be
reset after the engine air filter
replacement. To reset, seeEngine
Air Filter Life System0246.
Tire Pressure :Displays a vehicle
with the approximate pressures of
all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
0285and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0286.
Battery Voltage :Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. SeeCharging System
Light0124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature :Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Speed Warning :This display is
used to set the vehicle speed at
which the speed warning chime
sounds and the alert is displayed.The speed can be set by pressing
Vwhile the speed warning display
is showing.
Units :Move
worxto change
between Metric or US when the Unit
display is active. Press
Vto confirm
the setting. This will change the
displays on the DIC to the type of
measurements you select.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO)
Items
Useworxto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle.
Best Average Fuel Economy :The
bottom displays the best average
fuel economy (AFE) that is achieved
for a selected distance. The top
displays a running average of fuel
economy for the most recently
traveled selected distance. The
center bar graph displays the
instantaneous fuel economy.
Quickly press
Vto change the
settings for the distance options.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
138 Instruments and Controls
particular vehicle. Some items may
not be turned on by default but can
be turned on through the Settings
app. See“DIC Info Page Options”
earlier in this section.
Speed :Shows the vehicle speed in
either kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph).
Trip A or Trip B :Shows the
current distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the trip odometer was last reset.
This also shows the approximate
average liters per 100 kilometers (L/
100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg).
This number is calculated based on
the number of L/100 km (mpg)
recorded since the last time this
menu item was reset. This number
reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now, and will
change as driving conditions
change.Press and holdVwhile this display
is active to reset the trip odometer
and the average fuel economy. Trip
A and Trip B can also be reset by
pressing
pand choosing reset.
Fuel Range :Shows the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling.
LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel
range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy :
Displays the current fuel economy in
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number reflects only the
approximate fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now and changes
frequently as driving conditions
change. This display cannot be
reset.Oil Life :Shows an estimate of the
oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. SeeEngine Oil0242.
In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. SeeMaintenance
Schedule0329.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not to reset the Oil
Life display at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, press and
hold
Vfor several seconds while
the Oil Life display is active. See
Engine Oil Life System0245.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Instruments and Controls 139
Air Filter Life :Shows an estimate
of the engine air filter’s remaining
useful life and the state of the
system. Engine Air Filter Life 95%
means 95% of the current air filter
life remains. Messages will display
based on the engine air filter life and
the state of the system. When the
REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time
of the next oil change. When the
REPLACE NOW message displays,
the engine air filter should be
replaced as soon as possible.
The Air Filter Life display must be
reset after the engine air filter
replacement. To reset, seeEngine
Air Filter Life System0246.
Tire Pressure :Shows the
approximate pressures of all four
tires. Tire pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds
per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is
shown in amber. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System0285and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0286.Average Vehicle Speed :Displays
the average vehicle speed of the
vehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h)
or miles per hour (mph). This
average is based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed
by pressing
Vwhen it is displayed.
Fuel Economy :The center
displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a
number and bar graph. Displayed
above the bar graph is a running
average of fuel economy for the
most recently traveled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel
economy that has been achieved for
the selected distance. The selected
distance is displayed at the top of
the page as“last xxx mi/km.”
Press
pto select the distance or
reset best value. Use
wandxto
choose the distance and press
V.
Press
wandxto select“Reset
Best Score.”Press
Vto reset thebest average fuel economy. After
reset, the best value displays“-,-”
until the selected distance has been
traveled.
The display provides information on
how current driving behavior affects
the running average and how well
recent driving compares to the best
that has been achieved for the
selected distance.
Timer :This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press
V
while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset. To stop the timer, press
V
briefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset
the timer to zero, press and hold
V
while this display is active, or press
pand select reset.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
140 Instruments and Controls
Speed Limit :Shows the current
speed limit on vehicles with the
navigation system. The information
for this page comes from a roadway
database.
Follow Distance :When Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) is not
engaged, the current follow time to
the vehicle ahead is displayed as a
time value on this page. When ACC
has been engaged, the display
switches to the gap setting page.
This page shows the current gap
setting along with the vehicle ahead
indicator.
Battery Voltage :Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. SeeCharging System
Light0124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature :Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).Oil Pressure :Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or Driver Information Center
(DIC) message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Drive Cycle Info (Hybrid) :This
screen displays the distance
traveled and average fuel economy
for the current trip. The screen will
also be shown when the vehicle is
turned off displaying the previous
trip’s information.
Efficiency Gauge (Hybrid) :This
gauge is a guide to driving in an
efficient manner by keeping the
indicator in the center of the gauge..
Accel: If the indicator moves to
the right of the gauge,
acceleration is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.
.
Brake: If the indicator moves to
the left side of the gauge,
braking is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.
Total Power Display (Hybrid) :
Provides a numeric display of the
total power being used to propel or
stop the vehicle. The display shows
the power being provided by the
battery or charging the battery as
well as the power provided by the
engine.
EV Operation (Hybrid) :The bar
moves from left to right as the driver
requests more power from the
propulsion system. While in EV
mode, maintaining the bar in the
green zone will allow the driver to
maximize EV operation.
Blank Page :Shows no
information.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Driving and Operating 179
Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display a message. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)0134or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel)0137and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation030.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below−18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there asyou hold ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button and
the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.
Hybrid Operation (1.8L
Engine Only)
This vehicle combines gasoline and
electric propulsion. The gasoline
engine will automatically start to
provide power and then shut off to
save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
.
Accelerating aggressively or
climbing hills..
Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).
.
Charging the high voltage
battery.
.
The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission work
together to provide propulsion
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system
will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number
of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may
restart and move unexpectedly.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Driving and Operating 221
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, seeProhibited
Fuels0220.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
highly recommended for use with
your vehicle. If your country does
not have TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at
every oil change or 15,000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment
Plus−Gasoline will help keep your
vehicle’s engine fuel deposit free
and performing optimally.
Filling the Tank
The fuel door is on the passenger
side of the vehicle. To open the fuel
door, push and release the rearward
center edge of the door.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
.
Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.
Fuel spills.
.
Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care0318.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
Follow these guidelines:
.
To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
.
Turn off the engine when
refueling.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
224 Driving and Operating
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes inhandling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
.
State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
.
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts..
It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.
During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
SeeManual Mode0186.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.
Super Cruise Control
.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.
Park Assist
.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.
Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
226 Driving and Operating
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can
help to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination of the vehicle and
trailer will not accelerate as quickly
and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane. Pass
on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downhill grade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear if the transmission shifts too
often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower 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, 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 Overheating0253.Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and
trailer on a level surface when
possible.