2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU engine coolant

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 253
Cooling System (Power
Electronics)
The power electronics cooling
system keeps the hybrid propulsion
system within a normal operating
temperature range.
What to Use
The power electronics coolant
reservoir in the vehicle is filled with
GM Premix DEX-COOL coolant.
If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added.
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule0329.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The power electronics coolant
reservoir is located in the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview0237.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the power electronics coolant
reservoir. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is below the indicated
mark, there could be a leak in the
cooling system.
The power electronics coolant
should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster to warn of engine
overheating. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gauge0121.If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. Contact
your dealer for additional
information.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
254 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.
Stops after high-speed driving.
.
Idles for long periods in traffic.If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the
highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and
have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 255
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview0237for
reservoir location.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
.
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.
Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{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

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
272 Vehicle Care
Fuses Usage
46 Engine control
module/Ignition
47–
48 Electric brake
boost–HEV/
Cooling fan
49 DC DC battery 2
50–
51–
52–
53–
54–
55–
56 Starter motor
57 Diesel exhaust fluid
heater
58–
59 High-beam
headlamps
60 Cooling fan
61–Fuses Usage
62–
63–
65 Air conditioning–HEV
67–
68–
69–
70–
72 Starter pinion
74–
75 Engine control
module main
76 Engine control module
sense
78 Horn
79 Washer pump
81 Transmission control
module/Engine control
module
82–
83 Ignition coil
84 Powertrain on engineFuses Usage
85 Shunt
86 Shunt
87–
88 Aeroshutter
89–
91–
92 Traction power
inverter module/Motor
generator unit
pump–HEV/
Transmission oil
pump–non HEV
93 Automatic headlamp
leveling
95–
96–
97–
99 Coolant pump
Relays Usage
4–

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Service and Maintenance 329
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil0242.
Once a Month
.
Check the tire inflation
pressures. SeeTire Pressure
0284.
.
Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection0291.
.
Check the windshield washer
fluid level. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System0245.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. SeeTire
Rotation0291..
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. SeeEngine
Oil0242and
Engine Oil Life System0245.
.
Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System (Power
Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)0248.
.
Check windshield washer fluid
level. SeeWasher Fluid0254.
.
Check tire inflation pressures.
SeeTire Pressure0284.
.
Inspect tire wear. SeeTire
Inspection0291.
.
Visually check for fluid leaks.
.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter
0247.
.
Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care0318.
.
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
338 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (1.8L and
2.0L Engines)DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (1.5L Engine) Continuously Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Fluid. (GM Part No.
19355873, in Canada 19355874).
Engine Coolant (Except 1.8L Hybrid) 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
Engine Coolant and Power
Electronics Cooling System (1.8L
Hybrid Only)Use Only Premix DEX-COOL Coolant (GM Part No. 12378390, in
Canada 10953456). SeeCooling System (Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)0248.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. SeeEngine Oil
0242.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary
Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in
Canada 19353127).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
374 Index
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 88
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99, 101
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 156
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 115, 116
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 353
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 299
Connected Services
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368Connections
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 369
Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 121
Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156, 159
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 248, 253
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 196
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Customer Information
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 353
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 359
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 358
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Diagnostics
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 371
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 345
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 203
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Index 375
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 209
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 28
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 170
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 172
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 189
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 127
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273Electrical System (cont'd)
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 237
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 248, 253
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 184
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 246
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 358Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 147
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 149
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 150
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 246
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 211
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356