2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 257
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light0126.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule0329.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants0338.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
The non-hybrid vehicle has a
standard 12-volt battery under the
hood. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview0237.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed.
Hybrid Vehicle
The hybrid vehicle 12-volt battery is
in the trunk on the driver side.
Hybrid vehicles also have a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the properknowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
The hybrid high voltage battery is
cooled with air drawn from the
vehicle interior. The cold air intake
for the battery is under the rear
seat. Do not block the area in front
of the cold air intake.
{Warning
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
258 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
0348.
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 1.5L L4 engine,
the vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. SeeStop/Start
System0179.
Vehicles with a 1.5L engine have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
SeeCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning0234and the back
cover.
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 America0312for 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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 259
Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative
battery cable, turn off all features,
turn the ignition off, and remove
the key, if equipped, from the
vehicle. If this is not done, you or
others could be injured, and the
vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with
the ignition on or the vehicle in
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP), the OnStar back-up
battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be
replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features,
and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and
remove the key, if equipped.For vehicles equipped with the 2.0L
engine:
1. Loosen the negative battery
cable nut (1).
2. Remove the negative battery
cable clamp (2) from the
negative battery post.
3. Cover the negative battery
cable clamp, and negative
battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery cable.
Negative Battery Cable
Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.
Use the original nut from the
vehicle to secure the
negative battery cable. Do
not use a different nut.
If you need a replacement
nut, see your dealer.
.
Tighten the nut with a hand
tool. Do not use an impact
wrench or power tools to
tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if
these guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants,
or corrosion inhibitors on the nut
that secures the negative battery
cable to the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
260 Vehicle Care
For vehicles equipped with the 2.0L
engine:
1. Install the negative battery
cable clamp to the negative
battery post.
2. Tighten the negative battery
cable nut.
3. Turn the ignition on.
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.
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 261
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, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts0339.
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
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 the
middle of the wiper blade
where the wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the
wiper blade down toward the
windshield far enough to
release it from the J-hooked
end of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper
blade replacement.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
262 Vehicle Care
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the
windshield needs to be replaced, be
sure to get an acoustic windshield
so you will continue to have the
benefits an acoustic windshield can
provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.
SeeMaintenance Schedule0329.
Hood

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 263
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent
bulbs with aftermarket LED
replacement bulbs. This can
cause damage to the vehicle
electrical system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
264 Vehicle Care
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
1. Sidemarker Lamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
3. High-Beam Headlamp
Headlamps (LS/LT)
To replace one of the headlamp
bulbs:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood
0235.
2. For the driver side bulb,
remove the windshield washer
bottle filler neck by firmly
pulling it straight up and out of
the bottle.
3. For the passenger side bulb,
remove the engine air cleaner
housing by gripping firmly and
pulling straight up.
4. Remove the cover from the
back of the headlamp
assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp
assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse
Steps 1–6 to reinstall.
Headlamps (Premier)
See your dealer for replacement.
Front Turn Signal and Parking
Lamps
See your dealer for replacement.
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp