2019 CHEVROLET MALIBU engine power

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
192 Driving and Operating
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of thevehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak/ESC
begins to limit wheel spin, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise
control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0172
and“Turning the Systems Off and
On”later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.
Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
.
Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
232 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . . 234
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Filter Life
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 247
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 248
Cooling System (Power
Electronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 253
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Battery - North America . . . . . . 257
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 260
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 261
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 262
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 266
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 266
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Electrical System Overload . . . 267
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
238 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0247.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0242.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil0242.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes0255.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System (Power Electronics)
0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
7.Battery - North America0257.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0312.
9.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block0268.10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. SeeJump Starting -
North America0312.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
240 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0247.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil0242.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0242.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes0255.
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Fill Cap. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid0246.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System (Power Electronics)
0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0312.9. Power Electronics Coolant
Reservoir. SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
10.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block0268.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. SeeJump Starting -
North America0312.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
242 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0247.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0242.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil0242.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes0255.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System (Power Electronics)
0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
7.Battery - North America0257.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0312.
9.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block0268.10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. SeeJump Starting -
North America0312.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See“Checking
Engine Oil”and“When to Add
Engine Oil”in this section.
.
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. SeeEngine Oil
Life System0245..
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See“What to Do with
Used Oil”later in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0237for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.
To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the

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
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
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–