Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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124 Instruments and Controls
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag are allowed to
inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light0123for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a
message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
Service Mode. SeeIgnition
Positions0176.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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126 Instruments and Controls
fuel to turn the light off. See
Recommended Fuel (1.5L and
1.8L Engines)0220or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L
Engine)0220.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affectvehicle operation. SeeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment0231. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.
The light is on when the engine
is running.
.
The light does not come on
when the ignition is in
Service Mode.
.
Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on,
there is a brake problem.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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130 Instruments and Controls
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
If the light is on and flashing, the
TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC
system is actively working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control0192.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light (Uplevel Only)
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating0253.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating0253.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. Stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeTire
Pressure0284.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation0286.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 131
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Base Level)
Metric Shown
This light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is turned
on as a check to indicate it is
working. If it does not come on,
have it fixed.The low fuel warning light comes on
and a chime sounds when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns
off when fuel is added to the
fuel tank.
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel)
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 135
This number is 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. Reset the
average consumption by pressing
V
when it is displayed.
Fuel Range :Displays the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling. 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. Fuel range cannot be
reset.
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.Timer :To start the timer, press
V
while Timer is displayed. The
display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset, not including time the
ignition is off. Time will continue to
be counted as long as the ignition is
on, even if another display is being
shown on the DIC. The timer will
record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes,
and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
which the display will return to zero.
To stop the timer, press
Vbriefly
while Timer is displayed. To reset
the timer to zero, press and hold
V.
Vehicle Information Menu
(VEHICLE) Items
Useworxto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of all possible
menu items:Remaining Oil Life :Displays 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. SeeMaintenance
Schedule0329.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. Do not reset
the Oil Life display accidentally 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, seeEngine Oil Life System
0245.
Oil Pressure :Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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144 Instruments and Controls
Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, driver, passenger, or both
driver and passenger outside
mirrors will tilt downward when the
vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse) to
improve visibility of the ground near
the rear wheels. They will return to
their previous driving position when
the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse) or the engine is turned
off. SeeReverse Tilt Mirrors048.
Touch Off, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On -
Passenger.
Lighting
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Vehicle Locator Lights
.
Exit Lighting
Vehicle Locator Lights
This setting flashes the vehicle’s
headlamps when
Kis pressed on
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
Touch Off or On.Exit Lighting
This setting specifies how long the
headlamps stay on after the vehicle
is turned off and exited.
Touch Off, 30 Seconds, 60 Seconds,
or 120 Seconds.
Power Door Locks
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Open Door Anti Lock Out
.
Auto Door Unlock
.
Delayed Door Lock
Open Door Anti Lock Out
This setting prevents the driver door
from locking when the door is open.
If this setting is on, the Delayed
Door Lock menu will not be
available. If this setting is turned off,
the Delayed Door Lock menu may
not be available until the next
ignition cycle.
Touch Off or On.Auto Door Unlock
This allows selection of which of the
doors will automatically unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
Touch Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.
Delayed Door Lock
When on, this feature will delay the
locking of the doors. To override the
delay, press the power door lock
switch on the door.
Touch Off or On.
Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Remote Unlock Light Feedback
.
Remote Lock Feedback
.
Remote Door Unlock
.
Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
.
Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
.
Passive Door Unlock
.
Passive Door Lock
.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
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Instruments and Controls 145
Remote Unlock Light Feedback
This setting flashes the exterior
lamps when the vehicle is unlocked
with the RKE transmitter.
Touch Off or Flash Lights.
Remote Lock Feedback
This setting specifies how the
vehicle responds when the vehicle
is locked with the RKE transmitter.
Touch Off, Lights and Horn, Lights
Only, or Horn Only.
Remote Door Unlock
This setting specifies whether all
doors, or just the driver door, unlock
when pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter.
Touch All Doors or Driver Door.
Remote Start Auto Cool Seats
If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the ventilated seats
on when using remote start on
warm days.
Touch Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
This setting automatically turns on
the heated seats when using the
remote start function on cold days.
SeeHeated and Ventilated Front
Seats062and
Remote Vehicle Start037.
Touch Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.
Passive Door Unlock
This setting specifies which doors
unlock when using the button on the
driver door handle to unlock the
vehicle.
Touch All Doors or Driver Door Only.
Passive Door Lock
This setting specifies if the vehicle
will automatically lock, or lock and
provide an alert after all the doors
are closed, and you walk away from
the vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation030.
Touch Off, On with Horn
Chirp, or On.Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
This feature sounds an alert when
the RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle. This menu also enables
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert.
Touch Off or On.
Seating Position
Touch and the following may
display:
.
Seat Entry Memory
.
Seat Exit Memory
Seat Entry Memory
This feature automatically recalls
the previously stored 1 or 2 button
positions when the ignition is
changed from off to on or ACC/
ACCESSORY. SeeMemory Seats
059.
Touch Off or On.
Seat Exit Memory
This feature automatically recalls
the previously stored exit button
position when exiting the vehicle.
SeeMemory Seats059.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Lighting 149
The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot
detect another vehicle's lamps
because of any of the following:
.
The other vehicle's lamps are
missing, damaged, obstructed
from view, or otherwise
undetected.
.
The other vehicle's lamps are
covered with dirt, snow, and/or
road spray.
.
The other vehicle's lamps cannot
be detected due to dense
exhaust, smoke, fog, snow, road
spray, mist, or other airborne
obstructions.
.
The vehicle's windshield is dirty,
cracked, or obstructed by
something that blocks the view
of the light sensor.
.
The vehicle is loaded such that
the front end points upward,
causing the light sensor to aim
high and not detect headlamps
and taillamps.
.
Driving on winding or hilly roads.The IntelliBeam system may need to
be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder
A warning chime sounds if the driver
door is opened while the ignition is
off and the exterior lamps are on.
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
3
:Push the turn signal lever away
from you and release, to turn the
high beams on. To return to low
beams, push the lever again or pull
it toward you and release.
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the
high-beam headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
To flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever toward you, and
release.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to
see the front of your vehicle during
the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in
Canada.
The DRL system comes on in
daylight when the following
conditions are met:
.
The ignition is on.
.
The exterior lamp control is in
AUTO, if equipped.
.
The light sensor determines it is
daytime.
.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).
When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, instrument panel
lights, and other lamps will not
be on.