Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 9
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.
Remote start can be extended.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Press and hold
/until the
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
SeeRemote Vehicle Start037.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.
Press
QorKon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation030.
.
Use the key in the driver door.
The key lock cylinder has a
cover. SeeDoor Locks039.To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
.
PressQorKon the power door
lock switch.
.
Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.
SeePower Door Locks041.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk:
.
Press
Xtwice on the RKE
transmitter..
Press the touch pad on the rear
of the trunk after unlocking all
doors.
For Keyless Access, the RKE
transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft)
of the trunk. Press the touch pad on
the rear of the trunk and lift to open.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation030.
SeeTrunk043.
Windows
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 23
Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual
mode by holding
D(1) while
opening. The sunroof will now open
as long as
D(1) is held. Press and
release again to change back to
express operation.
Power Sunshade Express
Operation
Press and release
C(2) to
express-open the power sunshade.
Press
C(2) at any time to stop
movement. Press and release
Q
(2) to express-close the power
sunshade. Press
Q(2) at any
time to stop movement.
Power Sunshade Manual
Operation
The power sunshade can change to
manual mode by holding
C(2)
while opening. The power sunshade
will now open as long as
C(2) is
held. Press and release again to
change back to express operation.The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
The sunroof is equipped with an
automatic reversal system. See
Sunroof051.
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combines
gasoline and electric propulsion to
drive the vehicle. The gas engine
will automatically start to provide
power. It will shut off to save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
.
There is aggressive acceleration
or climbing hills.
.
Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).
.
The high voltage battery is
charging.
.
The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission work
together to provide the required
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.
SeeDriving for Better Fuel
Economy028.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Keys, Doors, and Windows 37
2. Separate the two halves of the
transmitter using a flat tool
inserted into the area near the
key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing
on the battery and sliding it
toward the bottom of the
transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing the back cover.
Push the battery down until it is
held in place. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on
to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the
engine to be started from outside
the vehicle.
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.
/:This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear window
defogger may come on during aremote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a
remote start.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
SeeHeated and Ventilated Front
Seats062.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System030.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not
use the remote start feature. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press and release
Q.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Instruments and Controls 107
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 108
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 108
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 108
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Pedestrian Safety Signal
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 109
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Instrument Cluster (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Tachometer (Non-Hybrid) . . . . . 119Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Power Indicator Gauge . . . . . . . 121
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 122
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 123
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 124
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 124
Brake System Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 128
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 128
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
(Uplevel Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 131
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Vehicle Ready Light
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 132
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 132
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 133
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . 133
Information Displays
Power Flows (Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . 133
Energy Information
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 141
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 141
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 142
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
112 Instruments and Controls
Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket outside the armrest
of the center console. The system
operates at 145 kHz and wirelessly
charges one Qi compatible
smartphone. The power output of
the system is capable of charging at
a rate up to 3 amp (15W), as
requested by the compatible
smartphone. SeeRadio Frequency
Statement0356.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be on, in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging
feature may not correctly indicatecharging when the vehicle is in RAP.
SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP)0181.
The operating temperature is−20 °C
(−4 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F) for the
charging system and 0 °C (32 °F) to
35 °C (95 °F) for the smartphone.
{Warning
Remove all objects from the
charging pocket before charging
your compatible smartphone.
Objects, such as coins, keys,
rings, paper clips, or cards,
between the smartphone and the
charger will become very hot. On
the rare occasion that the
charging system does not detect
an object, and the object gets
wedged between the smartphone
and the charger, remove the
smartphone and allow the object
to cool before removing it from
the charging pocket, to prevent
burns.
To charge a compatible smartphone:
1. Remove all objects from the
charging pocket. The system
may not charge if there are any
objects in between the
smartphone and charging
pocket.
2. With the smartphone screen
facing the rear of the vehicle,
slowly insert the smartphone
into the charging pocket until a
green
}appears onVon the
infotainment display. This
indicates that the smartphone
is properly positioned and
charging. If
}turns yellow,
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
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-
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
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.