
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 12
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 19
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . 21
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . 21
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 21
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic Parking
Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
High Voltage Safety
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fuel (2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 27
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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 19
when lifting off the accelerator
pedal. L2 provides moderate
braking and L1 provides maximum
braking below 80 km/h (50 mph).
When the battery reaches full
charge the engine may run to
maintain braking.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
The transmission will enter L2.
2. Press + (Plus) or−(Minus) on
the shift lever to shift between
L2 and L1.
SeeManual Mode0186.Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, and voice or speech
recognition. It also includes
information on settings.
Steering Wheel Controls
The infotainment system can be
operated by using the steering
wheel controls. See“Steering Wheel
Controls”in the infotainment
manual.
Cruise Control
5:Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off. A white indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster
when cruise is turned on.
*:Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
+RES :If there is a set speed in
memory, press to resume that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.

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
24 In Brief
High Voltage Safety
Information
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery isdisconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
{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
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
0348.
SeeBattery - North America0257
for important safety information.
If an airbag has inflated, seeWhat
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates?079.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service.
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only)
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored in
the high voltage battery system,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 25
contributing to increased energy
efficiency. SeeRegenerative
Braking (Hybrid Only)0191.
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery. When a new standard
12-volt battery is needed, see your
dealer for one that has the
replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. Only a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the hybrid
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage hybrid battery needs
service. SeeBattery - North
America0257.
Service
{Warning
Never try to do your own service
on hybrid components. You can
be seriously injured and the
vehicle can be damaged if you try
to do your own service work.
Service and repair of hybrid
components should only be
performed by a trained service
technician with the proper
knowledge and tools. SeeDoing
Your Own Service Work0235.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started and begins
to move.
The StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started and
begins to move.
.
To turn off TCS, press and
release
gon the center console.
iilluminates in the instrument
cluster.
.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
30 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.
To remove the key, press the button
near the bottom of the transmitter,
and pull the key out. Never pull the
key out without pressing the button.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0350.
With an active OnStar or connected
service plan, an OnStar Advisor
may remotely unlock the vehicle.
SeeOnStar Overview0360.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency Statement
0356.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
.
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle..
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See“Battery Replacement”later
in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
within 1 m (3 ft). See“Keyless
Access Operation”following.
The transmitter functions may work
up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the
vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System030.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
34 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak
transmitter battery, seeDoor Locks
039.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Any remaining
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle
must be off and all of thetransmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized
transmitters in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder
cap on the driver door handle.
SeeDoor Locks039. Insert
the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the first new transmitter
into the transmitter pocket with
the buttons facing the rear of
the vehicle. The transmitter
pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from
the transmitter pocket and
press
KorQ.