
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 43
1. Move the lever forward to the
lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other
rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety
lock is on:
1. Unlock the door by activating
the inside handle, by pressing
the power door lock switch,
or by using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
2. Open the door from the
outside.
When the safety lock is enabled,
adults and older children will not be
able to open the rear door from the
inside. Cancel the safety locks to
enable the doors to open from the
inside.To cancel the safety lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it
from the outside.
2. Move the lever rearward to
unlock. Do the same for the
other door.Doors
Trunk
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.
Close all of the windows.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.
Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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44 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.
If the vehicle is equipped
with a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, seeEngine
Exhaust0184.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk the vehicle must
be off or the shift lever must be in
P (Park).
.
Press
Xtwice quickly on the
RKE transmitter.
.
Press the touch pad on the rear
of the trunk after unlocking all
doors.
The trunk may be opened while the
vehicle is locked by pressing the
touch pad on the rear of the trunk
while the RKE transmitter is within
1 m (3 ft) of the rear of the vehicle.
SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation030.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Caution
Do not use the emergency trunk
release handle as a tie-down or
anchor point when securing items
in the trunk as it could damage
the handle.
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle on
the trunk lid. This handle glows

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Instruments and Controls 125
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0234.
If the light is flashing :A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.If the light is on steady :A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.
If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless fuel
funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See“Filling
the Tank with a Portable Gas
Can”underFilling the Tank
0221. The diagnostic system
can detect if the adapter has
been left installed in the vehicle,
allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
.
Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper

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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.

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Infotainment System 155
Infotainment
System
Introduction
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Introduction
Infotainment
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
It also includes information on
settings.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
If equipped, ANC reduces engine
noise in the vehicle’s interior. ANC
requires the factory-installed audio
system, radio, speakers, amplifier (if
equipped), induction system, and
exhaust system to work properly.
Deactivation is required by your
dealer if related aftermarket
equipment is installed.

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Driving and Operating 165
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 169
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 170
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 172
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 176
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 182Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 183
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 185
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 189
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 191
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 196
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 203
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 205
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 215
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 217
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Recommended Fuel (1.5L and
1.8L Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Recommended Fuel (2.0L
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 221
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

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Driving and Operating 171
.
Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.
Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
.
Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control0192.
.
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied soonerthan when on dry pavement.
SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS)0188.
.
Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.
Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program0350. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.
Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
.
Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.
Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
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172 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
seeEngine Exhaust0184.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0192.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until thewheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing the Vehicle0315.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.