
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,”or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*:Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0:Shown when there is more
information on another page—
“see page.”Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
u:Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
g:First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H:Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock
Location
+:Fuses

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 7
1.Air Vents0163.
2. Turn Signal Lever. SeeTurn
and Lane-Change Signals
0151.
IntelliBeam System Button (If
Equipped). SeeExterior Lamp
Controls0147.
3.Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)
0116or
Instrument Cluster (Base
Level)0115.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)0134or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel)0137.
4.Windshield Wiper/Washer
0109.
5. Light Sensor. SeeAutomatic
Headlamp System0150.
6.Infotainment0155.
7.Climate Control Systems
0156.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System0159(If Equipped).
8.Hazard Warning Flashers
0150.9.Power Outlets0110.
10.Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control0192.
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing0205(If
Equipped).
11. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic
Transmission0185.
12.Electric Parking Brake0189(If
Equipped).
13. USB Port. See the infotainment
manual.
14. ENGINE START/STOP Button.
SeeIgnition Positions0176.
15.Steering Wheel Controls0108.
Driver Information Center
Buttons. SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0134or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel)0137.
16.Horn0108.
17.Steering Wheel Adjustment
0108(Out of View).18.Cruise Control0194.
Adaptive Cruise Control0196
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel0108
(If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System0209(If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)0217
(If Equipped).
19. Hood Release. SeeHood
0235.
20. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light)0124.
21.Parking Brake0188(If
Equipped).
22.Exterior Lamp Controls0147.
23.Instrument Panel Illumination
Control0151.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
In Brief 21
vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear.
SeeForward Automatic Braking
(FAB)0211.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may
help avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in
a forward gear. FPB displays a
pedestrian ahead indicator when a
nearby pedestrian is detected
directly ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,
FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps.
FPB can provide a boost to braking
or automatically brake the vehicle.
SeeFront Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System0213.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gentlyturning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal
in that direction. It may also provide
a Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
alert as the lane marking is crossed.
The system will not assist or alert if
it detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
camera to detect lane markings
between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph).
SeeLane Departure Warning (LDW)
0217and
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)0217.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from
behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside mirror and will flash if theturn signal is on. The Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system is
included as part of the LCA system.
SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0215and
Lane Change Alert (LCA)0215.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC shows a view of
the area behind the vehicle on the
infotainment display when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) to
aid with parking and low-speed
backing maneuvers.
SeeAssistance Systems for Parking
or Backing0205.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow on the
infotainment display to warn of
traffic behind your vehicle that may
cross your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
26 In Brief
.
To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC, press and hold
gon the center console, untili
andgilluminate in the
instrument cluster.
.
Press and release
gagain to
turn on both systems.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control0192.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle Load Limits0172. The
warning light will remain on until the
tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
0285.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and
audible alerts outside the vehicle to
help when inflating an underinflated
tire to the recommended cold tire
pressure. See“Tire Fill Alert (If
Equipped)”underTire Pressure
Monitor Operation0286.
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines)
Regular Unleaded Fuel
Use only Regular 87 octane—(R
+M)/2—or higher unleaded
gasoline in your vehicle. TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. Do not use gasoline
with an octane rating lower as it will
result in reduced performance and
lower fuel economy. See
Recommended Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines)0220or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L Engine)
0220.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Keys, Doors, and Windows 47
The security light on the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the vehicle does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.
If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter,
or place the transmitter in the
transmitter pocket. See“Starting the
Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery”underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation030.If the vehicle does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the transmitter
pocket, the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer who can service
the theft-deterrent system and have
a new transmitter programmed to
the vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or
device that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
50 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The power windows work when the
vehicle is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP)0181.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear door
passenger window switches from
working.
Press
2to engage the rear
window lockout feature. The
indicator light is on when engaged.
Press
2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without
holding the window switch. Press
the switch down fully and quickly
release to express open the
window.If equipped, pull the window switch
up fully and quickly release to
express close the window.
Briefly press or pull the window
switch in the same direction to stop
that window’s express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal
System
The express-close feature will
reverse window movement if it
comes in contact with an object.
Extreme cold or ice could cause the
window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after
the object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System
Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system
override is active, the window will
not reverse automatically. You or
others could be injured and the
window could be damaged.
Before using automatic reversal
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
62 Seats and Restraints
.
Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
.
Power steering wheel,
if equipped
Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver
seat and/or power steering wheel
while recalling a memory position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction and try the recall again.
If the memory position still does not
recall, see your dealer for service.
Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to
the skin cannot be felt, the seat
heater may cause burns. To
reduce the risk of burns, use care
when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.
If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.Press
LorMto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
button show the current setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.
Press
{orCto ventilate the driver
or passenger seat. Indicator lights
on the button show the current
setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the ventilated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Seats and Restraints 67
Warning (Continued)
passengers to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and
check that all passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the seat belts.
SeeSeat Belt Reminders0122.
Seat Belt Assurance System
This vehicle may have the Seat Belt
Assurance System, which prevents
the vehicle from shifting out of
P (Park). A message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
indicating the shift lever is locked if
the driver is unbuckled. The vehicle
will not shift out of P (Park). Buckle
the seat belt to unlock the shift
lever.
On some models, the Seat Belt
Assurance System may also
prevent shifting out of P (Park) if the
front outboard passenger, if present,is unbuckled. This system may not
allow the vehicle to shift out of
P (Park) if an object—such as a
briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device—
is on the front outboard passenger
seat. If this happens, remove the
object from the seat or buckle the
seat belt to unlock the shift lever.
A message displays in the DIC
indicating the shift lever is unlocked
allowing the vehicle to be shifted out
of P (Park) after several seconds
following initial brake apply. See
“Seat Belts”and“Child Restraints”
in the Index for information about
the importance of proper
restraint use.
If the driver or front outboard
passenger unbuckles their seat belt
while driving, the seat belt reminder
chime and light(s) will come on. See
Seat Belt Reminders0122.
This system may not function
properly if the airbag readiness light
is on. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
0123.
Why Seat Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and
the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because
you stop over a longer distance and,
when worn properly, your strongest
bones take the forces from the seat
belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.