Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
140 Climate Controls
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see
“Climate and Air Quality”under
Vehicle Personalization 0120.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The
rear window defogger only works
when the ignition is on. The
defogger turns off when the ignition
is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The upper lines on the rear window
are antenna grids and are not
intended to defrost the glass.
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0120.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected,
the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the interior
temperature is cold and the outside temperature is about 7 °C (45 °F)
and below. The auto rear defogger
turns off automatically.
If equipped with heated outside
mirrors, they turn on when the rear
window defogger button is on and
help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror. See
Heated
Mirrors 027.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and
Ventilated Seats : If equipped,
press
LorMto heat the driver or
passenger seat. If equipped, press
{orCto
ventilate the driver or passenger
seat. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 041.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with remote
start, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system will determine
the best mode and temperature
setting for operation. Once the
vehicle is started with the Engine
Start/Stop button, the climate control
system will begin to operate at the
last customer selected operating
mode and temperature. If equipped
with heated or ventilated seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
See Remote Vehicle Start 016 and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0 41.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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156 Driving and Operating
The RKE transmitter must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a
strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access
system. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 08.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on or in Service Mode, and
the brake pedal must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/
OFF (No Indicator Lights) : When
the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn
the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0160.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off. Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition off. The shift lever must
be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0168.{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/
STOP for longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to off after
five minutes to prevent battery
run down.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 157
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will turn the ignition
on. Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0157. The
ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do with the ignition
on, but the vehicle will not be able
to be driven. The engine will not
start in Service Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 210. Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
transmitter battery is low, the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display a message. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0113 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0116 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 08.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0 329.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064. If equipped with remote vehicle
start, open the hood before
performing any service work to
prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle
Start 016.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0315.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine
stop/start, turn the vehicle off
before opening the hood. If the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle is on, the engine will start
when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine.
To help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch
these components until they have
cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood
before opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 217
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0219.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0219.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 225.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0230.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0225.
7. Battery - North America 0232.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0286.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0243.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 229.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0286.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 219
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0219.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0219.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 225.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0230.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System 0225.
7. Battery - North America 0232.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0286.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0243.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 229.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0286.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0221.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” later in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0216 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
286 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle 12-volt battery, seeBattery -
North America 0232.
If the battery has run down, you
may want to use another vehicle
and some jumper cables to start
your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
HANDLING.For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0213 and the back
cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.
1.5L L4 Engine Shown, 2.0L L4 Engine Similar
1. Discharged Battery RemotePositive Terminal
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 287
2. Discharged Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
3. Good Battery Remote Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Remote Positive Terminal
The vehicle has a remote
positive (+) terminal under a trim
cover. It is under the cover of the
engine compartment fuse block on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0216. You
should always use this remote
positive (+) terminal.
The jump start negative ground
terminal for the discharged battery
is on the shock tower on the driver
side of the engine compartment.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in
both vehicles, except the
hazard warning flashers if
needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
(Continued)