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-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Climate Controls 141
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.Air Vents
Use the louvers on the air vents to
change the direction of the airflow.
On the center air vents, move the
sliding knob down to close off
airflow.
On the side air vents, move the
sliding knob to the outboard side of
the vehicle to close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance. .
Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle, which may improve
long term system performance.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats; this restricts
airflow and may cause damage
to the air vents.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
154 Driving and Operating
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight
for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight
= 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 245
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.Fuses Usage
1 –
2 –
3 Antilock brake system pump/Electric brake
boost
5 –
6 Rear closure
7 –
8 Memory seat module
9 Electric brake boost/ Pedestrian friendly
alert function –HEV
10 Automatic occupant sensing/Airbag –HEV
11 DC DC converter 1
12 Rear window defogger
13 Heated mirrors
14 – Fuses Usage
15 Passive entry/Passive start
16 Front wiper
17 Passenger power seat
18 Antilock brake system valve
19 Driver power seat
21 Sunroof
22 Parking lamp
23 Automatic headlamp leveling/Adaptive
forward lighting
24 –
26 Transmission control module/Ignition
27 Instrument panel/ Body/Ignition
28 –
29 Rear vision camera/ Ventilated seats
30 Malfunction indicator lamp/Ignition Fuses Usage
32 Canister vent solenoid/Evap leak
check module
33 Front heated seat
34 Battery system manager/Accessory
power module
fan–HEV
35 Body control module 6/Body control
module 7
36 Fuel module
38 –
39 –
40 Steering column lock
41 –
43 Heated steering wheel
44 Headlamp leveling
45 –
46 Engine control module/Ignition
47 –
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 255
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it
would mean that the tire's
sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter “R”means radial ply
construction; the letter “D”
means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials. Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 257.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
346 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 162
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 174
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 210
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 223
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 55
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 103
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 193
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 166 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Index 349
DrivingAssistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 188
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 144
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 149
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 151
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 168
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 106
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 Electrical System (cont'd)
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 216
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 163
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 223
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 332
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 127
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
F
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 222
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
350 Index
Front Seats (cont'd)Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 41
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 144
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 111
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 162
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . 198, 199
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
GaugesEngine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Gauges (cont'd)
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 302
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 128
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Headlamps (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . .112
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 127
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . .112
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 259
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 149
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 169
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137