Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 21
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 24
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . 25
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 28
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
With Remote Start Shown
Q:Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the
second press to indicate locking.
See Vehicle Personalization 0120.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed and Open Door
Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors
will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
If the passenger door is open when
Qis pressed, all doors lock. Pressing
Qmay also arm the alarm
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 24.
K:Press to unlock the driver door.
Press again within five seconds to
unlock all doors. The RKE
transmitter can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first button
press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 120.
The turn signal indicators may flash
to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the alarm
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 24.
X:Press twice quickly to release
the trunk.
7: Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. The exterior
lamps flash and the horn chirps
three times.
Press and hold
7for at least
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for about
30 seconds until
7is pressed again
or the vehicle is started.
/: If equipped, pressQand
release and then press and hold
/
for at least four seconds to start the
engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start 016.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system lets
you lock and unlock the doors and
access the trunk without removing
the RKE transmitter from your
pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The
RKE transmitter should be within
1 m (3 ft) of the trunk or door being
opened. If equipped, there will be
buttons on the outside door
handles.
Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on
the first unlock/lock button press
from the driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
QandKon the RKE transmitter at
the same time for approximately
three seconds. The turn signal
lamps will flash four times quickly to
indicate access is disabled. Using
any exterior handle to unlock the
doors or open the trunk will cause
the turn signal lamps to flash four
times quickly, indicating access is
disabled. If disabled, disarm the
alarm system before starting the
vehicle.
Enabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and
hold
QandKon the RKE
transmitter at the same time for
approximately three seconds. The
turn signal lamps will flash twice
quickly to indicate access is
enabled.
Passive Locking
This feature will lock the vehicle
several seconds after all doors are
closed, if the vehicle is off and at least one RKE transmitter has been
removed from the interior or none
remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere
with the RKE transmitter signal, the
vehicle may not detect the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the
doors may lock with the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle. Do
not leave the RKE transmitter in an
unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to
automatically lock when exiting the
vehicle, see
Vehicle Personalization
0 120.
Temporary Disable of Passive
Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking
by pressing and holding
Kon the
interior door switch with a door open
for at least four seconds, or until
three chimes are heard. Passive
locking will then remain disabled
until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is
turned on. Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and
an RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle, the horn will chirp three
times after all doors are closed. To
turn on or off see
Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open,
and then all doors are closed, the
vehicle will check for an RKE
transmitter inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will
display NO REMOTE DETECTED
and the horn will chirp three times.
This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. See Vehicle
Personalization 0120.
Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of
the trunk to open it if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
trunk.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk
from the inside.
After pulling the emergency trunk
release handle, push the handle
back into the bezel.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
The indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system:
Off :Alarm system is disarmed. On Solid :
Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the hood, or the trunk
is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the trunk and the hood. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
. Use the Keyless Access
system, if equipped.
. With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 25
bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
If a door, the hood, or the trunk is
opened without first disarming the
system, the turn signals will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
Do one of the following to disarm
the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated: .
Press
Kon the RKE transmitter.
. Unlock the vehicle using the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
. Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
. Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
. Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter or use the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE
transmitter and the horn chirps and
the lights flash three times, an alarm
occurred previously while the alarm
system was armed. If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See
Radio Frequency Statement
0 329.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
in the vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
OnStar 337
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these
services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
OnStar Advisors can use GPS to
pinpoint the vehicle and help
authorities quickly recover it.
. With Remote Ignition Block,
if equipped, OnStar can block
the engine from being restarted.
. With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work
with law enforcement to
gradually slow the vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked
and the vehicle alarm sounds, a
notification by text, e-mail, or phone
call will be sent. If the vehicle is
stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the
vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase.
Press
Qto set up an account.
. After change in ownership and
at 90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor
can cancel or change account
information.
Selling/Transferring the
Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) immediately to
terminate your OnStar or connected
services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the
lease ends.
Reactivation for Subsequent
Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible. The Advisor will update
vehicle records and explain OnStar
or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote
Services, and Roadside Assistance
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For
more information, a full description
of OnStar services, system
limitations, and OnStar User Terms,
Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
. See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
. See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
. Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
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
354 Index
RoofSunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 318
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 331
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 325
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 53
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 51
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Seats (cont'd)
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . 41
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 36
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 36
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 80, 82
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 134
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 214
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 325
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 193
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Special Application Services . . . . 309
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158