
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak
transmitter battery, seeDoor Locks
0 17.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Any remaining
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.
Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle
must be off and all of the transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle.
See Door Locks 017. Insert
the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the first new transmitter
into the transmitter pocket with
the buttons facing the rear of
the vehicle. The transmitter
pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and
press
KorQ.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3–5
for each new transmitter.
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
6. Put the key back into the transmitter.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 017.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized
transmitters are not available, follow
this procedure to program up to
eight transmitters. This feature is
not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle
must be off and all of the
transmitters to be programmed must
be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle.
See Door Locks 017. Insert the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE
LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE
START BUTTON TO LEARN
and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again display
REMOTE LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all
previously known transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the
next steps.
The DIC should now display
READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
4. Place the new transmitter intothe transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing toward the rear
of the vehicle. The transmitter
pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and
press
KorQ.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 017.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
While trying to start the vehicle,
if the transmitter battery is weak or if
there is interference with the signal,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY
WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE. The DIC
may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:
1. Open the center console and place the transmitter in the
transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing the rear of the
vehicle. 2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or
N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and press ENGINE
START/STOP. See Starting the
Engine 0157.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with
the RKE transmitter. The
transmitter contains a small
battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal
burns can occur, resulting in
severe injury or death. Seek
medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not
touch metal surfaces on the RKE
transmitter when it has been
exposed to extreme heat. These
surfaces can be hot to the touch
at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with
the correct type. Replacing the
battery with an incorrect type
could potentially create a risk of (Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Storage 85
Storage
Storage Compartments
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 85
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . 86
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Additional Storage Features
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storage
Compartments
{Warning
Do not store heavy or sharp
objects in storage compartments.
In a crash, these objects may
cause the cover to open and
could result in injury.
Glove Box
Pull the handle up to open.
Cupholders
Rear Seat
If equipped, lower the armrest to
access the cupholders.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
86 Storage
Center Console Storage
The center console has storage
under the armrest. Pull up the latch
and lift to open.
Umbrella Storage
Slide an umbrella into the opening
on the driver or passenger door.
Additional Storage
Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
There are cargo tie-downs in the
trunk. The cargo tie-downs can be
used to secure small loads or the
convenience net. SeeConvenience
Net 086.
Convenience Net
For vehicles with a convenience net,
it is in the trunk and used to store
small loads. The net should not be

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Instruments and Controls 91
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The compass receives
its heading and other information
from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
and vehicle speed information.
The compass system is designed to
operate for a certain number of
miles or degrees of turn before
needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass
display shows CAL, drive the
vehicle for a short distance in an
open area where it can receive a
GPS signal. The compass system
will automatically determine when a
GPS signal is restored and provide
a heading again.
Clock
The time and date for the clock can
be set using the infotainment
system. See“Time/Date”in
“System” under“Settings” in the
infotainment manual.
Power Outlets
Power Outlet 12-Volt Direct
Current
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two accessory power
outlets:
. One on the center stack below
the climate control system
. One on the rear of the center
console
The outlet is powered when the
ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or until the driver
door is opened within 10 minutes of
turning off the vehicle. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0160.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
Certain electrical accessories may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlets and could
overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
If there is a problem, see your
dealer. When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the
equipment. See
Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0210.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in
equipment that exceeds the
maximum 20 amps rating.
Power Outlet 110/120-Volt
Alternating Current
If equipped, this power outlet can be
used to plug in electrical equipment
that uses a maximum limit of 150
watts.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
92 Instruments and Controls
The power outlet is on the rear of
the center console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns
on to show it is in use. The light
comes on when the ignition is on,
equipment requiring less than 150
watts is plugged into the outlet, and
no system fault is detected.
The indicator light does not come on
if the ignition is off, if no equipment
is plugged into the outlet, or if the
equipment is plugged in, but not
fully seated in the outlet.
If equipment is connected using
more than 150 watts or a system
fault is detected, the equipment mayoperate briefly then turn off.
A protection circuit shuts off the
power supply and the indicator light
turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug
the item and plug it back in or turn
the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0
160. The power restarts when
equipment using 150 watts or less is
plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for
the following, and may not work
properly if they are plugged in:
. Equipment with high initial peak
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools
. Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply,
such as
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets and touch
sensor lamps
. Medical equipment
See High Voltage Devices and
Wiring 0241.
Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket outside the armrest
of the center console. The system
operates at 145 kHz and wirelessly
charges one Qi compatible
smartphone. The power output of
the system is capable of charging at
a rate up to 3 amp (15W), as
requested by the compatible
smartphone. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0329.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be on, in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging
feature may not correctly indicate

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
130 Lighting
Courtesy Lamps
The courtesy lamps come on when
any door is opened unless the dome
lamp override is activated. To
deactivate the dome lamp override,
press
jOFF and the indicator
light on the button will turn off.
Dome Lamps
Dome Lamp Controls
Center Dome Lamp
The dome lamp controls are in the
overhead console.
To operate, press the following
buttons:
+ ON/OFF : Press to turn the dome
lamps on manually.
jOFF : Press to turn off the
dome lamps when a door is open.
An indicator light on the button will
turn on when the dome lamp
override is activated. Press
j
OFF again to deactivate this feature and the indicator light will turn off.
The dome lamps will come on when
doors are opened.
Reading Lamps
There may be front and rear reading
lamps.
If equipped, the front reading lamps
are in the overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the
reading lamps on or off.