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 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
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
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 Operation 08. 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-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
112 Instruments and Controls
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. SeeImmobilizer Operation
0 25.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0127.
IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the
IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is
enabled. See Exterior Lamp
Controls 0125.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the
exterior lamps are in use, except
when only the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) are active. See
Exterior Lamp Controls 0125.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white
when the cruise control is on and
ready, and turns green when the
cruise control is set and active. See
Cruise Control 0172.
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when Adaptive
Cruise Control (if equipped) is
active. See Adaptive Cruise Control
0 174.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Index 351
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
IndicatorPedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . 329
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 96, 97
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . 5
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 28
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . 8
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 252 Lamps
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 127
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 194
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 196
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 108
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Lighting (cont'd)
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 106
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 106
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . .110
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . .110
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 127
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 102
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Index 355
Stoplamps and Back-up LampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
Storage Areas Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 85
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . 223
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133, 334
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 322
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 25 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257, 259
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 260
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 259
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Sealant and Compressor
Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Terminology and Definitions . . 255 Tires (cont'd)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 270
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 203
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 202
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 289
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Traction
Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 109
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222