Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
64 Seats and Restraints
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are parts
of the airbag system in several
places around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To
purchase a service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0329.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the 12‐
volt battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inflate during
improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work
for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following: .
Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, or airbag wiring
. Front seats, including stitching,
seams or zippers
. Seat belts
. Steering wheel, instrument
panel, overhead console, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
. Inner door seals, including
speakers
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag modules and sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module, and
airbag wiring along with the proper
replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
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
102 Instruments and Controls
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. SeeEngine
Overheating 0228.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a passenger seat belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System
059.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger seat belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on. The front passenger seat belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat
such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners,
the airbag modules, the wiring, and
the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the
airbag system, see
Airbag System
0 53.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 211
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 213
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 223
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 228
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Battery - North America . . . . . . 232
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 234
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 235
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 235
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 236
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 237
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 239
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 240
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 240
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Electrical System Overload . . . 242
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 241
Passenger Side Shown, DriverSide Similar
1. Push the release tab toward the lamp assembly.
2. Pull the lamp assembly down to remove.3. Turn the bulb socketcounterclockwise to remove it
from the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the bulb socket.
5. Push the replacement bulb straight into the bulb socket
and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the
lamp assembly.
6. Push the lamp assembly back into position until the release
tab locks into place.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
242 Vehicle Care
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed and
replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked
right away.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuitbreakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by
electrical problems.
{Danger
Fuses and circuit breakers are
marked with their ampere rating.
Do not exceed the
specified amperage rating when
replacing fuses and circuit
breakers. Use of an oversized
fuse or circuit breaker can result
in a vehicle fire. You and others
could be seriously injured or
killed.
To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the band is broken or melted,
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace
a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
possible.
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
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
356 Index
Transportation Program,Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
U
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 268
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
VehicleAlarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 316
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 108 Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 241
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 270
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 71
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 235
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . 241