
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 253
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.
Electrical System Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit breakers to
protect against an electrical system
overload.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect power
devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.When a circuit breaker is used to protect a
circuit and the electrical current load is too
heavy, the circuit breaker will open to
protect the circuit until the electrical current
returns to normal or the problem is fixed.
Once the electrical current returns to normal
or the problem is fixed the circuit breaker
will close.
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 circuit breakers.
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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254 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Installation or use of fuses that do not
meet GM’s original fuse specifications is
dangerous. The fuses could fail, and result
in a fire. You or others could be injured
or killed, and the vehicle could be
damaged.
See Accessories and Modifications 0229 and
General Information 0228.
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.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is on
the driver side of the engine compartment.
There is a fuse puller in the engine
compartment fuse block. It can be used to
easily remove fuses from the fuse block.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may damage
it. Always keep the covers on any
electrical component.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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256 Vehicle Care
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
booster
5 –
6 Rear closure 7 –
8 Memory seat module
9 –
10 –
11 DC DC converter 1
12 Rear window defogger
13 Heated mirrors
14 –
15 Passive entry/Passive start
16 Front wiper 17 Passenger power seat Fuses
Usage
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
32 Canister vent solenoid/Evap leak check module
33 Front heated seat
34 – Fuses
Usage
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 –
48 –
49 DC DC converter 2 50 –
51 –
52 –
53 –
54 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 257
FusesUsage
55 –
56 Starter motor 57 –
58 –
59 High-beam headlamps Left/ Right
60 Cooling fan 61 –
62 –
63 –
65 Air conditioning
67 –
68 –
69 –
70 –
72 Starter pinion
74 –
75 Engine control module main
76 Engine control module sense Fuses
Usage
78 Horn
79 Washer pump 81 Transmission control module/Engine control
module
82 –
83 Ignition coil
84 Powertrain on engine 85 Shunt
86 Shunt 87 –
88 Aeroshutter
89 –
91 –
92 –
93 Automatic headlamp leveling
95 –
96 –
97 –
99 Coolant pump Relays
Usage
4 –
20 Rear window defogger 25 Front wiper control31 Run/Crank
37 Front wiper speed
42 –
64 Starter motor
66 Powertrain 71 –
73 Air conditioning
80 Starter pinion
90 –
94 –
98 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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258 Vehicle Care
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is on the
driver side of the instrument panel. To
access the fuses:1. Pull out at the center of the right edge, and swing the cover out and to the left.
2. Remove the cover.
To reinstall the cover, line up the tabs on
the left edge, and press the cover into place.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown. Fuses Usage
F1 Left power windows
F2 Right power windows
F3 –
F4 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning blower
F5 Body control module 2 (without Stop/Start option) Fuses
Usage
F6 Left rear heated seat F7 Right rear heated seat
F8 Body control module 3
F9 –
F10 Body control module 2 (with Stop/Start option)
F11 –
F12 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 259
FusesUsage
F13 –
F14 –
F15 Transmission control module (with Stop/Start
option)
F16 Amplifier F17 Seat power lumbar
F18 –
F19 –
F20 Body control module 1 (without Stop/Start option)
F21 Body control module 4
F22 –
F23 Electric steering column lock
F24 Sensing and diagnostic module/Automatic
occupant sensing (Airbag)
F25 Data link connector
F26 –
F27 AC DC inverter
F28 – Fuses
Usage
F29 Body control module 8
F30 Overhead console F31 Steering wheel controls
F32 –
F33 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
F34 Central gateway module F35 –
F36 Wireless charger/USB charger
F37 –
F38 OnStar
F39 Display
F40 Obstacle detection F41 Body control module 1 (with Stop/Start option)
F42 Radio
F43 –
F44 Console accessory power outlet–rear Relays
Usage
K1 –
K2 Interruptible retained accessory power
K3 –
K4 –
K5 –
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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290 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
12-volt battery, seeBattery - North America
0 244.
If the battery has run down, you may want
to use another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use
the following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0228
and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1.5L L4 Engine Shown, 2.0L L4 Engine Similar
1. Discharged Battery Remote Positive Terminal
2. Discharged Battery Remote Negative Terminal
3. Good Battery Remote Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Remote Positive Terminal
The vehicle has a remote positive (+)
terminal under a trim cover. It is under the
cover of the engine compartment fuse block
on the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0231. You should always use this
remote positive (+) terminal.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
342 Index
Driving (cont'd)If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 254
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 87
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 91 Engine (cont'd)
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 109
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Flat Tire (cont'd)
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 209
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 220
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217