2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU steering wheel

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Seats and Restraints 53
A thick layer of additional material, such as
a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters,
and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 053 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired
remove the object from the seat.
{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 0327.
{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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
74 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 84
Voltmeter Gauge (Uplevel Cluster Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 86
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 89
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Uplevel Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Instruments and Controls 75
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving.
Steering Wheel Controls
The infotainment system can be operated
by using the steering wheel controls. See
Steering Wheel Controls 0112.
Heated Steering Wheel
(:If equipped with a heated steering
wheel, press to turn on or off. A light on
the button displays when the feature is
turned on.
The steering wheel takes about
three minutes to reach maximum heat.
Horn
Pressaon the steering wheel pad to
sound the horn.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever is on the
side of the steering column. With the
ignition on or in ACC/ACCESSORY, move the
windshield wiper lever to select the wiper
speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes.
LO : Use for slow wipes.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Instruments and Controls 81
English Uplevel Shown, Metric Similar
1.Tachometer 083
2. Speedometer 082
3. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
084
4. Fuel Gauge 083
5. Voltmeter Gauge (Uplevel Cluster Only)
084 6.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 096
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the
center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open
and scroll through the different items and
displays.
Press
oto access the cluster applications.
Use
worxto scroll through the list of
available applications. Not all applications
will be available on all vehicles.
.Info app. This is where you can view the
selected Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
.Audio
.Phone
.Navigation

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
88 Instruments and Controls
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless fuel funnel adapter,
make sure that it has been removed. See
“Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
underFilling the Tank 0219. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off the
light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient
engine operation and poor driveability,
which may go away once the engine is
warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one full
tank of the proper fuel to turn the light
off. See Recommended Fuel (1.5L Engine)
0 218 or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L Engine) 0218.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 226. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced. See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start
up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
the Vehicle 0292.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
90 Instruments and Controls
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
SeeBrake System Warning Light 088.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
After the vehicle is started, this light turns
off and stays off if LKA has not been turned
on or is unavailable.
If equipped, this light is white if LKA is
turned on, but not ready to assist. This light
is green if LKA is turned on and is ready to
assist.
LKA may assist by gently turning the
steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a
detected lane marking. The LKA light is
amber when assisting.
This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the
lane marking has been crossed. LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal
is active in the direction of lane departure,
or if LKA detects that you are accelerating,
braking, or actively steering.
See
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0216.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green
when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber
when you are following a vehicle ahead
much too closely.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 209.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber
when a nearby pedestrian is detected in
front of the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
0 212.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also
turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on,
see Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0193.
If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless
necessary to help protect the driveline from
damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Instruments and Controls 103
Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
This setting automatically turns on the
heated seats when using the remote start
function on cold days. SeeHeated and
Ventilated Front Seats 034 and
Remote Vehicle Start 013.
Touch Off, On-Driver and Passenger,
or On-Driver.
Remote Window Operation
This allows the windows to be opened when
pressing and holding
Kon the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
Touch Off or On.
Passive Door Unlock
This setting specifies which doors unlock
when using the button on the driver door
handle to unlock the vehicle.
Touch Off, All Doors, or Driver Door Only.
Passive Door Lock
This setting specifies if the vehicle will
automatically lock, or lock and provide an
alert after all the doors are closed, and you
walk away from the vehicle with the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07. Touch Off, On with Horn Chirp, or On.
Remote Left in Vehicle Alert
This feature sounds an alert when the RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle. This menu
also enables Remote No Longer in Vehicle
Alert.
Touch Off or On.
Seating Position
Touch and the following may display:
.Seat Entry Memory
.Seat Exit Memory
Seat Entry Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored 1 or 2 button positions
when the ignition is changed from off to on
or ACC/ACCESSORY. See Memory Seats032.
Touch Off or On.
Seat Exit Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit button positions when
the ignition is changed from on or ACC/
ACCESSORY to off if the driver door is open
or opened. See Memory Seats032.
Touch Off or On.
Teen Driver
See Teen Driver 0153.
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.
To enable valet mode:
1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
110 Infotainment System
Infotainment System
Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . 120
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
OnStar System
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Navigation
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . 124
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . 135
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . 136
Voice Recognition
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a
Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . 146
Settings
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Trademarks and License Agreements
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Introduction
Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.