2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU washer fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 295
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
296 Vehicle Care
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible. Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the bright
metal moldings can result in a hazy
white finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
The bright metal moldings on the vehicle
are aluminum, chrome, or stainless steel. To
prevent damage always follow these
cleaning instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to the touch
before applying any cleaning solution.
.Use only approved cleaning solutions for
aluminum, chrome, or stainless steel.
Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain
alkaline substances and can damage the
moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated cleaner
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
.Do not use cleaners that are not intended
for automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on the vehicle
after washing to protect and extend the
molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses,
Emblems, Decals, and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft
cloth, and a car washing soap to clean
exterior lamps, lenses, emblems, decals, and
stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some
have a UV protective coating. Do not clean
or wipe them while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on lamp
covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning agents
in higher concentrations than suggested
by the manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh
cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or covers
while the lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can cause
damage to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 297
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter system
designed to help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clear of debris,snow and ice. If the check engine light is
activated, please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0312.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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304 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0179.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel (1.5L Engine) 0218 or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L Engine) 0218.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0229.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 234.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0266.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0272.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0242.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not indicate
the need for vehicle service for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life
system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life system when
the oil is changed. See Engine Oil Life
System 0236.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0237.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Service and Maintenance 305
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0272.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0234 and
Engine Oil Life System 0236.
.If equipped with the engine air filter life
system, check the air filter
life percentage. If necessary, replace the
engine air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0237. If the vehicle is not
equipped with the engine air filter life
system, inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0238.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0242.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0266.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 272.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 295.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0295.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 044.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0295.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0247.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 247.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the gas strut.
See Gas Strut(s) 0248.
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0279.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof025.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
310 Service and Maintenance
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled. Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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312 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (2.0L Engine) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Automatic Transmission (1.5L Engine) Continuously Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Fluid. See your dealer. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0234.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category LB
or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer. Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant. See your dealer.Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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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