2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU parking brake

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 201
come on. The automatic braking may feel or
sound different than if the brakes were
applied manually. This is normal.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects
{Warning
ACC may not detect and react to stopped
or slow-moving vehicles ahead of you. For
example, the system may not brake for a
vehicle it has never detected moving. This
can occur in stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to a vehicle
ahead changing lanes. Your vehicle may
not stop and could cause a crash. Use
caution when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while driving
and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes.
Irregular Objects Affecting ACC
ACC may have difficulty detecting the
following objects:
.Vehicles with cargo extending from the
back end.
.Non-standard shaped vehicles, such as
vehicle transport, vehicles with a side car
fitted, or horse carriages.
.Objects that are close to the front of your
vehicle.
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and the
driver will need to manually apply the
brakes to slow the vehicle if:
.The sensors are blocked.
.The Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/ESC has activated or been
disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
.The radar falsely reports blockage when
driving in a desert or remote area with
no other vehicles or roadside objects.
A DIC message may display to indicate
that ACC is temporarily unavailable.
The ACC indicator will turn white when ACC
is no longer active. In some cases, when ACC
is temporarily unavailable, regular cruise
control may be used. See “Switching
Between ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in
this section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise control
system. Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a following gap behind a
detected vehicle and slow your vehicle to a
stop behind that vehicle.
If the stopped vehicle ahead has driven
away and ACC has not resumed, the vehicle
ahead indicator will flash as a reminder to
check traffic before proceeding. In addition,
three beeps will sound. See
“Adaptive Cruise
Go Notifier” in“Collision/Detection Systems”
under Vehicle Personalization 0100.
When the vehicle ahead drives away, press
+RES or the accelerator pedal to resume
ACC. If stopped for more than two minutes
or if the driver door is opened and the
driver seat belt is unbuckled, the ACC
automatically applies the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle. The EPB
status light will turn on. See Electric Parking
Brake 0192. To release the EPB, press the
accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may display
indicating to shift to P (Park) before exiting
the vehicle. See Vehicle Messages 099.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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204 Driving and Operating
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield ahead
of the rearview mirror and the radar sensors
on the front of the vehicle can become
blocked by snow, ice, dirt, or mud. These
areas need to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system.
For cleaning instructions, see “Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0295.
System operation may also be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0173.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 0100.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 207
The instrument cluster may have a Park
Assist display with bars that show“distance
to object” and object location information.
As the object gets closer, more bars light up
and the bars may change color from yellow
to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will be heard from the rear. When
an object is very close —<0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, or <0.3 m (1 ft) in the vehicle
front —five beeps will sound from the front
or rear depending on where the object is
detected. Beeps for Front Park Assist (FPA)
are higher pitched than for Rear Park
Assist (RPA).
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
three beeps sound from either the left or
right, depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
Turning the Features On or Off
TheXbutton on the center console is
used to turn on or off the Front and Rear
Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert at
the same time. The indicator light next to
the button comes on when the features are
on and turns off when the features have
been disabled.
To turn the rear Park Assist symbols or
guidance lines on or off, see “Rear Camera
Park Assist Symbols” underVehicle
Personalization 0100. RCTA can also be turned on or off through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0100.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and steers the
vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking
spots. When using APA, you must still shift
gears, and control the brakes and
accelerator. A display and audible beeps help
to guide parking maneuvers.
{Warning
APA does not apply the brakes. APA may
not detect objects in the parking space,
objects that are soft or narrow, objects
high off the ground such as flatbed
trucks, or objects below ground level such
as large potholes. Always verify that the
parking space is appropriate for parking a
vehicle. APA does not respond to changes
in the parking space, such as movement
of an adjacent vehicle, or a person or
object entering the parking space. APA
does not detect or avoid traffic that is
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 209
maneuver, APA will beep and display a
PARKING COMPLETE message. Place the
vehicle in P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
.The steering wheel is used by the driver.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is
displayed in the DIC.
To cancel APA, press
Oagain.
When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
The APA system may require a short period
of driving along curves to calibrate.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
flashing red alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph). If the vehicle
has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), it can
detect vehicles to distances of approximately
110 m (360 ft) and operates at all speeds.
See Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced)
0 197.
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. SeeDefensive Driving
0 173.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA steering
wheel control or, if equipped, through
vehicle personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0100.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may
not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 211
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts to
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, this may correct the issue:
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision Alert
(FCA), it also has AEB, which includes
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA). When the
system detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same direction that
you may be about to crash into, it can
provide a boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when driving
in a forward gear. Depending on the
situation, the vehicle may automaticallybrake moderately or hard. This Automatic
Emergency Braking can only occur if a
vehicle is detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0209.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph), or on vehicles with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to approximately
60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.

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Driving and Operating 213
Warning (Continued)
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0173. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert and
Brake through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0100.
Detecting the Pedestrian Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking will not
occur unless the FPB system detects a
pedestrian. When a nearby pedestrian is
detected in front of the vehicle, the
pedestrian ahead indicator will display
amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
When the vehicle approaches a pedestrian
ahead too rapidly, the red FPB alert display
will flash on the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from the
front. When this Pedestrian Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver braking
to occur more rapidly which can cause a
brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply
the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control
may be disengaged when the Front
Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian directly ahead, and the brakes
have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very low
speed pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can automatically
brake to detected pedestrians between
8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
Automatic braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as higher
speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking may
engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to
hold the vehicle at a stop. Release the EPB.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 221
When towing with the 2.0L L4 engine, only
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 89 or higher. Using gasoline with a lower
octane rating while towing may damage the
engine and may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeRecommended Fuel
(1.5L Engine) 0218 or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L Engine) 0218.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode See Manual Mode 0190.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 223
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0241.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your trailer
on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill or into traffic
if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the
parking brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0304. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.