2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
248 Vehicle Care
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of thewiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an acoustic
windshield. If the windshield needs to be
replaced, be sure to get an acoustic
windshield so you will continue to have the
benefits an acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0304.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 249
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
250 Vehicle Care
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
1. Sidemarker Lamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
3. High-Beam Headlamp
Headlamps (Except Premier)
To replace one of the headlamp bulbs:1. Open the hood. See Hood0229.
2. For the driver side bulb, remove the windshield washer bottle filler neck by
firmly pulling it straight up and out of
the bottle. 3. For the passenger side bulb, remove the
engine air cleaner housing by gripping
firmly and pulling straight up.
4. Remove the cover from the back of the headlamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Press the retaining tab on the electrical connector to disconnect.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by turning counterclockwise.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–6 to reinstall.
Headlamps (Premier)
See your dealer for replacement.
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
See your dealer for replacement.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turning counterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 251
6. Install the bulb socket by turningclockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn Signal Lamp
1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker Lamp
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb. To replace any one of these bulbs:
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull the trunk trim away from the taillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts from each stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket from the taillamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise
one-quarter turn and pulling it
straight out.
7. Install a new bulb into the socket.
8. Install the bulb socket into the taillamp assembly by turning it clockwise.
9. Install the trunk trim, hex nuts, and push pins.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LT and
Premier)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunk deck
inboard taillamp are LEDs. To replace, see
your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
252 Vehicle Care
3. Remove the bulb socket by turningcounterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket.
6. Install the bulb socket by turning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
License Plate Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:
Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar
1. Push the release tab toward the lamp assembly.
2. Pull the lamp assembly down to remove.
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise 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.

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-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
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-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 255