Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Introduction 3
Q:Keep Fuse Block Covers Properly
Installed
|: Lane Change Alert
@:Lane Departure Warning
A:Lane Keep Assist
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
X:Park Assist
~:Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
O:Power
7:Rear Cross Traffic Alert
I:Registered Technician
/:Remote Vehicle Start
h:Risk of Electrical Fire
>:Seat Belt Reminders
I:Side Blind Zone Alert
h:Stop/Start
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)
a: Under Pressure
V: Vehicle Ahead Indicator
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0169.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0107.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0104.
3. Instrument Cluster 080.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 075.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0106.
6. Infotainment. See Overview0111.
7. Climate Control Systems 0164.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 166 (If Equipped).
8. Hazard Warning Flashers 0106.
Stop/Start Disable Button (If Equipped).
See Stop/Start System 0184.
9. Power Outlets 077.
10. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0193.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 205 (If Equipped). 11. Shift Lever. See
Automatic Transmission
0 188.
12. Electric Parking Brake 0192 (If Equipped).
13. USB Port 0120.
14. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0182.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 075.
Driver Information Center Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
16. Horn 075.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment 075 (Out
of View).
18. Cruise Control 0195.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) 0197
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 075 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 209 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0216 (If
Equipped).
19. Hood Release. See Hood0229. 20. Data Link Connector (Out of View). See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 087.
21. Parking Brake 0191 (If Equipped).
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0104.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0107.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for an RKE transmitter inside. If an
RKE transmitter is not detected, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display NO
REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times.
This occurs only once each time the vehicle
is driven. See Vehicle Personalization 0100.
Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of the trunk
to open it if the RKE transmitter is within
1 m (3 ft) of the trunk.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak transmitter
battery, see Door Locks014.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Any
remaining transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to
eight transmitters matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the outside of the driver door and turn
the key counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2,
3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the first new transmitter into the transmitter pocket with the buttons
facing the rear of the vehicle. The
transmitter pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
KorQ.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 3–5 for each new
transmitter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
6. Put the key back into the transmitter.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 014.
Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized transmitters are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight transmitters. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters to be
programmed must be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the transmitter
into the key lock cylinder on the outside
of the driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT. 2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC
displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known
transmitters will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters can be
relearned during the next steps.
The DIC should now display READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.4. Place the new transmitter into thetransmitter pocket with the buttons
facing toward the rear of the vehicle.
The transmitter pocket is inside the
center console storage area.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
KorQ.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional transmitters are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the transmitter.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 014.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
While trying to start the vehicle, if the
transmitter battery is weak or if there is
interference with the signal, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:1. Open the center console and place the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
with the buttons facing the rear of the
vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
press ENGINE START/STOP. See Starting
the Engine 0183.
Replace the transmitter battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the RKE
transmitter. The transmitter contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the RKE transmitter
when it has been exposed to extreme
heat. These surfaces can be hot to the
touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138
°F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could damage the
transmitter.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures. Replace the battery if the DIC displays
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace
the battery:
1. Press the button on the side of the RKE
transmitter near the bottom and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the bottom center of the transmitter. Do
not use the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter. Do not use a metal
object.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the engine
to be started from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will determine
the best mode and temperature setting for
operation during the remote start. Once the
vehicle is started with the Engine Start/Stop
button, the climate control system will
begin to operate at the last customer
selected operating mode and temperature.
The rear window defogger may come on
during a remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator light
does not come on during a remote start. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See
Heated
and Ventilated Front Seats 034.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the
remote start feature. The vehicle may run
out of fuel.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote start
feature:
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds or until the turn signal
lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When the engine starts, the parking lamps
will turn on and remain on as long as the
engine is running. The doors will be locked
and the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for
15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the
steps if a 15-minute extension is desired.
Remote start can be extended only once.
Start the vehicle before driving.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be extended by
another 15 minutes, if during the first
15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An extension can
be requested 30 seconds after starting.
When the remote start is extended, the
second 15-minute period is added on to the
first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.
The remote start can only be extended once.
A maximum of two remote starts, or a
single start with an extension, is allowed
between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and
then back off before the remote start
procedure can be used again.Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle
and press and hold
/until the parking
lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start Will
Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will not
operate if:
.A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.The hood is not closed.
.The vehicle is on.
.The hazard warning flashers are on.
.The malfunction indicator lamp is on.
.The engine coolant temperature is
too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Two remote vehicle starts, or a single
remote start with an extension, have
already been used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.
.Passengers, especially children, can
easily open the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors can be
unlocked and opened while the vehicle
is moving. The chance of being thrown
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Seats and Restraints 33
Saving Memory Positions
Read these instructions completely before
saving memory positions.
To save preferred driving positions 1 and 2:1. Turn the vehicle on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
A DIC welcome message may indicate
driver number 1 or 2.
2. Adjust all available memory features to the desired driving position.
3. Press and release SET; a beep will sound.
4. Immediately press and hold the 1 or 2 memory button matching the above
DIC welcome message until two beeps
sound.
If too much time passes between
releasing SET and pressing 1, the
memory position will not be saved and
two beeps will not sound. Repeat
Steps 3 and 4.
1 or 2 corresponds to the driver number.
See “Identifying Driver Number”
previously in this section.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for a second driver using 1 or 2. To save the position forBand Seat Exit
Memory features, repeat Steps 1–4 using
B. This saves the position for getting out
of the vehicle.
Save preferred memory feature positions to
both 1 and 2 if you are the only driver.
Manually Recalling Memory Positions
Press and hold 1, 2, or
Bto recall the
previously saved memory positions if you
are driver 1 or 2 identified in the DIC
welcome message.
To stop Manual Memory recall movement,
release 1, 2, or
Bor press any of the
following controls:
.Power seat
.Memory SET
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
.Power steering wheel, if equipped
Manual Memory recall movement for 1, 2,
or
Bbuttons may be initiated and may
complete to the saved memory position if
the vehicle is in or out of P (Park). Seat Entry Memory
The vehicle identifies the number of the
current driver’s RKE transmitter (1–8). See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation
07. If the RKE transmitter is 1 or
2, and Seat Entry Memory is enabled in
vehicle personalization, the positions saved
to the same memory button number 1 or 2
are automatically recalled when the vehicle
is turned on, or turned from off to ACC/
ACCESSORY. RKE transmitters 3–8 will not
provide automatic memory recalls.
To turn Seat Entry Memory on or off, see
“Vehicle Personalization Settings” previously
in this section and Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) to start
Seat Entry Memory. Seat Entry Memory
recall will complete if the vehicle is shifted
out of P (Park) prior to reaching the saved
memory position.
To stop Seat Entry Memory recall
movement, turn the vehicle off or press any
of the following controls:
.Power seat
.Memory SET, 1, 2, orB
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected