2022 CHEVROLET MALIBU automatic transmission fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 189
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0186 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 221.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. With the ignition on, fully apply the
regular brake, then press the button on the
shift lever before shifting from P (Park).
If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever, then push the
shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. See Shifting out of Park
0 187.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 178.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 227
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 228
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 229
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 251
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 253
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 254
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 269
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 273
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 275
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 276
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 279
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 290
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 293

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
236 Vehicle Care
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may
indicate that an oil change is not necessaryfor up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the right side
of the steering wheel, display
REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96. When remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display.
2. Press
Von the DIC controls and hold
down for a few seconds to clear the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and
reset the oil life at 100%. Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after
the oil is changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
The system is reset when the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message is off and the
REMAINING OIL LIFE message is displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 291
The jump start negative ground terminal for
the discharged battery is on the shock tower
on the driver side of the engine
compartment.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning flashers if
needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) or remote positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote positive (+)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of
the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the negative (–) ground
terminal for the discharged battery.

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
308 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed. Check engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air filter life
system, replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (Except 1.5L engine.)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. (1.5L
engine only.)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power Electronics
cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
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.