Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 22
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
dangerous and children or others could
be seriously injured or killed. They could
operate the power windows or other
controls or make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the RKE
transmitter in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 21
transmitter will start the vehicle. If the
transmitter is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on.
If the vehicle does not start and the security
light stays on, there is a problem with the
system. Turn the vehicle off and try again.
If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter,
or place the transmitter in the transmitter
pocket. See“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
If the vehicle does not start with the other
transmitter or when the transmitter is in the
transmitter pocket, the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a new
transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms
or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in
the vehicle.Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things, like
other vehicles, look farther away than
they really are. If you cut too sharply
into the right lane, you could hit a
vehicle on the right. Check the inside
mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped.
A convex mirror's surface is curved so more
can be seen from the driver seat.
Power Mirrors
To adjust the mirrors: 1. Press
}or|to select the driver or
passenger side mirror. The indicator light
will illuminate.
2. Press the arrows on the control pad to move the mirror in the desired direction.
3. Adjust each outside mirror so that a little of the vehicle and the area behind it can
be seen.
4. Press
}or|again to deselect the
mirror.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
22 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory mirrors. See
Memory Seats032.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have SBZA. See Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) 0214.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. See Lane Change
Alert (LCA) 0214.
Turn Signal Indicator
The vehicle may have a turn signal indicator
on the mirror housings. The indicator will
flash when a turn signal or the hazard
warning flashers are used.
Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
The mirrors can be folded inward toward
the vehicle to prevent damage when going
through an automatic car wash. Push the
mirror outward to return it to the original
position.
Heated Mirrors
If equipped with heated mirrors:
K: The rear window defogger also heats
the outside mirrors.
See Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 166.
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with reverse tilt mirrors and
memory seats, the passenger and/or driver
mirror tilts to a preselected position when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse). This allows the
curb to be seen when parallel parking.
The mirror(s) may move from their tilted
position when:
.The vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse),
or remains in R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
.The vehicle is turned off.
.The vehicle is driven in R (Reverse) above
a set speed.
To turn this feature on or off, see Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view
of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the
mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with
water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the
glare of headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the vehicle
is started.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express-open the
window.
If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express-close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle's battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows the windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
personalization, press and hold
"on the
RKE transmitter. See Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block glare.
Detach the sun visor from the center mount
to pivot to the side window, or to extend
along the rod, if available.
The vehicle may have mirror lamps. The
lamps turn on and off when the cover is
opened and closed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
32 Seats and Restraints
.Tilt the top of the control rearward to
recline.
.Tilt the top of the control forward to
raise.
Memory Seats
If equipped, memory seats allow two drivers
to save and recall their unique seat positions
for driving the vehicle, and a shared exit
position for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be saved, such as
power mirrors and power steering wheel,
if equipped. Memory positions are linked to
RKE transmitter 1 or 2 for automatic
memory recalls.Before saving, adjust all available memory
feature positions. Turn the vehicle on and
then press and release SET; a beep will
sound. Then immediately press and hold 1,
2, or
B(Exit) until two beeps sound. To
manually recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or
Buntil the saved position is
reached. Follow the instructions under
“Saving Memory Positions.”
The vehicle identifies the current driver’s RKE
transmitter number (1–8). See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
Only RKE transmitters 1 and 2 can be used
for automatic memory recalls. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) welcome message
indicating the transmitter number may
display for the first few ignition cycles
following a transmitter change. For Seat
Entry Memory to work properly, save the
positions to the memory button (1 or 2)
matching the RKE transmitter number
displayed in the DIC welcome message.
Carry the linked RKE transmitter when
entering the vehicle.
Vehicle Personalization Settings
.To have the Seat Entry Memory
movement begin when the vehicle is
started, select the Settings menu, then Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Entry Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Entry Memory”
later in this section.
.To begin Seat Exit Memory movement
when the vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened, or when the vehicle
is turned off with the driver door already
opened, select the Settings menu, then
Vehicle, then Seating Position, and then
Seat Exit Memory. Select On or Off. See
“Seat Exit Memory”later in this section.
.SeeVehicle Personalization 0100 for
additional setting information.
Identifying Driver Number
To identify the driver number: 1. Move your RKE transmitter away from the vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle with another key or RKE transmitter. The DIC should display the
driver number for the other RKE
transmitter. Turn the vehicle off and
remove the key or RKE transmitter from
the vehicle.
3. Start the vehicle with the initial key or RKE transmitter. The DIC should display
the driver number of your RKE
transmitter.
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
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
34 Seats and Restraints
.Power steering wheel, if equipped
If the saved memory seat position does not
automatically recall or recalls to the wrong
positions, the driver’s RKE transmitter
number (1 or 2) may not match the memory
button number that positions were saved to.
Try storing the position to the other
memory button or try the other RKE
transmitter.
Seat Exit Memory
Seat Exit Memory is not linked to an RKE
transmitter. The position saved to
Bis
used for all drivers. To turn Seat Exit
Memory on or off, see "Vehicle
Personalization Settings" previously in this
section and Vehicle Personalization 0100.
If turned on, the position saved to
Bis
automatically recalled when one of the
following occurs:
.The vehicle is turned off and the driver
door is opened within a short time.
.The vehicle is turned off with the driver
door open.
To stop Seat Exit Memory movement, press
any of the following memory controls:
.Power seat
.Memory SET, 1, 2, orB
.Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected
.Power steering wheel, if equipped
Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver seat
while recalling a memory position, the recall
may stop. Remove the obstruction and try
the recall again. If the memory position still
does not recall, see your dealer.
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats
{Warning
If temperature change or pain to the skin
cannot be felt, the seat heater may cause
burns. To reduce the risk of burns, use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of time. Do
not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to overheat. An
overheated seat heater may cause a burn
or may damage the seat.
If available, the buttons are on the climate
control panel. To operate, the engine must
be running.
Press
LorMto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and seatback.
Indicator lights on the button show the
current setting.
Press the button once for the highest
setting. With each press of the button, the
heated seat will change to the next lower
setting, and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest setting
and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take longer to
heat up.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Instruments and Controls 101
turned on by pressingK. See“Rear
Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System 0166.
Touch Off or On.
Collision/Detection Systems
Touch and the following may display:
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
.Lane Change Alert
.Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Forward Collision System
This setting can alert of a potential crash
with a detected vehicle ahead and can apply
brakes to help reduce a collision’s severity.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This feature may help avoid or reduce the
harm caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
0 212.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake. Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
This feature will give a reminder that
Adaptive Cruise Control provides when it has
brought the vehicle to a complete stop
behind another stopping vehicle, and then
that vehicle drives on. See
Adaptive Cruise
Control (Advanced) 0197.
Touch Off or On.
Lane Change Alert
This allows the Lane Change Alert feature to
be turned on or off. See Lane Change Alert
(LCA) 0214.
When Lane Change Alert is disabled, Side
Blind Zone Alert is also disabled.
Touch Off or On.
Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
This setting enables the Rear Camera Park
Assist Symbols. See Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0205.
Touch Off or On.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
This allows the Rear Cross Traffic Alert
feature to be turned on or off. See “Rear
Cross Traffic Alert” inAssistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0205. Touch Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Touch and the following may display:
.Chime Volume
.Reverse Tilt Mirror
Chime Volume
This allows the selection of the chime
volume level.
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to adjust the volume.
Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, the driver, passenger, or both
driver and passenger outside mirrors will tilt
downward when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse) to improve visibility of the
ground near the rear wheels. They may
move from their tilted position when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse) or
turned off. See Reverse Tilt Mirrors 022.
Touch Off, On - Driver and Passenger, On -
Driver, or On - Passenger.
Lighting
Touch and the following may display:
.Vehicle Locator Lights
.Exit Lighting